New Mexico Rattler

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Coordinates: 35°08′35″N 106°35′18″W / 35.143028°N 106.588417°W / 35.143028; -106.588417
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New Mexico Rattler
Coordinates
35°08′35″N 106°35′18″W / 35.143028°N 106.588417°W / 35.143028; -106.588417
StatusOperating
Opening dateSeptember 28, 2002
Cost$2,000,000
($3.39 million in 2023 dollars[1])
General statistics
TypeWood – Steel
ManufacturerCustom Coasters International
Track layoutOut and back and twister
Height80 ft (24 m)
Drop75 ft (23 m)
Length2,750 ft (840 m)
Speed47 mph (76 km/h)
Duration1:15
Max vertical angle52°
G-force3.1
Restraint StyleLap bar
TrainsSingle train with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
New Mexico Rattler at RCDB

New Mexico Rattler is a wooden roller coaster located at Cliff's Amusement Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The roller coaster was designed and manufactured by Custom Coasters International (CCI); the park completed the attraction after CCI went bankrupt in July 2002. The New Mexico Rattler opened on September 28, 2002, having cost $2 million. The roller coaster reaches a maximum height of 80 feet (24 m), with a maximum speed of 47 mph (76 km/h) and a total track length of 2,750 feet (840 m).

The New Mexico Rattler spans the entire length of the park but only occupies one acre (0.40 ha) of land. Located in the southwest section, the roller coaster navigates over different attractions throughout the park. The New Mexico Rattler utilizes a steel support structure with a wooden track. The layout incorporates elements of an out and back and twister roller coaster. Upon opening, the roller coaster generally received positive reviews from guests and critics, and it received several awards.

History

A major roller coaster at the Cliff's Amusement Park had been proposed for ten years prior to its construction.[2] The growing size of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was a contributing factor in constructing the roller coaster; by the early 2000s, the nearby population had grown enough that a large addition to the park was feasible.[3] In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, park co-owner Gary Hays brought forward the construction of its conceived roller coaster by a year to help in the recovery of tourism.[3][4] Then-mayor of Albuquerque Martin Chávez assisted in facilitating permits for the park to build the roller coaster in 2002; in part, facing some opposition from city hall.[3] Hays contracted Custom Coasters International (CCI) to manufacture and build the roller coaster in January 2002,[4] based on their reputation and deals offered.[5][6] A month later, groundbreaking and construction of the roller coaster began.[3][4]

Park owners Gary and Linda Hays, as well as Chávez, announced the construction of the roller coaster at the Albuquerque city hall on February 20, 2002. The unnamed wooden roller coaster would cost $2 million to construct and have a projected opening date for June 21. Park officials simultaneously announced a contest for the public to submit names through local Wendy's locations for the attraction.[2][3] Park officials wanted to advertise the roller coaster to an adult demographic and would increase park admission prices. The construction of the roller coaster would result in "15 to 30 jobs" being added, with the park aiming for an increase in attendance for the 2003 season.[3] Installation of concrete foundations began after the roller coaster's announcement.[7]

The contest ended in April 2002, with the name, "New Mexico Rattler", chosen from a 4-year-old's submission in May. The owners selected the name because of its likeness to the predator and state.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio,[11] ending operation.[5]

At the time of the manufacturer's bankruptcy, the "roller coaster was 95% finished".[12] Following CCI's closure, the park employed seventeen previous workers from manufacturer and another eight workers to finish the roller coaster. The delays caused additional costs to the $2 million initially slated for its construction, and the bankruptcy was partially attributed by industry experts to the amusement market decline.[5][12] The roller coaster was removed from advertising that had been intended to promote it until it opened.[12] Final test runs for the roller coaster were conducted on September 27, 2002, and it opened the next day, September 28.[4][13]

Ride experience

The lift hill from an opposing angle is seen, with several flat rides in the background. The viewpoint is in the air, with the ascent of the lift hill on the left and the out and back portion of track visible. Several buildings can be seen on the right side, with the Fire Ball and Downdraft flat rides hugging the background of the lift hill. Trees and housing can be observed in the distance with mountains.
The lift hill and beginning turn around of the New Mexico Rattler, with the Fire Ball and Downdraft flat rides visible

After leaving the

brake run before turning right to enter the station.[15][17] One cycle of the roller coaster takes approximately a minute and fifteen seconds to complete.[17]

