This dictionary is designed to help you become more familiar with the technical
names of rollercoaster parts, as well as to fill you in on common phrases
heard when talking about rollercoasters.
The sesnastion of coming out of your seat while riding a coaster. This is
usually raved about like it is a coaster's most important atribute. Often
found while cresting a hill, if sitting in the front, or during a drop in
the back of the train.
American Coaster Enthusiasts
American coaster club founded on the preservation and appreciation of the
roller coaster. More info can be had at the Clubhouse.
Anchor Strap
Metal strip used to connect the bent posts to the concrete footers, or
foundation. Found on modern coasters, older coasters don't have this part.
Animatronics
Robotic devices used on themed coasters and dark rides. They imitate people,
animals, or creatures and are part of the theming.
Anti Rollback Device
Device found on a coaster to prevent the trains from rolling backwards. These
are found on almost all lift hills, but can also be used on high or steep
assents as well as the final approach to the brake run. This device works
by having a pawl 'ratchet dog' which is mounted to the underside of the train,
mech or glide over a 'toothed' or graded strip located on the track. This
device usually does not interfere with the rides operation, but the pawl
would engage in the toothed strip and prevent the train from going backwards,
if need be. This device causes the customary "click-click-click..." sound
heard while climbing the lift hill.
Arched hill
A coaster hill which is shaped like an arched bridge, often used when a walkway
has to be built underneeth.
Arrow Pipeline Coaster
A prototype coaster which Arrow has been working on since the late 80's.
The concept is to have the track be along the sides of the car, rather than
above or below. This would allow the train to execute perfect barrel rolls
and flips, as well as other air manuevers. To date no park has installed
a ride of this type, although Arrow has a prototype 'test track' and has
shown the ride to run succefully. It's fault lies in the problem of getting
the riders in and out of the train, while protecting the rider from the track.
Auto Coaster
An early 20th century novelty. Instead of using a train and tracks, you drove
your own car, at high speed, over a series of dips.
The pipe or box like sub-structure that supports the rails on a steel coaster.
Backwards Riding
A novelty where coaster trains (or sometimes just selected cars from a train)
are turned around to face backwards. This produces weird sensations which
cause the ride to be different. Can be a special event for a coaster event,
a promotional gimmick run for short time-spans, or in a few cases train shave
been reversed on a permanent basis.
Ball and Socket
one method of coupling coaster cars together. Similar to the system used
on motor vehicles
Banked Turn
A coaster turn, where the track is tilted laterally. This allows the train
to turn at high speeds without causing undue stress on the riders Designed
to eliminate/ reduce lateral forces, or the sensation of being tossed to
the side.
Barrel Roll
A much sought after coaster element, that would turn riding completely around
sideways. Similar to the aerobatic manuever.A 360 degree roll.
Batter Bracing
Diagonal strips of wood used to stabalize the laminated track in curved sections
against movement.
Batwing
Arrows name for an element, similar to it's Boomerang except that the train
enters the first inversion from below, levels out at top, rights itself,
travels a short distence and forms another inversion. In essence this element
forms a turnaround.
A B&M element which is similar, except B&M's features two vertical
loops placed at 45 degree angles, and face each other in a mirror image pattern.
Also a turnaround.
Bents
The vertical beams, or posts on a wooden coaster.
Block
A 'segment' of track which is seperated from the rest of the track by brakes,
lift hills or other devices capeable of halting the train. The concept is
that only one train can enter a block at one time, A safety feature which
is standard on all multi-train coasters.
Block Safety System
Standard equipment on multi-train coasters. The block safety system prevents
train collisions by ensuring that two trains can never get close enough to
each other. This system is often computerized on modern coasters, and it
controlls the lift hill, and brake area. If a train attempts to enter a segment,
or 'block' of track that still has another train in it, the approaching train
will be halted.
Bobsled Coaster
A style of coaster, where the cars/trains travel through a steel u-shaped
trough, instead of on a track. This allows the train to fly up the sides
of the troufg during curves. This ride is meant to simulate a bobsled run.
Bogie - The chasis of a coaster car. The underside. The foundation on which
the seats are built. The bogie holds the couplings to other cars, the wheels,
brake fin (if fin brakes are used), as well as the chain dog, and ratchet
dog.
Boomerang
A coaster element that functions as a turnaround, the train heads back the
way it came. It consists of two inversions. You enter the first inversion
from the top, are flipped upside down, then righted to go through a low piece
of track to come back up into another inversion, which is then exited bck
in the same general direction you came from.
