originally posted on 9/22/2023
Photo: Rob Ascough. View full-sized image.
When Lightning Rod opened in 2016, it wowed the audiences who rode it. Key words there: “who rode it.”
The park was innovative in its ambition — the world’s first launched wooden coaster. With the iconic quadruple down and the hidden dramatic maneuvers within the hills of the Smoky Mountains, people loved it. It took Best New Ride in 2016 in Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards. However, for all the people who rode and raved, numerous people didn’t get their chance owing to the temperamental launch.
When it opened in 2016, Lightning Rod’s launch in place of a traditional lift hill made it noteworthy in the realm of wood coasters.
Photo: Jhace Louis. View full-sized image.
Photo: Sam Cooper. View full-sized image.
Over the years, the ride has continued to be extremely popular, but even with numerous tweaks and “solutions” along the way, Lightning Rod has considerable downtime.
During the annual banquet at Coaster Con 45, one of the questions following the keynote address was if the park was committed to keeping Lightning Rod a launched coaster. Vice President of Marketing Pete Owens began to answer, but Park President Eugene Naughton jumped in with a solidly emphatic: “Nooo!”
Coaster Con 45 attendees enjoyed Lightning Rod, which hasn’t always been easy because of downtime due to operational issues.
Photo: Sam Cooper. View full-sized image.
On September 12, the explanation of that answer came to light. The park officially told guests that Lightning Rod will be converted to a chain-lift operation. According to the park, it will be a fast chain lift, and the speed going over the crest (13 mph) will be close to the same as it has been. Overall, the ride’s 73 mph speed is not expected to change. Fans of the launch will certainly miss it, but the remainder of the ride’s comprehensive layout will be just as exciting.
While its method of propulsion will be altered, Dollywood promises the experience of riding Lightning Rod will not be significantly changed.
Photo: Christopher Yarbough. View full-sized image.
“The reason why we are doing this is so when you walk in the front gate, it’s actually going to be working,” said Naughton.
So, Lightning Rod is being converted — again. When it opened, it was considered a wood coaster, but the Topper Track from Rocky Mountain Construction was replaced with I-Box track after a few years.
Despite previous changes involving the replacement of much of Lightning Rod’s stacked wood with I-Box track and next year’s installation of a traditional lift hill, the coaster’s layout will remain as it was when it first debuted.
Photo: Rob Ascough. View full-sized image.
The two trains will also be remodeled with a brand-new look. The park has not divulged what the new styling entails, but the lighter chassis should help give the converted ride a refreshed appearance to coincide with the changes.
Fans who want one last launch can still ride Lightning Rod in its current form. The park will not begin the changes until after the Harvest Festival, so guests have a few weeks to hop aboard for that launched thrill through October 30.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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