Construction of Knott's Pony Express A look back at construction progress of Knott's family adventure. Page 1| Page 2 | Page 3
3-08-08
Pony Express construction has progressed rapidly this month, as evident by the track work throughout the site.  Here at the Boothill Graveyard, the first turn is almost complete.	The launch motor.  Pony Express will use a cable launch system that is very similar to Montezuma's Revenge.
Riders will launch directly toward Boothill.  Depending on your perspective, this is either a positive change or not.  Young fans won't remember what this area used to look like and will love having a new coaster to play with.	Older fans will remember the the quiet that once blanketed this section of the park.  The picture above was taken long before construction began, and was taken from almost the exact same spot as the picture on the left.  That tranquil path to the Wilderness Dance Hall was a great place to remove yourself from the crowds.  When comparing the two pictures, it's easy to see there's a new sheriff in town.
The entire graveyard is temporarily closed for construction.
Onto the other section of the ride.  The Galloping Goose was out today.  Even though this was a busy Saturday, the steam train could not operate due to construction.	The break run/station approach.
The turn-around can be seen over the Wilderness Dance Hall.
The entire Bigfoot Rapids area is closed while Pony Express is installed near the flume.	The final hill...
...and the approach to the station. I'm hopeful about what Pony Express will bring to Knott's.  This is a "tween" coaster, meant to appeal to as wide an age base as possible.  Sierra Sidewinder was built with the same intentions, and is a big hit.  Not every ride needs to be the biggest or fastest, and I applaud Knott's for taking the family approach again this year.
1-29-08
Footer work continues at Pony Express.
It looks like footers for the big turn-around are poured.	Work continues in the ravine.
The job site across the tracks was covered to protect from the recent rain.
Looking into the main ride site.  Footer forms are everywhere.	Due to construction over the flume, Bigfoot rapids was closed during this time.
Looking past Bigfoot Rapids into the job site.
12-31-07
Forms taking shape in the ravine.
	More footers at ground level.
12-26-07
Footers for Pony Express have moved into a small section of the Boothill Graveyard.	The back-left corner is all that is effected.
	Site prep continues for the launch.
Boothill overview.
	The miner still pans for gold.
Looking toward Boothill from the Bigfoot Rapids area.	Pony Express will travel over the Calico Railroad.
	Stakes lined up for the launch?
At Bigfoot Rapids, some trees will be removed to make room for Pony Express.	But the vast majority of are still there.
Site markers indicate that the coaster will travel over Bigfoot Rapids as well.	Tree clearing at the western-most end of Bigfoot Rapids.
11-26-07 The Scrambler and everything up to the Wilderness Broiler is gone.	Looking in from the Western Entrance.
	Sightlines extend all the way to Silver Bullet.
The whole area is much more open for now.
Concept art from ride manufacturer Zamperla.
Knott's Berry Farm's Pony Express	Knott's Berry Farm's Pony Express
Knott's Berry Farm's Pony Express	Knott's Berry Farm's Pony Express
Knott's Berry Farm's Pony Express

Knott’s New Pony Express Delivers!

– New Coaster Gets the Job Done, Delivering ''First Class'' Thrills –

BUENA PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Knott's Berry Farm is on a mission to deliver “First Class” thrills with the opening of their new coaster, Pony Express, set to arrive Memorial Day Weekend 2008.

Named after the famous Pony Express which promised a faster mail service on the North American continent, Knott’s Pony Express promises a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West!

While sitting astride one of the team’s 16 horses, riders will leave their post with their stead launching them at a speed of 0-38 mph in less than 3 seconds. The terrain for the mounted riders will be rugged as they navigate an ascending banked turn to a height of over 44 ft. then through a series of heart-pounding 60 degree banked turns, camel backs and tight maneuvers. The team will cover a 1,300 foot route which will take them past Boot Hill and Big Foot Rapids resulting in an exhilarating runaway adventure!

Knott’s will be looking for robust riders over 48” tall who can endure the challenging journey and appreciate the autonomy of the freestyle ride.

Designed and manufactured by the Zamperla company of Vicenza, Italy, Pony Express will fit Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town area like a cowboy in his saddle!

Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair, L.P., a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Knott's Berry Farm, Cedar Fair owns and operates five other amusement parks and five water parks, and operates a seventh amusement park under a management contract. For media information, please call Knott’s Public Relations at (714) 220-5130.

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