Problematic Roller Coasters - The Rattler - A Sketchy Cliff Diving Menace

Rattler at Fiesta Texas had to be one of the most problematic roller coasters of all time. Designed to interact with the cliff walls of the park, this wooden menace would cause hundreds of injuries the first year it opened and require years of modifications to smoothen out the experience!
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Video Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:37 - Redland Quarry
03:31 - Defeating the Competition
07:25 - Rattler Opens
10:57 - Injuries and Lawsuits
14:00 - Design Changes Were to Blame
16:50 - Original Trains
18:26 - Speed Issues
21:03 - First Drop Modifications
22:44 - Block Zones of Rattler
24:40 - Further Modifications
25:56 - Structure Movement
26:55 - RMC Steps In
30:30 - Block Zones of Iron Rattler
32:07 - Conclusion
Video Sources:
Olsor54 - • CBS News segment on ro...
Olsor54 - • Rattler debut
Coaster Jeff - • Original Rattler at Fi...
shanehuish - • Fiesta Texas opening year
Sean Flaharty - • The Rattler POV - Six ...
Sean Flaharty - • Son Of Beast Off-Ride ...
CoasterNick3157 - • (Old) Texas Giant At S...
CoasterNick3157 - • Mean Streak At Cedar P...
Six Flags Over Georgia - • Six Flags Over Georgia...
Six Flags Over Texas - • Official Judge Roy Scr...
Six Flags Great America - • The American Eagle at ...
Andres Aguirre - • FIESTA TEXAS 1992 PT 5
jefrik122333 - • Video
Adan Garcia - • Blank Check 1993 at Fi...
Olsor54 - • Prime Time Live segmen...
ApocZero - • Class of 94 Senior Fie...
90s Nostalgia - • Video
pscyclonesteve - • The Rattler, Six Flags...
Sharp Productions - • Rattler (HD POV) Six F...
Ernest Calcagno - • Six Flags Fiesta Park ...
Six Flags Fiesta Texas - • Iron Rattler Virtual R...
Coaster Force - • Iron Rattler front sea...
James C - • Iron Rattler Front Sea...
Thumbnail Source - texcoaster

[@Frommerman]

It's too bad the steel conversion technology came too late to save Son of Beast. They probably could have done something great with that layout.

[@unknownuser1102]

A steel conversion would have ruined the whole point if son of beast though.

[@casuallystalled]

@@unknownuser1102 still would be interesting to see what a hybrid Son of Beast would look like

[@jcspotter7322]

RMC SOB wouldn't be as great as you think, especially not older versions of the RMC rides

[@Davidvariance]

Even the best RMC conversions have MAJOR structural issues. I LOVE the work of A.S., but he designs a lot of maintenence nightmares. SoB didn't have the structure to support a conversion.

[@SpaceMan226]

if the footers are still there they could build an rmc where sob stood

[@noclosecoasters9903]

The sway during the structural issues section is insane.

[@belacickekl7579]

Yeah, that can't be good for the wood's fatigue life...

[@VKED23]

I shit my pants lol

[@reval1989]

I saw that and felt unsettled

[@jonny-b4954]

Truly, that's fucking nuts! Way, way beyond what any engineer should have accepted.

[@Frau.Kanzlerin]

@@jonny-b4954 imagine the inspector watching it and being like "nah it's probably fine"

[@Fry_tag]

This coaster looks like a workaround of the support limit in RCT2

[@lumindoesvideos]

Pfffft. I have to agree and it looks like something I'd try building in a desert scenario.

[@Jolei33]

I wish that the coaster would had used the original design to crank it up to 179 ft instead of the zigzag

[@EdwardCulpepper]

I worked for six flags as a ride operator and dispatched Rattler the night it closed. After park guest were cleared, maintenance let our team ride it one last time. I have so many memories of working Rattler it’s final season. I was a lead so I was required to ride it everyday around lunch for its midday safety check. Countless number of rides I’ve had. I think The Iron Rattler is amazing, but I will always miss the wooden coaster.

[@clubstep8244]

I cant imagine the feeling of riding a rollercoaster for the very Last time ever :/

[@danceyrselfkleen]

No one cares

[@charliecharliewhiskey9403]

@@danceyrselfkleen I cared, and so did 90 other people.

[@allenlark]

@@charliecharliewhiskey9403 don't worry, we care. your experience has value

[@zakger]

​@@danceyrselfkleenboo this man!

[@SiebayPlays]

It’s impressive how badly this thing was put together, even in 1992. It looks like someone’s first attempt at making a coaster with autocomplete, but without smoothing.

[@Gammera2000]

Rollercoaster Tycoon type beat

[@mikethewhizz5085]

Even American Eagle holds up way better, and it was designed by intamin of all things!

