Lightning Rod Rumors - BIG Changes Coming To Dollywood's BEST Coaster?

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  • Опубликовано: 24 дек 2024

Комментарии • 232

  • @KeepRidinCoasters
    @KeepRidinCoasters  Год назад

    ➡ - 🎽 👕KEEP RIDIN' COASTERS MERCH 🎢 - themeparkmerch.myspreadshop.com/ Check out some cool coaster gear for you to wear at the parks! Thank you for all of the support! - Brandon

  • @BluesCoasters
    @BluesCoasters Год назад +25

    Replacing the wooden lift structure with a truss system would help eliminate sway which would help the magnets be more precise. Then get rid of the velocity magnetics launch because they have no idea what they’re doing and contract Indrivetec for a brand new launch system. Retrack the remaining topper track with ibox. Problem solved.

    • @ICU306
      @ICU306 Год назад +2

      InDriveTec should’ve been used to begin with 😕

    • @ThrillReport
      @ThrillReport Год назад +1

      100000% agreed it would also look so cool

    • @ItsDannyRobbins
      @ItsDannyRobbins Год назад +2

      The Velocity Magnets system was one of the very first things replaced ages ago.

    • @BluesCoasters
      @BluesCoasters Год назад

      @@ItsDannyRobbins really? replaced when and with what?

  • @namevone
    @namevone Год назад +25

    Another possible option would be replacing the wooden supports on the launch with a steel support structure. A major issue with the launch is the shaking of the wooden structure, since the launch fins need to be perfectly lined up. Replacing it with a steel structure should be able to prevent this from happening

    • @Jake-um5fx
      @Jake-um5fx Год назад +8

      This makes the most sense vs what this video has said.

    • @MyLifeAsBrandon
      @MyLifeAsBrandon Год назад +1

      @@Jake-um5fx Sometimes what he says never makes sense tbh...

    • @GD-nu4iz
      @GD-nu4iz Год назад +2

      Yes came to put the same. Use the Truss hill like they just used to Wildcat's Revenge, problem solved and probably cheaper than making 1 big hill.

    • @neochoc2005
      @neochoc2005 Год назад

      Ok

    • @hageja01
      @hageja01 Год назад +1

      Yes. This is what I thought he was saving until last.

  • @mattcollins3591
    @mattcollins3591 Год назад +3

    I just rode it yesterday.. it was running fine. I haven’t heard any of these rumors.. and I know many people who work at the park.
    I CAN tell you, the park long term isn’t looking to completely refurbish or do anything more drastic, any “big” changes have already been done, they’re just happy to have a consistent (enough) ride for now.

  • @TheCoasterFlood
    @TheCoasterFlood Год назад +32

    With SDC announcing Fire in the Hole 2.0, I imagine Herschend will still continue to work with RMC to make adjustments to Lightning Rod. Maybe even retrack the rest of the ride

    • @KeepRidinCoasters
      @KeepRidinCoasters  Год назад +4

      Agreed

    • @DavidVitrano
      @DavidVitrano Год назад +3

      Put in some more to make it a little longer.

    • @justinchavez9530
      @justinchavez9530 Год назад +1

      I’d definitely love to see that happen.

    • @jordancaleb3419
      @jordancaleb3419 Год назад +1

      I agree!

    • @ItsDannyRobbins
      @ItsDannyRobbins Год назад +2

      Retracking the rest of the ride was all but confirmed after the president of the park rode it after the hybrid sections were put in and he said "Oh yeah, the rest of that is gonna change soon."

  • @SpeedBird6780
    @SpeedBird6780 Год назад +14

    I think the best solution is to replace the structure of the launch hill as the sway jeopardizes the required preciseness of the LSM.

    • @neochoc2005
      @neochoc2005 Год назад

      But what iff the launch not strong g enuff. I feel like making o e drop n taller then ibox it is the wave hole track new wildcat hershey park

    • @fredwardandthebear3192
      @fredwardandthebear3192 Год назад +1

      ​@@neochoc2005What

  • @coastergamer4555
    @coastergamer4555 Год назад +30

    Wow. Maybe a new launch system.

