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Mr. Freeze (roller coaster)

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Mr. Freeze
Previously known as Mr. Freeze (1998–2012)
Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast (2012–2023)
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags Over Texas
Park sectionGotham City
Coordinates32°45′28″N 97°04′03″W / 32.75778°N 97.06750°W / 32.75778; -97.06750
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateMarch 24, 1998 (March 24, 1998)[3]
Opening dateMarch 28, 1998 (March 28, 1998)[2]
Six Flags St. Louis
Park sectionDC Comics Plaza
Coordinates38°30′53″N 90°40′39″W / 38.51472°N 90.67750°W / 38.51472; -90.67750
StatusOperating
Opening dateApril 10, 1998 (April 10, 1998)[1]
Cost$10 million
General statistics
TypeSteel – Launched – Shuttle
ManufacturerPremier Rides
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelLIM Shuttle Loop Coaster
Lift/launch systemLinear induction motors
Height218 ft (66 m)
Drop194 ft (59 m)
Length1,300 ft (400 m)
Speed70 mph (110 km/h)
Inversions1 (traversed twice)
Max vertical angle90°
Acceleration0 to 70 mph (0 to 113 km/h) in 3.8 seconds
G-force4
Height restriction54 in (137 cm)
Trains2 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.
Flash Pass Available
Mr. Freeze at RCDB

Mr. Freeze is a launched shuttle roller coaster located at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas, with another installation known as Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri. The steel coasters feature a linear induction motor (LIM) launch system that accelerate riders from 0–70 mph (0–113 km/h) in 3.8 seconds.[4][5] The two installations are mirror images of one another and are themed to the famous Batman villain Mr. Freeze. Originally, they were themed after the 1997 film Batman & Robin prior to a conversion in 2012 to operate backward. The Over Texas version returned to forward operation in 2022, but in July 2023, it started operating with one train launching backward and one train launching forward to offer different experiences.[6]

History

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Mr. Freeze (1998–2011; 2022-present)

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On December 18, 1996, Six Flags Over Texas announced that Mr. Freeze would be added to the park.[7] Premier Rides was hired to build a new shuttle coaster that would powered by a linear induction motor (LIM).[4] It was billed as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Texas. In addition, Mr. Freeze would be the second highest attraction at Six Flags Over Texas, with the tallest being the park's Oil Derrick observation tower.[7] Just a month later in January 1997, it was confirmed that Six Flags St. Louis would be receiving a mirror clone of the ride. The coaster would be placed in the center of the park. This would cause the park's Spain section to be renamed DC Comics Plaza.[8]

Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags Over Texas

Mr. Freeze was planned to open in May 1997 to coincide with the release of Batman & Robin.[9] Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Clooney were scheduled to appear at the opening of Gotham City at Six Flags Over Texas and be the first to ride it, but problems with the launch system delayed its opening to 1998.[10] During testing, the LIM motors had issues with overheating and Six Flags officials could not provide the full thrust necessary to operate the ride consistently at high speeds.[11] Park management wasn't concerned, as Flight of Fear at Kings Island and Kings Dominion also had issues with the launch system.[12] One of Mr. Freeze's trains suffered damage when the launch system closed onto the fins. The train was removed for adjustments and was later put back in place.[13]

The Over Texas location was originally located in the Goodtimes Square section of the park. When Batman: The Ride debuted in 1999, the surrounding area was renamed Gotham City.[14] On October 3, 2000, the ride closed due to an issue with one of the trains.[15]

When it first opened, Mr. Freeze used over-the-shoulder restraints (commonly called OTSRs), which were replaced with individual ratcheting lap bars in 2002 at both locations.[4][5]

In June 2006, all Premier Rides' LIM roller coasters were closed as they underwent emergency inspection after an accident on the now-defunct Batman & Robin: The Chiller where a wheel fell off on the lowest part of the track. This problem apparently existed on all of Premier Rides' coasters with booster LIMs. New wheels and bearings were ordered and replaced.[citation needed]

Both roller coasters were originally painted in light blue. The Texas Mr. Freeze received a new paint job that was completed in 2007. The track was repainted red and the supports were repainted blue.[16] In 2021, the ride was once again repainted, this time being light blue.[17] For 2009, the St. Louis Mr. Freeze was repainted with dark blue track and supports.

Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast (2012–2022)

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On March 22, 2012, Six Flags announced that both versions of Mr. Freeze roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis would feature backwards facing trains and be renamed Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast.[18] The St. Louis version reopened on May 5, 2012,[19] with the help of David Freese (then a St. Louis Cardinals baseball player).[20] The attraction reopened at Six Flags Over Texas on May 12, 2012. Vanilla Ice performed a concert at the opening.[21][22]

On August 29, 2022, Six Flags Over Texas had announced a closing date for Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast, slated for September 11, 2022 in an internal event.[23] Despite this date announcement, the park clarified that the ride would be staying, but teased that the ride would be refurbished.[24] On September 23, 2022, Six Flags Over Texas announced that the original version of Mr. Freeze would return, with trains moving forward again.[6]

Characteristics

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Unlike most other shuttle roller coasters, Mr. Freeze is able to simultaneously operate two five-car (20 passengers total) trains because of an innovative sliding platform in the station. One train loads and unloads on either the right or left side of the station while the other train is launched out onto the main track. When this train returns to the station, it slides to the unused side of the room and unloads as the other train slides to the middle and launches. These trains are launched by 116 linear induction motors that help them achieve a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. The main launch requires 2.4 megawatts (5,000 amps x 480 volts) of electric power for three seconds to propel a single train.[13]

Ride experience

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The station of Mr. Freeze at Six Flags Over Texas

Based on the 1997 film Batman & Robin, riders enter an old, abandoned ice cream factory that has now become the hideout of Mr. Freeze.

Queue

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Six Flags Over Texas

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At Six Flags Over Texas, guests walk into Snowy's Cones by passing under the mouth. Inside the factory, guests make a left turn and start on the lower level, where they approach some paths. In the center, there is a mixer and four flavor containers. These containers are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and orange. Guests turn right and pass through a hallway with spray paint walls. An outdoor section of the queue can be found in this hallway. This area features switchbacks that run next to the Six Flags & Texas Railroad train tracks. Guests go up some ramps and navigate through the upper level. Along the way, there is a sign that says Home Of The Big Freeze. Now on the upper level, guests can get views of the lower level, the mixer and the flavor containers. Guests then head into the station, where they board the ride.

Six Flags St. Louis

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The St. Louis location features a different queue line which takes place outside. Guests pass underneath the mouth to Snowy's Ice Cream Factory Tours, where they make a right-handed curve followed by a left-handed curve. These curves lead to a straight path and some small ramps. After making a left turn, guests walk down a long pathway where they can get views of the ride. Guests turn right and cross a bridge over the Thunder River rapids ride. Following the bridge, guests go down a curved ramp. Then, guests enter an area with switchbacks and a few passages. Several curved paths lead to a straight section of the pathway followed by a left turn. As guests get closer to the factory, there is a board with news and advertisements. After a right turn, guests enter the factory where they navigate through a hallway. Guests then climb the staircase and enter the loading station Where they are greeted by Mr. Freeze. (Look toward the top of the exit)

Layout

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The ride begins when the train slides onto the main launch. Soon afterwards, an alarm is sounded and riders are boosted through a 190-foot (58 m) tunnel and up into a 150-foot (46 m)-tall inside top hat that flips riders completely upside-down. This element is followed by a 113-foot (34 m) overbanked turn that banks riders at a 140-degree angle and a vertical spike. As the train climbs this spike and slows, it is gently pushed up almost all the way to the top by another set of LIMs. The train then freefalls down the tower back through the course.[4][5]

Records

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When Mr. Freeze opened in 1998, it was the fourth tallest, longest and second fastest shuttle coaster. In 2000, the records were taken by Speed – The Ride at the NASCAR Café at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.[25] After the casino closed in 2011, Mr. Freeze continued to hold the records as the longest shuttle coaster until 2019. Mr. Freeze also opened as the third tallest launched coaster with a top height of 218 feet (66 m), as well as the second fastest launched coaster with a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h). Its speed was matched by Volcano: The Blast Coaster at Kings Dominion that same year, Speed – The Ride and Superman: Ultimate Escape at Geauga Lake in 2000.[26][27] In March 2001, Hypersonic XLC took the record as the second fastest launched coaster.[28]

The St. Louis location holds the record for the tallest coaster in Missouri, but the record for being the state's fastest coaster was taken by Mamba at Worlds of Fun shortly after opening.[29] As for the Over Texas location, it held the record for the tallest and fastest coaster in Texas for three years, before it was taken by Titan.[30] Mr. Freeze is currently the state's second tallest and second fastest coaster, with its speed matched by Superman: Krypton Coaster and Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which both reach 70 mph.[31][32]

