In 1989 the Metroliner was an absolute world first and a big magnet for visitors. On the old concepts of Anton Schwarzkopf the company BSH produced a 80 km/h fast train on the narrowest radius. With his motorized drive links, he completes the overlying course both forwards and backwards.
But at the time of its opening, the ride bore a different name. The small train became known as Metroliner. Half of the roller coaster was covered with a wooden facade. By driving through the building loud noises of the train were reduced, in addition to a more intense driving feeling. Possible annoyance with residents of the neighboring Appertementblocks should be prevented.
The train consists of 14 wagons in each of which max. 2 people in a row find place. At the front there are also three motorized segments with each 100 hp engines. After the train stops short at the beginning, the wagons incline about 30° to the inner side. Thus, too large outwardly urgent centrifugal forces are reduced, and the tilt makes at these speeds especially fun. The train passes through a figure that resembles a folded eight. The outer radius is 9 meters, and the inner radius is 7.35 meters. Overall, the train passes a distance of about 100 meters.
In addition to the Metroliner at HANSA-PARK, a twin installation was opened in Liseberg, Sweden, in the same year and bore the name SNABBTAGET, meaning Express Train or Metroliner. However, this installation was already taken out of service in 1992.
In 2006, the Metroliner was re-themed, and since then wore the name "El Paso Express". The wooden facade was redecorated and transformed into a Mexican chain of houses. The former Metroliner was now fully integrated into the Mexican area, and was the last attraction, which lacked a concrete affiliation to a thematic area. Here, the craftsmen and painters had put much effort to create a small Mexican village, including terrace and tiled roof. At night, the windows were lit and the facades dipped in a mixture of red, yellow and orange. The small, state-of-the-art express train was transformed into a cute steam locomotive, with only steam left over from the chimney.
In 2015, the El Paso Express drove its last year. Due to missing and no longer available spare parts the technicians of the park had no choice but to finally put the train on the siding.
