Roller coaster

Aroller coasteris a type ofamusement rideemploying a form of elevatedrailroad trackthat carries passengers on atrainthrough tight turns, steep slopes, and other elements usually designed to produce a thrilling experience.Trains consist of open cars connected in a single line, and the rides are often found intheme parksaround the world. Roller coasters first appeared in the 17th century, andLaMarcus Adna Thompsonobtained one of the first known patents for a roller coaster design in 1885, based on theSwitchback Railwaywhich opened a year earlier atConey Island.
Tracks are typically built and designed as a complete circuit in which trains depart from and return to the sameloading station. One variation, ashuttle roller coaster, reverses at some point throughout the course of the ride to traverse the same track backwards.
The oldest roller coasters are believed to have originated from the so-called "Russian Mountains";John Collier Jonesspecially constructed hills of ice located in the area that is nowSaint Petersburg, Russia.Built in the 17th century, the slides were built to a height of between 70 and 80 feet (21 and 24 m), had a 50-degree drop, and were reinforced by wooden supports. Later, in 1784,Catherine the Greatis said to have constructed a sledding hill in the gardens of her palace atOranienbaumin St. Petersburg.
TheRiding Mountain(akaLa Grande Glisade) entertainment pavilion designed byBartolomeo Francesco RastrelliforTsarskoye Seloroyal residence was built in 1754–1757. In Russian it was known asKatalnaya gora(Катальная гора, literally "Mountain for riding")It was a huge building in the shape ofrotunda. It had a trail with five hills which can be covered with ice in winter. In the summer time the trails used trolleys on wheels secured in the steel grooves mounted on the wooden trails. Due to a pendulum-like motion based on inertia all five hills could be traversed in one ride.The ride was engineered by Russian scientistAndrey Nartov.The Anglican clergymanJohn Glen Kingmentioned that some Englishmen visiting Russia called them "Flying Mountains" and described them as follows:
Katalnaya gorawas dismantled in 1792–1795. Currently in its place is the Granite Terrace in theCatherine Park.
Two roller-coasters were built in France in 1817.Les Montagnes de Belleville(Les Montagnes Russes à Belleville) inBelleville, Parishad wheels attached to carriages and locked on tracks.ThePromenades Aériennes, opened in Parc Beaujon in Paris on July 8, 1817had  wheeled cars securely locked to the track, guide rails to keep them on course, and higher speeds.It spawned half a dozen imitators, but their popularity soon declined.
However, during theBelle Epoquethey returned to fashion. In 1887, Catalan entrepreneurJoseph Oller, co-founder of theMoulin Rougemusic hall, constructed theMontagnes Russes de Belleville, "Russian Mountains of Belleville" with 656 feet (200 m) of track laid out in a double-eight, later enlarged to four figure-eight-shaped loops.
In 1827, a mining company in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania constructed theMauch Chunk Switchback Railway, a downhillgravity railroadused to deliver coal to Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania – now known asJim Thorpe.By the 1850s, the "Gravity Road" (as it became known) was selling rides to thrill seekers. Railway companies used similar tracks to provide amusement on days when ridership was low.
Using this idea as a basis,LaMarcus Adna Thompsonbegan work on a gravitySwitchback Railwaythat opened atConey IslandinBrooklyn,New York, in 1884.Passengers climbed to the top of a platform and rode a bench-like car down the 600-foot (183 m) track up to the top of another tower where the vehicle was switched to a return track and the passengers took the return trip.This track design was soon replaced with an oval complete circuit.In 1885, Phillip Hinkle introduced the first full-circuit coaster with alift hill, theGravity Pleasure Road, which became the most popular attraction at Coney Island.Not to be outdone, in 1886 Thompson patented his design of roller coaster that included dark tunnels with painted scenery. "Scenic railways" were soon found inamusement parksacross the county.
