From: geoff@pmafire.inel.gov (Geoff Allen)
Subject: rec.roller-coaster: Essential roller coaster and newsgroup info
Summary: This document contains info on roller coasters, amusement parks,
	and the history and future development of both.
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster,news.answers
Followup-To: rec.roller-coaster
Reply-To: geoff@pmafire.inel.gov
Organization: WINCO, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Date: 04 Jan 93 20:25:12 GMT
Supersedes: <roller-coaster-faq_723232043@pmafire.inel.gov>
Expires: 18 Feb 93 20:25:12 GMT

Archive-name: roller-coaster-faq
Last-modified: Mon Jan 04, 1993; 13:17:39 MST


**********************
Changes from the last posting:

	Added this ``changes'' section at the beginning. ;^)

	Added locations to park names in the abbreviations section, and
	added some non-coaster abbrevs. (BTW, IMHO, FYI).

	Slightly reworded the definitions for fan curve, out and back. 
	Added definition for Stand-up coaster.

	Added two new book references.

	Updated the price for Inside Track magazine ($20 instead of $15,
	$30 outside USA).

	The ``roller coaster record holders'' section now lists the top
	three coasters in every category, instead of just one.

	Removed SBNO status on Conneaut Blue Streak on the Classic
	Coaster list.

	Removed Conneaut Blue Streak from the Endangered Coasters
	list.  (It is now planned to operate, just like always!!!)

	Moved the Lincoln Park Comet from the ``assured to be saved'' to
	the ``threatened'' section of the Endangered Coasters list.

	Moved the Lakeside Park Shooting Star from ``coaster with a
	chance'' to ``recently lost forever''

**********************


		    Welcome to REC.ROLLER-COASTER!

This article is posted monthly to rec.roller-coaster and news.answers.
It answers some of rec.roller-coaster's frequently asked questions by 
providing definitions of common terms used when discussing roller 
coasters, a glossary of frequently-used acronyms, information on 
organizations that further the hobby of roller-coaster riding/research, 
and lists of the biggest/best/whateverest roller coasters around. This 
posting was originally compiled by Dave Rounds (dave@bcco.com), then 
maintained by Bill Buckley (buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com), and has now fallen 
into my hands (geoff@pmafire.inel.gov). Comments and questions are most 
welcome via e-mail to Geoff.


Contents:
--------

I.   Newsgroup Charter -- rec.rollercoaster

II.  Common abbreviations

III. Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms

IV.  Roller Coaster/Amusement Park Organizations
     A. American Coaster Enthusiasts - ACE
     B. Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club - MACC
     C. Western New York Coaster Club - WNYCC
     D. First Drop - U.K. Coaster Club
     E. National Amusement Park Historical Association - NAPHA
     F. National Carousel Association - NCA

V.   General Information, Questions/Answers, Comments, etc.
     A. Books on Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks
     B. Magazines
     C. Roller Coaster Designer Info
	Designers of Wooden Coasters
	Designers of Steel Coasters
     D. Roller Coaster Record Holders
	Current Wooden Coaster Record Holders
	Current Steel Coaster Record Holders
     E. 1991 Classic Coaster Roster
     F. Inside Track ``Top Coasters'' Readers Survey
     G. List of Endangered Coasters in USA -- as of July 1992:

--------


I.   Newsgroup Charter -- rec.rollercoaster

rec.roller-coaster	Roller coasters and other amusement park rides.

rec.roller-coaster is an unmoderated newsgroup which passed its vote for 
creation by 184:72 as reported in news.announce.newgroups on 21 July 1991.

This newsgroup is for the discussion of any amusement park rides, 
including but not limited to, roller coasters. Other topics include park 
operating times/season schedules, admission prices, latest attractions, 
future expansion efforts, etc.

II.  Common abbreviations

A lot of things discussed on rec.roller-coaster are in acronym form.  This 
is because writing out ``Six Flags Over Texas'' several times in a posting 
is tedious, at best; ``SFoT'' is much easier to write. Here are some 
abbreviations you're likely to see in discussions on rec.roller-coaster. 
Those items marked with an asterisk (*) are defined in the definition 
section later below.

ACE - American Coaster Enthusiasts
BG--TDC - Busch Gardens, The Dark Continent (Now ``Busch Gardens Tampa'')
BG--TOC - Busch Gardens, The Old Country (Now ``Busch Gardens
	Williamsburg'')
BGT - Busch Gardens Tampa (Was ``Busch Gardens, The Dark Continent'')
BGW - Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Was ``Busch Gardens, The Old Country''),
	Williamsburg, VA
BTW - ``By the way''
CI - Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
CP - Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH
DL - Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
*ERT - ``Exclusive Ride Time''
FYI - ``For your information''
GASM - Great American Scream Machine (roller coaster at SFGA, Jackson, NJ)
*GP - General Public
IAAPA - International Assoc. of Amusement Parks and Attractions
IMHO - ``In my humble opinion''
IT - Inside Track
KD - King's Dominion, Doswell, VA
KI - King's Island, Kings Mills, OH
MACC - Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club
NAPHA - National Amusement Park Historical Assoc.
*POP - Pay One Price
RC - Roller Coaster
*SBNO - Standing But Not Operating
SCBB - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
SFGAd - Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
SFGAm - Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL
SFAW - Six Flags Astroworld, Houston, TX
SFMM - Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, CA
SFoG - Six Flags over Georgia, Atlanta, GA
SFoMA - Six Flags over Mid-America, Eureka, MO
SFoT - Six Flags over Texas, Arlington, TX
TC - Texas Cyclone, Astroworld, Houston, TX
*TPM - ``Theme Park Mentality''
WDW - Walt Disney World, Orange County, FL
WNYCC - Western New York Coaster Club
WoF - Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, MO

III. Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms

Below is a list of coaster terms used by enthusiasts when discussing 
coasters, etc. This should help in following along with the discussions 
and/or impressing friends and relatives with your knowledge of roller 
coasters. Cross-references to other definitions in the list are enclosed 
in angle brackets <like this>.

