Mine Train Coasters

I just got back from my first trip to Silver Dollar City and was pleasantly surprised w/ Thunderation. It was fun, fast and smoothe. Some seats are turned backwards for a different ride.

What mine trains coasters have you riden and were pleasantly surprised by?

I liked adventure express at PKI. Sinced the theming was fixed it is a whole new ride. I also like cedar creek mine ride. It is a relaxing ride among the giant of CP.

Hooray, chalk up another ThuNderaTion fan. Missourians have always known that it was a hidden gem, glad you found it. Did you enjoy the rest of the park while you were there?

Oh by the way, it's spelled ThuNderaTion so that you can see what powers the ride. ;) (or at least that is what HFEC says).

After having rode Thunderhead this year, I knew that I had to try the Ozark Wildcat. This was a milestone trip for me because I hit number 150-Wildfire. I like SDC and am looking forward to going back in a couple of years. My favorite coaster in Branson was the Ozark Wildcat. I was able to ride it 13 times. My overall impression of the Branson area was very positive. Both parks were very clean and the workers were (for the most part ) friendly. I broke the 12 hour trip into 2 days. I went from BHAM to Memphis. Made a stop in at Libertyland to ride Elvis' favorite coaster. Spent the night and then went on to Branson. Comparing SDC to Dollywood, I think Dollywood may have SDC beat in the friendlines and food categories. My Dollywood season pass got me in free at SDC at a 50% discount at CC. I really loved the fact that both parks had free parking.

Not sure what Steve's post has to do with Mine Train coasters.

Anyway, I agree with the mention of Adventure Express and Cedar Creek. if you count Indiana Beach's Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain as a Mine Train, I rank it first and make those my top three. If you consider LoCoSuMo some other kind of coaster, I put Thunderation in the top three.

I wish Kennywood, Holiday World, Dollywood and Kentucky Kingdom would put in good Mine Trains. I like them.

My big disappointment is the Mine Train at Carowinds. It used to be one of the top three but not only hasn't kept up, but is actually slower than it used to be. So it's no longer competitive. *** Edited 8/20/2004 2:38:31 AM UTC by Trekker Park***

Thunderation is by far the best mine train I rode. I was just especting the run of the mill mine train. I saw the sign reading over 40 mph and was thinking no way. I was quite pleased.

My second favorite has to be Adventure Express. I like the mine shafts and final lift make it a cool ride.

Wow coasterpunk, usually people are disappointed by the final lift on Adventure Express! I'm surprised you like it!

I'm a big of Hershey's Trailblazer. Admittedly there isn't that much to it, but like everything else at that end of the park, it uses surrounding terrain to full effect. And the helix overlooking Freeman's Texas BBQ is pretty badass. It takes a true genius to theme a mine train with the smells of a BBQ. *** Edited 8/20/2004 3:26:53 AM UTC by pete4winds***

"I wish Kennywood, Holiday World, Dollywood and Kentucky Kingdom would put in good Mine Trains. I like them"

Dollywood had an Arrow mine train(from SFSL/SFoMA), but it was removed for Tennessee Tornado. :( It is now at Magic Springs.

I'm a Mine Train fan as well. I like the old Arrow ones from the 70s the best. My favorite is the Dahlonega at SFOG.

I'm also a huge fan of BTMRR. The Mine Train type taken to the extreme!

Thunderation was one of the big surprises on our trip through the midwest last June. The speed, helix, great use of the terrain, and the ability to ride is backwards pretty much made it for me, the ultimate mine train. I'm also a big fan of Adventure Express (great themeing) and the Dahlonega Mine Train (love that last drop).

I really liked SFoG's mine train. It was long, had some nice pops and a tunnel. Just good fun. I actually really like goldrusher at SFMM too.

I like the runaway mine train at SFoT. The theming is tops and the dive into the water tunnel at the end is awesome.

Not a huge mine train fan, but after a second ride (and not being let down at the end this time...) on Adventure Express, I'd have to say its my fave. Cedar Creek mine Train wasn't bad, but could use a bit more of the theming that was around for the train and river boats...

Gold Rusher @ PCar, on the other hand, would be my first pick if they were getting rid of a coaster...

Runaway Mine Train (SF Gradv): Most recent ride 1978

Trailblazer (Hersheypark): Most recent ride 2004

Cayon Blaster (Great Escape): Most recent ride 2003

Carolina Gold Rusher (Carowinds): Most recent ride 2003

The one that surprised me was Canyon Blaster... through not pleasantly. What surprised me was that there was actually a mine train out there that was more boring than Hershey's Trailblazer.

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Pale Rider said:
I'm also a big fan of the Dahlonega Mine Train (love that last drop).

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And it was even better before it was reprofiled :)

While I haven't tried them all, I think Road Runner Express at Fiesta Texas is one of the best (I believe this is also the last Arrow minetrain built in the states). One of my favorite parts was the second lift which moves at Millennium Force speed. The Morgan-made minetrain at Bonfante Gardens looks really good too from the Alvey videos and they seemed to like it.

I used to love Thunder Express@ Dollywood, ans I was a little disapointed when they took it out, but TT is a much better ride. I like DMT@SFOG, especially the last drop, but Goldrusher@PC has to be the hands down worst ride I have ever been on! I was wishing that I had taken a good book or a magazine on board to keep me from falling asleep!

I actually really like Gold Rusher at Magic Mountain. I absolutely LOVE Adventure Express. But my favorite? Big Thunder. :)

Adventure Express at PKI is the best Mine Train I've been on.

Intamin Fan, Quicksilver Express at Bonfante Gardens is indeed a blast. As you probably saw from the video, another one that makes excellent use of the terrain with hillside hugging drops and turns, and really well themed/landscaped. My second fav after BTMRR.