Cool Facts On 'The Iron Rattler' Roller Coaster At Fiesta Texas

Akinwalere Olaleye
Nov 02, 2023 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Jan 10, 2022
The Iron Rattler roller coaster at the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park was the first of its kind to have an inverted barrel roll!

The Iron Rattler in Texas is an extremely unique roller coaster that is not for the faint of heart.

The Iron Rattler is a steel roller coaster that is located at Crackaxle Canyon in the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park. Its manufacturing was headed by Rocky Mountain Construction and it was opened to the public on May 25, 2013.

What makes the Iron Rattler so astounding is the manner in which it was constructed. It was built using a simple wooden support skeleton with modern tracks and steel-crafted rails.

The use of sophisticated yet simple and modern technology allows you to experience a smooth ride on the roller coaster. The Iron Rattler is actually a conversion of the original Rattler, which was a wooden coaster that opened to the public in 1992.

This steel rollercoaster held the world record for being the tallest rollercoaster, having the steepest slope and longest drop, moving at a faster speed.

Rocky Mountain Construction, which constructed the steel track, is also known for assisting in the design of the New Texas Giant at Six Flags over Texas theme park. In fact, they reconstructed the trains and the track a little similar to those used on the Texas Giant at Six Flags.

The rollercoaster is different from other roller coasters as it has two trains and each train is divided into six cars. The Iron Rattler's riders are made to sit two-by-two, and this leads to a total of 24 riders on one train.

The roller coaster has brown seats and a lap bar that is black in color.

The Iron Rattler's first drop was extended to about 171 ft (52.1 m) and the angle was changed to 81 degrees, with a top speed of 70 mph (112.6 kph)! As the train moves out of the station, the first move made is a left turn.

The riders move through two banked curves, and then the train plunges into a 100 ft (30.4 m) fall off a cliff.

Next, the train goes left into a tunnel before it makes its return to the station. The tunnel has some interesting lighting effects and fog-creating features that make the experience absolutely thrilling!

Location Of Iron Rattler Roller Coaster

The Iron Rattler roller coaster is an extremely intriguing theme park roller coaster that is equally constructed in an interesting way! It is a steel roller coaster that is located at the Six Flags Fiesta theme park in San Antonio, Texas.

  • The Iron Rattler coaster, initially called the Rattler, was constructed by the Roller Coaster Corporation of America, and the original rattler was made out of wood.
  • The Iron Rattler was designed and developed by Alan Schilke with the help of Rocky Mountains Construction and was a revamp of the original built Rattler, which was made out of wood.
  • The Rocky Mountain Coasters, in 2013, reconstructed the ride by installing new steel tracks and trains, which was similarly done with the Texas Giants.
  • A unique addition to this ride is a barrel roll that drifts over a quarry wall. The ride was a huge success for the public.
  • The Iron Rattler's first drop was extended to 171 ft (52.1 m) and the angle was changed to 81 degrees.

The Specialty Of The Iron Rattler Roller Coaster

The Iron Rattler roller coaster at Six flags fiesta in San Antonio, Texas, became a huge hit as soon it was opened to the public. In fact, the talk going around about the giant roller coaster brought in a lot of tourists too!

  • It was built using a certain intricate design, combining simple wooden support with modern steel trains and track.
  • This mind-blowing roller coaster takes a 171 ft (52.12 m) drop at an 81-degree angle and is 5 ft (1.5 m) taller than the original Rattler!
  • The roller coaster consists of two trains, and each train consists of six cars, with the riders being made to sit in a two-by-two pattern.
  • The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives gave out a public announcement saying that they were going to auction off the first ride of the Iron Rattler on May 17, 2013. This brought in a massive crowd!

The Speed And Capacity Of The Iron Rattler Roller Coaster

Initially, when the original rattler came out, it was the tallest and fastest wooden roller and held a world record for the same!

  • The Rocky Mountain Coasters, or the RMC, replaced the wooden support of the Original Rattler with a steel track system throughout.
  • The height was changed from 124 ft (37.7 m) to 171 ft (52.1 m) and the drop became much steeper!
  • In turn, these modifications caused the trains of the roller coaster to move at a top speed of 70 mph (112.6 kph)!
  • Despite its extreme capacity, people did not fear the great heights and massive drops, coming in large numbers and having the ride of their lives!

What is the Iron Rattler roller coaster known for?

The hybrid coaster that consists of steel tracks and big heights and drops has a lot of things it is known for, which brings in many visitors and tourists to the Six Flags Fiesta theme park in San Antonio, Texas.

  • The Iron Rattler at the Six Flags Fiesta theme park is widely known for its staggering drop, which goes 171 ft (52.1 m) deep at an 81-degree angle!
  • The roller coaster also passes through a tunnel that displays some amazing and thrilling lighting and foggy effects!
  • This roller coaster is the first in roller coaster history to have a completely inverted barrel roll too, which makes it all the more exciting!

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Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Akinwalere Olaleye picture

Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

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