River King Mine Train - not original 1971 name?

I rode River King Mine Train at SFStL in the first few months the park was open (of course, it was then called SFoMA) in 1971. The problem is, I don't remember its being named that in 1971, but rather "Runaway Mine Train". Does anyone remember it by this name (or at least have a reason why I would), or have the years since my childhood played tricks on my memory?

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Revised projection for 2002: 35 parks & 120 coasters. 21 & 82 through 7/18

*** This post was edited by ACBLuke on 7/19/2002. ***

If memory serves me correctly (which is usually a gamble), there used to be *two* coasters there, one of which was removed after they put stand-up trains on it...

I *am* thinking about RKMT, right?

Ken, you are exactly right. That's what my research noted. I have not been to SFStL since my 1971 encounter, so I was unaware of the history of RKMR, including the ill-fated standup conversion and the dismantling of one of the 2 original tracks (which I do remember) for sale to Dollywood.

Still, why does "Runaway" instead of "River King" stick in my head?

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Revised projection for 2002: 35 parks & 120 coasters. 21 & 82 through 7/18

ACBLuke said:
I rode River King Mine Train at SFStL in the first few months the park was open (of course, it was then called SFoMA) in 1971. The problem is, I don't remember its being named that in 1971, but rather "Runaway Mine Train". Does anyone remember it by this name (or at least have a reason why I would), or have the years since my childhood played tricks on my memory?

RKMT was always RKMT. Perhaps the opening advertising talking about a "runaway mine train" confused you? Or you went to Texas with the similar "Runaway Mine Train" there.

Whatever the case, the RKMT of today is not the coaster from opening day of SFoMA. The side that left for Dollywood and now Magic Springs was able to running for opening day, but the side that remains was delayed for 6 weeks.

When the stand-up conversion happened there was some track work making it less "wild." (The side that remains was considered better by most of the staff and guests in 1971). So even the track that remains is not the same, and the controls are definitely easier, too.

But RKMT is the same name it's always been.

(RKMT operator 1971-1972)

*** This post was edited by gamndbndr on 7/19/2002. ***

My parents always called it the Runaway Mine Train, and that is what it is (not the name, but the ride). Thanks for the information. I clearly remember both sides and the first one I rode was the now removed side. Unfortunately I never had a chance to ride RailBlazer during it's brief existance.

I remember some guy saying they had signs over the separate queues saying "Wild Side" and "Mild Side." True?

Also, which one was the stand up coaster? The remaining one or the moved one?

The remaining track is the one that ran stand up cars for a brief period.

And Killed an over waight woman due too the restreaint not completely "locking" correcty and she fell too her death.

P.S. she didn't fall all by her self she was with her husband ;-)