Incidents

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On April 10, 2022, about 15 minutes before the park's closure for the night, an electrical motor in the launch track had malfunctioned and caught fire on the Texas version of the ride. Seven people (Including one Six Flags employee) were hospitalized with caution of smoke inhalation as the building was quickly filled with smoke. About 4 weeks after the fire the ride reopened operating one train.[33]

Rankings

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Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year 1998 2002 2003
Ranking 23 (tie)[34] 41[35] 30[36]

References

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  1. ^ Bob, Reddy (April 12, 1998). "Many find Mr. Freeze worth the wait". Off the Post-Dispatch. Off the Post-Dispatch. Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Strope, Leigh (March 19, 1998). "Six Flags to thaw out Mr. Freeze". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star-Telegram Staff Writer. Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Six Flags hit by 'Freeze' yesterday". Dallas Business Journal. American Business Journals. March 25, 1998. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Marden, Duane. "Mr. Freeze  (Six Flags Over Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  5. ^ a b c Marden, Duane. "Mr. Freeze  (Six Flags St. Louis)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Dammann, Luke (September 25, 2022). "Massive Coaster Reopens With "New" Twist After Unexpected Closure". Inside the Magic. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Strope, Leigh (December 18, 1996). "Sky high and really cool". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star-Telegram Staff Writer. Retrieved October 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "The Coolest Coaster on the Planet". Daily Republican-Register. January 31, 1997. Retrieved November 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Mr. Freeze in final phase of testing". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 22, 1997. Retrieved December 9, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast Six Flags Over Texas - SFOT Source".
  11. ^ Bunuel, Diego (August 1, 1997). "On Ice: Mr. Freeze Won't Be Opening This Summer". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Post-Dispatch Staff. Retrieved October 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Square D solves a Roller Coaster's Voltage Sag Problem". Schnieder Electric. Archived from the original on September 23, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Coaster: Still out in the cold". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. June 29, 1997. Retrieved October 5, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Milestones at Six Flags Over Texas". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. November 5, 1998. Retrieved September 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Wood, Sean (October 4, 2000). "Mr. Freeze ride shut down". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star-Telegram Staff Writer. Retrieved October 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "New Mr. Freeze Paint Job".
  17. ^ "Pirates of Speelunker Cave (Update 1), Aquaman: Power Wave (Update 11), Mr. Freeze Paint Job".
  18. ^ "Chill Out Backwards at 70 mph as Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis launch new ride experience". Market Watch. The Wall Street Journal. March 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  19. ^ Patton, Julie Brown (April 9, 2012). "Six Flags St. Louis Opens". Eureka Wildwood Patch. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  20. ^ Patton, Julie Brown (March 22, 2012). "Ultimate Head Freeze Heads to Six Flags". Eureka Wildwood Patch. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  21. ^ Janda, Greg (March 22, 2012). "Six Flags to Reverse Mr. Freeze". NBC Dallas Fort Worth. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  22. ^ Six Flags Over Texas (April 3, 2012). "The ride opening date..." Facebook. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  23. ^ Dammann, Luke (August 29, 2022). "Six Flags Permanently Closing Popular Roller Coaster". Inside the Magic. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  24. ^ "What Is Going On With MR. FREEZE: Reverse Blast At Six Flags Over Texas?". Theme Park Tourist. August 30, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  25. ^ Marden, Duane. "Speed - The Ride  (Nascar Café)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  26. ^ Marden, Duane. "Volcano, The Blast Coaster  (Kings Dominion)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  27. ^ Marden, Duane. "Possessed  (Geauga Lake)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  28. ^ Marden, Duane. "Hypersonic XLC  (Kings Dominion)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  29. ^ Marden, Duane. "Mamba  (Worlds of Fun)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  30. ^ Marden, Duane. "Titan  (Six Flags Over Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  31. ^ Marden, Duane. "Superman Krypton Coaster  (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  32. ^ Marden, Duane. "Iron Rattler  (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  33. ^ Keomoungkhoun, Nataly (April 11, 2022). "7 taken to hospital after electrical malfunction on Mr. Freeze ride at Six Flags in Arlington". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  34. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. August 1998. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  35. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  36. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
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