    • @coasterfair2602
      @coasterfair2602 Год назад +2

      I would like to see that before it gets torn down

    • @joshbean39
      @joshbean39 Год назад +7

      That’s what it really needs or at least the lift should have been rebuilt fully as steel.

    • @joshfreund6008
      @joshfreund6008 Год назад +3

      Tire drive launch

  • @jacobgregory7440
    @jacobgregory7440 Год назад +3

    People hate on this coaster with that altered launch now but it’s literally still the most forceful air time I have ever gotten on a ride. It’s up there with storm chaser and other ones. Even with the slow down at the top of the hill, this thing hauls. It’s a top five roller coaster for me

  • @Aerolandaircraft
    @Aerolandaircraft Год назад +3

    First things first, Dollywood should definitely replace the remaining Topper Track. From what I've heard, these sections are rough and cause headaches for the park. Next, they should investigate what is causing major unreliability (I doubt it's the launch) and fix the issue ASAP. It could be the structural integrity of the wooden supports (in which case should be swapped out for steel supports Voyage style). Who knows? Maybe one day Lrod will be hauling the mail once more...

  • @ejjonesy7310
    @ejjonesy7310 Год назад +3

    i think they could just change the launch track supports to a trust lift support and give the ride brand new LSMs. i think that would help out the ride a lot.

  • @richey0995
    @richey0995 Год назад +2

    I don’t see why they can’t just get a new more reliable launch system

  • @CoasterVet
    @CoasterVet Год назад +11

    Hasn’t Lightning Rod had issues with pot holes? I would think increasing the height of the lift hill, would increase the likelihood of potholes. I doubt they would do this, but if they wanted to keep a launch, they could change the support structure on the launch to steel. I have heard the reason they have issues with the launch is, due to the wood structure, it is hard to keep the LSM fins aligned.

    • @MatthewCofer
      @MatthewCofer Год назад

      100% agree. The things he’s said doesn’t make much sense. I say, keep the launch. Replace all the wood with steel track and then replace the wooden lift to make it steel, once again to keep it from swaying. Thus, fixing every problem but also keeping the launch.

    • @NickyD
      @NickyD Год назад

      the mjaor issue with LR is the launch system the launch system has always been this coaster biggiest issue

    • @NickyD
      @NickyD Год назад

      rumor is dollywood wants the liuanch gone @@MatthewCofer

    • @Brandon-qd2lb
      @Brandon-qd2lb Год назад

      There's just one pot hole after the first turn but it's not to bad. Just in the back cars.

  • @dubj3
    @dubj3 Год назад +1

    It needs a full i box retrack

  • @chaddles8329
    @chaddles8329 Год назад +1

    I don't think they will replace the launched lift with a chain. It was one of the focal points of the ride. Per the interview in "That's how we roll" documentary, they wanted to simulate the feeling of accelerating up a sand dune.

  • @devdevthrills
    @devdevthrills Год назад +9

    Yeah you gotta think they put in a standard lift sooner than later. I think the wooden parts of the track are a much smaller issue but could see them being replaced eventually. Stinks to lose the launch, but I think it’s necessary for this to be relevant again.
    That extended lift would be NUTS but I am here for it

    • @ThrillsofColdplay
      @ThrillsofColdplay Год назад +1

      That would suck if the launch goes away

    • @devdevthrills
      @devdevthrills Год назад

      @@ThrillsofColdplay Agree! But I'd rather ride the ride without a launch then never ride it again because it's down more than it's running with a launch. It's near impossible to get a ride on this thing now unless you're a local or spend multiple days at the park.

    • @Jadentheman
      @Jadentheman Год назад +1

      @@devdevthrills Except it would be an entirely different ride if they got rid of the launch. Plus what made the coaster unique would go away. Just wouldn't be Lightning Rod anymore.

