River King Mine Train facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River King Mine Train |
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Entrance
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| Six Flags St. Louis | |
| Location | Six Flags St. Louis |
| Park section | Gateway to the West |
| Coordinates | 38°30′56″N 90°40′26″W / 38.515499°N 90.673765°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | June 5, 1971 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Mine Train |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Model | Mine Train |
| Height | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Drop | 41 ft (12 m) |
| Length | 2,500 ft (760 m) |
| Speed | 37 mph (60 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 3:00 |
| Capacity | 1800 riders per hour |
| Height restriction | 42 in (107 cm) |
| Trains | 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 30 riders per train. |
 Flash Pass Available |
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| River King Mine Train at RCDB | |
The River King Mine Train is a cool steel mine train roller coaster located at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri. It was the very first roller coaster at the park, opening on June 5, 1971, the same day the park opened. This ride is one of two tracks that were originally built. The other track was later sold to another park. Today, the River King Mine Train still uses its original name. It has also received modern updates, like a new control panel. It's a popular ride for families and new roller coaster riders because it's the smallest one in the park. This "Mine Train," as it's often called, is special because its lap bars are locked and unlocked by employees, not automatically. Each train has 5 cars, and riders sit 2 across in 3 rows. The coaster has 3 trains in total, which can carry up to 90 riders (30 on each train).
Contents
History of the Mine Train
In 1971, Six Flags St. Louis worked with Arrow Dynamics to build the park's first roller coaster. Just one year later, in 1972, its name was changed to the River King Run-Away Mine Train.
Changes and Name Reversions
During the 1984 season, some big changes were made to the ride. These included adding stand-up cars, new paint, and changes to the track. The roller coaster was also renamed the Rail Blazer. However, due to an accident that same year, these changes were undone. The ride then went back to its first name, the River King Mine Train. Later, a modern control panel was installed to help run the ride. The trains also got a divider between the seats for added safety.
How the Ride Got Its Name
The River King Mine Train was named after the River King Coal Mine. This mine was located in Freeburg, Illinois, which is southeast of St. Louis. The mine was operated by Peabody Coal (now Peabody Energy) from 1957 to 1989.
The Second Track
When the River King Mine Train was first built, it actually had two tracks. In 1988, the second track was sold to Dollywood. There, it was renamed Thunder Express. Later, it was moved again to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls and became Big Bad John. That coaster still operates today with some changes. The second track was removed from Six Flags St. Louis after the Ninja roller coaster arrived from Vancouver. This second track never received the same updates as the River King Mine Train.
What It's Like to Ride
When your train leaves the station, it goes down a small drop. Then, it makes a big 180-degree turn to the right. After passing the area where trains are stored, it takes a short turn to the left. Next, you go up the first lift hill. At the top, there's a small dip followed by a slight right turn. The train then dives down 180 degrees to the ground.
After a small right turn, it makes a 270-degree left turn, crossing over the tracks you were just on. Following another slight right turn, you climb the second lift hill. This part is similar to the first lift hill, but it ends with a full 360-degree turn. After a small "bunny hop" hill and a gentle climbing 180-degree right turn, the train goes up a small final lift hill. The train then makes a slight right, then a slight left, and another slight right. Finally, the train drops into what looks like a mine! After leveling out briefly at the bottom, it climbs back out. After some braking, it takes a slight right turn and enters the station to stop.
Images for kids
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A train climbing one of the lift hills.