Airtime - Describes the sensation of coming out of your seat when riding a 
    coaster. This effect is usually felt while riding in a front seat 
    when cresting a hill or in a back seat when descending. 

Banked Turn - A turn in which the tracks are tilted laterally to allow 
    trains to turn at high speeds without undue discomfort to the riders. 

Brakes - Every coasteraholic's nightmare! ...used to slow the train, they 
    are located strategically in the circuit to control speeds in areas 
    where excessive speed may be undesirable (note that ``undesirable'' and 
    ``unsafe'' are not necessarily synonymous in this case, see also <Theme 
    Park Mentality>). Brakes are usually located in the center of the 
    trackwork, and not on the cars themselves. There are several 
    different types of brakes used on a coaster, they are:

    Check Brake - A safety device that allows more than two trains to be 
	on the same circuit, as part of the ``block'' safety system. These 
	are usually brakes on a ride which don't necessarily slow down 
	the train, but separate one block from another. Should a train 
	try to enter another block when it is occupied, the safety system 
	will <set-up> the ride.

    Scarf Brake - Used only to slow down a train, and are usually pre-
	set. The difference between a Scarf brake and a Trim Brake is 
	that a Trim Brake can stop a train if needed, while a Scarf brake 
	can only slow one down.

    Trim Brake - A brake used to slow the train running the track. This 
	is used when the coaster exceeds recommended operating margins. 
	It is also used when the train is causing too much wear on the 
	track from excessive speed. 

Brake Run - A flat stretch of track, usually two to three train lengths, 
    at the station approach, where inbound trains are halted. Since it is 
    very difficult to stop a train with wet brakes, this area is usually 
    covered to keep the brakes dry during a rainstorm. 

Boomerang - There are two different meanings for this term. 

    1.	A type of coaster manufactured by Vekoma. It is a variation of 
	the <shuttle loop> where you are hoisted up an incline, released 
	and sent through the loading station into a semi-loop arrangement 
	(as in definition 2 below) that inverts you twice, then into a 
	<vertical loop>. After this the train heads up another incline 
	and stops. The train is then pulled further up the second incline 
	and released backwards, goes back through the loop and semi-loop 
	and returns to the station. 

    2.	An element used in a looping steel coaster that inverts you twice 
	and also acts as a turnaround. You enter going up and to the left 
	then the train twists upside down and follows through in an 
	upright U-shape, you twist upside down and to the left again, 
	exiting upright heading back the direction you came from. 

Camel Back - A series of two or more hills, each slightly smaller than the 
    preceding one. 

Car - A unit or part of a coaster train, it usually carries between two 
    and eight passengers. 

Chain Dogs - A catch or pawl device beneath the train cars which engages 
    into the chain lift. 

Chain Lift - The rolling chain that carries the train to the crest of the 
    lift hill. 

Check Brake - A safety device that allows more than two trains to be on 
    the same course. If there is a problem in one ``block'' of track, the 
    check brake will not allow the following train(s) to continue the 
    trackwork. 

Circuit - A completed journey on a coaster track. 

Classic Coaster - A term used to describe a coaster which is operated and 
    maintained in a ``classic'' sense. These coasters usually run 
    traditional trains, void of ratcheting lap bars, seat dividers, head 
    rests, side bars, and other modern restraint/safety devices. ``Classic 
    Coaster'' is also an official status given to coasters operating in 
    the above manner by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Corkscrew - A coaster configuration that includes a horizontal spiral or 
    helix in which riders are turned upside down one or more times.

Dog Leg - A left or right jog or offset in the otherwise straight, flat 
    portion or trackwork. 

Double Dip - A hill that has been divided into two separate drops by a 
    flattening out of the drop midway down the hill. 

Elevated Curve - A type of curve, usually found on an Out-and-Back, where 
    the curve descends in height as it curves. These curves are normally 
    banked as well (See Banked Turn). 

Exclusive Ride Time - Usually part of an organized Coaster Club's event. 
    An ``ERT'' consists of a block of time, usually before and/or after a 
    park is available to the <general public>, in which only the members 
    of the coaster club are allowed to ride. This allows the hard-core 
    enthusiast more rides in less time. Parks usually make sure their 
    coaster(s) are running better for such events, making them even more 
    appealing.

Fan Curve - There are two somewhat different meanings of ``fan curve'' 
    floating about. A curved called a ``fan curve'' could actually meet 
    definition 1 below, or definition 2, or both.  Confused?  Good. ;^)

    1.	A curve with spoke reinforcements radiating from a central point 
	to the circumference of the track.

    2.	A curve that enters the turn while ascending, and exist the turn 
	while descending. These are usually more thrilling than a flat 
	turn (See <Elevated Curve>). 

Figure Eight - Layout of a coaster resembling the numeral eight, thus 
    allowing both right and left turns. 

Fine' Del Capo - A portion of track that quickly ducks under an overhead 
    support in such a way as to give the rider a feeling of imminent 
    decapitation. Can also refer to the portion of track that first 
    enters a tunnel or covered brake run. Those of you who've studied 
    music or Latin may recognize the term as Latin for ``end of the head.'' 
    :^)

First Drop - Usually the highest and most exciting drop on a coaster, most 
    often following immediately after the chain lift. First drops are 
    usually angled at about 50 degrees. 

Flat Turn - A turn in which the trackwork remains virtually flat (i.e. the 
    opposite of a <banked turn>). It usually gives the riders the feeling 
    that the coaster may tip over, due to <lateral gravity>. 

