Lightning Rod Replacing its Launch with a Chain Lift in 2024 | Why this is a Good Change

[@twistedgwazi5727]

RMC themselves also confirmed that the issue with the launch was due to the movement of the wooden structure making achieving the necessary tolerances for an LSM launch difficult and nigh-impossible to do consistently back in the Reddit AMA they did a year or so ago. It makes a lot of sense, and it also opens the door for launched hybrids that use the same steel truss design as their newer coasters. I hope we see something like that one day.

[@namevone]

i was hoping that they'd entirely replace the structure on the launch with the steel structure instead of doing this. Still better than them getting rid of the coaster entirely though

[@supremefan]

I think they should just go the hulk route. B&M & Intamin have proven tire launches are effective and reliable.

[@DavidVitrano]

Make a Lightning Rod 2.0 with a Vekoma MK1101 Launch Coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hopefully this doesn't scare RMC off from launches in the future.

[@namevone]

@@CanobieCoaster they said in their reddit AMA that they're willing to do launches on their steel models

[@JDEverything]

I’m sad to see the launch go but, whatever makes the ride reliable. Thank you for uploading and sharing this!

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's how I feel at this point given it's downtime issues.

[@guytkoepp69]

I have ridden this coaster in all it forms, and I have loved it in all it's forms. I can't imagine that the high speed lift will diminish any of the ride experience aside from the launch. I am cautiously optimistic, but am looking forward to it being open all the time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad the best parts are staying the same.

[@MalrusOSC]

Like you mentioned in the video, Lightning Rod is losing its one element that made it stand out, but hopefully it will still be great. Again, it’s kind of sad seeing the launch go, hopefully the chain lift will emulate a similar feeling

[@CanobieCoaster]

I just want the ride to be open consistently and hopefully this does it.

[@dobieshep]

A few things: 1. Cable lift is likely impossible due to the terrain. If you look at Skyrush, I305, and MF, you see the right triangle needed for the cable lift to function. Additionally, all the above slow the train down at the crest of the hill anyway. 2. I am extremely wary about a supposed "high speed" chain lift. Using Bakken as the only example, that utilizes 2 chain lifts a short distance, and even then it's only 1 car. With LRod, you have a 6 car train going up a massive lift with a wooden structure to support it. I don't know how all that will be accounted for. I'd have rather see RMC and Dollywood make the LSMs work by simply replacing the entire wooden structure with steel supports. It seems like a total no-brainer.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

Im sure a chain lift is much more cost effective then rebuilding the entire hill.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think cost is a big reason since they probably want to reuse the structure if possible. That is a good point on the cable lift. I agree Tornado has much shorter trains, so they'd have to account for Lightning Rod's bigger trains with a chain lift.

[@dobieshep]

@@CanobieCoaster The current hill wasn’t designed for a chain lift unless RMC foresaw a potential retrofit during construction. So likely the entire portion would have to built up to withstand the new weight of the chain lift. And it being a high speed one for that matter means a likely non-traditional chain either I’d imagine.

[@bocahdongo7769]

Honestly I just do wish they change it to Intrasys LSM motor But those thing has completely different stator (most likely need complete train rework), also those lift hill definitely need steel structure anyway. Maybe SDC could afford it, maybe not. Either way it's lose situation, they are just looking for lesser evil

[@hskbrowneyes]

There is so much energy left after that turnaround, before the brake. It will be cool if it was extended with a few more elements

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be nice. It does haul into the brakes.

[@ScottyMania313]

The good news is this could open the door (or at least a million rumors) for a country-themed Intamin Blitz coaster (or another brand's launch coaster) for those who want more oomph than Big Bear Mountain. It would be cool to see what a multi-launched coaster with Dollywood's cool terrain and scenery would look like, especially if it's really themed uniquely.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be awesome.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Well, that changes my plans. I was planning to go there in early December, but I may take a year off. My weekdays in November last year were awesome. 2 train ops, almost no wait all the time, and we picked our own rows. It sounds like this change needs to happen, but I'll miss the launch, and I'll miss Dollywood this Christmas.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love visiting Dollywood for Christmas. Night rides on Lightning Rod that time of year are magical.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Whatever it takes for the coaster to run better. Interesting, a woodie launch. Looks like a really cool ride. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is an epic ride.