[@just-dashin]

@@mikethewhizz5085it’s Intamin ofc it will hold up

[@TimHam]

The videos of the track swaying during the climb into the helix are insane.... I know wooden coasters are often built to sway, but that just looks mental

[@scottyjbd]

You should have seen it in person!

[@ratdude747]

This is one of the issues that killed Son of Beast... thanks to RCCA's cost saving underengineering!

[@michaelshields7777]

It must have added much more thrill to the ride though, hehehe!!

[@dustinjames1268]

They're built to sway because a moving system has less stress on it, but swaying THAT MUCH is obviously an oversight No idea how people thought that was okay

[@chrisygirl1234]

I remember looking up at it as a kid thinking it would break any minute. Only made me want to ride it even more. My dad and stepmom worked there and rode it often

[@2nerdsinhell]

That footage of the swaying structure at the bottom of the modified second drop is absolutely nuts.

[@okumuracosplay8316]

Funny thing is, a person sits under there for gully washer. It sways the entire structure of their seat. I sit there and it’s a little unsettling sometimes.

[@evanmaunders5688]

It’s the same way on IRat?

[@2nerdsinhell]

@@evanmaunders5688 no

[@hannibalbarca6308]

The entire structure used to shake/sway so much it was crazy to think about now lol. As a kid it made the waiting that much more ominous..seeing the trains fly by over and over and the whole thing just shaking

[@michaelshields7777]

Just think of the added thrill though, hehehe!!!

[@seangearhart2494]

"I love a tight pullout." - Uncle Nate

[@MikeR65]

😂

[@munchingbanana4566]

I was thinking the same thing lmao

[@Uncle_Nate]

I really love a tight pullout

[@steveo7771286]

But if he didn’t pull out, he wouldn’t have to steal kids to ride kiddie coasters with. 😂

[@GabelhelmSogarbraten]

there is nothing better than a tight pullout after a hard day of work

[@CoasterWriter]

Sometimes I dream of the great and terrible world we would live in if RCCA had actually been a good, successful company. There would be so many gigantic wooden coasters!

[@coasternamegenerator5611]

The closest we would ever get to that is what RMC is doing with the hyper hybrid due to smoothness and reliability.

[@scizor_kid2937]

I like seeing giantic wooden coasters like white cyclone in Japan or the old colossus at magic mountain or montana rusa in Mexico.even American eagle at great America. there where Meh compared to todays coasters they look legendary to me.

[@mariavaldes1791]

.

[@FunboxKaraoke]

I would go out of my way to ride all of them because I'm a masochist who enjoys being abused by fucked up roller coasters. Mean Streak felt like losing an MMA fight and I marathoned it. If I never get the opportunity to ride Hell Cat at Clementon Park I'm going to be very upset and I'll possibly write my congressman

[@bocahdongo7769]

The problem is, the only way RCCA made gigantic wooden coaster is by doing under-bidding contract and terrible job. Because let's be honest, if your competitors is something like Dinn, you'll definitely need to do extra miles for winning the contract

[@stoppropaganda2573]

I accidentally rode the first version via a business meeting in San Antonio. I did not plan to visit the park but my co-workers wanted to. When I first saw the Rattler, I knew right away from the profiling of the first drop that something was not right. I only rode it once because I also realized no matter what the sign said about the stats ... it was pulling many more G's than advertised. At least I can say I rode it ... for what it was worth and thankfully, I didn't get hurt, but there were a lot of complaints heard exiting the ride!

[@HavenMarches]

Was the first drop enjoyable? Lol

[@Ryleeman54number2]

Lucky I wish I could ride it

[@darthvader5532]

I rode it as a teen on a high school trip. Loved it.

[@darthvader5532]

@@HavenMarches omg when it first opened, yes, that first drop was awesome. After the first season though, it got brutally rough.

[@nexpro6118]

​@@darthvader5532 Parks today have such thin/narrow profit margins, to where the parks today prefer to not have giant wooden coasters because of the constant maintenance that needs to be done. Its really expensive and time consuming to properly maintain a giant woody. It's not worth it. Plus, the general public wants extremely smooth coasters now. It's really only the coaster enthusiasts that want/like the semi rough feel of wooden coasters. Parks won't be successful if they cater to coaster enthusiasts. Coaster enthusiasts are such a small percentage of the everyday guest.

[@brandonjeter7643]

When he said RCCA designed it, I already knew it was gonna be bad lol. Didn't realize it would cause so many injuries on the first drop when it opened.

[@bocahdongo7769]

The drop is basically a flip-flap railway's loop. Very circular entering. And sudden absurd amount of G

[@brandonjeter7643]

@@bocahdongo7769 sounds rough tbh, and from the POV what I could gather is no wonder that drop caused so many injuries. Too much force.

