[BBMW]

Given the enormous liability that would be incurred if this collapsed, I'm pretty sure they'll get the basic engineering right. Everyone knows about the wind situation in Vegas.

Originally Posted by brdd

Back in the late eighties or early nineties the wind took down the top half of the sign at the Hilton (now LVH). I remember seeing it laying there in a pile. We were in Caesars that night and the roof leaked quite a bit. I think the streets also flooded on the strip but I'm not sure about that. It was a long time ago.

And they said at the time that the sign was built to withstand 100+ mph winds.

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by brdd

Back in the late eighties or early nineties the wind took down the top half of the sign at the Hilton (now LVH). I remember seeing it laying there in a pile. We were in Caesars that night and the roof leaked quite a bit. I think the streets also flooded on the strip but I'm not sure about that. It was a long time ago.

And they said at the time that the sign was built to withstand 100+ mph winds.

I remember when that happened. I think maybe it was during installation though...but don't quote me.

[ElleTea]

Just got home from Vegas this morning (to temps in the 50s when I landed at 7:30 AM Brrr) and wish I had taken a pic of the wheel in progress. Can't believe I didn't. That is not like me! I noticed it immediately from the plane as we flew in from the east and turned and flew parallel to the strip. I had a nice view of it from the window.

I did notice that behind the wheel there is a HUGE support "kickstand" in place to make sure it stays put. Cant wait to ride it!

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by brdd

Back in the late eighties or early nineties the wind took down the top half of the sign at the Hilton (now LVH). I remember seeing it laying there in a pile. We were in Caesars that night and the roof leaked quite a bit. I think the streets also flooded on the strip but I'm not sure about that. It was a long time ago.

And they said at the time that the sign was built to withstand 100+ mph winds.

We have had gusts above 80 mph here in Sunrise.

[UTES]

I'm no engineer but I do know Ferris wheels are big - but do not have much surface area in relation to their size. In other words, a wheel would be much less susceptible to wind than some would assume.

That LVH sign (which was the largest in the world at one time) probably has twice the surface area of the High Roller, yet is nowhere near as big. As a result, I'll bet it is stressed much more by the wind than the wheel is.

Besides, that LVH sign is shaped like a huge fan or sail. And they wonder why it got damaged by the wind?

Bill

[9162]

Originally Posted by macgeek

Looking down flamingo toward the strip, the observation wheel (yea yea, I know) is starting to make a appearance on the skyline.. very exciting!

Jonathan

Somebody post a pic...

[ElleTea]

It is a little farther along than this, but here's a construction shot

[UTES]

Those big struts you see are temporary - until the outer rim is completed. Then, they'll be removed and the wheel will be supported by those cables you see between the struts (there'll just more of them). It'll end up looking like a big 10-speed bike wheel.

When I saw it 4 days ago the rim was just over 1/2 way done.

Bill

[pommysmommy]

OT sorry, but has anyone done that Dinner in the Sky?

[tijlover]

Being up on that wheel, during one of our more extreme wind blasters, you could see all kinds of debris flying around the Valley, which might make for some interesting photo's.

I was out one day, during one of those extreme wind blasts, and a plastic swimming pool had been airlifted out of someone's backyard, saw it flying down the street, which then wrapped itself around a car!

And, you might even see a small child, cat or dog flying through the air!