What makes a mine train a mine train?

This thought just popped into my head, and it's the offseason so:

Aside from being manufactured by Arrow and having "mine train" cars, what exactly defines a mine train? Who's to say what is a mine train and what isn't? It's easy to define a rocket coaster or inverted or suspended, but not so easy to define a mine train. What makes Runaway Train at SFGADV a mine train, and Jaguar at Knott's not?

RCDB's definition

Ok, you took the easy way out. How about some 'in your own words' definitions.

I took the "precise" way out, which happened to be easy. ;-)

Hmmm, I think there are a few crucial elements that make a mine train a mine train:

1. Must be a steel coaster
2. No inversions
3. Usually a terrian coaster
4. No major drops unless they follow the terrain
5. Usually has at least one helix
6. Usually involves relatively low speeds with sudden changes of direction

I think that about sums it up...

OK then, what about SFFT's "mine train"...;)
The first five apply, but on six...:)
Best. Mine. Train. Ever.

http://www.pbase.com/rollergator/image/30046071

:)

I consider Magnum a really big mine train.

Gemini, too ;)

Gemini two? :)

That leaves CP with FOUR(!) mine trains...LOL!
*** Edited 2/25/2005 4:41:08 AM UTC by rollergator***

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Coaster Lover said:
3. Usually a terrian coaster
4. No major drops unless they follow the terrain

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Sounds like Dexter Frebish wouldn't qualify :/

How about...

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Non-inverting coaster from Arrow [Development|Huss|Dynamics] which uses the Runaway Train vehicles, which have two axles per car, four road wheels, eight guide wheels, and four up-stops which may or may not be wheels

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--Dave Althoff, Jr.

And shouldn't it have a tunnel since it is a "mine" train?

I think it has to be themed to a mine like LoCoSuMo and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. If you focus on the ride itself then you come to silly conclusions like Magnum and Gemini are mine trains.

How about this (must have at least 3 to be consdered a mine coaster)

-Steel Coaster

-Wooden Supports

-Mine Themeing

-A Terrain Coaster, lots of helixes

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Jeff said:
I consider Magnum a really big mine train.

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Heck I consider the Beast a mine train too.

Magnum's technically are mine trains, according to Arrow.

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rollergator said:
Gemini two? :)

That leaves CP with FOUR(!) mine trains...LOL!
*** Edited 2/25/2005 4:41:08 AM UTC by rollergator***

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[the count]FOUR! FOUR MINE TRAINS! Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha![/the count]

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Jeff said:
I consider Magnum a really big mine train.

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Hershey's sooperdooperlooper thinks its a mine train with a loop:

Steel - Terrain - Helix (extra points for being blasted out of solid rock) - even a mine shaft that it goes through - relatively slow speeds (only if that @#$%%^ trim break before the helix is on). So what if it has the wrong cars and a loop.

Even though Gemini and Magnum use the Mine Train vehicle design, I don't consider them mine trains. What makes a mine train is the theming and track layout. Small but sharp dips and turns along with some design elements in the ride's theming that makes you think "mine".

Arrow uses the same vehicle design for all of it's non-looping sit down coasters, but the big drops and classic layout of Gemini and Magnum do not make them mine trains. In my opinion, it's important to look at the layout and theming, not the underlying mechanics of the trains. *** Edited 2/25/2005 3:03:36 PM UTC by Pete***

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rollergator said:
OK then, what about SFFT's "mine train"...
Best. Mine. Train. Ever.

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Your almost right.

Dallas has the best, then San Antonio.

Dallas has a hidden drop in the saloon that is fantastic, and how many mine trains go through themed buildings? That alone is awesome.

Dexter was right up there with an awesome helix ending. I miss it!