Chessington Scorpion Express Removal Begins as Track is Cut Up and Removed

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!