Entertainment Engineering recently posted an article about the High Roller observation wheel which will be the world’s tallest Ferris wheel when it opens in 2013. The observation wheel is the centerpiece of Caesars Entertainment’s planned $550 million development, dubbed LINQ, expected to open next year between the company’s Harrah’s Las Vegas, Imperial Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas casinos on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. At 550 feet tall, the High Roller will become the largest Ferris wheel in the world by eclipsing the 541 foot tall Singapore Flyer, the 525 foot Star of Nanchang, and the 443 foot tall London Eye. It’s also outshining a rival wheel called SkyVue currently under construction about three miles south on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Copyright Entertainment Engineering
Engineering this colossal observation wheel is no easy task. First, the structure is designed to withstand seismic, wind and temperature extremes. A company called SKF has been selected to manufacture the two giant spherical roller bearing that the wheel will rotate on, the largest ever produced by SKF. From the article:
“The two custom-designed spherical roller bearings (one within each side) will be virtually unprecedented in weight and size. Each bearing will weigh approximately 8,800 kg and be designed with 2,300mm outer diameter, 1,600mm inner diameter, and width of 630mm…The structure will consist of four steel support legs, a single braced leg, fixed spindle, rotating hub, 2m-diameter tubular rim, and 112 locked coil cable assemblies as spokes.” Other technologies include advanced lubrication techniques and condition monitoring systems.
All the hard work will be worth the effort once the 28 cabins being spinning around the hub, giving guests an incredible view of Las Vegas during their thirty minute ride. Locate the world’s biggest wheel using the Observation Wheel Directory.
Read more from Entertainment Engineering. Have you ever rode one of these giant observation wheels? What was the experience like? What’s the biggest Ferris wheel you’ve ever been on?
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