Flying Turns - A term from the original trackless coaster design. This 
    coaster resembles a bobsled run with the trains running in a U shaped 
    trough. The flying turns from the 1920s and 30s used Cypress wood for 
    its trough and maintenance was high. Newer versions of this type use 
    steel for the trough. 

General Public - Literally refers to the non-enthusiasts who attend a 
    park. The term is used to connote those park patrons who like their 
    roller coasters a little (or a lot) less wild than the average 
    enthusiast does.

Gully Coaster - A coaster that makes use of the natural terrain and gives 
    an added feeling of speed by keeping the track close to the ground 
    through the ups and downs. 

Helix - Corkscrew-shaped loops on either a vertical or horizontal plane. 

Hump - Sometimes used in reference to a coaster hill. 

Inversion - any part of a steel roller coaster <circuit> that turns you 
    upside down.

Inverted - A coaster that rides below the track rather than on the track. 
    The cars on this type of coaster are rigidly connected to their wheel 
    assembly (Compare with <Suspended>). 

Interlocking Loop - Two <vertical loops> that intertwine like two links on 
    a chain. An example would be the two loops on the Loch Ness Monster 
    at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Lateral Gravity - Those forces which pull you to the side of the car (or 
    slam you, as the case may be), often found on <flat turns>, and often 
    eliminated with <banked turns> (especially on newer roller coasters).

Loading Platform - Portion of the station where passengers board the 
    coaster trains. 

Long Line - 2400 people waiting in front of you to ride a coaster! 

Machine - Term sometimes used in reference to a roller coaster. 

Manual Brake - A hand-operated <station brake>, where the train is stopped 
    by the muscle power of the operator. Most often found on <classic 
    coasters>. Sometimes, the operator may not apply enough force and the 
    train will overshoot the station. If you're on board when this 
    happens, you'll be one of the lucky ones getting a free ride!

Negative G's - (Short for ``Negative Gravity'') See <Airtime>. 

Out and Back - A style of roller coaster. The name describes the general 
    configuration of the ride, basically an elongated oval in which the 
    train goes out to a turnaround and then returns to the station. The 
    truest form of this would have no other curves besides the 
    turnaround. Another way to do this would be to put a couple of 90 
    degree turns (see <dog leg>) in the ride giving it a L-shape. In 
    general out and backs have higher speeds than designs with more tight 
    turns. 

Parabolic - A coaster hill that has an almost continuous curve and very 
    little, if any, straight track.

Pay One Price - An amusement park admission which includes all rides and 
    shows. The alternative is for every ride to require a separate ticket 
    (or tickets, as the case may be).

Positive G's - Those forces which pull you downward, often appearing at 
    the bottom of hills, and in steel looping elements. 

Racer - Any coaster that runs two trains that leave the station at the 
    same time and ``race'' other, most often on parallel tracks. 

Ratchet - A claw-toothed steel bar running on certain inclines that 
    prevents a train from rolling backwards. The ratchet causes the 
    clanking sound associated with the chain lift (also referred to as 
    the ``anti-rollback'' device or ``Rachet Dogs''). The ratchet itself does 
    not stop the train. This is done by a device affixed to the bottom of 
    the car which catches in the ratchet. 

Set-Up - A term used to describe a breakdown or those circumstances when a 
    ride operator shuts down the ride with a train cycling.

Shuttle Loop - A type of coaster where the train travels forward out of 
    the station through a vertical loop then up an incline of track that 
    ascends high into the air. The train then plummets backwards through 
    the loop and through the station, usually to another steep incline, 
    which returns the train to the brake run.

Side Friction - A coaster with guide rails located above and on the 
    outside edge of the running rails, instead of using guide <wheels>.

Slammer - A very abrupt, rough drop that sometimes occurs after a major 
    hill (an extreme example of <Airtime>).

Speed Dip - A small hill taken at high speeds usually lifting riders off 
    their seats (see <Airtime>).

Speed Run - A series of speed dips, usually on the way back from the 
    turnaround on an <Out and Back> coaster. 

Spiral - A 360-degree turn.

Standing But Not Operating - A roller coaster which is no longer operating 
    but has not been destroyed. Preservation efforts by the American 
    Coaster Enthusiasts, and others, often will focus on these coasters 
    because of their status. They could be torn down at any time, and the 
    lack of maintenance will cause their condition to deteriorate 
    rapidly.

Stand-Up - A steel roller coaster, often with one or more inverstions, 
    where cars are designed for the riders to ride standing up instead of 
    sitting down.

Station - A building that houses: ride operators, brake and chain lift 
    controls, brake run, loading and unloading platforms, train storage 
    area, and often, the train maintenance workshop. 

Station Brake - Standard gear on EVERY coaster. Used for deceleration on 
    return to the station (See <Brake Run>).

Steel Coaster - Generally, any coaster with tubular steel rails supported 
    with steel framing. Some coasters classified as steel actually have 
    wooden framing. Cars usually have nylon wheels that impart a smooth, 
    quiet ride.

Suspended - A coaster that rides below the track rather than on the track. 
    The cars on this type of coaster are designed such that they are free 
    to swing relative to their wheel assembly (Compare with Inverted). 

Swoop Turn - A fast turn that incorporates a dip and a return to the crest 
    of the next hill while turning. 

Theme Park - A park, usually of large size, which has one or more ``themed'' 
    areas, with Rides and Attractions keyed to the theme of their 
    location within the park. Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Fiesta 
    Texas are all excellent examples of theme parks.

Theme Park Mentality - A derogatory (but sometimes applicable) term which 
    implies a set of overly strict, safety conscious rules and operation 
    procedures.

