Tucked into the limestone quarry walls of Crackaxle Canyon, Road Runner Express is Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ classic family mine train. Opened on May 1, 1997, this Arrow Dynamics coaster carries a fun piece of history: it was the last mine train roller coaster Arrow ever built for a Six Flags park. With a 73-foot structure, a top speed of 35 mph and zero inversions, it’s the San Antonio park’s go-to “first big coaster” for kids graduating from the junior rides.
Key Stats
| Height | 73 ft (22 m) |
| Drop | 67 ft (20 m) |
| Speed | 35 mph (56 km/h) |
| Length | 2,400 ft (730 m) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 2:24 |
| Max vertical angle | 27° |
| Type / Model | Steel – Mine Train |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Designer | Alan Schilke |
| Opened | May 1, 1997 |
| Trains | 2 trains × 36 riders |
| Capacity | 1,800 riders per hour |
| Height requirement | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Park | Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas |
The Last Six Flags Mine Train from Arrow
Arrow Dynamics practically invented the mine train genre in the 1960s, and Road Runner Express was its final entry in the format for a Six Flags park. Designed by Alan Schilke — who would later become famous for Iron Rattler’s hybrid transformation and other modern hits — the layout packs 2,400 feet of track into the park’s signature quarry terrain. Unlike the pint-sized junior coasters that share the Road Runner Express name at other Six Flags parks, the Fiesta Texas version is a full-scale family coaster rather than a kiddie ride.
The Ride Experience
The trains — two of them, each seating 36 riders across six mining-cart-styled cars — climb a lift hill before diving into a 67-foot drop and a series of swooping turns that hug the canyon floor. The maximum track angle is a gentle 27 degrees, and at 35 mph the ride pulls around 3 Gs at its strongest moments, which is enough to feel like a real coaster without overwhelming younger riders. The full circuit takes about 2 minutes and 24 seconds, a generous ride time for a family coaster — see how it compares to the longest ride times at theme parks.
Sharing the Canyon with Iron Rattler
One of the coolest things about Road Runner Express is its location. It threads through Crackaxle Canyon, the Old-West-themed section built against Fiesta Texas’ quarry cliffs, and portions of the mighty Iron Rattler actually pass over Road Runner Express’ track. Riders get near-miss views of one of Texas’ wildest hybrid coasters while cruising a layout tame enough for the whole family — and with two trains running, the ride moves up to 1,800 guests per hour.
A fan and a mist in one, rechargeable. Very popular in queue lines once the afternoon sun hits.
Build a working coaster on the kitchen table and learn why the first drop has to be the tallest. A good gift for young coaster fans.
Over 3,700 pieces, a real vertical loop and a working chain lift. Display it on a shelf in the coaster room.
FAQ
How tall and fast is Road Runner Express at Six Flags Fiesta Texas?
The structure stands 73 feet (22 m) tall with a 67-foot (20 m) drop, and trains reach a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) over 2,400 feet of track.
Is Road Runner Express a kids’ coaster?
Not exactly. While several Six Flags parks use the Road Runner Express name for junior coasters, the Fiesta Texas version is a full-scale family mine train with a 48-inch (122 cm) height requirement and no inversions — a perfect step up before the park’s bigger thrill machines.
When did Road Runner Express open?
It opened on May 1, 1997, and holds the distinction of being the last mine train coaster Arrow Dynamics ever built for a Six Flags park.
Photo: Brent Schmidt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)