A Vekoma Rollercoaster- This is the modern equivillant to the shuttle loop.
Manufactured by Vekoma, this 'off the shelf' coaster starts by having your
train winched backwards up the lift, behind the station. The winch is then
disengaged, and you fall back down the same hill, through the station, through
the inversion element described above, then a vertical loop. You then engage
the chain lift which takes you up a second hill where you are released to
do it all over again, backwards!
Booster Wheels -
Track mounted wheels, used to push, or help the train through flat pieces
of track, such as in the station, or to the lift hill.
Bowtie
An element similar to a boomerang, except that the track twists the other
way, after the second inversion, so you continue on instead of turning around.
Braces
The diagonal beams used to stiffen the structure of a wooden coaster.
Brakeman
A staff member, who rides on a coaster with the rides, who contolls a train
mounted brake. His job is to keep the speed reasonable. Most often found
on Scenic Railways.
Brakes
Device used to slow or stop the train. These are places at strategic places
along the track to keep the train within reasonable speed (as in the rides
specs. , or within park tolerances, which are often not the same as the
enthusiasts tolerance) Brakes are almost always located on the track instead
of the train. Brakes come in many different varietys:
Check Brake
A brake that is generally not active, but is part of the Block Safety system,
if a train attempts to pass these brakes, before the next checkpoint is cleared,
the check brake will stop the train in order to prevent a collision.
Fin Brake
Newer form of coaster brake. Consists of mounting a 'fin' on the underside
of each car. These fins pass through a set of calipers that can squeeze shut,
thus stopping the train. These brakes are very effective and can cause harsh
stops.
Scarf Brake
Used to slow the train down. These are usually pre-set and are consistant.
A scarf brake can only slow the train down however, they can't stop one.
Skid Brake
Older form of coaster brake, consists of two long, thin parallel platforms
that raise the train up, so it's wheels aren't touching the track. Train
slows/stopps due to friction. This form of brake is ineffective if wet.
Trim Brake
A brake used to slow the train down. These brakes are variable, and can adjust
to keep the train within certain speed limits. A trim brake can also stop
a train if needed.
Brake Run
A flat section of track, usually 2-3 trainlengths long, which is used to
halt the train after a ride, so it can then be eased into the station.
Brake Box
A shed where controlls to manually set, mid track brakes are housed.
Bull Wheels
The large wheels located below the chain lift, at top or bottom. Thie purpose
is to reduce friction on the chain.
Butterfly Element
A Vekoma element shaped like a butterfly. Yet another turnaround element.
This one features two normal vertical loops, set at angels to each other,
so that that the entrance of the first loop, and exit of the second loop
are next to each other.
A series of two or more hills, each slightly smaller than the last
A B&M element on their sit-down and stand-up coasters. It features an
'in-line' inversion.
Cable Lift
A wire rope used to haul coasters up the lift hill. Used on early coasters,
this device was unreliable and thus replaced by the chain lift.
Capacity - The number of riders a coaster can carry per hour when using all
of it's trains. (It's maximum persons per hour)
Car
Part of a coaster train. On some coasters the car is by itself, and not connected
in a train-like fashion Where the riders sit.(stand, as the case may be)
Catapult
A system of giving a coaster momentun without a chain lift. Can be as simple
as pushing it off the top of a steep hill, to using weights or flywheels
to build speed, to the latest varient which uses linear induction.
Centrifugal Force-
Sideways force. The sensation of being pushed or thown to the sides on a
coaster turn. Also known as Lateral Gravity.
Chain Dog
The part of the bogie that engages the lift chain.
Chain Lift
A moving chain that carries the train up to the top of a lift hill.
Check Brake
See Brakes
Circuit
1 lap of a coaster, from leaving station to re-entering.
Circumferential Coaster -
A coaster that meanders around an amusement park, rather than having its
own designated area.
Classic Coaster
A coaster that operated in the "traditional" sense. These coasters use
traditional trains, without added safety features, like ratcheting lap bars,
headrests, seat dividers, etc. Also an award given by ACE to coasters that
operate in this manner.
Closed Circuit Television -
a system of TV cameras that are used to monitor riders behavior. Now, often
linked to printers in order to sell 'on-ride' souvenir photos.
