Ep 4. Vegas High Roller
- TV-PG
- August 28, 2019
- 42 min
Building Giants season 2 episode 4 is titled "Vegas High Roller" and focuses on the construction of the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The episode takes the viewers on a journey from the initial planning stages to the ultimate completion of the High Roller, which stands at 550 feet and has 28 cabins that can hold up to 40 passengers each.
The episode starts by introducing the audience to the team of engineers and construction workers who have been tasked with building this massive structure. The team faces a number of challenges, including designing a wheel that can withstand the strong winds of Las Vegas and ensuring that the cabins remain level throughout the ride. They also have to deal with the logistical challenges of transporting the massive pieces of the wheel to the construction site.
One of the key features of the High Roller, as the episode explains, is the use of innovative technology to ensure that the ride is as smooth as possible. The team has installed shock absorbers in the wheel, which reduce vibrations and ensure that the cabins remain stable. They have also developed a complex computer system that helps to keep the wheel level and prevent any sudden movements.
Throughout the episode, viewers get an up-close look at the various stages of the construction process. They see the massive steel components being lifted into place, the cabins being attached to the wheel, and the installation of the lighting system that makes the High Roller visible from miles away.
The episode also delves into the history of the Las Vegas Strip and how the High Roller fits into the city's overall development. Viewers learn about the different casinos and attractions that have been built over the years, and how the High Roller has become a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's modernization.
As the construction nears completion, the team faces one final challenge – installing the massive LED lighting system that covers the entire wheel. The system is made up of over 2,000 individual lights and must be synced to create stunning light shows that can be seen throughout the city. The episode shows how the team overcomes this challenge and successfully lights up the High Roller, creating a breathtaking sight that has become one of Las Vegas' most iconic images.
Overall, "Vegas High Roller" is an exciting and informative episode that takes viewers behind the scenes of the construction of one of the world's most impressive engineering feats. From the challenges of designing and building the wheel to the final touches that make it a true spectacle, viewers get an inside look at the incredible work that went into making the High Roller a reality.