Dollywood | Big Bear Mountain | Vekoma Family Launched Coaster | 2023

[cocoa]

any clue what the reason for the shaping is? is it easier to install mechanical things down the middle this way or something?

 

[Changa]

any clue what the reason for the shaping is? is it easier to install mechanical things down the middle this way or something?

My guess is that it meant they didn't have to redesign the trains completely to allow for launches. This trough means that they can effectively bolt magnetic fins onto the bottom of the existing design without it clashing with anything else.

 

[Leon_K]

If you take a close look to the track, it actually looks inspired by their old trackstyle. But with the rail being attached to the track spine from the inside instead of the outside.

 

[Forze]

If you take a close look to the track, it actually looks inspired by their old trackstyle. But with the rail being attached to the track spine from the inside instead of the outside.

Basically Togo Track

 

[Niles]

More and more track is on site as well as supports.




Work on footers and foundations are going in all over.


Source

 

[Christian]

Basically Togo Track

That's what I was thinking, Mini Togo Track

 

[TPoseOnTantrum]

Big Bear Hillside has gone vertical very quickly and quietly this past week;




Source & Source

 

[jay37415]

saw this yesterday as well. This thing is gonna be massive for a family coaster.

 

[Joelpagett]

I think the track color combination looks really garish in comparison to its surroundings. I'm really surprised they went with it.

 

[Ries]

The track and the colour are arguably the most hideous Vekoma I've ever seen.
Do like what they are building here. But hideous.

 

[redheadedRobin]

I hope they're going to do some landscaping/theming around this. Otherwise the color is gonna look hideous...

 

[oriolat2]

Seeing how Dollywood has basically cut down all trees around terrain rides, I wonder what's the point of having this coaster going around the gentle slopes of the area without any trees that give a sense of speed and adventure into the forest. It is going to look bare...

As for the colour scheme, I have seen more offensive examples (looking at you I305). Some parks seem to be keen on exploring new colours schemes that oddly work (Alpengeist or Shambhala come to mind), but this one is just fine without being overly inventive/striking.

 

[cocoa]

IDK, that bright green invert in the background may be even more hideous

 

[davidm]

Train!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1592546608448954369

EDIT: Also POV!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1592551750812041216

 

[ScottLann]

Honestly, that looks like it's going to be one seriously fun family coaster!

Seems like there could be some good moments of airtime too

 

[Peet]

Looks okay, good length, but it's going to need a lot more scenery than the few bits that are modelled in the video.

 

[Niles]

The highest part of the coaster has gone in with supports starting to pop up for the third launch leading into it.




More pictures of the track.


I really like how the track pops against the supports and how low the track is in sections to the ground, once vegetation starts to be put in and grow it will look great.

Video tour of the site

 

[Lofty]

I just can't get excited for this.

It just feels like another park is opening a family coaster. I'd get as excited for this as if a park announced they're building a family boomerang. I'm sure it'll be fun, but the marketing just feels a little odd to me? It seems to be a little more 'thrill' marketing?

 

[Pokemaniac]

I love it. It's as if someone said "Just because it's a family coaster, why should it have to be short and crappy and over in a flash? Let's make one with some duration to it!"

 

[TPoseOnTantrum]

Current progress, back half is looking pretty good, still pushing dirt for the front part;





Source & Source