    • @devdevthrills
      @devdevthrills Год назад

      @@Jadentheman yeah for sure, I’d argue it’s not Lightning Rod right now either though cuz it’s never open. I’d take a downgraded lightning Rod o can ride over one I’ll probably never get to ride again because it doesn’t open.

  • @TigerRogersOfficial
    @TigerRogersOfficial Год назад +3

    Maybe a cable lift instead of a chain lift? Those seem to run a bit faster than chain lifts, so it could theoretically crest the hill with a bit more speed than a chain lift would allow. But in any case, increasing the height would only increase the speed of the ride and thus the strain on the structure, which has been a big issue already

    • @nesmanmain0001
      @nesmanmain0001 Год назад +1

      This would be difficult, as if you examine intamin's cable lifts, the cable is fished down the drop support truss (on their steel coasters) and returns back to a pulley at the bottom of a lift (at least from what I've seen). Due to lightning rod being basically built on a mountain, you would not be able to fish the cable back in the same manner, and they may have trouble fitting a 1500 horsepower motor in. I do like the idea though and could see it working, but the reliability of a custom designed cable lift system is questionable.

  • @colestaal5686
    @colestaal5686 Год назад +3

    Dollywood went cheap with the LSMs so they should fork up the money for Indrivetec. That's my best solution without knowing what exactly the issues are.

  • @fredwardandthebear3192
    @fredwardandthebear3192 Год назад +1

    Replace the lift hill with one of their new steel trusses to prevent sway, replace the rest of the wood track with iBox, then set the launch back to (or close to) the way it used to run

  • @moorecoasters3293
    @moorecoasters3293 Год назад +2

    This wouldn't help reliability, but changing park policy to allow to one or two relaunch atempts after a rollback could at least help throughput slightly rather than having to take time to evac everyone and cycle it several times for a rollback.

  • @keithsutton8317
    @keithsutton8317 Год назад +1

    I was just at dollywood and lightening rod had 2 trains running

  • @nesmanmain0001
    @nesmanmain0001 Год назад +8

    I wonder how reliable a tire launch system would be? Something like Incredible Hulk. Any thoughts, Brandon?

    • @KeepRidinCoasters
      @KeepRidinCoasters  Год назад +3

      Great idea! Could work!

    • @ThrillsofColdplay
      @ThrillsofColdplay Год назад

      I haven’t ridden Lightning Rod yet but I have ridden Incredible Hulk so I think that would be cool

    • @BluesCoasters
      @BluesCoasters Год назад +1

      Problem with tire drive launches is that they can’t run in the rain

    • @nesmanmain0001
      @nesmanmain0001 Год назад +1

      @@BluesCoasters Does lightning rod typically run in the rain anyway? It could be a great enough increase in reliability to justify the upgrade. (And an enclosed launch isn't out of the picture)

    • @BluesCoasters
      @BluesCoasters Год назад +1

      @@nesmanmain0001 it does but on one train since the holding break before the station are just drive tires it can slip easily.

  • @askjeevescosby2928
    @askjeevescosby2928 Год назад +1

    Violent wood coasters with steel supports always end up rough. Having those big steel braces on the track makes it more ridged causing all the forces to be sent to the train and track. Usually the wood suppirts buckling would act like suspension on a car. But the steel stops the wood from bending causing more wear on the track it self. Look at the most intense wood coasters with steel supports. Nost of them have vecome horribley rough.

  • @ATLSloan
    @ATLSloan Год назад +3

    Lrod was easily already going over 80+ at the bottom of the ‘Dolly’ with the original launch speed. And yes, those two hills are nicknamed the ‘Dolly’

  • @dindog22
    @dindog22 Год назад +2

    so this is the second time they're going to RMC this RMC? how many times can one RMC an RMC? can't they do a cable lift like on Millennium Force? I think the 200 foot lift hill looks terrifying

  • @dwilhelm_21
    @dwilhelm_21 Год назад +1

    I feel like its slightly possible to replace the structure under the launch with a steel truss to make it more rigid and thus reliable

  • @DJWezzyK
    @DJWezzyK Год назад +2

    RMC works in Europe close with Vekoma, why not replace the LSM's with those from Vekoma?

