SINGAPORE | World's Tallest Ferris Wheel | 554 FT / 169 M

[R@ptor]

Construction has started on the world's tallest ferris wheel in Singapore - the Singapore Flyer. With a height of 169m/554ft it will be 34m/111ft taller than the BA London Eye. The completion date is set for 2008.

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg

From the homepage:

What is the Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is a world-class visitor attraction, fusing together a massive engineering structure to an iconic sculpted building. Its centrepiece is the giant observation wheel from which visitors can experience some of the best views in the entire region.

Diameter of the wheel
150 meters

Height
169 meters (the height of a 42-storey building)

Duration of ride
37 minutes. The ride will be operational 16 hours a day.

Capsules
Comprises 28 fully air-conditioned and UV protected capsules that can comfortably carry 32 people each (max 36).

View from the top
Singapore's city; from Changi Airport to the island of Sentosa, and beyond into parts of Malaysia and Indonesia

Location
Marina Bay, the prime waterfront Central Business District location. The Flyer is within a short walking distance to over 2,500 four and five star hotel rooms, the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Esplanade, Singapore's new performing arts centre.

Land Area
33,700 square meters

Transport/ Accessibility
• MRT (Circle Line)
• Parking for 40 tour buses and 300 motor vehicles
• A jetty, acting as the hub for the Marina Bay and Singapore River tourist cruises

Special features of the Singapore Flyer
• The Giant Observation Wheel is one of the world's largest man-made moving land objects
• Waterfront retail, entertainment, and merchandise centre
• Central atrium with a recreated Asian rain forest
• Broad, landscaped, open-air dining promenade running along 210m of uninterrupted sea frontage
• An open-air Greek Theatre concert bowl, for live entertainment performances

Easy Access for elderly and people with disabilities
A patented combination of travelators and synchronized double door entry/ exit system which enables access from both sides. Passengers will experience an easy "step on" access, making it convenient for elderly and people with disabilities.

Revolutionary Wheel Rim
The slim one dimensional wheel rim represents an engineering design breakthrough from the conventional deep truss Ferris Wheel configuration.

Precision Wind Engineering
An extensive study of the dynamics under wind ensures that passengers will be able to enjoy Singapore's spectacular skyline without experiencing lateral movement or vibration. The emphasis is on comfort and safety.


http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/concept4.jpg

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/concept3.jpg

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/concept2.jpg

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/capsule1.jpg

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/capsule2.jpg

Location:

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/locationmap.jpg

[Dalton]

Holy crap. Who would want to be stuck on a Ferris wheel for 37 minutes?

[some_stupid_nut]

Whats the point.

Its nice, but really, who cares.

[Jared]

T. A. C. K. Y.

[zerokarma]

It's kind of stupid, like would they ever get a return on what they invested to make it? I doubt it.

[sciguy0504]

I went on the London Eye when I was there last week and it is the sort of thing you do once in your life. I thought it was pretty cool and I like this idea, too. The Eye cost me about $22 - each of the 32 (I believe) capsules can fit about 15 people on average and the ride takes about 30 minutes. I don't know about the Singapore Flyer but the Eye is definately making tons of money.

[RafflesCity]

Update

8 July 2006

The base is forming. It will house a rainforest-themed garden.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyer0807.jpg

The model of the Flyer at the public gallery:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/modelpic2.jpg

[emoney]

im sensing a little negativity. Anyway I think its a cool point/ way to see the city. Chicago has a little one and its very popular

[RafflesCity]

Its a tacky idea, and not the most original I'd admit.

But its cool to break a record, and I think anyone would be won over by the ride and views.

I think it will also add an interesting dimension to the cityscape, it'll break up the boxiness of the surrounding buildings, and can be quite elegant at night.

Just imagine driving past it on the highway towards the city...its like a gesturing symbol :D

[donybrx]

But will they have a calliope or a decent 'band' organ???? huh?

[CoolCzech]

:yuck: Please, God: NO giant ferris or viewing or pissing wheel for Manhattan!!

[RafflesCity]

Big one here.

http://www.am.joneslanglasalle.com/News/News%20Release%20Eflyer/2003/07jul/SGFlyer.jpg

[choyak1]

Now what WOULD be cool is that the entire base could rotate so you could get different aspects of the skyline as you are revolving aroung the wheel. I don't know whether human technology is advanced enough to allow this, though

[Lecom]

Congrats to Singapore, but it doesn't go well with the skyline.

On the other hand, the London eye is even more out of place, yet now everyone's gotten used to it and it became a London landmark, so I wouldn't bash this one too bad.

[RafflesCity]

Yah when the idea of a giant wheel was first announced in Singapore, I thought it was ridiculous.