Characteristics

The New Mexico Rattler was primarily designed, manufactured, and constructed by Custom Coasters International.[9][17][18] Before the manufactuer's closure, there were around 25 people who worked on building the wooden roller coaster, both from the company and locally.[6] Engineering plans for the roller coaster took a month to complete. The roller coaster spans the entirety of the amusement park.[18] The roller coaster lies on one acre (0.40 ha) of land and is located in the southwest section of Cliff's Amusement Park.[6] The park relocated several attractions as a result of New Mexico Rattler's construction.[3][15] In addition, the roller coaster navigates over multiple rides and trees.[6] The New Mexico Rattler was the first major roller coaster built in New Mexico.[5][19]

Contrasting from traditional wooden roller coasters, the New Mexico Rattler utilizes steel supports, which required less area to support the wooden track. The roller coaster combines features an

lap bar restraint system.[20]

Reception

The entrance of the New Mexico Rattler's entrance is observed from a ground level. The logo of the roller coaster is depicted on a tan façade, with the addition of green cacti on either side. Foliage surrounds the lower half and background of the ride's entrance.
The New Mexico Rattler's entrance

Upon opening, the New Mexico Rattler generally received positive reviews from guests and critics. Leanne Potts, a writer for the Albuquerque Journal, commented on the roller coaster's nonstop pacing, stating there were "no pauses in the ride, no slowing down".[16] Potts also remarked that after the initial drop "the speed is unrelenting", relating the experience to that of falling "off a five-story building and living to tell about it".[16] Potts recorded several guests reactions to the roller coaster, with one guest commenting on the different positive ride experiences in the front and back; another expressing their enthusiasm for the roller coaster, wanting to ride it again.[16]

Awards

During the

Golden Ticket Awards
as being one of the top wooden roller coasters.

Golden Ticket Awards
: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Ranking 24[23] 30[24] 36[25] 35[26] 49 (tie)[27]

References

  1. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  2. ^
    Newspapers.com
    .
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Rayburn, Rosalie (February 21, 2002). "Cliff's Reaches for the Sky With 80-Foot-Tall Coaster". Albuquerque Journal. pp. A1, A5. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b c d e Commings, Jeff (September 28, 2002). "Fall in line". The Albuquerque Tribune. p. A3. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d Rayburn, Rosalie (August 17, 2002). "Cliff's Takes Over Rattler Construction". Albuquerque Journal. p. C1. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b c d Nathanson, Rick (July 26, 2002). "Loop The Loop". Albuquerque Journal. p. D1-D2. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c Rayburn, Rosalie (May 11, 2002). "Rattler Rolls on June 21". Albuquerque Journal. p. C1. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ProQuest 209432123
    .
  9. ^ a b c Rayburn, Rosalie (June 22, 2002). "Roller Coaster Delayed". Albuquerque Journal. p. C1. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Staff (July 16, 2002). "Cliff's Rattler Is Delayed Again". Albuquerque Journal. p. B4. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Bankruptcies". The Cincinnati Enquirer. July 28, 2002. p. D5. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^
    ProQuest 209444116
    .
  13. ^ "Rattler's First Rider". Albuquerque Journal. September 28, 2002. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ a b c "The Rattler Statistics". Albuquerque Journal. October 6, 2002. p. 6. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ a b c d "New Mexico Rattler front seat on-ride 5K POV @60fps Cliff's Amusement Park". CoasterForce. May 9, 2022. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ a b c d e Potts, Leanne (October 11, 2002). "On a roll: Cliff's long-awaited coaster is off to a rattling start". Albuquerque Journal. pp. 18-19. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ a b c d e Marden, Duane. "New Mexico Rattler - Cliff's Amusement Park (Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  18. ^ a b "Cliff's Amusement Park's New Mexico Rattler Set to Give Boost to State Tourism". Albuquerque Journal (Advertisement). October 6, 2002. pp. 3-4. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Cliff's opens Rattler". Amusement Today. October 2, 2002. Archived from the original on October 13, 2002. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  20. ^ "Guest Services" (PDF). Cliff's Amusement Park. February 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Cliff's honored for its coaster ads". Albuquerque Journal. December 1, 2003. pp. Business Outlook 4. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "Awards: Cliff's Amusement Park". The Albuquerque Tribune. December 12, 2003. p. B4. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007.
  24. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 22–23B. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  25. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 30–31B. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  26. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 11 (6.2): 42–43. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  27. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 12 (6.2): 42–43. September 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to New Mexico Rattler.
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