    • @adrenalinecoastersoutdoors
      @adrenalinecoastersoutdoors Год назад +1

      I dont think it's so much the lsm's it's more the forces from the launch are way more than expected and make the structure sway and move alot which causes mistakes alignment faults on the lsm stators

  • @brianborstein8456
    @brianborstein8456 Год назад

    Lightning Rod was great, but my favorite is Big Bear Mountain. When we arrived, we did go for LR 1st. I told my son we needed to get in line quick before it goes down. Sure enough, within the 1st 2 hours, it went down for pretty much the rest of the day. We did get to fit in one more lap when it opened later in the evening. The line was very slow moving.

  • @justacat472
    @justacat472 Год назад +3

    rmc really needs to get a record of keeping a ride running without people getting injured accidents or general Maintenace, RMC is like a new car company trying to make a ford pinto a 500k car but it's still a old barely running ford pinto. No wonder why cedar point tossed them out unsafe and unreliable.

    • @TrueLies23
      @TrueLies23 Год назад

      I've long said everyone loves a Schilke design-- until they have to pay for it.

    • @oblivieon1567
      @oblivieon1567 Год назад +3

      What's odd about it is Six Flags built a ton of them and we never really heard anything negative, outside of the Texas Giant incident.

    • @ThrillsofColdplay
      @ThrillsofColdplay Год назад

      @@oblivieon1567 same

    • @gregg5958
      @gregg5958 Год назад

      Twisted Colossus runs just fine. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @micoasters
    @micoasters Год назад +1

    My question is, if the flexing of the wooden structure under the launch is causing problems. Why didn’t they build it out of steel or replace it with steel?
    Also if zamperla were to refurb it they better add a spinning cheese car

  • @rlcoasters
    @rlcoasters Год назад +1

    Im going to Dollywood in early October… do you think it will still be open then?

  • @Patexer
    @Patexer Год назад +1

    7:17 exactly what I was thinking

  • @1grandpa654
    @1grandpa654 Год назад +2

    RMC Lightning Rod confirmed

  • @realthrills5448
    @realthrills5448 Год назад +1

    After top thrill 2, I’m over getting my hopes up

  • @zacg_
    @zacg_ Год назад +1

    So they put TTD's hydraulic launch on Lightning Rod and confuse the entire world.
    In all seriousness, I'd say the most reasonable and reliable way to save Lightning Rod would be add a chain lift but increase the height of the first hump such that you hit the second one with the same speed as when the orginal launch would and then it completes its layout with that original speed.

  • @scotthughes3721
    @scotthughes3721 Год назад +1

    Dollywood just announced that Lightning Rod will be changing to a high speed chain system. Ride is shutting down October 30th and won't reopen until spring (2024).

  • @ssqz
    @ssqz Год назад +1

    I hope i can get back to Dollywood before it closes. Every ride counts

  • @Sauci55on
    @Sauci55on Год назад +1

    I really wanna know how they make that cinnamon bread, it looks sooooo good 😭

  • @nunyabeeoch
    @nunyabeeoch Год назад +1

    I got so distracted thinking about that cinnamon bread recipe. 😉🤔

  • @tootall1681
    @tootall1681 Год назад +1

    What about the idea of a cable lift system or a lift system like i305? Those are pretty quick.

  • @RealWildWalter
    @RealWildWalter Год назад +1

    Why’d you reupload the first Dollywood ranking video?