Clothoid Loop -
The mathematical name for the succesful vertical loop. Uses a teardrop shaped
loop which is less stressfull on riders.
Coaster
Abbreviation for Rolle Coaster
Cobra Roll
B&M' name for a boomerang
Code of Safe Practices
guidelines/rules set up by a park to ensure safe operation of their rides.
Compressed Air
Used to power pneumatic pistons which are used to operate brake mechanisms.
Computer Aided Design
Modern way of designing roller coasters using a computer. Not only can it
design the layout, but it can calculate all forces and stresses on both riders,
and ride.
Computer Control
A series of sensors, that monitor the train's progress. It also controls
the chain lift, brakes, and queue gates. The computer prevents train collisions,
and after the ride is started the computer controls the ride, ensuring each
ride is equal.
Corkscrew
A coaster element that features a horizontal spiral in which rides are turned
upside down. Looks like the kitchen appliance of the same name.
Cutback
Cutback - Arrow element consisting of a single inversion in a 180 degree
turnaround
Crest
The top of a coaster hill
Crossover
A point where a portion of track crosses another part of the same track
The process of minimizing the noise emitted from a coaster.
Dark Ride
A coaster which is totally enclosed, most of the time in complete darkness.
A genre of ride which involves riding through a building, often used for
haunted house style rides.
Dead Spot
part of a coaster ride where the train looses all momentum and intensity
and just rambles along. Too much of this can ruin a coaster.
Designer
The person or firm who creates a coaster. Although we have had several designers,
only a few have gained 'legend' status.
Dip
A descending slope which quickly 'shallow' into an ascending slope.
Diving Loop
A B&M element taken from a stunt plane trick A forward section of track
which arcs to the side, eventually inverting the rider, and then righting
them again. This element is used on their Stand-up, and sit-down models.
'Do Not Stand Up'
Traditional final warning given on a roller coaster. Usually on a sign over
the lift hill, or announced on the PA while climbing the lift.
Dog Leg
A sharp bend in an otherwise striaght piece of track.
Double Dip
A drop that has been divided into two drops, by having a flat section mid-way
down.Very effective airtime producer.
Double Hill
An upwards section of track that has been divided into two by a flat piece
of track mid-way.
Double Loop
A large vertical loop, immediately followed by a second smaller vertical
loop, in the smae general direction of travel.
Drop
The downwards slope on a roller coaster.
Drop Height
The distance the train drops, often a much requested roller coaster stat.
Duration
The time it takes for a train to complete one ride cyle.
Dynamics
Branch of mechanics which deals with the various forces encountered on a
coaster ride.
A distinct part of a coaster track. Often used to describe types of inversions,
helixes, spirals, and turnarounds.
Elevated Curve
A banked curve that also descends slightly as it curves. Most often found
on Out and Back designs.
Exclusive Ride Time/Session (ERT/ERS)
Time set aside, by a park, for a select group of people, usually a coaster
or ride club to be able to ride the ride as a club/group, without the general
public. Participants usually try to cram as many rides as they can into one
of these sessions. Ocasionally, a park may make special effort to have the
ride in question operating in 'above average' conditions.
A curve where the track ascends while entering the curve, but descends while
exiting the curve. These curves are heavily banked and are usually braced
by 'spokes' that look like a bke wheel. The term is also used for any curve
that haas this style of bracing.
Figure 8
Early coaster layout. This compact design allows truns to both left and right.
it often crosses itself 2-3 times, as it descends. The forerunner of the
Twister.
Find' Del Capo
Italian term "off with the head". A portion of track that quickly ducks under
some other support structure, giving the fear of decapitation. Also used
to describe tunnel, and brake shed entrances.
First Drop
The, usually, largest and most significant drop on a roller coaster. These
are often angled at approx. 50 degrees or steeper.
Flanged Wheels
The type of wheels used on regular railroad trains. Used only on the earliest
rollercoasters
Flat Spin
A B&M element, a highly banked, high speed helix
Flat Turn
A curve in which the track remains practically flat. Causes severe lateral
forces at high speeds.
Flex
The characterisitc bending movement of wooden coasters
Flying Turns
The original Bobsled coaster. Features a u-shape trough made of Cypress wood.
Flywheel Catapult
Catapult system used in shuttle loop coasters where energy is derived from
a motorised flywheel.