[@randflam]

I’m going to Dollywood in early October. Can’t wait to experience this attraction as it was originally intended before it changes!

[@stephenboshears4832]

The last day for launched LRod is October 30th

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@SlimFury]

While it's a bummer to see the launch go. I am all for the replacement. Lightning Rod still has a great setting to fall back on.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The best parts are thankfully staying.

[@davidpalomeque4689]

I wonder why they didn’t try a booster wheel launch like the Hulk! A hydraulic launch would probably be no better reliably, if not worse.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’m curious why they didn’t do a booster launch either

[@brianschulz7833]

I believe it’s because booster wheel launches can’t run in the rain; the water makes the tires slick and creates a risk of slippage, leading to the same problem with failed launches as the LSM system. Hulk avoids this problem because the wheels are in a tunnel. I suppose Dollywood could cover the lift, but a chain lift is ultimately still cheaper and more reliable.

[@bocahdongo7769]

Also booster launch didn't solve anything for the structural issue. It basically just out from tigers cage only to run into shark pool

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't know if that addresses the sway issue.

[@theme_park_editz]

I’m just happy I got to experience it with the launch this year

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@airtimecinema865]

This was very surprising should be interesting to see how the experience changes!

[@CanobieCoaster]

As long as it can crest the drop with similar speed, it should be fairly similar.

[@robbiereacts22]

Overheating fire risk and if a cable ran too fast it could probably get too hot also. I think a chain lift would be the safest and most reliable option

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes I agree it's probably the most reliable option.

[@Wildcattttt]

I want to go to Dollywood, however I wasn’t sure if Lightning Rod would be open, and that wouldn’t be worth it to me. Now, I could plan a trip to Dollywood and not needing to worry about Lightning Rod being closed!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It will be refreshing.

[@SunshineStateCoasters]

Tbh if this doesn’t change the reliability, I could see Lightning Rod close down for good in the next 10 years. Hell I am 110% confident I will see Lightning Rod close at some point in my lifetime.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I fear this will be the first RMC to fully close (unless you count Railblazer when CGA closes).

[@SunshineStateCoasters]

@@CanobieCoaster I fear you maybe right. And I’m holding out hope for Railblazer to be relocated, HOWEVER with WWGLC having issues I could also see the prototype raptors close for good as well.

[@ChrisWBrown-rq2sc]

@@CanobieCoaster I could see Railblazer and Flight Deck (the B & M invert) finding a new home at a different amusement park but I have doubts about GCI's GoldStriker (although I do hope that coaster finds a new home as well). As for Lightning Rod, I believe that if people still are concerned about the reliability when the chain lift is installed, than RMC could make it a full steel coaster and reinstate the launch portion.

[@greeneyes30294]

Glad me and the wife made a trip to Dollywood in 2021. I heard the lines were ridiculous and we're too old to wait in lines. Purchased the Timesaver. Went straight to LR when we got there. Closed. Once it opened, we rode 11 times...in a row front and back! Had to get it in.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got on it!

[@OGCatDJM]

Thank god I got on it this summer on my vacation! Kind of sad, it was really iconic

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got to try it with the launch.

[@Paolo_DLR]

LR is also my favorite coaster, but I've only ridden the original 2016 version. We'll always have those memories, so I'm all for it becoming more reliable.

[@gametime2473]

It's not the same for sure but it's still very good. It isn't as fast and the quad down isn't quite as crazy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wish I could have tried it in 2016, but it was closed for me.

[@gametime2473]

@@CanobieCoaster I had a season pass that year and it took me 3 trips to Dollywood from 4 hours away to get a ride in 2016. We ended up getting a TON of rides that summer on it, several trips where there was no wait all day long which was crazy. We rode it 27 times one day and we were BEAT at the end of it lol.

[@MattMcIrvin]

Yeah, this is the kind of fix where you go with lower technical risk. If I were RMC I'd stick with the chain lift. (Besides, that massive racket from the anti-rollbacks on RMC chain lifts is good and unnerving!)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree they are picking the safest route.

[@mhtube01]

There's been some POVs of this ride with the new chain lift and it seems to be running very similar once it's warmed up. Thats pretty awesome. Given that the new trains are lighter, I wonder if Dollywood would ever consider putting the original lead car back on as it looked SO much better than the replacement. Putting the trunk back on the rear of the train would be really cool too but out of the two, I think that would be less likely.