  • @evanscussel7955
    @evanscussel7955 Год назад

    I was at the park last week. Rode Lightning Rod 14x. During one of its downtime moments I struck up a conversation with a ride operator who told me a chain lift was going to replace the launch after this season. Take that with a grain of salt, but I’m glad to have ridden it with a launch before the lift was reconfigured even if the launch is a bit neutered compared to when it first opened.

  • @Jake-um5fx
    @Jake-um5fx Год назад

    I just rode Lightning Rod, I was down a couple times but I'm not clear on the issue. Sure they could replace it all with iBox but what does that solve? it sounds like the issue is with the launch system.

  • @RealWildWalter
    @RealWildWalter Год назад +2

    What if Ty hey added a pre-drop. I’m just saying that could have some crazy airtime.

  • @QueefusSquintillionPringletons
    @QueefusSquintillionPringletons Год назад +1

    To be honest lighting rod having having a launch hill is what makes lighting rod lighting rod but my idea was retracking it all with stealtop and make it a giga hybrid and speed up the launch to perhaps be the fastest hybrid and tallest coastsr

  • @CoasterCheetah
    @CoasterCheetah Год назад +2

    Lightning Rod is the biggest mess of a coaster in the entire world in my opinion. From the beginning, it suffered extreme downtime, and literally tore itself apart over time. In my most recent visit to Dollywood about 2 months ago, it was running one train that was missing the front of the zero car. I really wish they could do something to fix it, but also keep it as an incredible coaster.

  • @porcelainthunder2213
    @porcelainthunder2213 Год назад

    1. Expand the station to add an offload platform to be able to run two trains effectively. 2. Replace the magnetic launch fins with liquid cooled versions.

  • @Patexer
    @Patexer Год назад +1

    Add a chain lift and make the lift hill taller…

  • @stephaniesuthers5635
    @stephaniesuthers5635 Год назад

    I don’t feel that converting the remaining topper track to I-box would significantly help with downtime. Dollywood is my home park and during a Q&A about Lightning Rod with management they said the biggest cause of downtime is due to the fact that the launch can only move 1/16 of an inch before it causes a fault to be detected and the ride to go down. Since the coaster has a wooden structure, and wood is constantly expanding and contracting, it doesn’t take much of a temperature change to cause the launch to shift 1/16 of an inch. This makes sense because when I’m at the park it often goes down for a bit around lunch time, when temperatures start to rise.

  • @TwoOldsTogether-bn5kv
    @TwoOldsTogether-bn5kv Год назад

    They have to do something. A few weeks ago when we visited it went down 3 times in a day, including rolling back as I was walking to it in the evening. I never got to ride it. Thunderhead and Big Bear were awesome though.

  • @joshfreund6008
    @joshfreund6008 Год назад +1

    Really wondering how these RMC's will stand the test of time

  • @godwolley1883
    @godwolley1883 Год назад +1

    Or maybe they could use a more stable steel structure like Zadra and change the launch system?

  • @dan66697
    @dan66697 Год назад

    In June of this year I attended coaster con through American coaster enthusiasts on Tuesday of the coaster con 45 I was on lightning rod at 10am about half way up the launch hill the train stopped then roll back down then we got evacuate off which was a fun experience getting a roll back and get evacuated off

  • @drewcorry5056
    @drewcorry5056 Год назад

    Absolutely love your last option. You should get on the phone with Dollywood right now. 2 Words Absolutely Outstanding

  • @learei4642
    @learei4642 Год назад

    went on opening weekend this year and it was running 2 trains

  • @danporter2345
    @danporter2345 Год назад

    250-ft, 80-mph Lightning Rod? Yes, please! 🙏 🤞 👍

  • @robertstephens5185
    @robertstephens5185 Год назад +1

    Option 4... install a truss lift hill and rework the launch. The problem is the wooden lift hill. Too much flex and misalignment. Install a truss and I box the rest of it.