Free Fall
A coaster-type ride. In it's first version a car was taken up in an elevator
shaft, moved forwards and then dropped down a vertical piece of track that
had a curved 'run-out' brake run at the bottom. Newer versions, use a magnetic
braking system and do not need the 'run-out' and combine both up-and down
motions in one shaft.
Footers
The foundations of a roller coaster, where the uprights or bents 'rest'
Footprint
The shape of a roller coaster circuit, if traced on the ground, under the
ride. The view shown on plan diagrams.
Friction Wheels
Additional wheels added both at right angled to the main wheels. These prevent
the train from jumping sideways off of the track. And more recently , under
the rails, to prevent the train from lifting off the track. An essential
safety feature which allows todays looping coasters, as well as for older
coasters to gain speed and intensity.
safety feature involving mechanically operated gates, that keep waiting riders
back away from the track until the train is safely stopped.
G Forces
The various forces your body encounters on a coaster ride. Such as Negative
G, 'airtime' or coming out of your seat, positive G, or being pushed into
your seat, and lateral g's or being pushed to the sides.
General Public
Literally, any non-staff member who visits a park. Coaster enthusiasts use
this term to describe, non-enthusiasts, people who tend to like their coasters
milder than the enthusiasts does. Just because you don't belong to a coaster
club, does not mean you fall into this category however.
Gravity Railway
Descriptive name sometimes used for roller coasters. Also used for transport
systems in mines and quarries. As in the Mauch Chunk Gravity Railway.
Grease
Lubricant applied to the metal running strips on wooden coasters to reduce
friction and excessive noise. It also helps lessen wear on the track work.
Not all parks use grease on a regular basis, however :(
Guide Rails
Extra rails added to the inside of the track of flanged wheel coasters, to
prevent the cars from overturning.
Guide Wheels
Extra wheels whiich govern the lateral movement of a car.
Gully Coaster
A coaster whose trackwork makes good use of the natural topography (or terrain)
of the land. These often feature gullys, valleys and hillsides. They are
often built low to the ground to increase the speed sensation. Also known
as a terrain coaster.
A sharp 180 degree curve, joined by two straight pieces of track that are
iether both ascending or descending, in relation to the turn.
Half Loop Element
A vertical rotation of 180 degrees which has the effect of turing you upside
down.
"Hand's Up!"
A common method of accentuating the G forces by allowing your body to be
thrown with them, rather than fighting back. Also a universal symbol of being
daring. "Look Ma, no hands!"
Header Beams
Steel beams used to support a part of a coaster whose lower parts have been
cut away either for a crossover, or for a pathway.
Heartline Spin Element
A B&M element that closely resembles a barrel roll, but not quite there.
Heartline Coaster
A coaster made by TOGO of Japan. The center of gravity is about the rider's
heartline. This design can incorporate drops and inversions simmilar to Arrow's
pipeline coaster, but the trains ride on top of the rails.
Height
A measure of how tall a coaster is. Taken from the heighest point of the
coaster, to ground level.
Helix
A spiral section of track through which the train either ascends or descends.
B&M's term for it's Diving Loop when applied to an Inverted Coaster.
Incline Loop
B&M element featuring a vertical loop angled at 45 degrees. One half-
of B&M's Batwing.
In Line Twist
A sharp 180 degree flip, half a barrel roll. Common usage is a In Line Twist,
followed by a flat section of track, then another In-Line Twist, to right
the riders.
Intensity
a subjective term reffering to how rapidly the coaster changes direction,
elements, or can disorient you. From a scientific standpoint, it is how rapidly
the G forces fluctuate.
Interlocking Loops
A section of track where two, seperate loops are threaded together like links
in a chain
Inversion
Any part of a roller coaster that turns the rider upside down
Inverted
A relatively new type of coaster where the trains hang below the track. On
an inverted the cars are rigifly attached and do not swing out, however,
loops can be accomplished with this design.
A gravity powered coaster that is a small replica of a traditional roller
coaster. It is built with smaller hills, and slower speeds in mind. A coaster
built with the kid's in mind.
The scientific force that 'powers' a coaster, it deals with gravity and inertia.
It states that as kinetic energy is gained by going down the drop, the coaster
has energy to propell itself.
The track style used on a wooden coaster. The track is formed of several
parallel flexible planks, which are bolted onto the curved surface. The track
is actually wider at the top to accomodate the safety wheels, which limit
sideways motion.Thin metal 'running strips' are then added to this to reduce
wear.
Lap Bar
A safety device, which restrains the rider by keeping them in their seats.