    These policies are there to please the <general public> and the 
    park's insurance company, not the hard-core enthusiast. :^)

Traditional Amusement Park - A park which still holds aspects of its 
    origins in today's modern society. Most Traditional Parks grew out of 
    ``Picnic Parks'' which were located at the end of trolley lines. 
    Kennywood, Whalom Park, and Lakeside are all excellent examples of 
    Traditional Parks.

Train - A series of two to seven cars hooked together to make a circuit of 
    the coaster track. 

Turnaround - Usually the turn located farthest from the station (usually 
    on an <Out-and-Back> style coaster) after which the trains begin 
    their return. 

Twister - Just like it sounds. The configuration of this type of coaster 
    is varied and has multiple turns, often in a Figure 8 layout. The 
    Coney Island Cyclone, the Riverside Cyclone, Mr. Twister, and the 
    Texas Giant are good examples of a twister. You can expect the 
    unexpected. A good twister will disorient you! 

Unloading Platform - Portion of the station where passengers unload from 
    the coaster train. Modern coasters have combined the loading and 
    unloading platforms into one quick-moving operation. 

Vertical Loop - A nearly closed vertical turn of 360 degrees in which 
    riders are turned upside down in a transitional curve in a near-
    vertical plane. 

Wheels - A coaster car uses 3 different types of wheels:

    Guide Wheel - A set of wheels which guide the train so that it does 
	not leave the track sideways (also known as Side-Friction 
	wheels).

    Road Wheel - A wheel that actually rides on the top of the track.

    Upstop wheel - A set of wheels which ride underneath the track to 
	keep the train from jumping off or leaving the trackwork (also 
	referred to as ``Undershot'' or ``Underside'' Friction wheels).

Wild Mouse - A small steel coaster featuring small cars (big enough for 
    two adults); sharp, unbanked turns; quick, steep drops (heavy on the 
    airtime); and, in general, a very rough and wild ride.

Wooden Coaster - Generally, any coaster with laminated wooden rails, to 
    which flat steel rails are attached. Supporting members are usually 
    wooden, however, some coasters classified as wooden actually have 
    steel framing (e.g. Crystal Beach Cyclone, Coney Island Cyclone, and 
    Frontier City's Wildcat!). 



IV.  Roller Coaster/Amusement Park Organizations

    A. American Coaster Enthusiasts - ACE

    The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a non-profit organization 
    that was established to promote roller coasters, preservation, and 
    documentation, and information. The annual fee is $50 for an 
    individual. There are lower rates when joining as a couple or a 
    family. Membership includes four high-quality magazines a year and 
    newsletters approximately every six to eight weeks. 

    Get-togethers include an annual convention and usually two or three 
    conferences. In many cases these events coincide with the opening of 
    a new roller coaster and they almost always will feature some 
    Exclusive Ride Time.

    Membership forms can be obtained by writing to: 

	American Coaster Enthusiasts
	P.O. Box 8226
	Chicago, IL 60680

    or sending e-mail to ga06+ace@andrew.cmu.edu, which is the address of 
    ACE membership director Gary Aulfinger.

    It may take a few weeks for Gary and his ``lovely assistant'' Tracy to 
    process and send the form, so be patient. 

    B. Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club - MACC

    The Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club is a fairly good sized regional club. 
    It is based out of the Virginia area, but members are welcomed from 
    any state. There is a monthly newsletter called the Grizzly Gazette 
    which keeps members up to date on club activities, etc. 

    Among these activities is the annual Screamfest convention, usually 
    held in early Spring. 1991's SCREAMFEST convention occurred at King's 
    Dominion, Doswell, VA. As usual, the highlight of this event is the 
    exclusive ride time available only to club members. 

    The annual membership fee is only $15 for an individual. There may be 
    be a couple and/or family rate, but you'd have to inquire. For 
    membership, please send a check (payable to Steve Thompson) to the 
    following address: 

	Steve Thompson
	7532 Murillo Street
	Springfield, Virginia  22151

	ATTN: MACC

    C. Western New York Coaster Club - WNYCC

    The Western New York Coaster Club (WNYCC) is a fairly good sized 
    regional club. It is based in the Buffalo/Rochester area, but there 
    are many members from just about every state. 

    Meetings are held in Batavia, NY, between Buffalo and Rochester. 
    There is a monthly newsletter called the Gravity Gazette that keeps 
    members up to date on club activities.  The Gravity Gazette centers 
    around articles written by the members themselves, giving a very 
    intimate, inclusive feeling to the newsletter.

    Among these activities are an annual Coasterfest (usually on Memorial 
    Day weekend). The '90 and '91 Coasterfests were held at Darien Lake 
    to celebrate the opening of the Predator and included a side trip to 
    Seabreeze Park as well. As with events of other clubs, you can expect 
    to get in some exclusive ride time. Most of the time there is *at 
    least* one dinner included in the registration fee. 

    The annual membership fee is only $15 for an individual and $20 for a 
    couple. 

    The membership address is: 

	Membership Director
	724 East 6th Street
	Erie, PA  16507

	ATTN: WNYCC

    D. First Drop - U.K. Coaster Club

    Coaster clubs are not confined to the U.S.! There is a club in the 
    United Kingdom with a bi-monthly newsletter, which keep tabs on all 
    the coasters across ``the pond''. There has actually been quite a bit 
    going on in the U.K. 

    The address is:

	First Drop
	Coaster House
	68 Dellfield Crescent
	Cowley
	Middlesex
	UB8 2EU
	England

    The membership rate, payable in check, postal order, or International 
    money order is:

	Europe - 6 pounds
	U.S.A. - $15

    E. National Amusement Park Historical Association - NAPHA

    NAPHA Is a non-profit organization formed in 1978 to preserve and 
    display items of amusement park memorabilia (past and present),  
    document park history, enable people with common interest in parks to 
    meet and exchange ideas, and in the future, to open the Amusement 
    Park Historical Society. 