  • @averyjohnson8508
    @averyjohnson8508 Год назад

    Idk, but I just went today and it was down a lot. It was down 3 times the first 3 or 4 hours it was open and then went down again around 3 and was closed until 6:35 the park closed at 7. And the wait was 60-70+ minutes when it was open. I wasn’t able to get back on it this year. Me saying all this I wish they would fix this launch system, and quit letting it be “okay” to run half like it’s supposed to, be unreliable, and only running one train!

  • @Outpost5Explorations
    @Outpost5Explorations Год назад +1

    Let's hope because it was down for days when I was there

  • @PhoenixTTD
    @PhoenixTTD Год назад

    They should replace the launch with all steel to prevent the lsm's from flexing out of position with temperature changes.

  • @foog86
    @foog86 Год назад

    The problem with the ride isn't the wood track, or the roughness, of any of that. It's the fact that the launch is on a wooden structure. Wood sways much easier than metal which is why lrod commonly fails to engage with the launch and has a rollback. If I were Dollywood, I'd tear down the launch and make it all steel, then paint it brown.

  • @establishingthrills
    @establishingthrills Год назад

    Id assume a similar lift structure to newer rmcs, like Wildcat, the launch would be significantly more reliable, the launch is what makes the ride so unique, I dont see them removing it unless absolutely necessary

  • @bodiejones4844
    @bodiejones4844 Год назад

    Use the same chain that is used on Tornado at Bakken. A super large version of that would solve all their problems! Simple and genius!

  • @hbomblambo8005
    @hbomblambo8005 Год назад +2

    I loved the last prediction and honestly i hope for it to happen but who knows if the og layout will change? Taller elements? Inversions? idk but i loved the last prediction! Keep on the good content

  • @NaztyNate
    @NaztyNate Год назад

    So if zamperla adds a reverse spike to it...would it be a real lightning rod???

  • @Sokobansolver
    @Sokobansolver Год назад

    If they made the rest of the layout I-box then it would be tied with Thunderhead as being my favorite ride at the park rather than simply being slightly lower than Thunderhead.

  • @AmaranTheTauren
    @AmaranTheTauren Год назад

    Feel like it makes more sense to leave the lift hill the same-ish and remove the hump and extend the drop off the lift into a trench/tunnel to meet back up to the current pull out of the 1st real drop.

  • @gregg5958
    @gregg5958 Год назад

    Specifically, WHY is the coaster running only 1 train so often? You didn’t explain the exact cause of that or what would be the solution for that.

  • @chrisvanderloop
    @chrisvanderloop Год назад

    So I was having a conversation about this on a another group, the lightning rod launch is about 45 mph from the base of the life hill, have considered the possibility of a tire drive launch part way up the life hill like Hulk at IOA which lunches at 40 mph?

  • @oblivieon1567
    @oblivieon1567 Год назад +2

    I really lucked out, I've only been to Dollywood once shortly after Lightning Rod opened and rode it twice. TBH I wasn't all that impressed. It's a good ride but I actually prefer Outlaw Run. It is odd they've had this much trouble with it. If it were up to me I'd call Premier to figure it out. If anyone knows launches it would be them.

  • @potatoesandicarrots
    @potatoesandicarrots Год назад

    I hate the chain lift idea for many reasons. I think they should give up the hybrid concept and completely make it fully steel. Steel supports with even more trusses on the lift to reduce the sway. Amp the launch back up with the improved structure and its a win win!

  • @Sonderax
    @Sonderax Год назад

    Could they add a chain and lower the 2nd hump into a stall drop?

  • @yaboynye
    @yaboynye Год назад

    couldnt they just ibox the launch to stop the warping of the wood so the magnets on the launch can be more accurate and do that truss thing theyve done on iron gwazi for the sway???

  • @CoasterObsessed
    @CoasterObsessed Год назад +1

    Time to replace the launch with a lift hill

  • @Thecoastercunstruster
    @Thecoastercunstruster Год назад

    I think Dollywood put a cable Lift instead of a chain they also put inversions in it

  • @davefroman4700
    @davefroman4700 Год назад

    I can see them going to a chain lift and just re-profiling the first hill to be a lil taller. That way they could give it the added shove it needs to get over the second hump, while keeping the first intended speeds of the original. It would be a double down more or less.

