boldikus Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hell, late last year I had issues with the B&M invert restraints. Talon in the fall and Batman during HITP was an issue for me. I got in, but just barely. Batman I had to open my layers of jackets in 30 degree weather and have multiple ops/friends "assist" me just to get the belt to buckle. Horrible. I made it a point to drop some pounds - down almost 15lbs since the holidays/Xmas - and so far so good this year (also wearing less clothes than I was for the Talon/Batman rides I'm sure is helping). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSUFanChris Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Wow, I came here to get some updates on DW for my trip next week but all this thread seems to be is a random 'off topic' thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicman Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 ^Not much off topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterbill Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hell, late last year I had issues with the B&M invert restraints. Talon in the fall and Batman during HITP was an issue for me. I got in, but just barely. Batman I had to open my layers of jackets in 30 degree weather and have multiple ops/friends "assist" me just to get the belt to buckle. Horrible. I made it a point to drop some pounds - down almost 15lbs since the holidays/Xmas - and so far so good this year (also wearing less clothes than I was for the Talon/Batman rides I'm sure is helping). Don't blame yourself. We all had approximately 17 jackets on at once during Holiday in the Park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ape Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Wow, I came here to get some updates on DW for my trip next week but all this thread seems to be is a random 'off topic' thread? Lightning Rod is open. all you need to know, have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjzadero Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Here's a new documentary on the making of Lightning Rod. http://www.wbir.com/news/local/documenatry-building-dollywoods-new-lightning-rod-roller-coaster/245091023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicman Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 ^wow, Alan Schilke is now an old man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonni Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 ^^ I love his documentaries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swede Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 Did an hour ERT on it (Lightning Rod ) today. Amazing ride. Crazy to say as I still have parks in the US this trip but I can't wait to get back to Sweden to go on Wildfire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArgoZ Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 We arrived at Dollywood around 8pm Thursday to buy Friday's tickets and take in the included after 3pm admission. As we got off the shuttle, my heart sunk as I read Lightning Rod listed under rides not running. We bought anyway and decide to walk over and check the ride structure out. As we approached an empty train launched! I was so excited, my wife made fun of me and said I looked like a kid. The line was open and we rushed in. I asked for a back seat ride, got it and then re-entered the line for a front seat, in the dark, 9:30pm ride. Amazing, the coaster instantly shot into my top five. I prefer the back seat as the air was a little more aggressive. The lateral air is the best I have ever experienced. I can't wait for today to go back, but last night made my vacation! Come to Dollywood, you won't be disappointed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appel Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 For anyone how has visited Dollywood the last few days: how was the reliability of Lightning Rod? Was it down often? 1-train-operation? Seems like it's hit and miss to get the credit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstephe9 Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 It's been two trains from what I can tell this week.. not sure about down time.. I have a friend who works there and he checked and said today it is two trains when he walked by Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArgoZ Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 For anyone how has visited Dollywood the last few days: how was the reliability of Lightning Rod?Was it down often? 1-train-operation? Seems like it's hit and miss to get the credit? As I mentioned earlier, my family arrived Thursday to find the ride closed until 8:30pm, where it opened for the night. Today it was running at least until we left at 2pm, however when we returned around 6pm, signs were up claiming "extended commissioning" and it will be closed for the rest of the day. The coaster is not reliable enough to count on riding on only one day attendance, however if you were in the area for a few days, you will probably ride it. They are running two trains. Dispatch times are very slow though. It's hard to tell if it's on purpose, but I got a hunch it is. I noticed a ride mechanic crew always on hand. Frustating for everyone involved, especially because it's such an awesome ride. I am really curious what is causing all the sudden down time. Overheating and the subsequent damage sounds like the most logical theory. I feel very lucky we got to ride twice and at night, but coasters should not be this hit or miss, hopefully they figure it out. No night rides for me tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrappa Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Perhaps they should just close it again until it's 100% perfect 'entitled winger proof' because it seems to poor park can't catch a break. Is closed people complain It's opened for testing so they can get people on it where possible people complain It opens properly but isn't perfect and people complain. I can't wait to get a 'chance' to ride next week after traveling so far and am so greatful the park is busting ass so hard to get as many people as they realistically can get on a ride that still probably has some kinks to work out. Perhaps if people were more concerned with the fun of riding one of the world's great rides and less about 'getting a credit' they would be less but hurt about it having issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterGuy06 Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 When I was there Wednesday it opened late (between 11-11:30). I Rode it about 1 after a 45 minute wait. Both trains were running. When I came back by that way a little after 3 it was down, and from what I heard it was pretty much down the rest of the day. I was planning on staying until closing, but by 8pm they were telling people it would not be back up again that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knaiwear Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Perhaps if people were more concerned with the fun of riding one of the world's great rides and less about 'getting a credit' they would be less but hurt about it having issues. This doesn't even make sense. In this case, it's pretty clear people are "but hurt" because they want to ride one of the world's greatest rides, not because of getting a credit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrappa Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Really? Doubtful. It's because people want to know they can get in and get out and ride the coaster. If they aren't credit obsessed then sticking around for a day or two to find a time to ride wouldn't be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appel Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 (edited) Take it with a grain of salt but the coaster might be closed again until next week, perhaps because of sensor and computer issues. http://www.kicentral.com/forums/index.php/topic/31862-dollywood-2016/page-3 Eventually the same reason why Wildfire's opening is postponed to replace the restraint cyclinders? Edited June 18, 2016 by appel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicman Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Yeah, like I don't even count my credits. I go on a ride if it's fun. I don't go on head bashing rides just to earn a credit. Its like going on rides just for going on rides sake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstephe9 Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Those who say it's overheating, I feel that's not the issue and here's why..last Saturday I was in line, it closed.. when it closed they continued and continued to launch trains, and they launched more frequently... this wouldn't allow it to cool down.. after a few hours, it opened back up Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coasterbp Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Take it with a grain of salt but the coaster might be closed again until next week, perhaps because of sensor and computer issues.http://www.kicentral.com/forums/index.php/topic/31862-dollywood-2016/page-3 Eventually the same reason why Wildfire's opening is postponed to replace the restraint cyclinders? From time to time, new coasters will requires sensor adjusting as the ride breaks in. Minor issue, they have not called us for help, but we're here of course if they need us! BP Irvine-Ondrey Engineering Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STDog Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Minor issue, they have not called us for help, but we're here of course if they need us! Good to hear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prozach626 Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 ^^ I love his documentaries +1. That guy does a great job. So good that I can even ignore the at least one incredibly cheesy song or feature of each video! Really? Doubtful. It's because people want to know they can get in and get out and ride the coaster. If they aren't credit obsessed then sticking around for a day or two to find a time to ride wouldn't be a problem. I was going to point out the flaws in your logic, but I think you're pretty well worth ignoring all together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrappa Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Forgive me because I might have missed it but I'm not seeing where in that linked thread it says closed till next week? If they aren't going to the manufacturer for adjustment to sensors I can't see it being much, probably just minor alignment. I don't know if any park anywhere altering control systems without consultation with the manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DILinator Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Really? Doubtful. It's because people want to know they can get in and get out and ride the coaster. If they aren't credit obsessed then sticking around for a day or two to find a time to ride wouldn't be a problem. I was going to point out the flaws in your logic, but I think you're pretty well worth ignoring all together. This is pretty much where I ended up in regard to it as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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