Dollywood Discussion Thread

[Comeagain?]

Part of the benefit of how the tracks (both kinds) is that the running surface can be replaced without replacing the rest of the track. It also could be made by any shop with the right equipment, not just by RMC.

[coasterbill]

Watched in a recent video on YouTube (Posted on the 15th) where Pete said they plan to send the first train over the hill near the end of this week.

 

So... how's that working out? Any updates?

[WildEagle2014]

The station looks great so far!!!

[thedlr]

^ When were those taken? Track still not done?

[Dollywoodlover20]

I am loving the way this coaster is looking, just wished that back end was connected to the brake run (sigh)

[TB305]

On time opening is looking a wee bit doubtful.

[DoinItForTheFame]

I don't think I have ever seen so many people worried about the track not being complete on a roller coaster before.

[chickenbowl]

I don't think I have ever seen so many people worried about the track not being complete on a roller coaster before.

 

It's just that opening day is less than a month away. Pete Owens in that video (from 2/15) said train "should be over the hill by the end of next week" implying this coming Friday (2/26), so as long as we see this track all finished up before then, we should be in fine shape!

[WildEagle2014]

We snapped several pictures of LR today...the first set from Dollywood Cabins, while the second set was taken from some condos on the ridge next to the site.

Nice to see what a huge difference Lightning Rod will have on the DW skyline!

Trick track appears to be done, but so far no track work done on the half loop.

It's hard to see here, but there is one small section of track that hasn't been placed directly after the twist and shout element apparently where there was an access road.

[thedlr]

^ Awesome photos! Thanks. I'm not really worried so much as excited to see that baby do a test run. Plus, we're going end of April so plenty of time.

[Generational]

This coaster looks amazing, especially with the forest in the pictures dirtying the frame, making it look like the coaster is a part of the forest. i most likely won't get to ride this coaster this year, but I am so excited that it is close to being finished.

[Dollywoodlover20]

Is what I love about LR is it literally takes on every curve that the hill does after the drop, making it very bumpy and twisty. That 90+ degree outward banked turn though. You just know that element is going to be intense.

[CoasterGypsy]

I don't know about anyone else, but ever since the announcement I've thought the giant wave turn was one of the scariest looking elements on a coaster that I've seen. And now seeing it constructed only confirms it for me even more so. It just looks like the whole thing is on the verge of falling over RMC is bringing back a sense of fear into coasters with their designs, which seems to have been lacking over the past number of years. I like it

[KarlaKoaster]

I agree! Also I love how crazy their elements look, but they never feel forced. I've never really liked S&S's El Loco coasters (for example...) because they always seem a bit unnatural and artificial somehow, but with RMC their twists and turns always have such a natural flow to them despite looking like something has gone horribly wrong.

[SixFlagsAstroworld]

I have no idea what will be better: Outlaw Run or LR.

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Forget Outlaw Run, it's too common.

[kickflipbacktail]

It looks good, but yikes, I'm really hoping they finish soon so they can start testing. Fingers crossed that this is done for the passholder preview day. It's getting close. They better hope that launch gives them NO ISSUES. Does anyone know if the launch was outsourced, and if so, by whom?

[jedimaster1227]

This really looks like it is going to be a fantastic fit for Dollywood. I love the terrain coaster feel of this ride and I think the unique elements like the wave turn are going to make this one heck of a ride!

[KingRCT3]

Does anyone know if the launch was outsourced, and if so, by whom?

 

Velocity Magnetics.

[kickflipbacktail]

Does anyone know if the launch was outsourced, and if so, by whom?

 

Velocity Magnetics.

 

Thank you!

[chickenbowl]

Irvine Ondrey Engineering posted this video of them starting up Lightning Rod's electrontics - It seems they're getting to work on some of the controls now so they can be ahead once they start testing. It's cool to geek out like this!

 

[fbvideonew]

[/fbvideonew]

[cfc]

Those photos of Lightning Run from the cabins make me even more interested in this coaster. Didn't think that was possible before.

[thedlr]

Irvine Ondrey Engineering posted this video of them starting up Lightning Rod's electrontics - It seems they're getting to work on some of the controls now so they can be ahead once they start testing. It's cool to geek out like this!

 

[fbvideonew]

[/fbvideonew]

 

She's alive... Alive!

[viking86]

 

Amazing looking ride! I still cannot fully comprehend how huge that wave turn is.

 

Irvine Ondrey Engineering posted this video of them starting up Lightning Rod's electrontics - It seems they're getting to work on some of the controls now so they can be ahead once they start testing. It's cool to geek out like this!

 

She's alive... Alive!

 

*waiting for a velociraptor to come bursting through*

[horootle]

well guys... with track not complete today, if they want to be ready for March 18, that's less than four weeks. and if they can pull it off, that will be the fastest any RMC has moved from completion to guests riding.

 

I'm still hopeful but starting to feel like it will take a little bit of a miracle :/

[prozach626]

This thing looks forceless.