[@imperialbagel]

I laughed when he said the words RCCA

[@vancewade6251]

That letter from Morgan is absolutely devastating, and also fascinating.

[@crudkip4326]

time stamp?

[@ThoosieJP]

its in multiple times in the video

[@DavidR-dh3oz]

That was a polite way to tell someone they had no clue what they were doing 😂

[@PaulFisher]

It feels like the type of letter you write specifically to be produced during the discovery phase of a court case: explicit, factual, and with more context, beyond that which your recipient would need to know. Think of it like an “as you already know…” line in a film: while the person saying it is supposedly telling the character they’re talking to, the real intended audience is you, the viewer. Likewise, this letter feels like it was _delivered to_ the person on the To: line, but written just as much for a lawyer, judge, or juror who would be reading it as part of an investigation or a trial. Which, based on the fact that it is now public record, was a smart move.

[@dvwilson14]

The first, and only, time I rode The Rattler was actually on the last operating day of the original wooden ride before it was converted to a hybrid (though I didn't know it at the time). I remember getting off and describing the ride feeling equivalent to being put in a wooden box and dropped down a flight of stairs. I mean, I still remember the feeling the ride gave me so...good job?

[@medea27]

I think "put in a wooden box & dropped down a flight of stairs" is the best description yet for a rough-as-guts woodie... I can almost feel the concussion! 👌

[@emoster]

I rode Texas giant right before it closed and yeah, very memorable.....

[@JoeMamaLlama1234]

damn 25 minutes in finally the block zone definition comes in, i almost got scared it wouldn't show. thanks ryan! without you we'd never know what the section of track that can keep only 1 train safely is called or how it works.

[@brutalbrutusTV]

I half expected him to say it again when he started talking about the new block zones for Iron Rattler, lol.

[@lfroncek]

I live for the block zone talk.

[@JoeMamaLlama1234]

@@lfroncek it is a way of life. It's a religion. All hail the block zone

[@Magicul]

@@lfroncek Same

[@ElToroRyan]

hahaha I should have explained it again for the memes

[@Misterfairweather]

I road the Rattler in 1997, I loved it but it was brutal. The swaying was every bit as terrifying as it looks and caused a lot of folks to jump out of line, it bruised the heck out of me and the ride was extremely rough. The ride stands out in my memory as one of the harshest roller coaster rides I've ever been on. I did still end up riding it a half dozen times that day and it was super thrilling too.

[@jeremyquiros5483]

The Rattler really lived up to its name in 2004. It ruined my entire day.

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

Rattled your spine into pieces I’m assuming. But Iron Rattler on the bright side will MAKE YOUR ENTIRE DAY unlike the original that tried to smash your rib cage.

[@FunboxKaraoke]

One part Expedition Theme Park with thesis-level research, one part structural engineering edutainment from an enthusiast ride-op. A match made in heaven. As a fellow KZbin-algorithm-pleaser, I consider you the best at what you do and it's not even close. I won't suggest any particular coaster, but coasters at lesser known local parks are my favorite topics to discuss. A coaster at Tobu Zoo or Hopi Hari or something, perhaps.

[@QrazyQuarian]

I would like to piggy-back off of this and ask that you do some theses on Silverwood attractions, as it's pretty much the only theme park in my home of the Inland Northwest.

[@TheQuashingoftheTub]

ElToroRyan and Defunctland are the Almighty Duo of Park Rides for me lol

[@themuaddib]

I rode it a few times in its earliest configurations. -- that first drop was something else... felt like being thrown off a cliff before being slammed down landing sitting on a chair -- a good analog to how it felt is probably the first drop on Steel Vengeance... long and nearly vertical, hanging weightless before slamming back down -- wasn't actually that bad/rough to start, though the shoddy engineering and construction quickly caught up with it -- never loved the layout, especially the boring and long helix on top of the cliff, but glad Iron Rattler abridged that section -- never went back to it much over the years because it got increasingly rough from use *and* less intense from reconfigurations -- kind of a "worst of both worlds" eventually before its retirement -- Iron Rattler is great, though, so glad Rattler was built so it could be made into a great coaster (as were similar underwhelming mega-woodies like Texas Giant and Mean Streak) Great video, thanks for the content.

[@iamtinfamousxii9326]

Mean Streak wasnt underwhelming and was one of the best coasters at CP imo. Yes it got rough over the years but it had a great layout with lots of airtime, especially with no trims.

[@themuaddib]

@@iamtinfamousxii9326 I only rode it very late into its lifecycle and it was r-o-u-g-h rough. It was far from a terrible ride, sure, but it’s elements to me always felt kind of drawn out and designed for a ride faster than the actual ride we had. I suppose that makes sense with the trim brakes added and the roughness probably slowing the trains down. I guess the nicest thing about Mean Streak is that layout and those elements really started to shine with RMC added speed with a higher lift hill and smoothness with the new track. I agree, Mean Streak had a good “skeleton” to build on, better than any of the other RMC conversions. But it took the update to it to really make the good things about it shine and to make a world-class ride.

