Runaway Train (roller coaster)

Runaway Train

The ride pictured in 2010.
Previously known as Runaway Mine Train
Chessington World of Adventures
Park section Mexicana
Coordinates 51°20′58″N 0°19′05″W / 51.349435°N 0.318012°W / 51.349435; -0.318012Coordinates: 51°20′58″N 0°19′05″W / 51.349435°N 0.318012°W / 51.349435; -0.318012
Status Closed
Opening date June 7, 1987 (1987-06-07)
Closing date 2012
Cost £300,000
Replaced by Scorpion Express
General statistics
Type Steel – Powered
Manufacturer Mack Rides
Designer John Wardley
Model Blauer Enzian
Height 4.7 m (15 ft)
Length 259 m (850 ft)
Speed 22.4 mph (36.0 km/h)
Inversions 0
Duration 105 seconds
Capacity 1,100 riders per hour
Height restriction 90 cm (2 ft 11 in)
Runaway Train at RCDB
Pictures of Runaway Train at RCDB

Runaway Train was a steel sit-down roller coaster opened in 1987 at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort in southwest London, England. Designed by John Wardley. Although the ride itself survives, it was completely rethemed between 2012 and 2014 into Scorpion Express.

History

Runaway Train was commissioned by Chessington World of Adventures in London for their Calamity Canyon area, which was later renamed Mexicana. Runaway Train was given a Wild West theme, and designed by John Wardley and Mack Rides as a sit down steel roller coaster. It opened in 1987.[1] It closed at the end of the 2012 season. The track still remains and has been fully refurbished for the new coaster Scorpion Express.

Removal

Due to its construction, the ride's mountain was crumbling and required heavy maintenance. By 2012, its condition had become so bad that it was unstable, and needed to be removed. At first, the ride was planned to have its mountain rebuilt using new construction techniques. However, as popularity for the ride had decreased over the years, it was decided that a new, more dramatic, more original and more eye catching ride would be needed. So, throughout the 2013 season, the Runaway Train's mountain, train, and other theming was removed and replaced with the new ride experience, Scorpion Express. The Ride's track and train were retained, with the trains being given a new, more 'rusty' coat of paint.

Parts of the Runaway Train's queue are still intact, and can be seen through the trees by the Children's Zoo.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Runaway Train (roller coaster).
View of the tracks 
The ride going downhill 

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Runaway Train - Chessington World of Adventures (Chessington, Surrey, England, UK)". RCDB. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
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