Fiesta Texas Iconic Wooden Coaster To Become Iron Rattler

San Antonio, TX — Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced they will use innovative technology to convert the park's existing wooden coaster into a hybrid coaster they're calling Iron Rattler for the 2013 season. The new attraction will alter one the park's original roller coaster creating an experience that will incorporate taller drops and faster speeds, plus steeper banks and turns.

The new Iron Rattler will incorporate the classic wooden support structure with modern track and rails crafted of steel, allowing for unprecedented smooth ride experience. The state-of-the-art Iron Horse Track system will allow the park to incorporate all-new elements into the layout, including overbanked turns and even inverting barrel roll.

Situated on top and beside one of the 100-foot tall quarry walls at Fiesta Texas, Iron Rattler will thrill riders from the start with an impressive 171-foot drop at 81 degrees. The very steep first drop will set the train in motion to reach a top speed of 70 miles-per-hour.

Much of the new roller coaster will follow the original layout of the Rattler including the infamous dark tunnel through the rock wall, but the park is removing some parts, including the triple-helix a top the quarry wall to improve the ride experience.

Iron Rattler will add a variety of new elements, including four overbanked turns, more than any other hybrid coaster and it will be the first of its kind to feature a completely inverted barrel roll.

Six Flags has contracted Rocky Mountain Construction Group, the same company that helped redesign the Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas. This will be only the second time a roller coaster has been renovated using the Iron Horse track system. The renovation and reintroduction of The New Texas Giant has been a huge success for Six Flags Over Texas.

"The Rattler's transformation is expected to be nothing short of spectacular," said Tim Baldwin, editor of Rollercoaster! Magazine.

"Six Flags has innovation as part of our DNA and the Iron Rattler will take extreme innovation to a new level with a taller drop, faster speed and steeper banks. This cutting-edge coaster truly marries the best of both classic and modern coaster designs to deliver heart-pounding thrills," said park president Martin Bozer.

The Rattler roller coaster was one of the original rides at Fiesta Texas when the park opened in 1992. The park bid a farewell to the landmark wooden coaster on August 5, 2012.

Construction of the new Iron Rattler is already underway and Six Flags expects to complete the transformation in eight months.