It is composed of a metal bar that is pulled down, accross the rider's lap.
It features a locking mechanism that holds it in place until released at
the unloading platform.Their purpose, other than safety, it to provide a
sense of security to the riders, please insurance companies, and restrain
those riders who want to stand up. Lap bars used to be single position bars,
that when lowered locked into only one set configuration, and was still loose
enough to allow for airtime. In recent years, a ratcheting form of these
bars has been devised, where each rider is secured by his/her own bar, which
can be adjusted to the size of the rider. In theory this is to lock the bar
even tighter on the rider, killing airtime for added safety, but with skill
these bars can be set looser than the old bars. In addition most looping
rollercoasters use an over the shoulder restraint system, where the bars
ratchet down on your shoulders, and cross in front of your stomach.
Lateral Gravity
The force that pulls or slams you against the side of the car.
Layout
The footprint of a coaster, can also reffer to the series of elemtns involved
Ledger Beam
The beam that supports the trackwork on a wooden coaster.
Length
The distance a coaster travels in one ride, measured station-to-station.
Lift Hill
A upwards sloping piece of track, equipped with a motorised device, capeable
of hauling the train from the bottom, to the top. This is most often found
on the tallest hill of the ride. Some rides require the use of multiple lift
hills however. A chain lift is the most common method.
Line
The group of people waiting to ride a coaster.
Loading Platform
Part of the coaster station where riders board the coaster train.
A coaster brake that is directly controlled by the operator. On older coasters,
this is usually by means of large levers, located in the station. On newer
coasters, these levers have been replaced by a console with power-actuated
brakes, that still require the operator to turn them on.
Marathon Riding
Endurance coaster riding, awards set up for long term coaster riding, say
100 circuits, or 24 hrs., etc.
Mag-Lev
The newest catapult system, which accelerates the train at great speed due
to linear induction.
Metal Fatigue
A weakening and then breakdown of metal parts caused by constant flexing.
Mobius Racer
A racing coaster where both sides are actually one long track, cleverly designed
so that the left hand train, returns to the right hand station and vice-versa.
A rare coaster.
Motion sickness
A illness caused by sudden direction changes, and disorientation.
Motion Simulator
A 'ride', where people sit in a cabin and wath a film (commonly about a roller
coaster). While the movie runs computer controlled hydraulics move either
the cabin or your seat to match those you would experience in a real situation.
People tend to either love these or despise them.
What a coaster is called, in order to distinquish it from others. While some
parks are very creative with this, others tennd to use the same name over,
or even worse just use the name 'coaster' or 'roller coaster'
Negative G
Force that makes you feel ligh. Often causes you to come up out of your seat.
Night Riding
Riding a coaster after dark. The experience can be quite differnt because
of our inability to judge speed and distance. Also the coaster may perform
better since it has warned up all day.
Noggins - Vertical wood blocks used to bolt the ledger beam to the trackwork.
B&M element consisting of two parallel inclined portions ot track, cjoined
at the top by a 180 degree curve, so you go up into the curve, and then right
back down.
Out and Back
A style of rollercoaster. In this style you start out at a station, go out
to some point and then turnaround and head right back to the station.
Overhead restraint
The form of safety restraint found on most looping coasters. It is a heavy
metal U-shaped bar that is pivoted so it comes down over your shoulders,
It looks like a yoke or horsecollar.
Overrun
When a coaster train goes past the station without stopping completely. Most
likely to happen on an older coaster with manual brakes. Not a dangerous
situation, and gets you another ride without lining up again.
Wooden coasters will rot, and steel coasters will rust unless some form of
protectant is applied. Old wooden coasters are generally painted white (other
colors do exist, however), while steel coasters come in every color possible
and use a resin coasting. Lately to save on the expense of painting wooden
coasters, they are built of pressure treated lumber, with long life
preservatives, resulting in a brown or green look.
Parabolic
A coaster hill that contains a lot of curve track and little straight track,
if any.
Pay One Price
An amusement park admission ticket/package which includes all rides or shows,
as opposed to a pay-per-ride scheme.
Pay Per Ride
An amusement park admission package, requiring you to pay a seperate fee
for each ride or show. These parks may charge little or no up-front grounds
admission. Some parks are more flexible with this and will selll a Pay One
Price wristband or handstamp at an additional price.
