This week’s “A-Z Coaster of the Week” is none other than Big Bad John at Magic Springs. The mine train coaster’s history is more complex than you may realize.
Big Bad John originally opened at Six Flags St. Louis in 1971 as River King Mine Train. There, the coaster was adjacent to a duplicate of the same coaster (only mirrored). In 1989 the coaster moved to Dollywood and reopened as Thunder Express. After closing in 1998, the coaster made its last move and reopened at Magic Springs as Big Bad John in 2002.
The Arrow Dynamics mine train coaster stands 32-feet tall and features a 41-foot drop. During the 2,349-foot-course trains reach a top speed of 37 mph.
Have you ridden Big Bad John at Magic Springs (or at Dollywood or Six Flags St. Louis)? Share your experience in the comments section below.
Should have been Batman The Ride, which in my opinion, was an industry changer.
The two mine trains at Six Flags St. Louis, were not mirrored. they were two different rides. the only similarities they carried, were the final drop at the end, which is the only point they were mirrored.