Just like last year, a couple hundred enthusiasts gathered at Knott’s Berry Farm bright and early for the Winter Coaster Solace. Most of these pictures are Pony Express related, thanks to a great “Behind the Barricades” tour that we were able to partake in. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

I started my day with some Sierra Sidewinder action. This picture is significant because of the new “bug” thing that has landed on the logo.

 

Now on to the Pony Express portion of this update (pretty much the whole thing).

A poster with the concept art of the trains.

An upclose look at a piece of track that is yet to be installed.

Big Foot Rapids in disrepair during the construction. I was told by the general manager of the park that it will run again once construction is completed.

They are currently sealing the station, in case of flooding.

I believe this wood will become the rides station one day.

This is the progress on the Screamin’ Swing side.

The launch track.

The launch motor. If you recall from my last update, I showed you this while it was still ‘under’ a tarp.

The ride uses a flywheel launch, much like that on Montezuma. However Zamperla brought this concept up to date with Pony Express.

You can see in between two of the supports there is a bar that runs underneath the track. It had to be placed there due to the spreading of the supports.

Looking back towards the “station”.

The launch track/first turnaround.

The last picture of Pony Express, and this update, the brakes!

I would like to thank Knott’s Berry Farm for throwing such a great event. Also the construction manager, the general manager of Zamperla, and the general manager of the park for answering my nerdy questions. I will be back at the park for the opening of the Pony Express. See you then!

This entry was posted on Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 4:32 pm and is filed under Trips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.