8th December 2001
Initial work started on the site. The area was fenced off with hazard tape, and preparation begun for the demolition of the Dino Bumper Boats building.
8th January 2002
The Tropical Travels area was cleared, and the channel filled in. The Dino Bumper Boats building was demolished, along with the first section of bridge next to it. The bridge was used to access the Thorpe Waterski site, which was sold by the park.
19th January 2002
Continued land clearing and preparation, whilst the remaining section of bridge that crossed the road and footpath was demolished.
2nd February 2002
Work continued on clearing the area of unwanted earth and debris. Preparation started for the station and other foundations, giving an idea of the size of the site.
19th February 2002
Construction commenced for the new access road which replaced the one in the middle of the site. This had to be completed for the start of the season.
11th March 2002
Work continued on the new access road, along with construction of the various foundations for the ride structure.
22nd March 2002
The majority of work was focused on the station area. Much like Colossus, advertisements for the ride went up around the park, with large banners and signs stating the ‘world’s greatest coaster experience’.
14th April 2002
Work on the station area continued. Footers started to be poured for the lift hill and curving first drop.
12th May 2002
Many more footers and foundations were completed, with work continuing on the large station area, including the tunnel that the train will pass through at the base of the volcano.
20th May 2002
Further footers for the ride supports were completed all over the site. Two tunnel supports arrived which had to be installed before the roof was constructed.
12th June 2002
The two ride supports were installed, and the concrete roof added above. Station steelwork was erected, with the top platform set to hold the dropping floor. Soil was moved to form a mound against the tunnel wall, and the last few footers were poured.
23rd June 2002
Work continued on the many footers and foundations all over the site, with the anchor bolts for supports being set in to the concrete.
11th July 2002
Foundation work started to come to an end. The station flooring was added, with a gap in the platform now evident where the ride would be installed.
28th July 2002
The maintenance building framework was erected. Tarmac had been poured on the future paths around the site as a temporary surface for construction vehicles. This would eventually be block paved.
3rd August 2002
The lowering station floor arrived and was placed on top of the tunnel roof, alongside station supports.
24th August 2002
Large deliveries of steel started to arrive on 4th August. Much had been erected since then, with the track completed up to the base of the lift. The lowering floor was installed, along with the upper station structure. A second trench had been dug for the water feature under the entrance to the second corkscrew.
5th September 2002
The transfer track, safety brakes, service brakes, start of lift hill, and storage track had now been erected. Framework for the volcano theming went up, and large amounts of steel continued to arrive.
12th September 2002
The lift hill had been topped off and work continued on the walkway beneath it.
26th September 2002
The curving drop, vertical loop and zero-g roll had all now been erected. The station was covered, and the rockwork theming started on.
13th October 2002
The track continued to rise at a rapid rate, with it now complete up to the first helix. Station theming continued, along with the delivery of the first train.
24th October 2002
The last piece of track was put in to place on 18th October. Theming work continued on the station volcano. Red bricks arrived for paving the walkways.
2nd November 2002
Work continued on the station volcano, with the tunnel entrance and queue line area covered in rockwork. Block paving started to be installed under the lift hill.
18th November 2002
The majority of the ride electronics had been installed, ready for commissioning and testing to start at the beginning of December.
12th December 2002
As testing commenced, work continued on the ride area and landscaping.
28th January 2003
Visible from the Monks Walk footpath was new fencing around the station drop and along the exit path.
10th February 2003
General landscaping and theming continued, with the ride effects being tested. The station interior was mostly complete. Planters in front of the volcano were demolished to open up the area, and work progressed on the large queue line.
25th February 2003
General area photos, and a closer look at the trains, as the ride nears completion.
On-site Gallery
An additional photo gallery of images all carefully taken within the construction fences, by site staff.
