Probably because the smaller machine can get around the site easier.

It will be interesting to see where they stage the bents for the lift hill. I am going to go out on a limb (bad pun, i know) and say they will use the area from where the crane is now to the where the white and yellow job boxes are.

I'm curious as to why they are using a backhoe instead of a large trencher to dig out for the footers. Anyone know?

 

 

A trencher really isn't designed for footer digging. These footers are at least two foot wide IIRC. Trenchers that big are going to be for heavy duty installations and be much too large for a project like this. Also, trenchers don't have a way of loading the dirt into trucks for haul off and just leaves it next to your hole. They are best for running long trenches for electric lines, sewer lines, etc that are going to be filled in soon after. A backhoe or excavator is really the best for jobs like this. 

 

I'm curious as to why they are using a backhoe instead of a large trencher to dig out for the footers. Anyone know?

 

 

A trencher really isn't designed for footer digging. These footers are at least two foot wide IIRC. Trenchers that big are going to be for heavy duty installations and be much too large for a project like this. Also, trenchers don't have a way of loading the dirt into trucks for haul off and just leaves it next to your hole. They are best for running long trenches for electric lines, sewer lines, etc that are going to be filled in soon after. A backhoe or excavator is really the best for jobs like this. 

 

Makes sense, thanks for the input, appreciate it.

Has there been any word on the ride plaza up till this point? I personally want to see a pickup truck engulfed in vines and a couple of other props when you get closer to the station.

I titled this #woodie2017

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Looks like its coming along nicely, very awesome that its starting to take shape. Can't wait for April! 

That's one nice looking first drop taking shape there on the webcam.  

That's one nice looking first drop taking shape there on the webcam.  

Yes it is, just wish we could see it a bit better. Looks like they are already tracking it.

I love how fluid WWC's new queue goes around the drop. Also I don't know if my eyes are deceiving me or will the cover over the path have foliage on it?

Yes the arbor will have foliage on it. Give it another year or two and it will look great! It's already starting to grow well.

It would be nice if they brought back The Beast footprints. That was nice theming.

Can't wait to see this bad boy in person Sunday when I go! I plan to spend some time observing the construction and taking pictures if anybody wants to meet up and join me, maybe we could make a joint update or something? If anything someone come say hi!

 

Can't wait to see it, though. Hoping to get some perspective on this project fairly soon.

One of my major goals tonight was to ride the train before dark so I could see Mr. T's progress. I forgot until I got to the station that it is only open during non-Haunt. Oh well. Sunday it will be. I got some pics but nothing good.

Looks like a few boys were putting in a bit of OT this morning. Good to see. Getting those lift hill footers in so the next set of bents can go up.

Here's a pic courtesy of Ohio Valley Coasters. https://www.facebook.com/ohiovalleycoasters/photos/pb.1533079017001185.-2207520000.1474806084./1573197796322640/?type=3&theater

Very nice curve

Just rode DB. I noticed that in the lake that there are two large footers in it I'm guessing there might be a bridge for that area. Or they haven't made the rest of them just yet.

Those are probably for the abutments and small bridge we saw in the plans.

Has anyone noticed that the number of footings for the lift are nearly triple what the leaked plans show?

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The leaked plans didn't specify the footings for the lift or any part of the ride beyond the pre-lagoon portions.

As far as footings not directly underneath the track.

The extra footers are probably for extra side bracing stacks and then the knee braces, usually what they do on the taller bents.

Best time of the year. Footballs, and today I can finally wear a hoodie...and it's construction season. For a woodie no less. Feels good man.

Best time of the year. Footballs, and today I can finally wear a hoodie...and it's construction season. For a woodie no less. Feels good man.

Mystic Timbers looking better every day!

Hey everyone. I'm from Ohio Valley Coasters and we do WEEKLY Mystic Timbers updates. Here is the video from this weekend. If you were not able to make it out to KI to see the progress check out this video! Subscribe for more! https://youtu.be/9zGcM9eE6E0

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Hey everyone. I'm from Ohio Valley Coasters and we do WEEKLY Mystic Timbers updates. Here is the video from this weekend. If you were not able to make it out to KI to see the progress check out this video! Subscribe for more!

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Welcome aboard, i was hoping you guys were on here. You have the best video updates there are. Always look forward to seeing your newest vid.

I noticed something when I was there getting pictures on Sunday.

 

The number on the left is obviously the pre-lift bit, notice how it pretty much dead indicates the level of the station track. This is shown to be level with the shed in the shed rendering, so that should be the level of the shed because if A=B and B=C, A=C. Now look how low that is, if that's a drop track it's the lamest drop track ever and a massive waste of money. 

 

Got the rest of the pictures I took on my blog if you're interested but that's the biggest thing from my construction update.

^ Fantastic picture there and on your blog as well of the progress so far. I hadn't seen some of those views yet.

As far the drop track, ever since the announcement I've been against the idea that drop track is in the shed, but I guess that's even more reason for it not to be drop track.

I don't think there will be drop track in the shed.  I can't think of another place for them to put a train shed, in which case, I can't conceive of a way to have the drop track and train shed in the same building given the dimensions in the blueprints and the renderings.  GCI's typically have their train sheds before the station.   

I thought that the renderings showing that the train enters the shed at the same elevation as it leaves the station eliminated the chance of it being a drop track?