[@CanobieCoaster]

And it's also worth considering it's cooler this time of year too.

[@ArtfulAmy]

I booked my first trip to Dollywood for late October, so I was nervous then very relieved that the date of the closure in its current state is just after I’ll be there! Hopefully I’ll get to ride it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hopefully!

[@zacg_]

I know this would be a bit more work but I'd love to see the lift hill increase in height just a bit so that it crests the second hump with the same speed it had when it first opened and you were popped out of your seat. If it goes over the top with a bit of speed then not only will that second hump be just as good as designed but the whole coaster will ride as intended. This is also my number one coaster and I love its pacing and airtime. The most important thing is that the layout after the drop remains elite. That's what makes Lightning Rod so good. I've ridden Iron Gwazi and Steel Vengeance as well as many elite Intamins but no coaster feels more satisfying when you hit the brakes than Lightning Rod.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would probably be better if they increased the height, but I don't think that'll happen.

[@noname117spore]

I'll be honest this might not be a bad change. Although I found the launch the second best element on the ride when I rote it in 2019, it was cresting over the top so slowly that the lift hill might actually get it a touch of extra speed through the course.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You definitely liked the launch more than me. It's fun but nowhere near the best part for me.

[@noname117spore]

@@CanobieCoaster Think it just wasn't properly warmed up for me, so the middle of the layout wound up kind of boring without the strong airtime I was expecting.

[@airbus7373]

RIP the launch. I’m hoping though that they can use this opportunity to increase the height a bit (possibly get rid of the valley at the top of the launch) to bring the ride experience back to what it was in 2016.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't think they're adding height based on what they said.

[@Rytoon18]

I went to Dollywood a few days ago and Lightning Rod was closed most of the day and when I finally got on it for the first time it rolled back down and had to get off. I really look forward to this change.👍

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry you had a tough time getting on it. I get why the park is making the change.

[@NorthernRidesYaBoi]

It's good to see it will supposedly have the same top speed with that high-speed chain

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's encouraging.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

I've heard Intamin Pre-fab wooden coasters have a launch option in case a customer gets a request from a client that they want a launch.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's interesting. I wonder if it would have steel supports there.

[@Thelightning1out]

I love this ride it’s my second favorite ride here behind wild eagle as well wild eagle is their star attraction and I have got mostly lucky and this ride has been open all my visits except one (it was open for the morning, it closed due to track maintenance) and was closed the entire rest of the day

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer this to Wild Eagle.

[@spittinvenom9843]

LR is in my top 5, when the lift launch 🚀 isn’t the best part of the ride you know you’ve got a hellova coaster once you crest, it is an epic night ride and the quad down is still my single most favourite element ever

[@CanobieCoaster]

At least the best parts are remaining.

[@maverickheartlineroll]

So its going to have a chain launch like tornado at bakken lol Also i think ElDaddyRyan will do the next problematic coasters on Lrod given this

[@CanobieCoaster]

This ride's story just keeps getting more and more complex.

[@maverickheartlineroll]

@@CanobieCoaster yea it'd make a good video

[@robbiereacts22]

I’m really happy I got to experience Lightning Rod with it’s original launch when it first opened. I can totally understand why Dollywood decided to do this though and it will still be a fantastic wooden coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They're thankfully keeping the best parts.

[@Luphor]

Never even was able to ride this legendary roller coaster,but maybe one day RMC could maybe try again

[@CanobieCoaster]

At least the best parts will remain.

[@Paul-ew3yq]

It was rainy as hell on my visit, so it may have been running fast, but it was hauling by the end of the day. Still absolutely furious pacing, and a walk on to boot because of aforementioned rainy conditions.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love it in any weather.

[@CyClez610]

i was very nervous when they said "chainlift" but now im not bc its gonna have a "fast chainlift" i was afraid it wouldn't be the same, but now i think it's a good thing

[@CanobieCoaster]

They should easily be able to get a chain that hits 13 mph to match the speed over the hump today.

[@snoboard91503]

So glad I finally got to ride it this year. However disappointing this may be to the community, I’m still excited for the change!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I just want the ride to be reliable at last.

[@First-Drop-Studios]

I’m sad I didn’t get to ride it, but at least if I get to Dollywood I’ll have a better chance of riding it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

There's still a month to try it in its current form.