[@davidb4935]

I also rode it right before it changed to the iron rattler, that thing felt like it was going to fall apart at any moment!

[@1BillionMarbles]

That sway on the structure is so insane that it looks like its made of jelly lol I bet even the riders on board felt the sway

[@michaelshields7777]

Imagine the added thrill and excitement one would experience though, hehehe!!!

[@Killytilly]

Can you imagine standing in line to ride this, seeing that sway, and thinking “Yeah that’s fine I’m still gonna ride it.” That’s a big nope from me.

[@rokamayono2312]

I’ve seen drawbridges that looked sturdier then that

[@lazy_bloom]

It's crazy how with all of the modifications even into 2011, Rattler still had such a widespread reputation for being one of the most painful wooden coasters. I can't say I don't miss it though.

[@timwilliams7957]

Rode the original and I honestly feel like I suffered a mild concussion during that ride. The obvious swaying of the structure would have given pause to any engineer. I didn't go back until it was rebuilt into the Iron Rattler. Now it is the world's favorite ride for my wife and me. We are now 75 years old and visit fiesta Texas as often as possible. Please don't think this is a cushy ride because of our age. It is a great thrill comparable to coasters anywhere. But sadly it seems like Six Flags has difficulty keeping it repaired. It is often closed, open only late in the day, or limited to a single train with some of those seats blocked off. Waiting for the front seats can take an obscenely long time if you don't get there immediately after opening.

[@nathanlarson6535]

the original track profiling from 1992 might be the worst i’ve ever seen on any roller coaster. wow.

[@LordMangudai]

Seriously. The level of jank especially in the helix and that curve just before the final brake run is ridiculous, like some actual Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain shit

[@nathanlarson6535]

@@LordMangudai LCSM was intended to be quirky little ride though, Rattler was supposed to be the tallest/fastest wooden coaster. RCCA is the Pinfari of wooden roller coasters.

[@sweetsarafina]

First time I rode Rattler was sometime in 96-97 when I was in middle school and I was absolutely terrified and remember it not being smooth at all. Watching that sway off the second drop was also terrifying. This lead to me being pretty afraid of rollercoasters for a good decade. 2 years ago I had the pleasure of going back to SA and riding Iron Rattler and I loved every second of it. My first RMC and I hope not my last.

[@danceyrselfkleen]

No one cares

[@randalheller7460]

Wow you continue to surprise, I had no idea how much of the track was reprofiled. This might be the most problematic coaster ever. That sway on the reprofiled second hill is insane

[@megelizabeth9492]

Wooden coasters do have to have some give in order to withstand the forces, but that is just ridiculous.

[@casuallystalled]

@@megelizabeth9492 yeah, that amount of sway is just too much

[@chasewighton4064]

That sway is bonkers, I don't know if I've ever seen a wooden coaster sway *that* much, that's terrifying. I do appreciate that the Rattler went from a garbage coaster made by a garbage company to a great coaster rescued by a great company. RMC did great work fixing it, if I ever go to Texas I want to ride this because those cliffs are such a cool setting.

[@SmLoveBites]

Hey Ryan, just wanted to say I really appreciate you putting the metric units as a reference in the video. As someone who lives in europe, it seriously helps me with the overview.

[@mitzimitzi2608]

I rode the original and I say be glad you didn't ride it. I have always loved rollercoasters and nothing scared me. During the first drop, it felt like my head was pushed down into my spine and gave me a very sharp pain from my neck down. I was a very healthy 20 something then with no back issues. Then rest of the ride was spent just wanting off and afraid I had permanently injured my back. My back and neck hurt for a bit, but luckily no permanent damage. I vowed to never ride it again. But, I have ridden it a few times now since all the mods. Now, it's a completely different experience.

[@funnyguru910]

I went on this as a kid all the time with my dad and he blames part of his neck issues to this ride years later lol

[@kayla4484]

I rode it back in 93 or 94, can't remember, I was 9 or 10. I remember waiting in line f-o-r-e-v-e-r with my dad. He was excited because I had just reached 54 inches tall and he was excited to have someone to ride this with because mom wouldn't dare. He kept pointing out to me how much the track moved as the trains went by. I remember feeling sore all over after riding it and it being fast and loud. I was thankful for the little bunny hills because it was like having a break from all the fast drops. I was actually disappointed they changed the first drop off years later. That was my dad and I's favorite ride. Mom was more interested in the music shows there. Dad dragged me onto every ride he could. It was fun though.

