Ride Statistics

Ride Type:	Steel mine train coaster
Height:	35 ft
Top Speed:	26 mph
Length:	2484 ft
Year Introduced:	1966
Inversions:	0
Manufacturer:	Arrow Development
Duration:	3 min
Height Requirement:	42"
Status:	Operating
Flash Pass Enabled:	No

Mine Train

Six Flags over Texas introduced the Mine Train in 1966 to the Boomtown section and the ride remains the park's oldest operating roller coaster (technically another ride was SFoT's first coaster). The first mine train roller coaster in the world, the ride cost an estimated $1 million to create and features theming throughout to make the ride resemble a real mine train. Although the ride was originally named the "Runaway Mine Train," the park began to refer to the ride simply as the "Mine Train" in 1996 when Runaway Mountain was introduced to avoid confusion.

The Mine Train's three separate lift hills propel trains as they traverse through tunnels and over Johnson Creek. The third lift hill takes riders into the "Ace Hotel and Saloon" before it dives below the Caddo lake and back into the station. The ride's long track and three lift hills enable up to four trains to be operated simultaneously, although this is rarely done.

For the ride's 40th anniversary season in 2006, the American Coaster Enthusiasts named the Runaway Mine Train a roller coaster landmark for its historical significance.

Trivia

The park originally planned for the Mine Train to have more theming including sending the train across a burning bridge (kept aflame by butane).
The section after the second lift hill had to be re-profiled after the ride opened and was deemed too violent. Originally there were more turns and a section of speed bumps that caused many riders to lose their belongings.
Six Flags added a tunnel with waterfalls that trains passed through when the track between the second and third lift hills was renovated.
The Mine Train has long been billed by Six Flags as the world's first tubular steel roller coaster. However, that honor actually belongs to Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds which opened in 1959. The Mine Train is however the first tubular steel coaster with traditional coaster trains (versus the toboggans that Matterhorn uses).

Photos

Historical Photos

These early photos of the Mine Train were taken during its construction and early years of operation. Images are copyright their respective, original owner and GuideToSFoT makes no claims to their ownership.

Mine Train Comments

Comments from Forum Users

Attraction comments/reviews are the opinion of the poster and do not necessarily represent the views of GuideToSFoT.com.

The photo of the waterfall says it was removed for unknown reasons. I can give you the reason. It partially collapsed one night after heavy rains during the '88 season. I was foreman of the ride at the time and thankfully, the collapse happened overnight while the park was closed. I discovered the collapse during my morning check ride and had to duck down in the car to avoid hanging debris. We kept the ride closed that day, and the waterfall was torn down later during the week while the park was closed.

Comment Posted: July 22, 2012

Chris1985

UGH! the back! Best ride, but the front is slow and dull. But still a true CLASSIC!

Comment Posted: March 18, 2011

Coaster4894

When I was a little kid, The Mine Train was the ride I anticipated every time I went to the park! I'd always say how I was going to ride it, but when I got there I usually wouldn't, as the final drop still gets me to this day! The Mine Train is an extremely well-themed and has a few enclosed sections. Also, the operations are always very good on this coaster, and the line always moves fast! The Mine Train is still smooth and a great family coaster!

MY RATING: 5 stars

Comment Posted: November 25, 2010

samisthabomb

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