[@First-Drop-Studios]

@@CanobieCoaster I don’t see myself getting down there soon.

[@RealWildWalter]

I literally planned my first visit in Spring 2024. I really hope that it is open when I get there because I will be so mad if I miss the best ride in the park.

[@cobblebalt4835]

Don’t worry about it. Thunderhead is better anyway after the retrack it got.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hope they have it ready to go by then.

[@angusbarclay6281]

I'm really curious if a tire launch could work. I've heard someone mention booster wheels but I have no idea what those even are. Still either way, the natural give of wood may not be compatible with a launch, at least LSM.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think it could if it got steel supports.

[@angusbarclay6281]

@@CanobieCoaster I feel like steel supports on the lift hill with a tire launch would be a great way to keep it close to its original form, but then again maybe there's too much force in certain spots with it going that fast over the lift. It also maybe easier to just swap the LIM for a chain lift, as opposed to swapping wood supports for steel. Either way, glad to see this will become more accessible for Dollywood visitors, especially since so many ppl travel from far and wide only for it to be closed. Even if they remove the launch, replace all the track with steel, and "neuter" this coaster, it's still an RMC terrain coaster with some insane elements. I'll be happy just to ride it, regardless of the lift mechanism.

[@X2tream_Arrow]

this was my 100th coaster and it’s kind of sad I’ll never experience it the same way again. hopefully it won’t change as much as I think it well 😬.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's a great milestone.

[@a_cowwithlegs]

I’d imagine it would be more similar to outlaw run.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It has some similarities.

[@ThemeparkKid-hd3zq]

Its going to be sad seing the launch go and replaced by a Chain Lift but it does make more sense so im going to ride Lighting Rod as much times as I can before it closes and opens next year with a lift hill

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hope you can get plenty of last rides!

[@Benz5469]

I've got a season pass to Dollywood and have been lucky enough to be able to ride this ride three times this year. I went most recently a couple of days ago with my friend and her three boys and me and her oldest rode this one most likely for the last time with the launch, because the shutdown and revamp is happening in like a week and I was adamant that I was going to ride this thing at least one more time with the launch because I don't know how different the experience will be with the new mechanism. I'm not somebody who cares a lot about the technicalities of roller coasters (like what makes them "unique" or whatever), I just want the experience to be good. So hopefully the changes won't lessen the experience too much.🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@CanobieCoaster]

This will make the ride far more reliable and the best parts will remain in tact.

[@ThousanWhite]

Alright but will it now count as a new credit?

[@baileyneedham169]

My same thoughts

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think there's a new credit in there from when it opened considering it's now mostly steel and lost the launch.

[@mrprobro522]

Lightning Rod is opening on March 8. When do you plan to ride the new lightning Rod At Dollywood? Someone also had footage of lightning Rod testing with the chain lift and it’s looking like just a normal lift hill it doesn’t look like a high speed chain lift. So for that reason I think this ride will likely be running a lot slower making the airtime moments a bit weaker. I still expect the quad down to be one of the best coaster elements as it will probably still give five violent ejector airtime pops. I said five because of the speed hill after the quad down. But the other airtime moments will probably be weaker than previously but just as sustained. I still think this will be an elite coaster especially given its setting. Do you think this will still be your number 1 rollercoaster with the chain lift. Or do you still think it will be elite just not number 1?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The other factor I'm worried about is the lighter trains potentially impacting how the ride carries its momentum. I don't have any plans at this time to ride it this year. It may move down if the ride has less speed through the layout than before.

[@AG7-MTM]

Hopefully we see GCI add a launch with their Titan Track or RMC add some launches to their rides too

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd like to see that.

[@Dalton363]

I believe the issue is more with the third party company used for the lsm launch rather than the structure sway. still Both are significant reasons why the ride has so much downtime and im glad to see dollywoods continue effort and money to make this ride as reliable as possible. just goes to show how well run this park is and how much it cares about its consumers

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the 3rd party launch is a contributing factor, but the comments from Pete Owens seem to suggest there is something inherent with a wood coaster that makes a launch harder.

[@jonny-b4954]

I can envision the lift hill shaking through, swaying, and that could definitely interfere with the LSM's actually getting a full "Bite" of the train to launch it. There's a say, 2" space between magnets, say the train is 1" thick. So you only have 1/2" clearance on either side (probably less) and with the sway, if it moves 1/4" close to the left, you're now 3/4" from the right magnet. You know? It needs precision for it to actually launch it. I think that's got to be the issue. Every coaster manufacturer goes with 3rd party LSM's. I'd assume they used the same company everyone does.