[@xeno_mania]

I'd love to see you do Volcano: The Blast Coaster next!

[@ElToroRyan]

Noted! I hope to cover that ride one day!

[@Jonexoffic]

@@ElToroRyan ty for being one of those coaster you tubers that actually listen to fan ideas.

[@lumindoesvideos]

I heard that had some interesting problems because it was literally the only coaster of its kind to have been build.

[@Aliceintraining]

road it a few times, even got a dvd of the ride too. it was fantastic and smooth and something that no other ride i have ridden could do. sad that its gone.

[@Binx345me]

I truly feel lucky to have been able to ride volcano: the blast coaster in its last year. It was 1 of the best coasters ever and worth the 3.5 hour wait !

[@rixrobin]

I always wondered why despite having a great ptc layout that Great American scream machine was so rough and learning that it was built by RCCA make so much sense

[@DuttonWebb]

The last time I rode the Rattler it must have been 15 or 16 years ago. It left a giant purple bruise on my leg where the in-side of the car gripped my slightly sweaty leg on hot balmy day through a really rough section. I just remember thinking, "How is this allowed"? It felt like it was going to rip my skin off.

[@ElliotK0]

I got to ride the original. I will forever remember that helix and thinking, “I’m so bored and this is so uncomfortable, but it’s a roller coaster and I’m suppose to like every second. This is dumb.” Iron Rattler was my first RMC. Absolutely loved it!

[@mofodante89]

I never understood that helix..I think they were trying to be clever by taking a traditional helix and adding elements to it to mimic the coiling motions of a snake. Great idea but doesn't seem like it worked out. A traditional banked helix with forceful Gs would have been more impactful.

[@gddatfatrat2390]

23:10 the moment you've all been waiting for

[@Chicklets33]

I rode the original Rattler in August 1992. I still have the picture from it. Riders' pictures were taken during the first drop. It was really fun, we rode several times, and we were completely unaware of any problems. I remember it being rather rough but as a teenager (18), it didn't bother me!!!

[@zerogcoasters]

I can see why they named it rattler, it rattles your bones to the point where you hate it

[@okumuracosplay8316]

Rattle me bones

[@lumindoesvideos]

I think it was supposed to snake around like a rattlesnake, but all it did was rattle your bones.

[@Em-oy8on]

The wooden rattler was my first rollercoaster ever! The anticipation as it loaded for the first drop, seeing the flags, and feeling the structure move was thrilling. Was I sore after riding it? Sorta but not enough to keep me from riding it multiple times that day. The iron rattler is the scariest but the best rollercoaster I've gotten on.

[@jarrodjob]

My OCD is pleased -- There is something so aesthetically pleasing about these monstrous wooden lattice structures. One of the main reasons I love Steel Vengence's 2nd Half is the leverage of that lattice. It's truly a marvel. My OCD is pleased to see SoB and Rattler.

[@jasondiaz6385]

I actually had the opportunity to ride the original Rattler back in 1992 when vacationing with my family in San Antonio. I remember being very intimidated when waiting in line to ride the coaster. The way the coaster visibly shook and sounded terrified me. I'll always remember the first drop as one the scariest things I've ever experienced on a roller coaster; just sheer massive and never seemed like it wanted to end. However I was proud that day knowing I rode it without chickening out haha. Just a couple of months ago, I took my small children to Fiesta Texas where we experienced the Iron Rattler. It was hands down the best ride in the park and reminiscent of my original experience of the coaster way back when. Great video!

[@lumindoesvideos]

That sway honestly looks terrifying, like I know wooden coasters should sway a little but that looks excessive. Did that cause some structural issues like it did to Son of Beast? Or did they close it to become Iron Rattler before it could cause any serious damage?

[@michaelshields7777]

Yes, but just think of the added thrill and excitement for the riders, hehehe!!!

[@AlexRuckusFTW]

Banged my head around on in the late 90's.. Going from riding my home parks woodie The Texas Cyclone to The Rattler was an experience

[@seriomarkj]

That sway- dear god!!

[@michaelshields7777]

It looks so satisfying, hehehe!!!

[@fightingfaerie]

Used to live in San Antonio, went to Fiesta Texas all the time. Never rode the Rattler, that thing terrified me. What I love about Fiesta Texas is the fact its in a quarry.

[@millenniumforce4305]

This is such an incredible series. Please never stop making these

[@iangraham6351]

Steel Phantom would be a cool coaster to see you cover.

