Runaway Mine Train
AKA Roland's love train, RMT situates in Katanga Canyon alongside Congo River Rapids and is themed around a... er.. mine. Yes, it's quite evidential isn't it? By the name.
It is admired by many enthusiasts and by one of it's famed ride ops who created the immortal words "Choo choo, oh yeah!", which has been passed onto the other ride ops who sadly don't do the catchphrase as well.
Anyway.
It has been agreed by many fans that the ride is essentially Th13teen without the 'freefall drop' towards the end, some believe RMT is just better than Thirteen because of this one little extra. And in closed season legend, it has been rumoured that Thirteen is the RMT and Frog Hopper's love child but sadly neither ride has commented on this.
The ride's track and supports were hand built by Roland Mack himself, using nothing more than an arc welder, and several tonnes of scrap metal. It was also assembled overnight by him, and a little help from John Wardley. It was then painted by the entire Mack family, and staff at Alton Towers, meaning the ride was planned, contructed, and running in under a week.
To this day you wil be able to spot Roland's tell tail sign on each of the supports; The enscription "Roland Was Here 1992". Over the years may chavs have added to this meaage with their own adaptions. However, John believes that this ruins the magic, so is always quick to respond with his trusty brush, and tin of brown paint.
Not many realise, but the ride train is infact a geniune British Rail locomotive which retired in 1990 as it was believed to go too fast for a moden day rail network. Alton pounced upon this, and adapted it to meet their needs. At the same time a second, first class, train was bought. It is rumored to lurk within a secret chamber of the tunnel, and is bought out only on God's birthday, when one lucky enthusiast will have the pleasure of riding along side him (Hense the name Roland's Love Train) Choo Choo!
Whilst the train appears to be driven by an electrical system, it is infact powered by magical forces, which only Mack have truly harnessed.