  • @lastone032085
    @lastone032085 Год назад

    A, install a steel truss lift
    B, continue iboxing the rest of the layout.
    C, consider steel support beams in high stress areas ala Gwazi.
    Done.

  • @jacobgregory7440
    @jacobgregory7440 Год назад +1

    Also, I have been to Dollywood 5 times this year and every time its been open all day with minimal closures if at all. So I’m also not completely sure where the unreliable comments are coming from. It’s as reliable as any other coaster using LSM launches. It’s down as much as something like maverick is. It’s just gotten a bad wrap after it’s first few years

  • @christianraimondo3722
    @christianraimondo3722 Год назад

    I think they are going to replace the launch system and then replace all the wood track to make it a complete hybrid!

  • @wutmagna7222
    @wutmagna7222 Год назад +2

    Converting Lightning Rod to a hyper hybrid seems completely unfeasible. Doing so would dramatically increase the speed of the ride, probably well beyond that most of the ride's elements are designed around. The only way that kind of modification would work would be if they also substantially modified and probably also extended the layout, on top of reinforcing much of the existing support structure. While such an overhaul would be completely bonkers insane, it would basically be RMC'ing an RMC. It would turn a fantastic ride into an absolute elite one, but the cost and effort required just don't seem worth it. At that rate theyd be better off investing in a new ride altogether. Just let Intamin play around in the mountains a bit.

  • @senorbubo
    @senorbubo Год назад

    RMC the RMC! Love your idea, Brandon. I vote Option 3 and making it a larger first drop.

  • @planetcoasterboycj7274
    @planetcoasterboycj7274 Год назад

    What about converting Lightning Rod into the first ever RMC Giga?? I know that skipping Hyper and going straight to Giga would be a huge jump but I could honestly see it happening here.

  • @coffeetable240
    @coffeetable240 Год назад

    could it be possible to simply replace the current lsm system with a newer, more reliable system? i don't think newer lsm coasters tend to be as unreliable as lightning rod, so perhaps that would be the simplest solution

  • @scottnelson9
    @scottnelson9 Год назад

    I know other manufacturers haven’t worked with cable lifts other than Intamin, but that could atleast get the train up the hill much faster than a chain lift. Alternatively, the lift hill could be increased a bit higher than the second hump and it would run just fine.

  • @Mforcebob
    @Mforcebob Год назад

    My predictions:
    1. Remove the launch & re-profile any needed sections. I agree that if they go this route, they will need to re-work the dip section in some way.
    2. replace all needed track with I-Box track and re-enforce any needed sections.
    This should correct the ride.

  • @76ccphil
    @76ccphil Год назад

    I would replace the launch with a cable lift system. That way you can almost match the speed of the launch. I do love your hyper idea.

  • @bigthrillsmike3950
    @bigthrillsmike3950 Год назад

    I must’ve went on a lucky day, it had 3 hours worth of downtime but had 2 trains all day. I got a total of 4 rides that day

  • @tractorgt
    @tractorgt Год назад

    I could see them going with options 2 and 3. It'll be nostalgic to talk about how it used to be like TTD, but it'll give the coaster a life and I'm sure it will still rock.

  • @jacobvankempen9405
    @jacobvankempen9405 Год назад

    If that thing had a 250' drop the quad would rip people in half at the torso. Even now that thing still packs a major punch.

