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ATAGalleryConstructionRita - Queen of Speed › March 4th 2005
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The area underneath the crossover, where the queue lines are still being constructed.
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A nice shot demonstrating how tightly packed Corkscrew, Rita and the Sky Ride are.
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From Corkscrew's station platform, we look towards the ride's exit path that wraps itself around the queue line for both roller coasters.
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This is the area's central plaza, with the Corkscrew dinosaur skull now reinstalled in Ug Land.
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The path you will take once you've exited Corkscrew, and walk past the ride's photo booth.
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Rita's Priority Pass and Single Rider queue line entrances, with the ride restrictions board now up between them.
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A closer look at the Corkscrew dinosaur skull, which was placed in storage during the bulk of the Ug Land overhaul.
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Rita's queue line entrance sign now seems to be complete, unless the word "Rita" is due to appear on top of the curvy pole above it.
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These cylinders are possibly nitrogen to cool the hydraulics... answers on a postcard!
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The hydraulics shed for Rita, now completely themed.
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Here is a sneak peak at the view you'll get from Corkscrew's queue line.
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Corkscrew's queue line entrance, complete with "Do Not Feed The Animal" bones nearby.
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Another look at Rita's hydraulics shed, which will soon be tested to its limits as Rita's first run is due to happen next week.
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Alton Towers would like to remind you that despite appearances, you are actually still in a prehistoric land...
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The area next to Rita's hydraulics shed, where Ug Swinger will be placed. This is where the queue line will be built.
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Ug Swinger is being reinstalled in Ug Land after being temporarily moved off-site for the last few months.
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Ug Swinger's base being reconstructed. The ride is positioned slightly away from where it had previously been situated during the last few seasons.
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The area behind the hydraulics shed, which will be an access point for guests to get to Ug Swinger.
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The area in front of the hydraulics shed. Note the red-and-white barrels, which probably form part of the theming.
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Rita's alternative queue entrances, with the ride looming above.
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Here's a look at the station platform, as seen from the "control tower".
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Either 1 or 2 high powered smoke machines are to be fitted to the rear of the launch zone, and will fire a fraction of a second before launch, to give the effect of burning rubber and exhaust smoke.
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The side of the control tower now has this cool motif on it.
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On the platform, we take a look at the two Intamin Rocket trains. Note the Sky Ride station in the background.
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This is train number 1, aka the purple coloured train. The restraints seem less constricting than was originally feared.
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These seats will have to be comfortable, as the train is powered to 100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds...
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The back of the train has a very "Cadillac" feel to it, continuing the racing theme.
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The brake run, with train 2 (the blue coloured train) sat stationary in it.
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On closer inspection, we can see that this car has the "test dummies" in it in preparation for next week's test.
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These bottles are filled with anti-freeze. They are more detailed in terms of shape than the usual dummies used by Alton Towers for testing.
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Back on the station platform, looking towards the nearly complete Control Tower.
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Rita's on-ride photo shop, which you will see opposite you as you exit the ride.
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Work continues on the area to get it ready for the March 25th hotel guest rides...
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Bouncing Bugs, formerly Ug Bugs, in its new Cred Street home. The ride control booth has now been painted to fit in with the area's theme.
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Cred Street, which is the next part of Alton Towers to be redeveloped... watch this space!
 
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