[@me-myself-i787]

​@@jonny-b4954IntAmIn uses InDriveTek, and most companies use IntraSys. Lightning Rod was Velocity Magnetics's only launch coaster. Normally they make magnetic braking systems.

[@crveech]

I got to ride Lightning Rod this Summer. The launch hill was cool, but the rest of the ride was excellent especially that quadruple down towards the end.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad the best parts should stay the same.

[@mitchellries256]

It looks like I rode this coaster with the launch just in time. And based on how I waited sixty minutes without a breakdown to ride it just once that day, I guess I am also pretty lucky to.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got on it before it changes!

[@wildcatenthusiast8888]

N O O O O O O O O I HATE THIS THE LAUNCH WAS INCREDIBLE…wait is the chain going to be high speed? If so, then I’m happy…but still…they should have just replaced the wooden supports with steel, for the launch could’ve stayed. The ride E X I S T S for the launch. Like seriously…

[@CanobieCoaster]

They said the chain will get the train over the lift at 13 mph.

[@establishingthrills]

Would've preferred the Steel truss over the lift, it wouldve reduced the swaying, but it's better to keep it around in some form than to tear it down

[@CanobieCoaster]

That probably would have been pricier.

[@Givebill]

Can’t wait to see the arguments over whether this is a new credit or not

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think there's a new credit in there from the ride's opening year, considering it's more of a steel coaster now and lost the launch.

[@jordancaleb3419]

As long this is a reliable ride I’m cool with it. Planning on going to Dollywood next summer and I would be bummed if it was closed.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's how I feel.

[@BackSeatJunkie]

Sweeeeeeet, now we will be able to ride it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Should be more reliable.

[@micoasters]

Tbh, I’m exited for this. I am taking a 9 hr trip from Michigan to ride this thing. So I now have a better chance of riding as I don’t see myself making it back here anytime soon

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy! And I hope it's open.

[@jay005man]

Going in mid October and have never ridden it before. Last time I was there it was down all day. Really hoping I can get a ride in its current form before they shut it down

[@CanobieCoaster]

Best of luck!

[@utahcoasterenthusiasts]

I got my first ride this year 2023 on Lightning Rod. Its an amazing coaster. I am sad its launch is going away but the launch is more gimmick now with it slowing near the top so I am okay with a high speed chain, especially if it makes it more reliable.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's sort of how I feel at this point.

[@SevereWeatherQuester2005]

Did you know........ Right after the first element is the X2 Skydive Drop, where you go through up a small hill before going down the first drop. This is similar to another Alan-Schilke-Designed Coaster, X (Now X2) at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes it does have some similarities.

[@bigthrillsmike3950]

I managed to pull 4 rides when I went 2 months ago but getting that 2nd ride was a pain tho as it was down for 4 straight hours

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got on it at least!

[@ajitter89]

I love Lightning Rod, It's a good ride and an awesome experience. Yeah it's sad to see the launch go, but if it means its reliability will go up, meaning less downtime and more chances to ride, then yeah I'm happy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's how I feel.

[@Shockzone1495]

well all good things must come to an end. for the better of course.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I pray this makes it more reliable at last.

[@drewcorry5056]

Absolutely Loved Every Minute

[@CanobieCoaster]

Elite ride!

[@officialchase02]

I feel like this is a good thing it’s sad to loose the launch but If it means more reliable coaster that’s what more importantly matters

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's how I feel.

[@nitrostan1]

Its definitely for the better

[@CanobieCoaster]

Should help the ride's uptime significantly.

[@mhtube01]

I haven't been to Dollywood in years so I've never ridden Lightning Rod. One claim I have a hard time believing is that this coaster STILL reaches it's original top speed after how much the launch has been slowed down. Now they're stating it will still hit it with a lift hill. How is this possible? It originally flew over the top of the first drop so where exactly is the top speed achieved? Not trying to sound like a hater at all. I do want to ride this some day but not everything seems to add up.

