Dollywood

[Rita Fan]

Don't know if anyone's seen this yet, but...

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[Aidan Lowe]

360° video, can be watched in 4k resolution for slightly better clarity: " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lewis97]

Here are the latest photos from RMC's Facebook, with track now extending up into the wave turn.

[Capt.Barnacles]

RMC's construction teams really don't hang around when building their coasters. The first pieces of dual coloured track went up on the Joker at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom yesterday too, so they like to get a move on! Feels like only last month Roar shut for good but it was August! But more to the topic, Lightning Rod looks amazing, I have a feeling this will get the notoriety and publicity that FireChaser Express didn't quite get. Whilst FE is a nice thrilling family coaster, this is going to rip apart everything there. And again, it's nice to see RMC creating layouts without inversions to add diversity to their line up of installations.

[Aidan Lowe]

In the loop has a construction video from 23rd December, doesn't really hit on anything not seen before in previous pictures but its a quick look at the promotion stand, station & lift hill.

But this thing looks amazing, the lift hill alone looks far steeper and higher than I had thought it would be.

[Aidan Lowe]

Coaster Studios have the train reveal over at their Facebook page.

[lewis97]

Devin Olson Media are producing a documentary for Lightning Rod, with Dollywood uploading the first part of 'Under the Hood' to their Facebook page yesterday.

[lewis97]

The next episode of 'Under the Hood' is now available, taking a look at the launch technology and track manufacture process.

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[lewis97]

After much speculation, it has been confirmed that Lightning Rod will not open with the park this Saturday, as RMC have requested more time to commission the ride. However they have released this off ride video of testing...

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[Justin]

I love the look of this and I'd love to visit Dollywood for the experience!

[lewis97]

RMC have released a statement on the delayed opening of Lightning Rod;

RMC’S STATEMENT ON THE DELAYED OPENING OF LIGHTNING ROD ROLLER COASTER AT DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK

HAYDEN, Idaho — Rocky Mountain Construction co-owner Fred Grubb has released the following statement on the recently announced delay to the opening of Lightning Rod at Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, TN:

“We take the highest level of pride in every attraction we create. RMC is equally disappointed that Lightning Rod will not be opening as originally planned. We have been working with the launch system subcontractor on-site to bring it up to speed and working as intended.

As is often the case with prototype attractions and especially with launched coasters, delays are an ever-present possibility. During the course of testing, we determined that the third-party launch system would not be able to perform at the level required for proper operation.

While we strive to meet all of our deadlines, we cannot and will not sacrifice safety or ride quality in the name of saving time. RMC never has nor ever will open any new attraction until it has passed our rigorous standards.

At this time, we cannot speculate as to when the attraction will open to the general public. That date is ultimately decided upon by the customer, therefore all questions regarding an opening should be directed to Dollywood.

On behalf of all the employees at Rocky Mountain Construction, I want to personally thank the management team at Dollywood, the fans of the park as well as our fans for their patience and understanding as we work to bring you Lightning Rod.”

[dazza4783]

Lightning Rod is currently in technical rehearsals, some guests on park have been able to ride.

[Tom]

Some footage of the launch lift hill during testing: " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks nice and fast, I eagerly await a POV!

[Max]

Credit to CoasterFanatics on YouTube.

POV is here, looks seriously quick.
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[lewis97]

Here's the official and much better quality POV. The quadruple down looks insane with it retaining an impressive amount of speed as it comes into the final brakes.

[Justin]

This looks amazing. I really want to ride it, especially with that lift hill!

[lewis97]

After a delay of almost three months, today is Lightning Rod's official opening.

[MakoMania]

Seems Lightning Rod is experiencing the same issue as Wildfire, and has been ordered to close by RMC.

[Max]

It seems as if Rocky Mountain have ordered that some coasters be closed due to the defective train cylinder, along with Lightning Rod. Thus far, only Lightning Rod, Wildfire and Wicked Cyclone have been closed.

[Owen]

The ride has set on fire, expected to be down to the launch/rollback system becoming too hot.



Credit to Parks and Coasters Workdwide Facebook.

Anyone would think RMC like having their coasters on fire...