By 1919, the firstunderfrictionroller coaster had been developed byJohn Miller.Over the next decade, roller coasters spread to amusement parks around the world and began an era in the industry often referred to as the "Golden Age". One of the most well known from the period is the historicalCyclonethat opened at Coney Island in 1927. The onset of theGreat Depressionin the 1930s, however, significantly impacted the amusement park industry and brought an end to the rapid growth experienced during the Golden Age. This aside, roller coasters were still built with varying success from location to location. In May 1932, the Scene Railway witnessed somewhat of a revival in the UK, including the opening of theroller coaster at Great Yarmouth. Today it is one of only two scenic railways still in operation in the UK.
In 1959,Disneylandintroduced a design breakthrough withMatterhorn Bobsleds, the first permanent roller coaster to use a tubular steel track. Designed byArrow Development, the tubular track was unlike standard rail design on wooden coasters, allowing the track to bend in sharper angles in any direction, leading to the incorporation of loops, corkscrews, and inversion elements into track layouts. A little more than a decade later, the immediate success ofThe RaceratKings Islandin 1972 sparked a new era of roller coaster enthusiasm, which led to a resurgence across the amusement park industry over the next several decades.
There are several explanations for the nameroller coaster. It is said to have originated from an early American design where slides or ramps were fitted with rollers over which a sled would coast.This design was abandoned in favor of fitting the wheels to the sled or other vehicles, but the name endured.
Another explanation is that the phrase originated from a ride located in aroller skating rinkinHaverhill,Massachusettsin 1887. Atoboggan-like sled was raised to the top of a track which consisted of hundreds of rollers. ThisRoller Tobogganthen took off down gently rolling hills to the floor. The inventors of this ride, Stephen E. Jackman and Byron B. Floyd, claim that they were the first to use the term "roller coaster".
The termjet coasteris used for roller coasters in Japan, where such amusement park rides are very popular.
In many languages, including most Romance languages, the name refers to "Russian mountains". Conversely, in Russian, they are called "Американские горки" (Amerikanskiye gorki, "American hills"). In theScandinavian languages, the roller coaster is referred as "mountain-and-valley railway". German has the wordAchterbahn, stemming fromFigur-8-Bahn, relating to the form of the number 8 (achtin German). This is similar to the DutchAchtbaan, in whichachtalso means "eight".
Roller coaster trains are not typically powered. Most are pulled up alift hillby a chain or cable and released downhill. Thepotential energyaccumulated by the rise in height is transferred tokinetic energy, which is then converted back into potential energy as the train rises up the next hill.Changes in elevation become smaller throughout the track's course, as some mechanical energy is lost tofrictionandair drag. A properly-designed, outdoor track will result in a train having enough kinetic energy to complete the entire course under a variety of stressful weather conditions.
Not all coasters feature a lift hill, however. A train may also be set into motion by a launch mechanism such as a flywheel,linear induction motor,linear synchronous motor, hydraulic launch, or drive tire. Somelaunched roller coastersare capable of reaching greater speeds using less track when compared to traditional coasters that rely on a conventional lift hill.
Abrake runat the end of the circuit is the most common method of stopping a roller coaster train as it returns to the station.One notable exception is apowered roller coaster, which instead of relying on gravity uses one or more motors to propel the trains along the course.
In 2006, NASA announced that it would build a system using principles similar to those of a roller coaster to help astronauts escape theAres Ilaunch pad in an emergency,although this has since been scrapped along with the rest of theAres program.
Some sources have shown concern over the ability of roller coasters to cause head trauma and serious injury such as the tearing of axons and damaging of blood vessels.
A variety of safety mechanisms protect riders on roller coasters. One of these is theblocksystem. Most large roller coasters have the ability to run two or more trains at once, and the block system prevents these trains from colliding. In this system, the track is divided into two or more sections known as blocks. Only one train is permitted in each block at any given time. There is a section of track at the end of each block where a train can be stopped if necessary, such as preventing dispatch from the station, stopping a lift, or applying brakes. Sensors detect when a train passes so that the system's computer is aware of which blocks are occupied. If a train attempts to enter an occupied block, the stopping mechanisms in all blocks are engaged.