  • @ArkturGaming
    @ArkturGaming Год назад

    Here is my take. I believe converting the ride into a hybrid coaster by replacing the old track with an iBox Track and reinforcing areas with steel supports in locations where riders experience high positive and high negative g-forces would result in making the ride more reliable.
    However, even though these modifications could contribute to Lightning Rod operating again at the intended design speed, I do not feel like these modifications are enough to make the ride more reliable, as the main issue seems to be the Launch System, which holds both uniqueness and iconic value due to its uphill launch that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
    Addressing the launch issue, I currently envision two potential options, both of which would only work if RMC would be willing to collaborate with another company.
    As Alan Schilike not only designs roller coasters for RMC but also for S&S, he could serve as a bridge for RMC to collaborate with S&S. This way, RMC could rework and redesign the ride while S&S could bring in their expertise to fix the launch by either replacing the launch with an LSM Launch or an intense Air-Launch that adds further excitement to the already insane ride experience of Lightning Rod.
    Alternatively, I could also see RMC working together with Vekoma on Lightning Rod, as RMC has already worked with Vekoma in the past on several projects in Europe. This way, RMC could rework and redesign the ride, while Vekoma could come in with their expertise by upgrading the Launch System to a modern LSM Launch or LAM Launch to make the ride more reliable.

  • @Dav1d_Fi5h
    @Dav1d_Fi5h Год назад

    I think they will try everything they are able to make lightning rod work without making drastic changes like taking out the launched hill. That's one of of not THE signature of the ride, and there's nothing else like it on the planet. However, knowing what I've learned recently about how LIMs and LSMs work and what they need to work well, seems to show the oversight that RMC had with this ambitious idea.
    If they do make drastic changes I definitely think it's going to be a chain lift hill with more height, although I don't think it's going to be that much higher because it's going to be way too expensive to modify the rest of the ride just to make a taller height lift hill. I think what they would do with the chain lift idea is bring it high enough to match the original ferocity that followed, and then reprofile the first drop to keep it exciting and still safe.

  • @jarrodholbrook6176
    @jarrodholbrook6176 Год назад

    Seeing as RMC used a company to build the launch that never had before this ride that’s the issue. How about contact the company that does the lsm launches for Intamin, Gerstlauer or Vekoma and just swap that out; since those launch systems never seem to have the issues this one does.

  • @lwkjr
    @lwkjr Год назад

    A) Swap the chain lift for a Cable lift aka Intamin. B) Increase the lift height minimum needed to clear next hill. C) Then install brakes for poor choice in B.

  • @kokobeatz7222
    @kokobeatz7222 Год назад

    Why instead of retracking over half the track would you not just make the launch the steel track which would get rid of their launch issue. Because isn’t the issue have to do with the flex in the wood. Nothing makes sense anymore.

  • @aaronspringborn34
    @aaronspringborn34 Год назад

    That’s easy. Keep the launch replace the rest of the wood track with the eye box track, and then we’re set

  • @pauls.5815
    @pauls.5815 Год назад

    Removing the launched lift hill would make it like the 3rd best coaster in the park. The whole point of the ride is the launch uphill. I rather them just remove the ride vs a chain lift hill. Bigger drop might negate the removal of the launch but the stress of the increased speed might be an issue as well. Just a big mess.

  • @aidan1625
    @aidan1625 Год назад

    Personally, I think they should remove the wood supports on the launch and replace it with steel and replace all the topper track with ibox.

  • @Sherlocklord
    @Sherlocklord Год назад

    I rode it for the first time this year and replaced it with a chain lift would make sense, honestly the launch felt really pointless. I don't know if lighting rod is just significant tamer now then it used to be but honestly I was really disappointed in it, it's probably the lowest ranked rmc I've been on. I think they could have some trouble selling removing the lanch as a positive since the launch is advertised in all the marketing and merch for it, but if they make it taller that would probably help them sell it as a positive

  • @JMaster9877
    @JMaster9877 Год назад

    Rode this for the 1st time this year and wow this thing is amazing.

  • @velociwyatt9080
    @velociwyatt9080 Год назад

    I heard there were some rumors that of it changing the launch to a lift hill.

  • @Thefury325
    @Thefury325 Год назад

    I was at great adventure today (sfga) and ka broke down not once not twice but 3 times during the day and el toro got stuck on its lift 💀