    Membership per year is $25.00/individual, $30.00 for Family or 
    corporate membership (USA). International rates are $35.00 
    individual, and $40 for family and corporate memberships. Check or 
    money order can be made payable to ``N.A.P.H.A.'' Membership includes 6 
    newsletters/year, park discount tickets, and an annual convention, 
    usually held in IL.

    For membership, write to:

	National Amusement Park Historical Association
	P.O. Box 83,
	Mt. Prospect, IL  60056

    F. National Carousel Association - NCA

    The National Carousel Association is a non-profit organization 
    dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the hand-carved 
    wooden carousels. This group is not really coaster-related, but an 
    item of nostalgia which may be of interest to readers.

    The NCA's annual membership fee is $18.00, and the club offers a 
    magazine/newsletter arrangement similar to the ACE schedule: 4 
    magazines/year (Merry-go-Roundup), and 6 newsletters/year. A yearly 
    convention is also standard fare.

    Inquires for more information on the organization, or for membership 
    requests should be sent to:

	National Carousel Association
	P.O. Box 307
	Frankfort, IN  46041

V.   General Information, Questions/Answers, Comments, etc.

    A. Books on Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks

    GUIDE TO RIDE -- published by ACE in 1991. Lists the MAJOR roller 
	coasters located in North America. Features photos of most rides, 
	and a full description of each.

	Ordering info:

	    $17.95 US and Canada
	    $21.95 all other countries

	    American Coaster Enthusiasts
	    c/o John Page
	    6108 Sherman Drive
	    Woodridge, IL  60517

    THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE -- written by Tim O'Brien. Lists most every 
	amusement park on this continent! Lists parks alphabetically by 
	state then Canada and Mexico. Published mid-1991 but includes 
	some rides to open in 1992.

	Ordering info:

	    Cost: $12.95

	    The Globe Pequot Press
	    ``A Voyager Book''
	    ISBN 0-87106-300-x

    GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN THEME PARKS -- published by AAA. Lists 
	selected Amusement and Theme parks. Not all parks in either 
	category are listed. Parks are listed by region. Lists all rides 
	and attractions by name including description. Published Spring 
	1990. Available in most book stores in the TRAVEL section.

    THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK INDUSTRY: A History of Technology and 
	Thrill -- Written by Judith A. Adams, this traces the history of 
	amusement parks from Bartholemew's Fair in 1614 to current.  
	Covers the rise and decline of trolley parks, offers an in-depth 
	critical look at the Disney Parks, and covers the current success 
	of theme parks.  Often viewed from an socio-economic perspective, 
	it can be a trifle dry at times, but contains a lot of historical 
	data.

	    Twayne's Evolution of Business Series
	    Twayne Publishers
	    ISBN 0-8057-9833-6

    THE INCREDIBLE SCREAM MACHINE: A History of the Roller Coaster -- by 
	Robert Cartmell, but I don't have any other info on this book.  
	Here's your chance to get your name added to the acknowledgements 
	at the end of this post and win fame and glory untold.

    B. Magazines

    Rollercoaster! -- is the quarterly magazine of the American Coaster 
	Enthusiasts and is included with ACE membership.  See the section 
	on ``Organizations'' above for further info.

    Inside Track -- is a magazine that is worthwhile for new information 
	on roller coasters and amusement parks in general.  It is a 
	newspaper format, published monthly, and very professionally 
	done.

	Along with news on new coasters, there is info on park closings, 
	coaster designers and amusement ride innovations, and a section 
	called APtv (Amusement Park Television) that'll give you info on 
	videos and feature movies with coasters and parks in them.  
	Inside Track is highly recommend for those that want to keep tabs 
	on what's happening in the Amusement Park Industry.

	For a subscription in the US send your address and $20 to:

	    Inside Track
	    P.O. Box 369
	    Hammonton, NJ 08037

	The subscription rate for those outside the US is $30.

    At the Park -- is published by Yellow Dot Publishing, and is by-and-
	large the brainstorm of long-time ACE corporate member Allen 
	Ambrosini.  This is more a journal for the amusement park 
	industry than for the average coaster enthusiast; however, the 
	magazine is TOP NOTCH in design and format (contains excellent 
	4-color photographs of today's top coasters and parks!), with 
	very well-written articles, and a sensible, enjoyable layout.  
	You'll learn much more about the industry as a whole.  It's a 
	highly recommended as an addition to ACE News or Inside Track. A 
	one year subscription (5 issues) costs:

	    USA:                  $17.95 (airmail -- $27.95)
	    Canada and Mexico:    $25.95 (airmail -- $30.95)
	    Outside North America: $25.95 (airmail -- $54.95)

	Send your name and address to:  

	    At The Park Magazine
	    P.O. BOX  597783
	    Chicago, IL  60659-7783

    E Ticket -- is published two or three times per year, and features 
	stories focused primarily on the Disneyland of the 50s and 60s. 
	(The full title of the magazine is ``The `E' Ticket -- Collecting 
	Theme Park Memories.'') Though Disneyland is the primary focus, 
	the magazine covers other California parks as well, such as 
	Pacific Ocean Park and Knott's Berry Farm. Each issue is about 35 
	pages long.

	For a sample issue, send $6 to:

	    The ``E'' Ticket
	    20560 Alaminos Drive
	    Saugus, CA  91350

	Again, if anyone has info about ordering from outside the US, I'd 
	be happy to add it.

    Amusement Business -- a weekly publication which covers ALL aspects 
	of the entertainment industry: water parks, amusement parks, 
	theme parks, traveling carnivals, state fairs, concerts, 
	sporting events, trade shows, ANYTHING to do with public supplied 
	entertainment!

