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

R@ptor · #1 Posted **Apr 6, 2006, 3:32 PM**

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.

Location:

Dalton · #2 Posted **Apr 7, 2006, 2:44 AM**

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

some_stupid_nut · #3 Posted **Apr 7, 2006, 4:11 AM**

Whats the point.

Its nice, but really, who cares.

Jared · #4 Posted **Apr 7, 2006, 6:25 AM**

T. A. C. K. Y.

zerokarma · #5 Posted **Apr 7, 2006, 1:13 PM**

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

sciguy0504 · #6 Posted **Apr 7, 2006, 3:54 PM**

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 · #7 Posted **Jul 10, 2006, 3:08 AM**

Update

8 July 2006

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

The model of the Flyer at the public gallery:

emoney · #8 Posted **Jul 10, 2006, 6:13 PM**

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 · #9 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 12:39 AM**

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

donybrx · #10 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 1:08 AM**

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

CoolCzech · #11 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 1:34 AM**

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

RafflesCity · #12 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 1:43 AM**

Big one here.

choyak1 · #13 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 1:54 AM**

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 · #14 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 2:02 AM**

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 · #15 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 2:21 AM**

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!

Awkab · #16 Posted **Jul 11, 2006, 2:46 AM**

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

RafflesCity · #17 Posted **Oct 9, 2006, 3:57 PM**

16 September 2006

base is forming

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

AltinD · #18 Posted **Oct 9, 2006, 4:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolCzech

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.

J Church · #19 Posted **Oct 9, 2006, 4:24 PM**

Don't get the backlash.

It'll be fun. And offer great views.

sciguy0504 · #20 Posted **Oct 9, 2006, 5:24 PM**

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.