[@averyeml]

I never rode this but whenever I’d go to Fiesta Texas (somewhere around 1998-2004 was when I was most frequently attending) I would remember being in line for something and looking over at the cliff and watching the trains race around on it. I swear to god I could watch it sway waaaaaay more than my (admittedly clueless) brain thought it should. Glad to know I wasn’t seeing things! I wouldn’t mind going back and trying it now that I’m older and it’s better 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@lukebrahler7802]

Watching this really made me realize that with RMC hybrids dominating the game for what’s seen as the best coasters that almost all wooden coasters days are pretty numbered. Which makes me sad because I prefer wooden coasters to steel or hybrids.

[@danielq2358]

Canada has a dumb protection law preventing RMCs from being done there...

[@myluciddesign]

I have a crazy story about the original ride… my Grandma took me and my cousins to the park during a trip to Texas, and we ended up going the first day that kids returned to school from summer vacation… the park was an absolute ghost town, which resulted in me and my oldest cousin being able to ride this ride 26 CONSECUTIVE TIMES….WITHOUT.GETTING.OFF.THE.RIDE

[@zzdisplays]

You and airtime thrills are the only roller coaster channels I can watch always an awesome day when I see an upload from you.

[@Madbutcher305]

I think it is quite likely that the extremely mild RCCA coasters in Spain (Coaster Xpress and Magnus Colossus) were probably a reaction to how much trouble they had with Rattler.

[@lukycharms9970]

Omg lol that sway at 26:30 is definitely more than enough to make me never want to get anywhere near this or any other wooden coaster. Thank you.

[@jessigirlrae1688]

My father was the head of mounted patrol for Fiesta and we moved to TX from Nashville for the park. I remember watching the Rattler get built from the employee areas. My father and step mother both worked at Fiesta and loved the original.

[@dindog22]

thanks for including the history of the quarry. I always wondered about it

[@mofodante89]

This was excellent! So well done and your documentation is so thorough. Its crazy how many times during the design process they changed the design of that first drop! What's even crazier is how the train barely makes it over that 2nd hill. I was holding my breath watching it everytime. A true indicator of the bad design.

[@stefiexhatesyou]

I rode the rattler in 2009. I had been having back issues before, but after rising it, my back pain went away 🙃

[@coasterfreakrob]

I rode Rattler many times in its first year of operation, and the original first drop is hands down the most amazingly terrifying roller coaster element I've ever experienced. On my first ride, since I went directly to it from the front of the park, I hadn't looked at most of the layout. Sitting in the back seat (because where else do you ride when you're a 22 year old thrill seeker) after being whipped over the top and flung towards the left as the track curved right towards the cliff, suddenly it jerks back to the left and GETS STEEPER, and I honestly thought for a moment that the train had jumped the track. It was gloriously terrifying! The second drop was thrilling and brutal, and the cliff drop into the pitch black tunnel containing a directional change you couldn't see coming, was another highlight. The triple helix and meandering loop around after the tunnel were nothing special, but I would ride over and over because the rest of the ride was just so insane. Over the years it got so rough I used to joke that it was running on square wheels, and by the time it was RMC'd, I couldn't have cared less, even as a fan of wooden coasters, that TX was losing one. I enjoy Iron Rattler, and I appreciate the nod to the original first drop, but it still only alludes to the insanity of the original. And although I didn't care for the final loop around after the tunnel on the original, I do wish RMC had found something interesting to do after the tunnel instead of just barreling into the final brake run.

[@craigduncan4826]

I still can’t get over a theme park company being called “Gay Lord”

[@michaelshields7777]

Hehehe!!!

[@timwilliams7957]

Please. Gaylord is a fairly common surname and they have built some of the finest resorts in the world. I find your remark offensive, and I'm not gay.

[@Puggymunch]

@@timwilliams7957 offensive or not its still funny

[@wickedphant0m]

Omg, the structure sway footage is NUTS.

[@michaelshields7777]

It's absolutely glorious, hehehe!!!

[@crooked-halo]

There are three first drops which I consider the best, in their un-modified versions, Riverside Cyclone, Texas Cyclone, and Rattler. As this video describes so well, Rattler's first drop was absolutely insane. I rode it hundreds of times before modifications. Extreme airtime on the drop, being slammed right and left on the pullout, with heavy positive Gs & a head-chopper on the shed. I could not believe how wonderful the first and second drops were! The curving drop into the tunnel kicked ass, too. Living in Texas I watched Rattler being built, even walked it once at night. I greatly miss Rattler as it ran when new, but I understand the issues leading to it's demise. Excellent video!

[@jgriego4797]

I rode the rattler one time and that was enough. The same experience can be obtained by telling a bar bouncer "oh yeah, and who is going to make me leave". I am pretty sure I had a mild concussion.

[@johanlenox]

The pull out on that original first drop really does look insane

[@mtootm]

Hey, I work there! It's great to learn about my park. I rode Rattler only once, on the final year before it was renovated. The first drop gave me quite a headache but I enjoyed the ride overall. I'm glad the track sway after the 2nd drop was included in this video. Though I think it was much worse in it's final year than what was shown on video.