	AB is always on the ball about the latest and hottest news!! AB 
	is a bit pricey, though -- for pre-paid credit card orders, you 
	get a discounted yearly subscription rate of:

	     $85.00 - USA
	    $105.00 - Canada
	    $115.00 - Overseas

	But consider the fact that this price includes about 55 issues/
	year! There are also rates for a half-year (6 months) 
	subscription, but I don't have them readily available.  
	Inquiries, information, and subscriptions can be sent to:

	    Amusement Business
	    Subscription Dept.
	    P.O. Box 41527
	    Nashville, TN  37204-9945

    C. Roller Coaster Designer Info

	Designers of Wooden Coasters

	CURRENT:

	Custom Coasters Inc. (Mike Boodley) -- Builders and Designers
	John F. Pierce and Assoc -- Designers and Builders
	Roller Coaster Corp. of America (Michael Black) -- Builder

	PAST:

	Allen, John -- Designer and Builder
	Baker -- Designer and Builder
	Bitler, Oscar --
	Cobb, William J. -- Designer and Builder
	Dinn, Charlie (Dinn Corp.) - Builder
	Fehr, Carl -- 
	Harton, T.M. --
	Hoover, Frank --
	IAD (International Amusement Devices) -- Designers and Builder
	Keenan, Vernon -- Designer and Builder
	Leis, Edward --
	Looff -- Designer 
	Lorenz & Williams --
	Miler -- Designer
	Miller, John -- Designer and Builder
	Mitchell, James T. --
	Moran, George --
	NAD (National Amusement Devices) -- Designers and Builders
	Pierce, Fred --
	Prior and Church -- Designers
	PTC (Philadelphia Toboggan Company)-- Designers and Builders
	Rosser -- Designer
	Schmeck, Herbert -- Designer and Builder
	Sink, Amandus --
	Summers, Curtis D. -- Designer
	Thompson, Marcus A. -- 
	(Harry G.) Traver Engineering Co. -- Builders and Designers
	Vaszin, Aurel --
	Vesco, Paul -- 
	Vettel, Andrew -- 
	Vettel, Edwin -- Designer and Builder

	Designers of Steel Coasters

	Arrow Dynamics (Ron Toomer)
	Bollinger & Mabillard (B&M)
	Intamin AG
	MACK
	OD Hopkins
	Schwarzkopf, Anton (BHS)
	SDC Corp. of Italy
	Sensei
	TOGO of Japan (RCCA/TOGO overseas)
	Vekoma International
	Zamperla
	Zierer 

    D. Roller Coaster Record Holders

	Current Wooden Coaster Record Holders

	STEEPEST

	    1. 61.2 degrees: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
	    2. 58 degrees: Cyclone - Astroland/Coney Island; Brooklyn, NY
	    3. 56 degrees: Georgia Cyclone - SF over Georgia; Atlanta, GA

	HIGHEST

	    1. 179 ft, 6 in: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
	    2. 160 ft: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    3. 143 ft: Texas Giant - SF over Texas; Arlington, TX

	LONGEST DROP
	    1. 176 ft: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
	    2. 155 ft: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    3. 148 ft: Hercules - Dorney Park; Allentown, PA

	FASTEST
	    1. 73 mph: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
	    2. 65 mph: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    3. 62 mph: Texas Giant - SF over Texas; Arlington, TX

	LONGEST CIRCUIT
	    1. 7400 ft: The Beast - King's Island; Cincinatti, OH
	    2. 5530 ft: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
	    3. 5427 ft: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH

	OLDEST
	    1. 1902: Leap The Dips - Lakemont Park; Altoona, PA
	    2. 1919: Jack Rabbit - Clemonton Lake; Clemonton, NJ
	    3. 1920: Jack Rabbit - Kennywood; W Mifflin, PA

	MOST FAMOUS (yeah, it's subjective, but these coasters are 
	    somewhat legendary...)
	    1. 1927 Cyclone - Astroland/Coney Island; Brooklyn, NY
	    2. 1927 Cyclone Racer - The Pike; Long Beach, CA
	    3. 1924 Bobs - Riverview; Chicago, IL

	Current Steel Coaster Record Holders

	STEEPEST
	    1. 90 Degrees: Ultra Twister - SF Astroworld; Houston, TX
	    2. 60 degrees: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    3. 60 degrees: Excaliber - ValleyFair!;

	HIGHEST
	    1. 205 ft: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    2. 196 ft: Bandit - Yomiuriland, Japan
	    3. 188 ft: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA

	LONGEST DROP
	    1. 225 ft: Steel Phantom - Kennywood; W Mifflin, PA
	    2. 194 ft: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    3. 171 ft: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA

	FASTEST
	    1. 80 mph: Steel Phantom - Kennywood; W Mifflin, PA
	    2. 72 mph: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	    3. 70 mph: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA

	LONGEST CIRCUIT
	    1. 7450 ft: The Ultimate - Lightwater Valley; UK
	    2. 5500 ft: Dragon Mountain - Marineland; Toronto, Ontario
	    3. 5106 ft: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH

	BIGGEST LOOPING COASTER
	    1. 188 ft: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA
	    2. 173 ft: GASM - SF Great Adventure; Jackson, NJ
	    3. 170 ft: Shockwave - SF Great America; Gurnee, IL

	MOST INVERSIONS - (7)
	    Viper, Magic Mountain
	    GASM, Great Adventure
	    Shockwave, Great America

	HIGHEST G FORCES - (+6.5g)
	    Mindbender, Fantasyland
	    Drier Looping, Germany
	    Moonslaut Scramble, Japan

	MOST TRAINS ON CIRCUIT
	    1. 5: Thriller; German Fairs
	    2. 4: Olympia Looping; German Fairs
	    3. 4: Hymalaya Bahn; German Fairs