Restraints are another critical aspect to roller coaster safety. Roller coasters usually have two different types: Over-the-shoulder-restraints and lap bar restraints. With both, eitherhydraulicormechanicalsafety mechanisms are used within the restraints. Mechanical restraints use a system known as a ratchet and pawl. When riding a roller coaster with a ratchet and pawl system, the sound of clicks can be heard when pulling down the restraint.Hydraulic restraints use a piston and cylinder. Unlike mechanical restraints, there is no feeling of physical or sound of clicks from the restraint being locked in place.Most modern day roller coasters have sensors that are used to make sure each restraint is locked. If all the restraints are locked, it will send a signal to the ride computer letting it know that it is clear for dispatch. If all restraints are not locked, the train will not be able to move out of the station until each restraint is locked.
Braking systems such as pivoting pawls are used on the bottom of the train and on the inclined lift hill. While the cart goes up the lift hill, it is usually pulled by a chain. The pawl moves over bumps that are separated closely apart. In the event that the train ever becomes disconnected from the chain, the anti roll-back system will engage and it will fall back into the nearest downhill stop preventing the train from falling down the lift hill.
Another key to safety is theprogrammable logic controller, an essential component of a roller coaster's computer system. Multiple controllers work together to detect faults associated with operation and automate decisions to engage various elements (e.g. lift, brakes, etc.). Periodic maintenance and visual inspection by ride engineers are also important to verify that structures and materials are within expected wear tolerances and functioning correctly. Effective operating procedures further enhance safety.
Roller coaster design is another important aspect that requires a working knowledge ofbasic physicsto enhance ride comfort and avoid harmful strain to the rider. Ride designers must carefully analyze the movement a ride subjects its riders to, ensuring it is within a reasonable tolerance. The human body needs sufficient time to react to sudden changes in force in order to control muscle tension and avoid harmful consequences such aswhiplash. Designers typically stay in the range of 4 to 6g(40 to 60 m/s) as a maximum for positive g-force acceleration, which increases the feeling of weight and pushes riders downward into their seat. For negative g-force, or the feeling of weightlessness, the target is 1.5 to 2g(15 to 20 m/s) as a maximum. These fall into a range considered safe to a majority of the population. Lateral acceleration is also typically kept under 2g(20 m/s) using various techniques including the banking of curves.
Wheels are a critical part in rollercoaster design. The purpose of wheels is to keep the train on the track and to prevent it from flying off. A majority of roller coaster wheels are made from polyurethane. There are three kinds of roller coaster wheels which include road wheels, side friction wheels, and up-stop wheels. Road wheels ride on top of the track. Side friction wheels ride on the side of the track to keep the train on the track throughout turns. Up-stop wheels ride below the track and prevent the train from lifting off the track.
Roller coasters are statistically very safe when compared to other activities, but despite all the safety measures in place,accidentsstill occur. TheInternational Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions(IAAPA) reports that a rider has one chance in 15.5 million of being injured on a ride. Also, "In a typical year, more than 385 million guests enjoyed in excess of 1.7 billion rides at approximately 400 North American fixed-site facilities". IAAPA is required to report annual ride incidents to the National Safety Council.
Roller coasters are divided into two main categories:steel roller coastersandwooden roller coasters. Steel coasters have tubular steel tracks, and compared to wooden coasters, they are typically known for offering a smoother ride and their ability to turn riders upside-down. Wooden coasters have flat steel tracks, and are typically renowned for producing "air time" through the use of negative g-forces when reaching the crest of some hill elements. Newer types of track, such as I-Box and Topper introduced byRocky Mountain Construction(RMC), improve the ride experience on wooden coasters, lower maintenance costs, and add the ability to invert riders.
