Runaway Mine Train (Alton Towers)

Powered coaster in the United Kingdom
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Runaway Mine Train
Alton Towers
Location Alton, Staffordshire, England, UK
Coordinates 52°59′23″N 1°53′09″W / 52.989775°N 1.885854°W / 52.989775; -1.885854
Park section Katanga Canyon
Status Operating since 1992
Cost £2,000,000
Rider height
  • Minimum: 90 cm
  • Min. unaccompanied: 110 cm
Statistics
Manufacturer Mack Rides
Product Powered Coaster (custom)
Designer / calculations John Wardley
Type Steel - Family - Terrain
Hourly capacity 1100
Propulsion Powered Coaster
Top speed 36 km/h
Length 304.8 metres
Inversions 0
Duration 1:50
G-Force 2.4
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Runaway Mine Train is a steel powered coaster manufactured by Mack Rides. Opened in 1992, is the oldest roller coaster operating at Alton Towers. Usually the ride completes two circuits of the track[1] but on quiet days, it completes three or more.

Design

Elements

The track has a twisting layout which also passes past the River Rapids. It is powered by a hot rail and has a capacity of 1,100 riders per hour.

Colour scheme

Brown track and supports.

Trains

Single train with 12 cars. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows, for a total of 48 riders per train.

Accidents

On 20 July 2006, the failure of a coupling on the train separated it into two sections, which then collided in the tunnel. 20 people were injured, 6 of whom were taken to hospital; 4 of the 6 were sent home, and 2 were kept in overnight.[2] On 6 April 2007, Runaway Mine Train reopened after being closed for over 8 months.[3] However, the train was not returned to its full length until the end of June 2007, as some of the carriages were still undergoing refurbishment at Mack Rides.

Images

References

  1. http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/kc/rmt.htm
  2. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/5198728.stm
  3. "Mine Train Reopens – TowersTimes".

External links


Articles on Alton Towers