In 2024, Drayton Manor Resort opened Gold Rush, a new family-thrill lift and launch coaster manufactured by Intamin, continuing the park’s expansion under the ownership of the Looping Group. The ride was the first coaster installed at Drayton Manor since 2011, with the first phase of the project being the removal of Apocalypse (an Intamin drop tower) following its closure at the end of the 2022 season.
30th October 2023
October saw a large delivery of ride supports from Intamin arrive, and around 80% of the coaster footers completed, ready for vertical construction to commence soon. The supports do not bolt to the footers, instead they are submerged into the middle of them, and then concrete poured around them to secure in place. Wooden covers are currently placed over the holes to presumably protect them from wet weather and construction debris. The adjacent Drunken Barrels attraction is undergoing a retheme for integration into the new area, also encompassing the new for 2024 coaster.
10th December 2023
There has been plenty more Intamin ride hardware delivered to the staging area including an abundance of coaster track with and without a spine. Usually on this model of coaster, track with a spine is used in areas of the layout with higher G-forces or where there are less columns to support it. We also noted what appears to be track for the launch, featuring large holes where the drive tyres will be installed.
Over on the construction site, groundwork looks to be nearing completion, with large footers now present towards the conference centre side of the area. The toilet block in the middle of the site has seen its new wooden cladding painted bright red.
It’s evident now that the new area will be Western themed – the building facades opposite the coaster site are undergoing a wild west makeover – with the familiar rooflines and balustrades taking shape, and one of the buildings features a new sign which states ‘Miners Exchange Bank’. Sheriff’s Showdown has had its facade painted in a new colour scheme, and the former Drunken Barrels ride now features a large painted sign warning guests of ‘Danger! Explosives!’
27th January 2024
Vertical construction of the Intamin coaster has taken place extremely quickly, with the majority of the layout completed at the time of our update. German company Ride Construction Service (RCS) are responsible for assembling the ride.
The station track and lift hill supports are visible, and interestingly to note, the coaster features two switch tracks – one located after the station, and one towards the top of the layout adjacent to the hospitality buildings. The train will clear the lift hill and spiral around the large tree-like support before dropping down into the rest of the layout, which looks incredibly fun – full of twists, turns and airtime hills, all while closely following the terrain.
Visible is also the continued remodel of the nearby building facades into a Western style, with the 4D cinema building now included. Over at the hotel, the last remaining track sections and drive tyre motors are being staged before installation on site.
10th March 2024
Since our last update, the track layout was completed and clearance testing commenced. Two six seater cars were being pulled through the layout with a frame attached that emulates the maximum expected reach of riders. It appears that the train does not have the ability to spin, clarifying rumours that this will not be a spinning coaster model.
Construction on the coaster’s imposing station is underway, featuring a chimney or bell tower feature on top. Inside, airgates have been installed on the platform. Elsewhere in the Western-themed land, Accelerator is undergoing work to integrate it into area, with the previous grey panels being painted brown and the addition of wooden cladding. Fun Foods has received a new wooden facade, along with the nearby Toy Shop being repainted. In the car park, a mine cart and a small wooden vehicle are being staged ready for installation on the site. These used to reside under Shockwave and complemented its original Western theme.
10th May 2024
Construction continues on the various structures surrounding the new Intamin Lift & Launch coaster. The maintenance garage looks largely complete and has been painted to match the station building.
Meanwhile the station itself is receiving theming elements, such as shutters on its windows. Just visible is the launch element, which is now fully enclosed in a themed building, suggesting we could see some form of show scene at this point in the experience!
8th June 2024
Construction of the coaster’s queue line is well underway. The queue looks to zig zag throughout the centre of the track layout and appears to have a roof, providing welcome protection from the elements!
Many new trees have also been planted throughout the area. Elsewhere, in the station, themed lighting has been installed, along with the operations cabin. Two trains were also visible on the track today with one in the station and one in the maintenance bay.
16th June 2024
The pace of construction has really picked up on Gold Rush, the recently announced coaster. The ride photography building is under construction, with themed coffins visible at the front. Landscaping has commenced, with many trees and shrubs planted throughout the area. The covered queue line is nearing completion, along with the installation of further fencing which has enclosed the ride area and exit path.
