I’ve always found that premier coasters age very well. At least in terms of smoothness.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Project 2024: Loch Ness Monster Renovation
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Agreed, not sure why everyone is up in arms here.
Now if the ride were getting new trains on the other hand…
I really don't see why the manufacturer choice would be a problem.
It seems, this is a direct track piece for track piece replacement. The pieces are identical, down to the catwalks running down the middle of the track and welded connections, gussets etc. I suppose if it was a full rebuild, some redesign could happen. But, there's at least 8 locations where new track is going to have to tie in with old track and all the remaining column connections.
After nearly 50 years of settling and flex on the ride, I think I'd want to replace What I'm cutting out with a nearly identical replacement. I don't think if it was ever brought up that Premier was doing this, we wouldn't know the difference if it was built in-house, by S&S or any other manufacturer because of the process being done.
It seems, this is a direct track piece for track piece replacement. The pieces are identical, down to the catwalks running down the middle of the track and welded connections, gussets etc. I suppose if it was a full rebuild, some redesign could happen. But, there's at least 8 locations where new track is going to have to tie in with old track and all the remaining column connections.
After nearly 50 years of settling and flex on the ride, I think I'd want to replace What I'm cutting out with a nearly identical replacement. I don't think if it was ever brought up that Premier was doing this, we wouldn't know the difference if it was built in-house, by S&S or any other manufacturer because of the process being done.
So who got it right and who got it wrong?I just hope people keep track of (pun intended) who has been making claims about the manufacturer of Nessie's new ride hardware and what, exactly, those claims are. Should be a nice way to show who should and should not be listened to in the future.
I'm not saying anyone in particular has been right or wrong. I am saying, however, that I have been very deliberately silent on the subject of who is manufacturing the track. I've been enjoying watching people all over the internet make claims of fact based purely on dubious/nonexistent evidence or just rooted solely in their own assumptions—often with a shocking degree of confidence. It will be fun to see who was right and who was wrong when it eventually, officially, comes out.
There was at least one fairly decently followed park follower that has been screaming that it had to be S&S doing the work and even claiming that they were the only allowed to do it. I personally am not going to call anyone out by name but if you start scrolling through comments on social media post it's not hard to find.
Darn I was really hoping they were about to announce the park was finally going to get a launch coaster. We all know this park could use one
Train 'enhancements' that Premier has done in the past (SFNE Goliath, Manhattan Express, etc.) aside, all of their track that comes out of Intermountain Lift is insanely smooth. I see no reason this project would differ from that standard, unless it's intentionally designed to mimic the original Arrow transitions & radius changes.
I believe this is still the case for Premier. S&S had used them as well, but they have since built their own fabrication shop. Premier has also used OCEM Marchetti for a couple Sky Rocket II's, but since the tracks were spotted on flatbed trailers, that's a good indicator that they were driven over from Utah.
To be fair I would have guessed S&S since they inherited (not sure that's the correct word) the remains of Arrow. Or even Vekoma. But honestly anyone can refabricate the track. I wonder if they'll change the profile of the track to make it more sturdy like using larger support pipes for the track?
What would have been interesting is letting Vekoma reimagine Nessie using their new track and trains. Keep the interlocking loops and general layout but all new track and trains. They're doing some amazing things in Europe.
What would have been interesting is letting Vekoma reimagine Nessie using their new track and trains. Keep the interlocking loops and general layout but all new track and trains. They're doing some amazing things in Europe.
I just hope the lift chain still clacks and clangs like it does today. It’s loud and I love it!
I can guarantee you it will! That will remain along with all the classic BGW nostalgia that is Nessie.
LOL @ all the people worried about Premier Rides.
Want Intamin to come in and ensure it has a rattle from the start?
Tempesto is 8 years old and I cannot recall any smoothness issues with the track, plus Premier has improved even since then.
I think this should be plenty lovely. Also, Premier is able to provide a lot for a reasonable cost, something parks VERY much appreciate at the end of the day.
Excited!
Want Intamin to come in and ensure it has a rattle from the start?
Tempesto is 8 years old and I cannot recall any smoothness issues with the track, plus Premier has improved even since then.
I think this should be plenty lovely. Also, Premier is able to provide a lot for a reasonable cost, something parks VERY much appreciate at the end of the day.
Excited!
Not really that surprising given that it's over 40 years old. Similar type structures like for example Snow White's Castle at Disney World have needed the same type around the same age point and I am sure the constant vibration of the ride only makes it more of an issue.
Yeah. I just did a half hour deep dive in to gunnite, it’s surprising it hasn’t been a issue to date. I kind of wonder if it might have anything to do with the theming as well maybe the new structure will bare the load the new (insert what ever the latest rumored themeing element is).
From what I understand, while it may be reinforcing it to some extent, the actual intent is just for that structure to catch the falling gunnite before it hits the attraction. Initially they wanted to simply put wooden decking there to catch it according to a contractor source I have (said contractor pulled out via making their offer extremely high because the risks and costs associated with the project just simply were not worth it to the company) I am glad they went with this steel structure/ decking instead though. Sounds like a safer and better option.
It has been an issue, the vibrations are already causing the gunite to fall when the ride goes through the cave. Id have to assume a lot of this renovation in general was prompted by that and they figured they ought to knock everything out at once.
Say whatever about premier.. I don't credit any of you as legitimate sources for opinions because frankly you all seem like dicks.. their coasters absolutely do not age well.... this is going to a disaster.
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