[@Trim_Brakes_06]

I think the ride went faster than the park anticipated when it went full speed over the first hill, so the speed it goes now was probably what it was originally supposed to be. It's also worth mentioning that at this point it goes about the same speed as a typical cable lift when it reaches the top of the first hill, so using a high speed chain shouldn't make much of a difference. I rode about a month and a half ago, and it definitely felt and looked like it was going 70 miles an hour.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've heard the coaster exceeded the official speed in its opening year, so the speed it runs at now is the originally promised speed.

[@coastercult4142]

Welp that means I’m not going to this park this year sadly

[@CanobieCoaster]

At least the best parts will remain going forward.

[@MaldonadoAE180]

RMC did built El Toro (they didn't design it but the were contracted to build it) so they do have some experience with cable lifts. Could be park didn't want invest money required into cable lift after already spending so much on the ride

[@bocahdongo7769]

Most likely looking for lesser evil instead of bigger good.

[@CanobieCoaster]

While RMC worked on El Toro, I don't think they did the engineering for the cable.

[@sr.chi7741]

I know this is very repetitive, but does the new Lrod count as a new credit?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think there's a new credit in there somewhere between the track changing from wood to steel and the launch leaving.

[@Mantronix6804]

I hope someday my kids and I can make it to Dollywood..

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hopefully!

[@CoasterKing605]

Wait so they’re keeping the Dolly Humps? Wouldn’t this cause the ride to valley up there?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They say the lift will send the train over the first hill at 13 mph. I believe that is the speed it crests the Dolly humps today.

[@devdoesitbest6974]

I'd love to see them extend the hill to make it a hyper hybrid

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've seen the ride's height posted at over 200 feet.

[@joecandish3923]

Would another launch system be better like Compressed Air or LIMs

[@CanobieCoaster]

Unless they change the structure, they may have the same issue.

[@IRDeady]

I've never ridden LR, but I've been wondering for years why they didn't just do this. Launched lifts are cool and all, but I would rather ride the ride at all. This will probably motivate me more to actually get to DW.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad it should be open more going forward.

[@DanielBlaney]

I wonder if an LIM launch would have been more appropriate since they don't require all the sensors and state switching that LSMs do.

[@bocahdongo7769]

It worse, it run much hotter and chug all the wattage than LSM. And those inital brutal kick would tear down those structure easily

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think the sway could still be a problem.

[@micurides]

imo they shouldve made the launch structure metal. i mean the voyage has a steel structure

[@CanobieCoaster]

That probably would have helped.

[@micurides]

@@CanobieCoaster probably. i just realized i met you at hersheypark but didnt know it was you i was wearing a magnum shirt and my friend had a twister timbers shirt. we thought we recognized you from somewhere lol

[@JMaster9877]

Well good thing I got to experience it in its current form this year then

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mesetaplays]

This needed to happen. Wish they’d do a cable lift instead.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I am fine with a chain lift if it can hit the promised speed.

[@rossh688]

This ride was fantastic in 2016. Without that same speed in the launch, Thunderhead destroys this ride. An even slower chain lift will make it even more boring... Especially for a steel track coaster. RMC needs to finish the conversion with a taller first hill and inversions.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could have tried it opening year, but it was broken for me.

[@UncommonManFromEarth]

It would have been better to go with a tyre launch that has bigger tolerances, could it be a better solution ?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't know if structure sway still could have been an issue with that.

[@Paolo8772]

I wouldn't be surprised if the speed of tornado is the same as Fury 325 but just seams fast since the lift hill, trains and everything else about it is so short, making it FEEL like a launch. Also: Fury 325's chain lift isn't full speed until the entire train is on the lift hill, and it also slows that high speed chain lift down before the end of the lift hill before the drop, which I'm pretty sure Tornado doesn't do. I'd be surprised if there's any chain lift (including Tornado) that goes faster than Fury 325's at its fastest; when an entire train is on the lift hill. I'm guessing that speed is 13 MPH.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Tornado feels faster than 13 mph.

[@ShadezParks]

I hope the hill is still fast

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think the main layout should be identical.

[@ShadezParks]

@@CanobieCoaster I meant the chain lift

[@Cheezbat]

And just like that, this ride really drops in the rankings. The launch is the thing that made it unique. Now, aside from the quad down, this will be one of the weaker RMCs

[@CanobieCoaster]

While the launch was unique, the best parts are not changing.

[@zm_art]

I’m glad to see the ride become more reliable, but I still think they could have gone with a better idea than a high-speed chain. A cable lift or a tire launch would have fit the ride better I think.

