Thrill and Entertainment
Declan Kennedy
| 07-09-2023
· Lifestyle Team
A roller coaster is an amusement ride usually found in amusement parks and theme parks. It is a highly popular ride that attracts many tourists looking for thrills and entertainment.
Roller coasters typically consist of a series of ramps, bends, and curves, with passengers seated in specially designed seats and then moved at high speed on tracks. This movement generates a lot of G-forces, which gives passengers a feeling of excitement and excitement.
The history of roller coasters can be traced back centuries, and its origin does not have a specific inventor but has passed through multiple stages of evolution and cultural influences. Here are some important stages in the development of roller coasters:
Ancient Cultures: Ancient Roman, Greek, and Asian cultures all had rides similar to roller coasters, although they were very different from modern roller coasters.
For example, the ancient Romans might have built high slopes on curvy roads to provide a sense of speed, which is somewhat similar to some elements of modern roller coasters.
17th century: In France in the 17th century, people began to manufacture a device called "Children's Hill", which was a wooden pulley, usually running on artificial hillsides.
These installations are considered early prototypes of roller coasters, but their design is still very different from modern roller coasters.
18th century: At the end of the 18th century, a French engineer, André-Jacques Garnerin, invented a device called the "flying chair". Passengers sat on the chair and were tied to a balloon and then released.
This is considered an important step in the evolution of roller coasters as it involves elements of height and speed, although it still differs significantly from modern coaster designs.
19th century: At the beginning of the 19th century, some entertainment facilities began to appear, which were closer to the concept of modern roller coasters. One such example is a wooden roller coaster built in St. Petersburg, in 1817, considered the world's first true roller coaster.
Designed by an engineer named Fyodor Dostoevsky, this roller coaster runs on a section of railroad track, with passengers sitting in small cars, and then goes downhill at a certain speed.
20th century: At the beginning of the 20th century, with the advancement of technology, the design of roller coasters became more complex and exciting. The rise of steel roller coasters has made roller coasters with higher speeds and larger scales possible.
Well-known coaster manufacturers such as Arrow Dynamics and Dunlop began designing and building modern coasters.
Roller coasters can be classified according to different characteristics and design elements. Here are some common roller coaster classifications:
1. Classified by track material:
- Wooden Coasters: These roller coasters have tracks constructed of wood, which often give them a bumpy and primitive feel.
- Steel Coasters: These roller coasters have tracks made of steel, which are usually smoother and allow for more complex maneuvers and stunts.
2. Classified by seating position:
- Sitting Coasters: Passengers sit in seats, usually secured by seat belts or shoulder straps.
- Inverted Coasters: The passenger is seated in the seat, but the rails of the vehicle are above the passenger's head, giving the impression of being head-down.
- Suspended Coasters: Passengers sit in seats that are suspended below the track, adding to the wobble and wobble feel.
- Flying Coasters: Passengers can lie flat in the seat to mimic the experience of flying.
3. Classified by action and speed:
- High-Speed Coasters: These coasters typically travel at high speeds and include steep descents and sharp turns.
- Inverting Coasters: These coasters are designed with inverting moves such as flips, spirals, and curls.
- Family Coasters: These coasters are slower, family-friendly, and usually include gentler curves.
4. Classified by design elements:
- Wooden roller coasters: Typical classic roller coasters, usually including large wooden structures.
- Tube coasters: These coasters usually have a more modern design and can include many innovative elements.
5. Classification by size and height:
- Kiddie Coasters: Small roller coasters specially designed for children.
- Family Coasters: Medium-sized roller coasters suitable for families to enjoy together.
- Large Coasters: Usually taller, faster, and more exciting, for larger passengers.
- Thrill Coasters: These coasters are usually the fastest and most exciting and may include sharp turns, vertical climbs, and extreme action.