Texas Tornado
The Texas Tornado original coaster train and roller coaster was originally purchased from D.D. Hopkins of Contoocook, New Hampshire. The original design was discussed and drawn on a napkin at a cocktail party at an International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention. That cost was $659,344. Twenty truckloads were needed to ship ride from New Hampshire to Wonderland.
This was a huge milestone in Wonderland’s history. The ride is rated one of the top 50 steel rollercoasters in the industry. Reported to have the ride of wood combined with structured integrity, the Tornado’s length of ride is 2,050ft, with a maximum height of 80ft on the first drop. The original train’s total capacity was 28 people, with a maximum speed of 65mph. A new, 5-car coaster train was later installed which holds 20 people per train and cost $137,833.88. One train requires 112 wheels, which equals 14 per car.
The 1st loop has a 360-degree vertical and is 72ft high. The 2nd loop has a 360-degree vertical and is 52ft high. The tunnel depth is 13ft with a length of 200ft, and a 50 degree banked turnaround.
More than 200yds of concrete was used in the loading area and underground tunnel. The ride required more than 300 gallons of paint.