	MOST DEMENTED SHUTTLE LOOP (yeah, another subjective one!)
	    Weiner Looping, Flamingoland (UK)

    E. 1991 Classic Coaster Roster

	Big Dipper - Camden Park; Huntington, W. VA
	Big Dipper - Geagua Lake; Aurura, OH
	Blue Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
	Blue Streak - Conneaut Lake Park; Conneaut Lake, PA
	Coaster - Arnolds Park; Iowa
	Cyclone - Astroland; Coney Island, NY
	Cyclone - Lakeside Park; Denver, CO
	Cyclone - William's Grove Park; Mechanicsburg, PA
	Jack Rabbit - Kennywood Park; W. Mifflin, PA
	Kiddy Coaster - Playland; Rye, NY
	La Montana Rusa - Chapultepec Park; Mexico City, MEX
	Lil' Dipper - Camden Park; Huntington, W. VA
	Little Dipper - Kiddie Land; Melrose Park, IL  (New)
	Roller Coaster - Hillcrest Park; Lemont, IL
	Roller Coaster - Joyland; Wichita, KS
	Roller Coaster - Playland; Vancouver, BC, Canada  (New)
	Roller Coaster - Western Washington Fair; Puyallup, WA  (New)
	Rollo Coaster - Idlewild Park; Ligonier, PA
	Screechin Eagle - Americana Park; Middletown, OH
	Starliner - Miracle Strip; Panama City, FL
	Thunderbolt - Kennywood Park; W. Mifflin, PA
	Wildcat - Frontier City; Oklahoma City, OK  (New)

    F. Inside Track ``Top Coasters'' Readers Survey

    Many people want to know which is the best/wildest/awesomest/scariest 
    coaster in the world (or at least US). We can't answer that for you, 
    but we can pass on to you the results of the Inside Track magazine 
    reader's survey. This is an annual survey, the most recent version of 
    which was published in the August 1992 issue of Inside Track. Just 
    because a coaster is highly-ranked on this list doesn't mean *you* 
    will think it's best, but it does mean that lot of coaster 
    enthusiasts like it, and you probably will too.  Rankings from past 
    years are given as well, to give you some idea of how things change 
    from year to year.  If a column contains '-', it indicates that 
    coaster didn't place in the rankings for that year, for whatever 
    reason (it was new, it didn't get enough votes, etc.).  Also note 
    that the 1992 survey lists the top 50, 1991 listed the top 40, and 
    1990 listed the top 20.

     +----------------------------------- 1992 Rank
     |   +------------------------------- 1992 Vote Total
     |   |    +-------------------------- 1991 Rank
     |   |    |  +----------------------- 1990 Rank
     |   |    |  |  +-------------------- Ride name, Park, Location
     V   V    V  V  V

     1 (733)  3  3  Texas Giant, Six Flags over Texas, TX
     2 (606)  2  4  Magnum XL-200, Cedar Point, OH
     3 (526)  5  1  The Beast, Kings Island, OH
     4 (463)  1  2  Timber Wolf, Worlds of Fun, MO
     5 (347)  7  5  Phoenix, Knoebel's, PA
     6 (305)  -  -  BATMAN -- THE RIDE, SFGAm, IL (New in '92)
     7 (278)  6  6  Cyclone, Coney Island, NY
     8 (274) 10  7  Thunderbolt, Kennywood, PA
     9 (179)  4  -  Thunder Run, Kentucky Kingdom, KY
    10 (151)  -  -  The Rattler, Fiesta Texas (New in '92)
    11 (148) 16  -  Steel Phantom, Kennywood, PA (New in '91)
    12 ( 78)  8  9  Predator, Darien Lake, NY
    12 ( 78) 16 14  Grizzly, King's Dominion, VA
    13 ( 76)  9  8  Mister Twister, Elitch Gardens, CO
    14 ( 74) 13 11  Big Bad Wolf, Busch Gardens, VA
    15 ( 71) 34  -  Mean Streak, Cedar Point, OH
    16 ( 70) 11 18  Giant Dipper, Santa Cruz, CA
    17 ( 69) 35 19  Georgia Cyclone, SFoG, GA
    18 ( 68) 29  -  Roller Coaster, Playland, BC
    19 ( 66) 24  -  Blue Streak, Conneaut Lake, PA
    20 ( 65) 32  -  Cyclone, Lakeside, CO
    20 ( 65)  - 20  Wild One, Wild World, MD
    21 ( 61) 14  -  Blue Streak, Cedar Point, OH
    22 ( 60) 12 12  Mindbender, Fantasyland, Alberta
    22 ( 60) 23 16  Racer, King's Island, OH
    23 ( 57) 11 10  Hercules, Dorney Park, PA
    23 ( 57) 17  -  Vortex, Wonderland, Canada
    24 ( 54)  -  -  Arkansas Twister, Magic Springs, AK (New in 92)
    25 ( 51) 22  -  Ninja, Magic Mountain, CA
    26 ( 50)  -  -  Drachen Fire, Busch Gardens, VA (New in 92)
    27 ( 49) 14  -  Giant Dipper, Belmont Park, CA
    27 ( 49) 19 13  Viper, Magic Mountain, CA
    27 ( 49)  -  -  Screamin' Eagle, SFoMA, MO
    28 ( 43) 20  -  Iron Wolf, Great America, IL
    29 ( 40) 30  -  Yankee Cannonball, Canobie Lake, NH
    30 ( 38)  -  -  Swamp Fox, Family Kingdom, SC (New in 92)
    30 ( 38) 21 18  G.A.S.M., Great Adventure, NJ
    30 ( 38) 30  -  Matterhorn Bobsled, Disneyland, CA
    31 ( 37) 22 12  Cyclone, Riverside, MA
    32 ( 36) 33 15  Mindbender, SFoG, GA
    33 ( 34) 40  -  Space Mountain, Walt Disney World, FL
    34 ( 32)  -  -  Ultra Twister, Astroworld, TX
    35 ( 31) 29  -  Anaconda, King's Dominion, VA
    35 ( 31)  -  -  Adventure Express, Kings Island, OH (New in 91)
    36 ( 30) 18  -  Screechin Eagle, Americana, OH
    37 ( 29) 38  -  Big Thunder Mtn Railroad, Disney, FL
    37 ( 29) 36  -  Comet, Hersheypark, PA
    38 ( 28) 32  -  Big Dipper, Geagua Lake, OH
    38 ( 28)  -  -  Vortex, Carowinds, NC (New in 92)
    39 ( 26) 31 17  Shockwave, Great America, IL
    40 ( 25)  -  -  Greezed Lightnin, Astroworld, TX
    41 ( 23) 33  -  Colossus, Magic Mountain, CA
    41 ( 23)  -  -  Vortex, King's Island, OH
    42 ( 22) 25  -  Loch Ness Monster, Busch Gardens, VA
    43 ( 21) 40  -  Roller Coaster, Arnold's Park, IA
    44 ( 20)  -  -  Rebel Yell, King's Dominion, VA
    45 ( 18) 28  -  La Montana Rusa, Mexico City, MX
    45 ( 18) 33  -  Montezooma's Revenge, Knott's, CA
    46 ( 16)  -  -  Wildcat, Elitch Gardens, CO
    46 ( 16)  -  -  Tornado, Adventureland, IA
    47 ( 14)  -  -  Thriller, German Fairs
    47 ( 14) 26  -  Texas Tornado, Wonderland, TX
    47 ( 14) 39  -  Grand National, Blackpool, UK
    48 ( 13)  -  -  Jack Rabbit, Kennywood, PA
    49 ( 12) 39  -  Thunderhawk, Dorney Park, PA
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Big Dipper, Blackpool, UK
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Le Monstre, La Ronde, Canada
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Sea Serpent, Wildwood, NJ
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Excalibur, Valleyfair!, MN
     -   -   15  -  Revolution, Magic Mountain, CA
     -   -   33  -  Dragon Mountain, Marineland, Canada
     -   -   37  -  Wildcat, Lake Compounce, CT
     -   -   38  -  Gemini, Cedar Point, OH
     -   -   39  -  Space Center, Phantasialand, Germany
     -   -   40  -  Bandit, Yomiuriland, Tokyo, Japan
     -   -   40  -  Psyclone, Magic Mountain, CA
     -   -   40  -  Sidewinder, Hersheypark, PA

