The mine train is out of control, hurtling down the track without a driver and you're onboard - Choo Choo!
The mine train is out of control, hurtling down the track without a driver and you're onboard - Choo Choo!
| Theme Park | Alton Towers |
|---|---|
| Park Area | Katanga Canyon |
| Type | Powered Rollercoaster |
| Audience | Families |
| Opened | March 1992 |
| Manufacturer | Mack Rides |
| Model | Powered Coaster |
| Height | 36 ft |
| Length | 1000 ft |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Max Speed | 23 mph |
| Designer | John Wardley |
| Duration | 2 minutes |
| Extras | Fastrack On-Ride Photos |
Runaway Mine Train
Runaway Mine Train is a powered rollercoaster from Mack Rides, which as the name suggests is themed around an out of control mine train which races around Alton Towers' Katanga Canyon mine themed area.
The ride was one of the first major investments that Tussauds made in the park, and it opened along with the Haunted House (now known as Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back) for the 1992 season. Rather than opting for an off-the-shelf model, ride designer John Wardley went for a custom layout which allows the track to dive into a tunnel and follow the course of Congo River Rapids for part of the journey.
Runaway Mine Train's custom layout really helps elevate it above the standard powered mine train coaster found in parks across the world. It can pick up quite a speed at points, and the interaction with the Congo River Rapids boats adds to the excitement.
A few years ago, an enthusiastic ride operator who became known within the Alton Towers fan community as "Choo Choo Lady", started dispatching trains as she uttered the now immortal phrase "Choo Choo, Oh Yeah" in a slightly happy, slightly ironic tone. The catchphrase became so popular that it was adopted as part of the standard ride announcements, and there were even official tshirts available from the Katanga Cargo Company shop for a while!
The rollercoaster can attract long queues, especially on Fireworks nights and although its thrill level is eclipsed by many of the park's other rides, it still remains a favourite of many visitors.
Runaway Mine Train entrance
Mine train
Crossing the trestle bridge
The mine train passes beside Congo River Rapids
Front of the train
Runaway Mine Train flying through the station to take a second lap
Runaway Mine Train in the station
Ride control box
Who needs apostrophes?
The mine train is running away
Trestle bridge
The final turn into the station
Helix
Runaway Mine Train at Fireworks
Runaway Mine Train at night