But the Flyer is not part of the main city cluster, so it doesnt really spoil the view, and it stands alone on its own soapbox (actually a rainforest theme garden). I've gotten used to the idea and look forward to something big and circular, with all the pods lighted up at night, making a curious effect on the night sky.

you can also get live pics of the construction here:
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/constructup.html

Cant wait to ride it and snap away! :D

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/greyflyer.jpg

[Awkab]

Yeah, I suppose it's a bit tacky, but I'd enjoy going on it. Could be a nice romantic ride with someone.

[RafflesCity]

16 September 2006

base is forming

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyer1609.jpg

The Flyer will be situated amidst a future tropical garden development:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/gb3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/gb4.jpg

[AltinD]

:yuck: Please, God: NO giant ferris or viewing or pissing wheel for Manhattan!!

The Grey Lines (double decker) schenery viewing buses in Manhatanwere indeed stinking becouse people/todlers have been pissing on them.

You see, you don't even need a wheel. :D

[J Church]

Don't get the backlash.

It'll be fun. And offer great views.

[sciguy0504]

Neither do I. The London Eye was a great ride and an awesome way to experience the city, especially due to the lack of high-rise viewing platforms. NYC does not need something like this because of the ESB skydeck. Now, I am not really familiar with Singapore's buildings so I have no clue as to whether or not there is a way to experience the city from the air.

[Dalreg]

Would be awesome if the base was taller. Imagine this thing a couple of hundred feet higher! Then the views would be beautiful.

[Thskyscraper]

I like it. From the model posted earlier it seems to have a great veiw of the skyline. Why not do it?

[brian_b]

While it's not exactly the most original idea or anything, if I ever visited Singapore, I'd probably take a ride on it. Why not? :shrug:

[RafflesCity]

9 November 2006

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyer0911.jpg

[BINARY SYSTEM]

What Is The Deal With Ferris Wheels?????????????????????????????
Who Cares................. Let Me Guess Their Copying The London Eye?

[JACKinBeantown]

Nevermind...edit... :banana:

[The Chemist]

I bet you most of the bashers haven't ridden the London Eye. It's a great experience - and I plan to ride it again when I'm in London the week after next.

[RafflesCity]

Renderings

Retail Centre
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/Boardwalk%20View_3.jpg

Coach Bay Area
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/Coach%20Bay%20Area_b.jpg

Linkway Bridge
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/Linkway%20Bridge.jpg

Perspective Interior
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/Perspective%20Interior_1.jpg

Asian Rainforest garden
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/rainforest1.jpg

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/images/rimview.jpg

[ckkelley]

I like it!

Call me nostalgic but I'm excited about this project. It's a bit of a rip off of the London Eye but hell ferris wheels have been around for over a hundred years.

Please keep us informed about this project.

BTW what is the projected completion date? This time next year?

[RafflesCity]

It will open for business in early 2008.

Will be glad to post updates here :)

[Sacto]

Being stuck in a capsule with 35 other people for 37 minutes on a gigantic ferris wheel that's carring a total of about a thousand human beings at a time will be quite a unique experience.

I assume 37 mins include the loading time otherwise I'm not going.

[Dougall5505]

i know i would be bored on a ferris wheel ride for 37 minutes

[Zerton]

That place looks ugly. What's with all the whiteys in Singapore?

[RafflesCity]

Progress: 10 February 2007

It can be seen on the right.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyer1002.jpg

[ZZ-II]

great update

[MistyMountainHop]

Now what WOULD be cool is that the entire base could rotate so you could get different aspects of the skyline as you are revolving aroung the wheel. I don't know whether human technology is advanced enough to allow this, though

What would be REALLY cool would be if you put the wheel with the rotating base on top of a skyscraper. Maybe in Dubai ...

[ZZ-II]

on the top of the Index ^^

[CoolCzech]

I just pray no one suggests such a thing for Manhattan.

[NYC2ATX]

I just pray no one suggests such a thing for Manhattan.

Yea, really

[Daquan13]

Holy s**t, it could then become an attraction for possible terrorists to try to attack!!!

[RafflesCity]

Some recent updates taken by forumers at SSC.

23 Feb

http://i19.tinypic.com/2mnhngo.jpg

27 Feb

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7415/cimg2292jg8.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9453/cimg2295iz6.jpg

[M.K.]

AMAZING. :notacrook:

[RafflesCity]

This was found by ZZ-II

6 March 2007

http://i17.tinypic.com/47i249y.png

[theWatusi]

Interesting is the technique of construction. Install temporary trusses in the spokes until the entire circumference is done. I wonder how they turn the wheel and hold it in place during the different phases.

Id like to see a documentary on the building of something like this.

[RafflesCity]

Interesting is the technique of construction. Install temporary trusses in the spokes until the entire circumference is done. I wonder how they turn the wheel and hold it in place during the different phases.

Id like to see a documentary on the building of something like this.