Planning Permission/Building Permit
Legal document that must be obtained from a local authority before building
a roller coaster, or other building. Sometimes, these are hard to come by
for envirinmental, or noise reasons.
Pipeline Coaster
A as-of-yet unopened coaster style. It promises a ride between the rails
where true barrel rolls and flips can be produced.
Platform
Area where riders board/exit a coaster train
Point of View
A view of a roller coaster, of what the rider would see. Often describes
pictures. Companies will sometimes use computers to simulate a Point of View
in order to show the park what the ride will be like.
Positive G
Forces that make you feel heavier, pushing you into your seat.
Powered Ascent
A coaster which used motors in the cars to power you up the lift. After the
lift however, the motors shut off and you have a gravity ride again.
Powered Coaster
A coaster-like ride where the train is powered through the circuit by motorised
wheels.
Pretzel Knot
A double looping element that looks like a pretzel.
Coaster stat invented by Alan Baldwin to determine what ratio of your time
do you spend waiting for a coaster, as oppoosed to riding it. It is arrived
at by dividing wait time by ride time. The higher the Q.R.R. the worse the
wait, the more unbearable the wait is going to be due to slow lines.
A coaster with two parallel tracks designed so that two trains can leave
the station at one time and race each other. Note that not all racing coasters
actually race.
Rakers
The diagonal beams that buttress the banked turns on a roller coaster.
Ratchet
A claw tooth bar located on the track (most often on the lift hill) into
which the anti-rollback device, or ratchet dog engages that will prevent
the train from rolling backwards.
Record Breaking
What parks vie for their coasters to be. Coasters are judged in all sorts
of categories.
Re-Ride
Being allowed to ride a coaster more than once in a row without having to
get out. Most commonly happens during ovveruns, or when there is no queue.
However, pay-per-ride parks, may still come and collect another ticket from
you, before sending you on your re-ride.
Restraints
Safety bars, OTS harnesses, and other devices which secure a rider to his
seat, not allowing him to get out (stand-up) and also preventing the rider
from falling out. These bars are locked before the ride, and cannot be unlocked
except by a lever or button that is out of the rider's reach, most commonly
in the station on newer coasters with electric/mechanical bar releases. Other
systems require a key to unlock bars.
Return Wheel
The wheel at the top of the lift hill that the lift chain rolls around to
go back down.
Reverse Curve
The curve where the trains switch sides on a mobius racer.
Ribbons
The horizontal beams of a wood coasters structure.
Ride
A term for any mechanically operated amusement device where users are subjected
to a variety of motions. Sometimes used by enthusiasts to denote any amusement
park device that is not a roller coaster.
Ride Costs
The amount of money the park forked out to build the roller coaster
Ride Operators
The staff members of the park who 'operate' the ride. Everything from ticket
collection, seating, safety checks, actuall running of the ride, and often
cleaining the ride.Or if the ride-operator is an enthusiast - people who
spend 8 hours a day helping strangers into and out of coaster cars, in which
they would rather be riding.
Ripple
A series of small humps, taken at low speed
Road Wheels
The main on-track wheels of a coaster.
Roller Coaster
A gravity railway in which riders are sent along on a track powered only
by sheer gravity, after an initial start, lift hill, catapult, etc..An amusement
park device.
Roller Coaster Ride -
The act of riding a roller coaster
Runaway Mine Train
A themed coaster, made to look like a mine railway.
Running Whels
Wheels on a coaster that carry the train's weight.
A 'themed' wooden roller coaster. These rides often had dioramas or even
automata of exotic or mountain scenes. Usually ridden at low speed, since
the 'scenes' were more important than the thrills of the ride.
Set-Up
When a train is purposly stopped before completing the circuit. This can
be caused by either the operator, or the computer. It is usually done for
safety reasons.
Serpentine Curves
A series of flat (unbanked) curves in opposite directions, creating several
rapid direction changes. This looks like a zig-zag pattern that generates
severe lateral forces. This is the key element on 'Wild Mouse' style coasters.
Shuttle Coasters
A style of coaster where after the train leaves the station, it rides forward
out to some distant point, then stops, and rolls backwards through the same
section of track to the station. These almost always involve a vertical loop,
and on Boomerang coasters, a boomerang element as well. Where the early shuttle
loops were one straight piece of track, the Boomerang version is a U-shape
ride. Currently. a version without the looping element is being tested at
Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Shut-Down
See Set Up
Side Friction Coaster
An early style of coaster that relied on flanged wheels, similar to regular
railroad wheels, to keep the trains on the track. Later additional sets of
wheels were invented to lock the train to the track.
