Snakes on a Train

June 3, 2013

Since it was founded Gerstlauer Amusement Rides has been known as a manufacturer of great amusement rides.  The German company took another huge step forward with as their coaster vehicles debuted on the “Iron Rattler” roller coaster as it opened to the public on May 25, 2013.  These coaster trains not only ride better than any coaster car on the market, they just look better.

“Six Flags certainly presented us with a challenge,” said Siegfried Gerstlauer, the company’s Managing Director.  “The classic Cadillac we designed for the ‘Texas Giant’ was great, but the ‘Iron Rattler’ train design was even more complex.  Six Flags wanted a menacing snake theme was intricate and complicated to design, but turned out fantastic.  In addition, to improve the guest experience we removed as much side panel fiberglass as possible.”

Les Hudson, Vice President of Design at Six Flags talked about his design concept.  He said, “To go along with the rebirth of the ride, we created a ‘That was then….This is now’ backstory, weaving its way through the existing railway through the quarry cursed by a cavernous pit of rattlesnakes and a giant snake.  The trains were designed to look like a symbolic rail car, constructed of steel plates and rivets, with a sculptural bronze rattler head and tail paying homage to the legend. It was an enjoyable collaborative effort working with the artist at Gerstlauer and they did a masterful job of sculpting and finishes. I love it when a devious plan comes together.”

“We look forward to our next projects with Six Flags,” said Gerstlauer.  “We appreciate the fact they continue to come back to us for new and exciting projects.  We can’t wait to see what we will do together next.”

Snap Stats.- Iron Rattler Trains
Trains: 2
Seats: 24
Length: 43 feet
Width: 4 feet
Restraint: Monitored lap bar

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