Saturday 22nd February 2025
With the approval of plans for Project Play, the removal of Scorpion Express has officially begun. Work started on Thursday, with cranes spotted in the area as sections of track were swiftly dismantled. In just a few short days, a staggering 20% of the rollercoaster’s track has already been removed, signaling that no time is being wasted in the deconstruction process.
Though access to the site is limited, the photos we've managed to capture give a glimpse into the dramatic changes taking place. It's incredibly bittersweet to see this classic Mack runaway mine train being taken apart—its removal marks the end of an era for many fans and visitors. From the photos, it appears the track is being laser-cut into sections before being craned out of the area. This method closely resembles how Sky Rider at Legoland Windsor Resort was removed, showcasing the efficiency with which the ride is being disassembled. With the speed at which the process is moving, it won't be long before the entire rollercoaster is gone.
A worker was seen on-site today carefully removing panels from the bridge structure. In just a matter of hours, the entire bridge frame had been cleared of panels, and it is expected that the bridge will soon be fully removed as well.
Goodbye, Scorpion Express / The Runaway Mine Train—your legacy will live on, and you’ve given us many fun memories along the way!
Though access to the site is limited, the photos we've managed to capture give a glimpse into the dramatic changes taking place. It's incredibly bittersweet to see this classic Mack runaway mine train being taken apart—its removal marks the end of an era for many fans and visitors. From the photos, it appears the track is being laser-cut into sections before being craned out of the area. This method closely resembles how Sky Rider at Legoland Windsor Resort was removed, showcasing the efficiency with which the ride is being disassembled. With the speed at which the process is moving, it won't be long before the entire rollercoaster is gone.
A worker was seen on-site today carefully removing panels from the bridge structure. In just a matter of hours, the entire bridge frame had been cleared of panels, and it is expected that the bridge will soon be fully removed as well.
Goodbye, Scorpion Express / The Runaway Mine Train—your legacy will live on, and you’ve given us many fun memories along the way!
Monday 23rd December 2024
Chessington has submitted another planning application today for the "Development of a replacement themed land including demolition of existing buildings/structures and installation of rides"
This is part of "Project Play" which will see Scorpion Express, the children's zoo, the Mexicana restaurant and VIP hub and other buildings in the area removed.
In the planning application, we can see the layout of the new rollercoaster that will replace Scorpion Express and the relocation of the Jungle Bus. But with this, we can see 2 new flat rides coming into the new area, it looks like a Zamperalla balloon ride will be making an appearance in this new area if and when approved. Also included in this new area is a big new retail building, complete with a meet and greet area, shop and new toilets.
The layout of the rollercoaster replacing Scorpion Express looks very basic but with this rollercoaster being advertised as "my first rollercoaster" in the public consultation it isn't made for the thrill seekers. In the plans for the area are some play areas and boxes where sections of theming will be installed. No specific information has been given but we would say this could be part of a new IP installation at the resort.
No date has been set for this Project Play area but we could see a summer 2026 if approved soon.
This is part of "Project Play" which will see Scorpion Express, the children's zoo, the Mexicana restaurant and VIP hub and other buildings in the area removed.
In the planning application, we can see the layout of the new rollercoaster that will replace Scorpion Express and the relocation of the Jungle Bus. But with this, we can see 2 new flat rides coming into the new area, it looks like a Zamperalla balloon ride will be making an appearance in this new area if and when approved. Also included in this new area is a big new retail building, complete with a meet and greet area, shop and new toilets.
The layout of the rollercoaster replacing Scorpion Express looks very basic but with this rollercoaster being advertised as "my first rollercoaster" in the public consultation it isn't made for the thrill seekers. In the plans for the area are some play areas and boxes where sections of theming will be installed. No specific information has been given but we would say this could be part of a new IP installation at the resort.
No date has been set for this Project Play area but we could see a summer 2026 if approved soon.