[@Canev821]

I use to work there

[@danceyrselfkleen]

No one cares

[@Canev821]

@@danceyrselfkleen I feel you are jealous

[@danceyrselfkleen]

@@Canev821 yeah real jealous of your previous theme park job

[@Canev821]

@@danceyrselfkleen so you finally admit it. That’s the first step.

[@busterschannel4794]

I had a season pass in 1992. I rode the rattler hundreds of times, I never had any injuries. That first drop was truly insane. The helix was so creaky and noisy . The trains would squeak and squeal around the corner. Once they made the first drop shallower it was never the same. The iron rattler is an awesome revamp that I have enjoyed several hundred times. Great video.

[@beyedoc]

This was my dad's favorite ride on our yearly drives from West Texas to enjoy a modest family vacation in San Antonio. In ~1994/1995, I wanted to join my dad on his favorite coaster, The Rattler (original). I remember at that age feeling like the first drop lasted 30 seconds but then fun after that! Turns out that sitting on the bench-like seat with a single lap bar and seatbelt over both riders, during the first drop my dad looked over and found that I had slid down to the bottom of the car with the seatbelt barely on my forehead. My dad's rattler-fast reflexes allowed him to pull me back up and hold onto me the rest of the ride. I have a fond childhood memory of a shared experience and beginning of my love of coasters with my dad, but that day could have ended in tragedy.

[@coolboss999]

Ayyy the first Problematic Roller Coaster series video I am able to see on time! New subscriber here and love this series. Keep up the good work!

[@aaronjudkins8314]

Would love to see a video on the Lagoon Rollercoaster in Farmington, Utah. It’s a wooden coaster built in 1921 and still operates today. A fire at the amusement park in 1953 destroyed the lift hill and it was subsequently replaced. Computer controls have been added, though I’m not sure when. It has gone by several other names such as The Lagoon Dipper, Silver Coaster, and Giant Coaster. The locals old enough to remember call in The White Rollercoaster because it was painted white for several decades. The stopped painting it in 2004 when they started using treated lumber for the replacement boards, so now it’s many different colors. It was the first rollercoaster I ever rode. Seeing it in one of your videos would be amazing (hearing about the deeper technicalities of the build process and track upkeep). It truly is a legend in Northern Utah and resides in the only amusement park in the state! I hope my limited knowledge of the history will peak your interest and perhaps we’ll see a video in the future! We love what you do! Keep it up!!

[@jnieto19]

Rode it countless times through all of the different configurations… when it first opened it was definitely a jaw dropper!

[@tyde3266]

I've lived my whole life in San Antonio and have gone to Fiesta Texas for many years. I didn't start going to the park until around 2005 & remember how crazy this ride was before it got updated to Iron Rattler. It's still a very good coaster, but I'm nostalgic for the old one, and the crazy sway would blow my mind every time i saw it.

[@finnnnn6373]

Honestly I'd love to see a ride like the Smiler get featured as we all know how interesting that ride's life has been!

[@ElToroRyan]

I would like to cover Smiler as well! But not until I ride it for myself!

[@jdawg9137]

@@ElToroRyan You rode S.O.B? Alot of people made negative comments on what some would call the greatest coaster they ever ridden.

[@WillKalili]

This is a great video! The Rattler was my first "big" coaster back in the early 2000s and it was my favorite for a long time (I was only 10 or so back then). Thanks for he video!

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

But how rough was it on your 10 year old body? Just curious.

[@WillKalili]

@@tigerrocks503chase8 lmao. I was a lot more resilient back then. I didn't mind shaky rides as much as I do now.

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

I don’t mind if wooden coasters become a bit rough. But if they are rough to the point where it’s unbearable and gives me a migraine and multiple bruises, I ride it for the credit and never step foot near it for a while.

[@lennylaufeyson1835]

Watched this video while waiting in line for the Iron Rattler today. Got to ride it four times and each was better than the last. No matter how dead the park is there’s always a line for Rattler. Only one train has been used for a few years now, supposedly a third will be added this year. Hope it cuts the wait time in half. By far my favorite roller coaster at Fiesta Texas!!!! Love the history behind it.

[@ETicketAttractions]

Thank you so much for this! I was always obsessed with the idea of this ride, and this is def the definitive video on it. Amazing job! 🎟🤩🎟

[@canooneggy9074]

With the addition of a third train coming next season, does anyone know if the trims in between the holding block and the tunnel will become another block zone?

[@ElToroRyan]

No, Rattler will continue to operate just how it does now with 2 trains at max. The 3rd train will help for maintenance cycles so that two trains are always available while one is taken out for its yearly refurb.