Sidewinder
An Arrow element, producing a 90 degree turn, one half of its boomerang element.
Slammer
Extreeme airtime, usually found on a steep, abrupt drop, after a hill. It
is so names because it slams you into the lap bar, and then slams you back
in your seat. Similarly, a 'side slammer' slams you into the side of the
car on a 'less-than-adequately' banked turn. Note, however, that coaster
enthusiasts like slammers.
Snap Roll
See Barrel Roll
Spacers
Wooden beams used to keep the track guage on a wooden coaster consistent.
Speed Bump
A small hill, taken at high speed. Creates airtime. Also known as a spped
dip.
Speed Run
Several speed bumps/dips taken in rapid fire succesion. Usually on a straight
section of track, on the return leg of an out-and-back.
Spineback
See Backbone
Spinning Cars
A style of coaster car, that is free to spin, or rotate while traversing
the track. The car is round, with ridiers facing inward. Currently only available
on a German portable called 'Magic Mountain'. Was the basis for the Virginia
Reel rides. Arrow has this product in their catalog, but no one has bought
one yet.
Spiral
A 360 degree turn, at least.
Splice
A piece of wood used to connect two small posts, so that they form one large
one. Also known as a scab.
Sprocket Wheels
The toothed wheels that drive the lift chain.
Standing But Not Operating (SBNO)
A coaster that is no longer in operation, but has not been demolished yet.
Stand Up Coaster
A looping coaster novelty. The riders stand up during the ride, rather than
sit down. Riders stand up against vertical columns, and are secured to them
by either an overhead restraint, on newer models, or a complex series of
stomach/shoulder bars on older models.
Station
The building-like portion of a coaster. This area houses, the loading area,
unloading area. train storage area, control booth, and often a maintenance
area.
Station Brake
The main brake used to stop a coaster at the end of the circuit. Since coaster
train roll real easily, brakes are also placed in the unloading/loading area
of the station, in order to hold the train in place while riders board/ get
out.
Steel Coaster
Coasters that use steel track, usually tubular in shape. These rides are
generally built on a steel structure, but can be built on a wood structure.
Steeplechase
A small roller coaster with 3 or more narrow tracks. Riders ride alone on
the backs of 'carousel-like horses' mounted on tiny bogies. These horses
race each other around the circuit. Only one example is still in operation,
at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Steepness
The angle of a coaster drop, in relation to the horizontal. The larger the
number the steeped the drop, up to 90 which is straight up, or straigh down.
Most coaster first drops are in the 55-60 zone.
Structure
The framework that supports a roller coaster.
Sub-Structure
The backbone that supports the running track on a steel coaster
Suspended Coaster
A roller coaster where the trains hang down from the rails. In a suspended
model, however, the cars are free to swing out to the sides in the curves.
Suspended Looping Coaster
Vekoma's name for an inverted coaster. Developed so that they can say they
made the first 'suspended looping rollercoaster'
Switchback
A very early type of wooden coaster. The riders would climb up a flight of
stairs, to board the car, then ride down a series of slight hills, until
they reached the other end. Then the riders would get out, and walk up another
staircase, while workerd hoisted the car back up, and then using a railroad
switch moved the car over to another identical, parallel track, except that
it rode in the opposite direction, back to the staion. Riders faces out sideways
on these rides, and their purpose was a sightseeing ride.
Swoop Turn
A high speed turn, where the ride descends into the turn, but ascends out
of the turn.
Special effects, added to a coaster, to increase riders enjoyment. These
often involve special lighting effects, sound effects, smoke/fog effects,
and sometimes even water.
Theme Park
An amusement park, that has been divided into several sub-sections, each
with a distinctive concept, such as the Old West, or the future.
Theme Park Mentality (TPM)
A slang, negative term, reffering to parks or coasters that have excessive
safety rules, precautions, policies. Also refers to a ride which has been
'toned-down' by adding extra brakes, extra safety restraints, etc. Note that,
despite the name, you don't have to be at a theme park, to experience TPM,
it can happen at traditional parks, as well. Also some theme parks have little
to no TPM.
Track
The running rails, which the coaster rides on.
Track Gauge
The distance between the centers of the running rails. A wood coaster guage
is usually 42-44 inches, and a steel coaster is approx. 27.5 inches. up to
47.5 inches, on the 4-abreast models.
