Ride Statistics

Installed - 1992
Area/Location - Katanga Canyon
Manufacturer - Mack
Speed - 40 kmph/ 25 mph
Track Length - 456 metres
Ride Photos - Yes (In Booth at Exit)
Trains - 1 Train of 10 rows x 2 seat
Height Restrictions - 0.9 metres

Alton Towers Discovered Opinion

Intensity Rating
Theme Rating
Adrenaline/Thrill Rating
Family Rating
Entertainment Rating
Overall Rating

How long is it worth queuing?

First Time - 45 Mins
Repeat Ride - 20 Mins

Where to sit?

First Timers - Centre of train
Thrill Seekers - Back seats for more intense ride.

The Runaway Mine Train was the new rollercoaster for the 1992 season, it helped along with the Congo River Rapids to form Katanga Canyon, a new area themed as a small African settlement. Many enthusiasts will point out that The Runaway Mine Train is not really a 'coaster' like Corkscrew, AIR, Oblivion and Nemesis are. The ride is powered throughout which explains why many riders will be surprised that there is no hill lift. Although the train only travels about 25 mph, the floaty track and the fact that the only thing to stop you from falling out of the carriage is a standard lap belt makes the ride appear and feel to go much quicker than it actually does.

The train goes through a series of turns and straights before a couple of helixes and a quicker twist into the tunnel shared by the Rapids, this is probably the quickest and most thrilling part of the ride. After this, the train swoops up and back to the station- platform. 

The average queue for this ride is about 10-15 minutes as the carriages hold around 45 people (2 per seat), the train takes a short 2 lap circuit and the boarding procedure is relatively quick.