[@DAOzz83]

That’s a wonderfully efficient way to run the ride. I’m more than a little shocked that Six Flags would go to the expense.

[@xDRZLx]

New CEO is on a roll

[@DAOzz83]

@@xDRZLx Nice. Let's hope it pays off.

[@Xfacta12482]

26:10 lmfao holy shit

[@rocknrollnichole1071]

I’ve watched so many videos that I love that you are teaching newbies about block zones

[@chrisygirl1234]

I am soo glad you went into the history of fiesta texas! my family moved from nashville to san antonio due to this opening since my dad worked at Opryland as a caretaker of the horses for mounted patrol. My dad and stepmom actually married inside fiesta texas and have great memories there.

[@timwilliams7957]

Fiesta Texas was built by the same company that built the Opryland amusement park in Nashville. Both parks had great shows and great music, but the Six Flags company changed all that when they bought the park in San Antonio. I really miss that.

[@Taranofsky]

I understand complaints. I feel sorry for those that were injured. I will in the same breath say that The Rattler is the most fun I've ever had on a roller coaster 😆 riding it when I was 7 was a borderline religious experience

[@Stephenp503]

Yes! I've been waiting for this since the Son of Beast video!

[@ElToroRyan]

I originally planned to release this video months ago 😂 finally got around to it!

[@replicaman9215]

Rode the original Rattler as a kid with my mother. Don't know what version of the original it was, but it was early-to-mid 90s. Scared the hell out of me, and gave her whiplash. Restraints were just lap bars.

[@samanthasteagall6073]

My cousin and I rode the first version of this ride. My mom and grandmother didnt want us but we told them that it would have not opened if it wasnt safe! We stood in line for what felt like ever to ride it so only rode it once. It was definitely thrilling.

[@Southfloridelphia]

The original version of that ride is one of the jankiest coasters I have ever seen.

[@randomporpoise]

rcca is literally the real live version of the planco coaster editor

[@breawycker]

Wow. I didn't expect such in depth details about rollercoaster design! Awesome video!

[@jessefuir5032]

Great video! I can't imagine how much research went into making this video

[@BluesCoasters]

AWESOME VIDEO!! been waiting for this one. PLEASEEE do one on Lightning Rod!!! PLEASEEEEE

[@NightWindsMusic]

Can’t yet, it has more problems coming every week

[@ElToroRyan]

I will definitely do a Lightning Rod video!

[@BluesCoasters]

@@ElToroRyan YESSS!!!!

[@csxrailfan02]

somehow even mean streaks pov looked smoother.

[@cheshirecollectibles]

I was 10 years old when the park opened and got to ride the original coaster. It terrified me but also thrilled me. I rode several modified versions of it over the years (moved from Texas so haven't done the iron version) but it was way tamer after the first times I went on it and I know that wasn't because I was younger. The sway of the coaster was always the creepiest part of watching it and the sways were there from the beginning, although it did seem to be more pronounced in its later years.

[@rjdreamer20]

Man, excellent video man you covered all the details on this great coaster, Yeah I was lucky enough to experience that insane drop!! There's nothing like the feeling of being tossed around!

[@shootoutsports619]

If RCCA was still around today it would be equivalent to Thanos living…

[@killervirgo]

I say Rattler with only two syallbles : Ratt-ler. I'm a NYer but lived in TX for 10+ years. I must be losing my accent and sound more Texan now.

[@scottyjbd]

I’ve always said Ratt-ler. Sounds cooler 😎

[@michaelshields7777]

RATT - N - ROLL!!!

[@ethancarey402]

Great and informative video as always, but also thanks for including the "Blank Check" clip in there. That nostalgia hit different lol

[@dashdeception]

another fantastic breakdown thanks so much

[@CoasterStats]

RCCA quality ❤

[@Uncle_Nate]

I never really liked a sharp pullout.

[@ElToroRyan]

Yeah it hits different than a tight pullout

[@jessicamessicak]

Born in '88 in San Antonio. Grew up with this coaster!! I was just watching your videos and didn't realize this one was about The Rattler! Awesome info

[@estuarry]

i look forward to every new video you post. superb explanations, exciting content, and wonderful delivery. your channel is a treat 😊

[@MagentsAreFun]

Come for the cool back stories and history of unique coasters of the past. Stay for the block zones diagrams.

[@jwrailve3615]

You have a more detailed history of the entire park in this video than ive seen in so many others that have hour long documentary’s and not a single original picture of when it was a railroad served quarry.

[@rogermelchor9744]

I remember riding this every year when i was a kid. I almost fell out of the car once. The ride got more rough every year too. The new design is definitely one of my favorites.

[@Shrixxu]

The iron rattler is hands down the best roller coaster I’ve ever been on. It’s comfortable and thrilling. Literally perfect.