The ride has also received modern upgrades, including a new control panel.

One year after it was installed, the name was changed to the River King Run-Away Mine Train.

During the 1984 season, major alterations were made to the ride including the addition of stand up cars, paint detail and changes to the track.

[3] After the closure of the large mine in 1989, Peabody donated some 1,800 acres of the 2,000-acre site to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in 1994.

[4][5] The site is now the state owned and managed Peabody-River King State Fish and Wildlife Area and is open to the public for use by anglers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts for recreational opportunities in the southeastern portion of Greater St. Louis.

In 1988, it was sold to Dollywood where it was renamed Thunder Express and later moved to Magic Springs as Big Bad John where it still operates with modifications.

After passing the train storage area, it takes a short turn to the left.

Following this incident, the stand-up trains were recalled and the ride was converted back to a sit-down coaster.