The Tennessee Tornado is a roller coaster located at Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It opened on April 17, 1999, making it Dollywood's first major coaster expansion. The ride was manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, and is considered one of the company's last major projects. The Tennessee Tornado replaced Thunder Express, an Arrow Dynamics Mine Train roller coaster that relocated to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls in 2002.
1992: Drachen Fire Opens with Tubular Steel Beam Support Structure
Drachen Fire, a roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, opens featuring a tubular steel beam support structure, similar to the one that will be used for Tennessee Tornado. This is a departure from Arrow Dynamics' typical scaffolding-style supports.
1998: Drachen Fire Closes
Drachen Fire roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg closes.
2002: Thunder Express Moves to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls
The Thunder Express roller coaster is relocated from Dollywood to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls.