The TH13TEEN roller coaster reaches a maximum speed of 42 mph (67.6 km/h).
TH13TEEN, often referred to as "Thirteen," is a groundbreaking roller coaster located at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, England. It holds the distinction of being the world's first "vertical freefall drop" roller coaster, a unique element that contributes to its thrilling ride experience. While not the fastest roller coaster in the world, its speed, combined with its innovative track features, delivers an intense and memorable journey for riders.
Understanding TH13TEEN's Speed and Design
The speed of 42 mph for TH13TEEN is a carefully engineered aspect of its design, optimized to enhance the ride's unique elements, particularly its signature drop. Unlike traditional roller coasters that rely solely on height and sustained speed, TH13TEEN incorporates unexpected transitions and a dark ride section to amplify its scare factor and thrill.
Key Specifications of TH13TEEN
To put its speed into context, here are some essential specifications for the TH13TEEN roller coaster:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 42 mph (67.6 km/h) |
| Location | Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire, England |
| Manufacturer | Intamin AG |
| Type | Steel, Launched, Family Coaster, Unique Vertical Freefall Drop |
| Height | 65.6 feet (20 meters) |
| Length | 2,493.4 feet (760 meters) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Opened | March 20, 2010 |
| Unique Element | World's first "vertical freefall drop" (into darkness) |
| Theme | Haunted forest, dark ride elements |
The Ride Experience
While 42 mph might seem moderate compared to some of the world's fastest coasters, TH13TEEN's appeal lies not just in its speed, but in its dynamic and suspenseful ride sequence. The launch system quickly propels riders, leading into a series of twists and turns through a themed forest. The climax of the ride is a slow, unnerving ascent into a dark indoor section, followed by the unexpected vertical drop, where the track itself falls several feet before the train continues its journey. This unique feature amplifies the perception of speed and adds a significant element of surprise.
- Launch: The ride begins with a pneumatic launch that swiftly accelerates the train.
- Twists and Turns: Riders navigate through a forested area with various twists and small hills.
- The Crypt: The train enters a dark, indoor section designed as a crypt or tomb.
- Vertical Drop: This is the signature moment, where the track rapidly drops the train several feet in complete darkness before continuing on its path. This element is technically referred to as a "drop track."
- Second Section: After the drop, the ride continues with more twists and turns before returning to the station.
Why is TH13TEEN's Speed Important?
The speed of TH13TEEN is crucial for several reasons:
- Thrill Factor: It provides sufficient G-forces and a sense of exhilaration without being overly intense for a wider family audience.
- Energy for Elements: The speed ensures enough momentum for the train to complete its track layout, including the final return to the station after the unique drop.
- Ride Pacing: The 42 mph speed allows for an engaging pace throughout the ride, building suspense before the main drop and providing a satisfying conclusion.
For more information about Alton Towers and its attractions, you can visit the official Alton Towers Resort website or explore roller coaster databases like RCDB (Roller Coaster DataBase).