[@bocahdongo7769]

Tire launch is basically just escaping tiger cage and run into shark hole. Cable lift hill definitely the better choice.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This is the most reliable option. Considering the park has gotten a lot of criticism for this ride's downtime, I get their decision.

[@robbiereacts22]

When I went to Dollywood I was so nervous that it would be closed especially because I live in San Diego but I got lucky!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got on it!

[@phrasedeyebro3255]

Maybe they’ll add a “Christmas tree “ effect as it crests the first drop or thereabouts, with similar “RRRRrrrrrttttttt” and smoking effect. Of course the new lift hill could be fast.. what do I know? I know to ride in the front.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be cool if they did.

[@MrHeydany]

I have a question, why does Lightning Rod have so much downtime comparing to other coasters that also rely on launches? Genuine question :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

My best guess at this point is the wood supports. As far as I'm aware, no other launch coaster has wood supports, which sway more than steel.

[@officialchase02]

When they said they were replacing the launch with a fast lift hill I honestly thought that that was going to overheat the motor for the chain

[@CanobieCoaster]

They better have a strong motor.

[@officialchase02]

@@CanobieCoaster yea that’s what I was thinking

[@Yes2snake]

Launched without it’s launch 😭🙏

[@CanobieCoaster]

RIP launch.

[@Sherlocklord]

I'm a little surprised they didn't add a little height to it or something so they could sell the change as a positive

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would have been cool, but considering the structural issues, I imagine they don't want the train going any faster.

[@strudelninja]

Always a bummer to see something truly unique go. There's a lot of different coaster types that are nearly extinct or that never took off that are on their last legs and it seems like the industry hasn't really came up with a new generation of ideas to replace them - we're just getting variations of gimmicks thrown together. There's something about a wooden launch, or a steel bobsled, or an impulse coaster with a holding break, that captivates me in ways that the tilt coaster or surf coaster don't. I think it's that attitude of "what blue sky concept can we chip away at and force to work" compared to "what idea that we know will function will market the best?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I appreciate their ambition, but this is best for the ride's longevity.

[@arrick4132]

Though they are replacing the launch with a chain lift, it is necessary as I have seen this coaster with so much downtime. At least I got to ride with the launch though

[@CanobieCoaster]

It should help mightily with downtime.

[@alejandrovillanueva5671]

Does this count as a new coaster credit?

[@CanobieCoaster]

To me, probably not.

[@Godzillafanboy89]

Good thing i first rode lighting rod in 2016 when it was only topper track then i rode it in 2019 and twice in 2021 and once in 2022 and 2023 and ima ride it before it closes soon if its possible

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm envious you got to try it in 2016.

[@Godzillafanboy89]

@@CanobieCoaster lol

[@Godzillafanboy89]

Well like I said I'ma try to see if I can get a ride on the last day it's Open which I think is oct 30th I plan to arrive in pigeon forge on the 28th then go to Dollywood on the 30th the 29th is me chillin

[@evanthames4189]

If they replace the train with next-gen RMC trains, wouldn’t they surely be heavier? (Double bogeys?) Unless the magnetic equipment on the bottom of the current L-Rod trains was that heavy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I always heard this ride's trains were heavier.

[@nathanwolfe7069]

Too bad they couldn't have done a tire launch system like Hulk. That would've negated at least the LSM issues. I'm sure there would still be some occasional sync issues but not as much.

[@CanobieCoaster]

While that may have been possible, the lift will certainly be more reliable.

[@alkankondo89]

For whatever reason Lightning Rod really didn't impress me when I rode it in December 2021; the elements just weren't hitting as well as I had hoped. But the one part I really liked about the coaster was the acceleration into the launched lift, so, to me, this change is a huge downgrade. However, there is definitely something to be said for increased reliability, especially given this coaster's "rocky" history.

[@CanobieCoaster]

At this point, I get the park wanting the safest solution to get it open consistently.

[@Old-Thunder69]

It’s not lightning rod anymore. If it needs a steel structure on the launch give it a steel structure on the launch.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The best parts will remain.

[@thedude4063]

They should make the lift structure steel. That's it

[@CanobieCoaster]

They probably could, but it would be pricey.

[@jtbowman132]

Rename it to Fishing Rod pleeeease, Dollywood

[@CanobieCoaster]

No