A third classification type is often referred to as ahybrid roller coaster, which use a mixture of wood and steel elements for the track and structure. Many, for example, have a track made out of steel and a support structure made from wood.RMC has notably redesigned wood coasters that have either deteriorated from age or been deemed by parks as too costly to maintain.RMC often replaces the wood track with their patented steel I-Box track design, while reusing much of the ride's wooden structure, resulting in a smoother ride with the incorporation of new design elements, such as inversions, sharper turns, and steeper drops.
Although the term wasn't widely used or accepted until the 21st century, one of the oldest examples isCycloneatLuna Park, which opened in 1927.It features a wood track and steel structure.Other older examples includemine train roller coasters, many of which were built byArrow Dynamics.The termhybridbecame more prominent after the introduction ofNew Texas GiantatSix Flags Over Texasin 2011.Many in the industry, however, continue to classify coasters strictly by their track type only, labeling them either steel or wood.
Modern roller coasters are constantly evolving to provide a variety of different experiences. More focus is being placed on the position of riders in relation to the overall experience. Traditionally, riders sit facing forward, but newer variations such asstand-upandflyingmodels position the rider in different ways to change the experiences. A flying model, for example, places riders lying down and facing forward with their chests and feet strapped in. Other ways of enhancing the experience involve removing the floor beneath passengers riding above the track, as featured infloorless roller coasters. Unique track elements, such as new inversions, are often introduced to provide entirely new experiences.
Several height classifications have been used by parks and manufacturers in marketing their roller coasters, as well as enthusiasts within the industry. One classification, thekiddie coaster, is a roller coaster specifically designed for younger riders. Following World War II, parks began pushing for more of them to be built in contrast to the height and age restrictions of standard designs at the time. Companies like Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) developed scaled-down versions of their larger models to accommodate the demand. These typically featured lift hills smaller than 25 feet (7.6 m), and still do today. The rise of kiddie coasters soon led to the development of "junior" models that had lift hills up to 45 feet (14 m). A notable example of a junior coaster is theSea Dragon– the oldest operating roller coaster from PTC's legendary designer John Allen – which opened atWyandot Lakein 1956 near Powell, Ohio.
Ahypercoaster, occasionally stylized as hyper coaster, is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 200 feet (61 m).Moonsault Scramble, which debuted atFuji-Q Highlandin 1984, was the first to break this barrier, though the termhypercoasterwas first coined by Cedar Point andArrow Dynamicswith the opening ofMagnum XL-200in 1989.Hypercoasters have become one of the most predominant types of roller coasters in the world, now led by manufacturersBolliger & MabillardandIntamin.
A giga coaster is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 300 feet (91 m).The term was coined during the construction of theMillennium Force, a roller coaster built byIntaminonCedar Pointamusement park.AlthoughMorganandBolliger & Mabillardhave not used the termgiga,both have also produced roller coasters in this class.
A strata coaster is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 400 feet (120 m). As with the other two height classifications, the termstratawas first introduced by Cedar Point with the release of Top Thrill Dragster, a 420-foot-tall (130 m) roller coaster that opened in 2003.Kingda Kawas the second strata coaster, and it opened atSix Flags Great Adventurein 2005 as the tallest roller coaster in the world with a height of 456 feet (139 m). Top Thrill Dragster closed in 2021 following an incident in which a guest was severely injured while standing in lineThe ride was subsequently refurbished and modified, and it reopened in 2024 asTop Thrill 2.Kingda Ka closed on November 10, 2024.
Superman: Escape From Krypton, a 415-foot (126 m) coaster, opened in 1997 atSix Flags Magic Mountain. It is not typically classified as a strata coaster due to itsshuttle coasterdesign, where trains do not travel a complete circuit.
An exa coaster is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 600 feet (180 m).The termexawas first introduced by Intamin for Falcons Flight, a 640-foot (200 m) coaster expected to open atSix Flags Qiddiyain 2025.Upon completion, it will be the tallest roller coaster in the world.