White Lightnin's one of two such coasters in the world when it opened in 1977. It was built at a cost of $1.1 million. Riders were catapulted from 0 to 53mph down a 180ft straightaway and hurled through a verticle loop with only a lap bar holding them in. The train would then pause at the top of a 130ft incline and roll backward down the same track, through the loop and into the loading station. Although White Lightnin' was plagued with mechanical problems, it managed to hang on for 12 seasons taking it's last riders on Oct. 16, 1988. White Lightnin' currently resides at Gold Reef City in South Africa.
top photo courtesy of Doug Garner
News article announcing White Lightining - HERE
See White Lightnin's current home in South Africa - HERE
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