FireChaser Express facts for kids
Quick facts for kids FireChaser Express |
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| Dollywood | |
| Location | Dollywood |
| Park section | Wilderness Pass |
| Coordinates | 35°47′41″N 83°31′48″W / 35.7947°N 83.5301°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | March 22, 2014 |
| Cost | $15,000,000 |
| Replaced | Adventure Mountain |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Family – Launched |
| Manufacturer | Gerstlauer |
| Model | Custom |
| Lift/launch system | Tire propelled launch, Chain lift hill |
| Height | 78 ft (24 m) |
| Length | 2,427 ft (740 m) |
| Speed | 34.5 mph (55.5 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 2:19 |
| Capacity | 750 riders per hour |
| Acceleration | 0 to 16 mph (26 km/h) in 1.1 secs 0 to 20 mph (32 km/h) in 2 secs |
| Height restriction | 39 in (99 cm) |
| Trains | Several Gerstlauer trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 14 riders per train. |
| FireChaser Express at RCDB | |
FireChaser Express is an exciting steel family launched roller coaster at the Dollywood theme park. It is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This fun ride uses a special push to get started, not a big hill. Dollywood announced the ride on August 21, 2013. The roller coaster officially opened on March 22, 2014.
History of FireChaser Express
Dollywood first announced the FireChaser Express on August 21, 2013. Before that, they filed a trademark for the name "FireChaser Express". Construction for the new ride started in the summer of 2013. Signs were put up near the site. They hinted at a new adventure coming in 2014. The signs said, "It'll be a blast!" The ride officially opened to everyone on March 22, 2014.
The Story Behind the Ride
The FireChaser Express has a cool story. It's about a volunteer fire station in the 1940s. This station is in the Great Smoky Mountains. The main character is Fire Chief Pete Embers. He is very patient. But he gets worried when the forests are in danger.
Chief Embers has a problem with "Crazy" Charlie Cherribaum. Charlie owns a gas station and fireworks shop. Because of dry weather, Charlie calls the fire station every day. He thinks he sees smoke everywhere.
To handle Charlie, Chief Embers asks everyone in town to help. They need to keep an eye on Charlie. Charlie has a new, huge firecracker called "Big Bertha." Chief Embers wants to stop Charlie and his business.
Riding the FireChaser Express
The ride starts at Volunteer Fire Station 7. You are a new volunteer firefighter. First, Fire Chief Embers gives you a quick message. Then, the station's siren goes off!
Your "fire truck" launches out of the station. It goes around some curves. Then, a chain lift pulls you up a hill. After a small drop, you go through more curves. You also go over several camelbacks, which are small hills.
Next, the train goes through a tower. You then travel through Crazy Charlie's fireworks testing area. After an S-bend, you enter Charlie Cherribaum's Gasoline and Fireworks Emporium. You go into his storage warehouse.
Charlie starts to panic, saying he sees smoke. But then he thinks it's just his imagination. Suddenly, a spark ignites a box of firecrackers! Gas tanks also catch fire. Charlie is surprised by the fire. He tells you to watch out for Big Bertha. He also tells you to leave the building.
A giant firecracker, "Big Bertha," falls into place. It points right at your train. The fire lights its fuse, and sparks fly! The room fills with smoke. You hear loud bangs as fireworks go off.
The train then speeds backwards onto a different track! You go through more turns. You pass under another fire tower. Finally, you reach the brake run. Fire Chief Embers praises your work as a volunteer. The track switches, and your train backs into the station. You can then get off the ride. The entire track is 2,427 feet long.
