[tarheel1231]

Why was Thunder Road stripped of its colors anyway?

[PatrickMcPherson]

I'm curious...I was just on Rebel Yell this week and it looks like it hasn't been touched for forty years. Rode okay, but I wonder why TR has needed so much attention (previous rebuilding, the lift hill issue, etc) when RY just keeps on going.

Keep in mind Rebel Yell and Racer are both "little sisters" of Thunder Road. And as we all know the larger a wooden coaster gets, the harder it becomes to maintain (obviously there are countless other variables- climate, et cetera) Maybe the larger size of Thunder Road led to its earlier demise. Also, if it was the lift hill that did it in, do any of you remember how some trains used to get stuck momentarily at the very top of the lift lill(s), especially during the early 2000's. I remember distinctly the trains stalling as if they were struggling to get over the hill. Maybe that could have been associated with these lift hill problems?

[LocalYokel]

I am surprised at how fast the demo crew works. The turnarounds will probably be gone today.

[RiDeWaRrIoR]

Crazy to think just a few years ago the turnaround was gone, but we all new it would come back all shiny and new... Now it wont be comin back.... Will miss this old ride but I am still glad we are getting a waterpark makeover/addition. Cant wait to see the actual renderings and what we will be getting,

[arby]

I stopped by today to get some pictures.




They say the first drop is a killer



They are salvaging metal



I'll take that piece right there.

Tight squeeze

Demolition on the last turnaround is well under way



I saw them tear down the last piece of the first turnaround but didn't have my camera ready in time. By the time I got out of the park to the campground entrance they were already well on their way with the final turnaround. It's probably down by now since I took these about 2 hours ago.

Here's a short video clip I recorded on my phone while sitting at the stoplight. You can hear the wood [s]crying out[/s] splintering.
https://youtu.be/2GHhEDKqh-k

[LocalYokel]

^ Thanks for taking pics with a decent camera. The sound of the wood cracking was the most disturbing part of my visit earlier today.

[Wormy]

No, the sound isn't easy on the ears.

https://youtu.be/nudy1NJga8Y

[CodyH3333]

Im soo glad they are destroying it instead of taking it off piece by piece!!! BRING IN THE WRECKING BALL FOR THE LIFT AND DROP!!!

[tarheel1231]

Forget not being easy on the ears.... it's just painful to look at. But it's like a bad car accident, so you can't help but look.

[Jhay3513]

Watched them erase a piece of my childhood today. This is all that was left when I left today

[psychoticbiotic]

Watched them erase a piece of my childhood today.

I feel your pain. It's a sad day, indeed.

[tarheel1231]

Thunder Road is completely gone. Now it has truly become one of the Carowinds legends.

[Hiveminded]

Anyone want to get some skytower shots?

[CodyH3333]

Rip Thunder road..... 3/?/76 - 8/14/15

[CodyH3333]

Sorry about the double post but look..all gone> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75B_s0xD4CQ