javs

Yes but most of Saw's budget was spent on sponsorship and advertising rights! And 6 million nearly 20 years ago, not to mention the fact AT got that ride a lot cheaper than the going rate as a demonstrator for what could be done with the inverted coaster genre. I'm have to agree that thus far, Merlin are pulling out some rather big guns and The Swarm looks like it will be up there as what could be one of the best coaster experiences in the UK.

Well, they have been busy! Wow! This is probably the best construction in this country I have followed since Inferno in 2002. Sure it was great to watch Raptor, but this looks more impressive at the moment! All very exciting!

Great work guys for all these fantastic pics! Just you wait till you see how high the lift hill and inverted dive is going to be, as it is nearly two thirds the height of Stealth! Looking forward to tonight's update!

Yup, they are vans!

Not to mention the fact the speed through the inline twist must be fairly high if they feel they need trims before this turn!!

It really is looking mighty fine. I am so excited to watch this project unfold and if it is looking this good at this early stage, what is it going to look like finished with landscaping and theming! OMG!

They look rather large for just footers! But seeing as I have no explanation as to what they are, then I will go with you on that for now!

Amazing pics!! But what are the 3 rectangular holes being dug out in the helicopter turn around section?

The last picture above absolutely fascinates me! Not only can you see the scale of this project, but the distance the lift hill will cover is incredible! Great stuff.

Sorry if I was coming across as pedantic, only it happens on forums when peeps get something wrong and someone else knows a little more about it. Just like when someone comes on claiming The Swarms over banked turn is an inversion, or that the footers are complete when there are in fact two still sitting on site. I will shush up now about bloomin propellers and the like, I promise. Its funny as I am all excited about seeing construction of the ride and forget about all this great themeing that we are going to see going in.

Lol ^^! Anyway, expecting some big updates on the construction front today or tomorrow!!! It have been about 3-4 days since that station track went in!

No, propellers are not engines, they are the aerodynamic blades that create thrust and they are common on single and multi engine pistons and turbo props. Jet planes have an array of compressor blades, not propellers! (I am a pilot so this I know!!)According to the plans, the plane is a commercial jet and will therefore not have propellers! Unless the plans have changed.

Aeroplane propellers? I thought it was a jet aircraft with turbo fans not an Indiana Jones job?!

Mark my words, 6 weeks and this baby will be up and towering over TP. Construction of the steel will be fairly quick, but the theming and landscaping is going to take much longer!

No silly! Soz, I was referring to the picture above, my bad.

Finally, it may be a little blurry, but here we have the first clear picture of installed track (not including the service track!)I expect by the Saturday, we should have either a good portion of the lift hill in place, or if we are going backwards, hopefully up to the in-line twist! So exciting seeing The Swarm emerging out of the mud!!!

Cheers Diesel! Whey......here we go!!!

Because the emphasis of a great rollercoaster is to immerse you in the theming and ride experience, not to draw your attention to the track! As long as the trains look well themed, the track colour should be nice and subtle, almost disappear. That is my opinion anyway.

All true, but what with the signs,billboards and fencing for 'The Swarm' up near Stealth as well, it just confuses matters somewhat!

hmmm, yeah that is very odd! I am sure they just do it to confuse us, lol. But as Val said, this could be a representation as it appears now, this season. I cant imagine it was a mistake, as it does correlate with the posters and barriers up near Stealth. Time will tell, but there is a bridge under construction near the Flying Fish that the plans state is the only one for next year or two. I would trust the plans for now until we know more, but good spot.

Ste193, there is a bridge linking the mainland to the Swarm island planned near the flying fish. The bridge planned for near the sunken gardens will not go to the Swarm island, it will go to the one next to it. Up until now it has been assumed that this second bridge would be developed at a later date. That is of course unless the plans have changed, but I would have thought that would require additional planning permission.

Exactly, if they were to put this fence and advertising by the real bridge and entrance, then hardly anyone would see it. Very quiet over by the flying fish.

Nice one Val, great pics mate.

Just been looking at Wild Eagle's stats, and the initial drop height is comparable to The Swarms (within 10 feet) and the speed is said to be 61 mph. So speculation of 55-60 mph for LC12 seems to be spot on.

Some great pics there Marc, well done mate. And to think that I thought we were only going to get long distance shots from behind bushes and trees!