Think you can get detailed information on the technical aspects, as well as view live webcam of the construction from this website:

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/

[RafflesCity]

More updates taken this month.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/flyer1003.jpg


http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/webcam_image/webcam.jpg


http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/5980/flyer4dw9.jpg
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5325/flyer2uk7.jpg

[Taller Better]

I like ferris wheels, but in amusement parks not in the middle of an urban setting.
I hate the word "tacky" but I'm afraid it fits.

[Hoodrat]

Wow, that things going up fast!

I think it's a cool project...looks like a fun ride:D

[CoolCzech]

Does this mean Dubai will have to build an even taller one?

[HurricaneHugo]

I just pray no one suggests such a thing for Manhattan.

Or for any american city.

Tacky things like this belong in Dubai.

[eburress]

Oh please...this will be a nice tourist attraction for the city. And there are American cities with large ferris wheels (e.g., Dallas).

[Jularc]

I just pray no one suggests such a thing for Manhattan.

:haha: There was one...

http://www.pbase.com/image/29326121.jpg

http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=27896&postcount=1

[CoolCzech]

^UUUuuugghh. That's all. Uuugghhh.

[mthd]

nice idea - but this one is not anywhere near as elegant as the london eye, which is really beautiful.

however, if i was in singapore i might give it a turn. ;)

[RafflesCity]

7 APril 2007

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyer0704.jpg

[Hollie Maea]

Or for any american city.

Tacky things like this belong in Dubai.

Too late for that. Chicago already has one....

[phillyskyline]

Ahh, finally complete, I would go on for the views...

[Sacto]

Ahh, finally complete, I would go on for the views...

I don't think it's completed yet. Correct me if I'm wrong but I recall this thing to be completed in 2008. Either way, it looks huge.

[SapphireBlueEyes]

Whats the point.

Its nice, but really, who cares.

You ask: "Who Cares,?" Certainly not some stupid nut!

[SapphireBlueEyes]

Does this mean Dubai will have to build an even taller one?

Yep, that's exactly what it means! Perhaps they'll build one on one of those fake palm tree shaped islands!

[Lecom]

How strong is the engine that's gonna move that thing?

[texcolo]

They should have made it look more like that interdimensional-wormhole time/space/continuim thingy from the movie / book Contact.

[FREKI]

7 APril 2007

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/flyer0704.jpg

Wow... fast builders!

March 14:

http://i14.tinypic.com/490vom0.jpg

[wambam]

The Ferris wheel in Singapore is not anymore the tallest one in the world!!!
We (Bosch Rexroth in the Netherlands) are doing the drive and control unit for the Ferris wheel in Beijing. This Ferris wheel will be 206 meters!!! Thats 37 meters higher then Singapore.

[colemonkee]

It's definitely not done. I don't see any cabs or cars or pods - whatever you want to call them - inside the wheel.

[gixer]

The Ferris wheel in Singapore is not anymore the tallest one in the world!!!
We (Bosch Rexroth in the Netherlands) are doing the drive and control unit for the Ferris wheel in Beijing. This Ferris wheel will be 206 meters!!! Thats 37 meters higher then Singapore.

:previous:
Heh, the war of the ferris wheels has begun. If ferris wheel construction continues like now we are soon gonna see a supertall ferris wheel...

[RafflesCity]

Well, right now, it is the tallest observation wheel in the world, as the other proposals have not been constructed.

14 April 2007

There is still a lot more work to be done before it opens early next year though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/bay1404b.jpg

[RafflesCity]

4 August 2007

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/hyapic01/DSCF2091.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/1013628957_f2ee043bd6_b.jpg

The capsules are starting to be installed on the wheel now

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/1029809061_ee81915952_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1287/1029834169_1b34bb86d0_b.jpg


pics by hyacinthus & raptorsuperb from SSC

[neverdone]

I would like it better if it weren't circular

[rbowk]

wow fast

[Aleks]

its tall but not that nice looking. they should've added other features and made it look nicer.

[DUBAI2015]

I would like it better if it weren't circular

Yeah I think that an potato shaped ferris wheel would work better for the city.

[Razqal]

You ask: "Who Cares,?" Certainly not some stupid nut!

no he's right. really - who cares???? just a dumb wheel.

[Mocholate]

how do the cars stay parallel to the ground ?:shrug: can't tell from the pics

[KevinFromTexas]

Yeah I think that an potato shaped ferris wheel would work better for the city.

lol, these comments make me laugh! :frog:

Anyway, I rather like the look of these. Kind of cool and elegant if you ask me.

[RafflesCity]

31 August 2007

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/flyer3108.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/flyer3108b.jpg

[MiamiSpartan]

im sensing a little negativity. Anyway I think its a cool point/ way to see the city. Chicago has a little one and its very popular

I agree with you. Sure it's a little tacky, but I'd do it. Seems like a decent, relaxing way to view the city skyline.....

[Lecom]

Anyway, I rather like the look of these. Kind of cool and elegant if you ask me.
Word. The concept of a ferris wheel may or may not be tacky, but this one was done with as much elegance as a ferris wheel can have.