Most of you who read our website are “coaster enthusiasts,” but in case you happen to be a member of the “GP” who stumbles upon us by mistake, you may need a crash course in some coaster enthusiast lingo. We...
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Coasters-101: How Launch Coasters Store Energy
In this edition of Coasters-101 we’re going to examine how launch coasters store their energy. Launched coasters are becoming more and more common. Even wood coasters are getting in on the game. Launch systems, from electromagnets, pneumatics, hydraulics,and friction wheels,...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: Why are roller coasters removed?
Roller coasters are multi-million dollar investments that amusement parks spend countless dollars and time in designing, building, and maintaining. But lately it seems like we’ve seen more roller coasters and classic thrill rides closed and dismantled than ever before. Why...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: What software do roller coaster engineers use?
Modern roller coasters are designed using the latest in computer technology. What used to be done with paper, pencil, and drawing boards is nowadays done on a computer. The universal tool for the engineer is Computer Aided Design (CAD) software....
Continue reading...Coasters-101: Escape from Gringotts Secrets Revealed
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride recently opened at Universal Studios Florida to massive praise, frequent breakdowns, and seven hour plus wait times. The completely immersive experience seamlessly combines giant physical sets with massive projection screens. Edge blending techniques...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: How the Hogwarts Express Works
After months of anticipation The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida has finally set an official opening date of July 8th. One of the highlights of the immersive new expansion is the ability to ride the Hogwarts Express...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: Why do roller coasters “sway”?
Every so often you’ll see a video uploaded online of a roller coaster’s track visibly moving or “swaying” as a train races over it. This swaying movement is very startling to those who have never seen it before, especially in...
Continue reading...RoboCoasters-101
In the race to build even more thrilling and unpredictable ride experiences, the RoboCoaster has emerged as one of the most dynamic ride systems out there. From stationary rides to state-of-the-art motion base attractions, RoboCoaster is raising the level of...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: Launch Systems
In the last edition of Coasters-101 we discussed how roller coasters are raised to their highest point via lift hills. Today we’re going to examine a more thrilling alternative to the traditionally slower lift hills: launch systems! Limitations like height...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: Roller Coaster Lift Hills – UPDATED 2022
Welcome to the latest edition of Coasters-101: the definitive guide on roller coaster lift hills. What are lift hills? How do roller coasters reach their highest point? How do lift hills work? What angle are roller coaster lift hills? What...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: Vertical Loops – UPDATED 2022
Welcome to another edition of Coasters-101, the series where we teach you all about roller coaster design. There is something quite remarkable about being able to defy gravity and part of the charm of roller coasters is that they let...
Continue reading...Coasters-101: How does a 4D coaster work?
In this edition of Coasters-101 we’ll answer the question: how does a 4D coaster work. A new 4th dimension roller coaster from S&S Worldwide, called Dinoconda, is opening this year at China Dinosaurs Park in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China. This is only...
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