Dollywood's Lightning Rod with a Chain Lift: Still needs another change

Dollywood's iconic Lightning Rod has undergone a major transformation for the 2024 season! The one-of-a-kind launch system has been replaced with a high-speed chain lift, promising increased reliability and smoother operations.

[@LifeOfTheParty-zf5bi]

So no more 0-80 MPH launch from start? I’m glad I got to ride it when there was.

[@singleriderbrian]

The ride still gets up to ira top speed just the launch is gone that didn’t go close to 80 MPH. Off top of my head I think it was 45.

[@WillKalili]

Were the issues structural or with the launch mechanism? Couldn't they have done a tire launch (Incredible Hulk) or an Intamin launch? I know thats far fetched but a launch on an incline is nothing new and has operated successfully on other rides for years.

[@singleriderbrian]

First of its kind, it kept going down and wasn’t reliable causing the ride to be down all the time. I think it also put additional tress on other parts of the coaster causing change to IBox on a lot of sections compared to topper track. Just became too much and they replaced it with a chain lift. Still good just no longer great. I don’t expect to see a launch in another RMC particular wooded RMC.

[@badmoonrising7795]

You have spelled the name of the coaster wrong buddy ! That says lighting rod

[@badmoonrising7795]

On the thumb nail that is

[@singleriderbrian]

thanks

[@Sonic-gy7kq]

Fix ur audio for headphone/earbud users

[@singleriderbrian]

I have a editing software that I keep trying to experiment with and it keeps uploading split. If I do a full blend the rip nats overpower so looking into it. Thanks!

[@Sonic-gy7kq]

Honestly with all the nuetering its a low tier rmc. Like twisted cyclone level. It's like if they replaced the top thrill dragster launch with a chainlift...

[@singleriderbrian]

I still enjoy it, but yes lower tier now. However its an RMC so its still a very solid ride.