    G. List of Endangered Coasters in USA -- as of July 1992:

    Legend: 

    DAMA - Damaged and non-operational
    DEMO - Demolished/Destroyed
    SBNO - Standing But Not Operating
    STOR - Dismantled and in storage

			ASSURED TO BE SAVED 

    SBNO -Leap The Dips: Side Friction; Lakemont Park; Altoona, PA 

			COASTERS WITH A CHANCE 

    STOR -Comet: Dbl Out-and-Back (from Crystal Beach) 

			COASTERS IN DANGER 

    OPER -Wildcat: 1926 Out-and-Back, Elitch Gardens; Denver, CO
    OPER -Coaster: Twister, PNE; Vancouver, BC
    SBNO -Comet: 1946 Twister; Lincoln Park; N Dartmouth, MA
    SBNO -Thunderbolt: 1925 Twister, Coney Island, NY
    SBNO -Mighty Lightnin: 1958 Wood, Rocky Glen; Moosic, PA
    SBNO -Jumper: 19?? Jr. Wood, West Point, PA
    SBNO -Red Streaker: 19?? Jr. Wood, Willow Mill; Mechanicsburg,PA 
    SBNO -Jack Rabbit: 1910 Out/Back, Idora Park; Youngstown, OH
    DAMA -Wildcat: 1927 Twister, Idora Park; Youngstown, OH 

			COASTERS WE'VE RECENTLY LOST FOREVER 

    DEMO -CNE Flyer: 1956 Oval, CNE; Toronto, Canada
    DEMO -Speedway: 1937 Out/Back, Eldridge Park; Elmira, NY
    DEMO -Valley Volcano: 1956 Jr. Wood, Angela Park; Hazleton, PA
    DEMO -Tornado: 1968 Out/Back, Panama City, FL
    DEMO -Mountain Flyer: 1929  Out/Back, Mountain Park; Holyoke, MA
    DEMO -Coaster: 1931 Out/Back, Harvey's Lake, PA
    DEMO -Shooting Star: Out-and-Back (from Lakeside Park)

*************************************************************************

Contributors, commentators, error-correctors and other helpers:

     Mark Wyatt (of Inside Track magazine)
     buckley@ics.enet.dec.com (``Buck'')
     geoff@pmafire.inel.gov (Me, Geoff Allen)
     swain@aludra.usc.edu (Ronnie Swain)
     Tom_-_Obszanski@cup.portal.com (Tom Obszanski)
     betsyp@apollo.hp.com
     SYSOP@elan.glassboro.edu (Ken Denton)
     Nora G.

Disclaimer:  I make no warranty on the information contained here-in. 
Comments, corrections and questions are welcome via e-mail to 
geoff@pmafire.inel.gov. You may redistribute this information freely as 
long as it is distributed in its entirety. You may not charge, either 
directly or indirectly, for this information.

--
Geoff Allen          \  Please remain seated and keep your hands and arms
uunet!pmafire!geoff   \  above your head at all times.  Enjoy your ride.
geoff@pmafire.inel.gov \