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Did you know there are over 3,000 roller coasters worldwide? For me, this fact is terrifying. Maybe you are the adrenaline-junkie-thrill-seeking kind of person, but even the thought of getting on a roller coaster makes my head spin. It’s not like I have never been on one – but the last ride I took will probably be my final tour of roller torture. It was a few years ago that my class went on a trip to Canobie Lake Park.
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The ride I chose didn’t flip you or spin you or even put you upside down. Let’s face it – it was tame. However, half way through this ‘baby’ coaster ride, my head didn’t know left from right and my stomach was doing somersaults! I had all I could do to not puke! For all of you adventurers out there – here are some good ol coaster facts:
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I. The history of roller coasters
a. Originated in Russia – ‘Russian mountains’ that were made of ice and reinforced with wood. Around 70-80 feet high and had a 50 degree drop. b. LaMarcus Adna Thompson obtained a patent in 1885 for a gravity Switchback Railway on Coney Island. c. By 1919 the first underfriction railroad was developed by John Miller. |
II. The mechanics of modern roller coasters
a. The traditional lifting mechanism is a long length of chain attached to a motor at the bottom of the hill. b. Some use a catapult launch lift to set the train in motion. c. All trains need brakes – a series of clamps positioned at the end of the track and a few other braking points. |
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III. Roller coaster statistics
a. Tallest – Kingda Ka in Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, USA – it is 456 feet tall! b. Longest – Steel Dragon 2000 in Nagashima Spa Land in Nagashima, Kuwana, Mie, Japan – it is 8,133 feet long! c. Fastest – Formula Rossi is in Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – it reaches 149 mph! |
Now that I have given some facts about these fun attractions…. You can be assured knowing that these rides have been in the making for over a hundred years and now you at least know how they work. Maybe – if you’re not like me, these statistics will inspire you to seek an adventure! For the folks after my own heart – you can add these items to your list of why you don’t want to ride coasters with your friends!
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