Track Sensors
Devices that deterimine the position of the trains on the circuit, and usually
speed as well. Modern coasters have numerous sensors, linked to the computer,
that can pinpoint just where everything is, and how it is operating. These
cometimes were usued on older coasters, as just a ttrip switch, witch would
sound a bell to warn the brake attendant.
Traditional Amusement Park
A park that is still operated in the 'traditional' sense. These parks often
have long histories as being 'picnic parks', or 'trolley parks'. They often
run older, classic rides, don't have themed sections, and often use pay-per-ride
pricing schemes.
Train
A series of coaster cars, that are coupled together, for the purpose of riding
the ride.
Transfer Track/Table/Lift
On multi-train coasters, spaces for holding spare and/or unused trains. These
are built such-that, trains can be swaped easily, to replace a 'broken' train.
Often this area also holds the train-maintenance area, as well as a way to
work 'under the train.
Travelling Coaster (Portable Coaster)
A coaster that is designed to be taken apart, and moved to other sites. Most
often used by travelling carnivals. These rides are mostly found in central
Europe, where multi-looping and inverted models even exist.
Tree Topper
A coaster built in the woods, such that it runs along the tops of the trees.
This enhances the sensation of speed.
Trim Brakes-
See Brakes
Tunnels
A popular part of a coaster, that involves going 'inside' for a brief moment.
Tunells are often dark, and give headchopper effects. In some coasters special
effects take place in the tunnels.
Turnaround
A 180 degree curve. Found most often on out and back, coasters as the half-way
point.
Turnstile
A person-counting device. The mechanical device, serves as a gate, that counts
how many people pass through it, since it is designed so only one person
can go through it at a time. Most often found at pay-per-ride parks, as a
way of auditing the ticket count at the end of the day. Also these can be
locked, so they prevent a person from entering a ride/park, until payment
has been made, or prevents people from getting close to the ride, until it
is time to load it. These devices come with an optional 'one-way' ratchet
mechanism, so they are often found at park, and ride exits to prevent
unauthorized access.
Twin Track coster
A coaster with twin, but seperate tracks, designed for the purpose of racing
two trains through a similar layout. Unfortunately, parks rarely run twin-track
coasters in racing fashion anymore, instead running them as two identical
coasters.
Twister
A coaster with lots of direction changes and crossovers. A good twister should
disorient you.
The undertrack wheels that lock a car to the track.
Unloading Platform
The part of the station where riders get off out of the coaster cars. On
older rides this was often in a different place than the loading platform.
On newer rides the loading/unloading area are in the same place, on opposite
sides of the coaster track.
A passageway, to the side of, or between the tracks of a coaster, to provide
a means of access for the maintenance crew to inspect the trackwork. Also
used as a way to evacuate the train in case of mechanical/electrical failure.
Water Splash (Splashdown Finale)
A steep drop. The track after the drop runs under a tank of water, so that
the water slows down the train, creating big waves that drench the riders,
and by-standers.
Wheels
Several type of wheels exist on a coaster, including guide wheels, upstop
wheels, friction wheels, etc.. each defined seperately.
Whiplash
A condition caused by sudden forwards/backwards direction changes, or rapid
start and stops on a coaster. Headrests are often added to prevent this injury
from happening.
Wild Mouse
A style of roller coaster, using individual 2 seat cars. It features several
sharp unbanked , serpentine curves. These and sudden drops produce a very
rough ride.
Wind Drag
Energy lost by a coaster due to air resistence.
Wind Load
Forces of strong wind against a coaster structure.
Wingover
A B&M element that closely resembles a vertical loop, but it is not at
a vertical angle.
Wooden Coaster
A coaster with a track made of laminated wood. These generally built on a
wooden structure, however a few examples exist of a wood coaster, built on
a steel structure.
Woodie
Slang for wooden coaster
Wristband
A device, used by parks with an admission scheme that is more flexible than
either of the two extreemes (Pay one Price, or Pay per Ride), this consists
of buying a bracelet, designed either of plastic or Tyvek 'untearable, water
proof' paper. These are designed so that they can be put on the rider easily,
but taking them off requires destroying the wristband. The wristband serves
as an 'unlimited' ticket and is treated like a Pay-onePrice arrangement.
This allows parks to admit both ride-lovers, and park-lovers and charge fair
prices to both.
