2.2: Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms: A-B
Description
This article is from the Roller Coaster FAQ, by Geoff Allen geoff@eecs.wsu.edu with numerous contributions by others.
2.2: Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms: A-B
Discussions among coaster enthusiasts can soon become awash in jargon.
Below is a list of coaster terms used by enthusiasts when discussing their
favorite subject. This should help in following along with the discussions
live and in rec.roller-coaster. It'll also help you impress friends and
relatives with your knowledge of roller coasters. Cross-references to other
definitions in the list are enclosed in angle brackets <<like this>> in the
plain-text version, and are working hypertext links in the World Wide Web
version.
References to images at the ftp site, gboro.rowan.edu, which do a good job
of illustrating the point being defined are listed in square brackets, like
[Images: WHATEVER.GIF]. In the hypertext version, many of the image
references have a hyperlink; in these cases, the image displayed is a
modified (often smaller) version of the actual photo. This is not an
exhaustive list of all images that show a "whatever," but indicates those
images which do the best job of illustrating the definition.
Airtime
Describes the sensation of coming out of your seat when riding a
coaster. This effect is usually felt while riding in a front seat when
cresting a hill or in a back seat when descending.
Banked Turn
A turn in which the tracks are tilted laterally to allow trains to turn
at high speeds without undue discomfort to the riders due to <<lateral
gravity>>. Note, of course, that enthusiasts "like" lateral gravity.
[Images: CB_CYC01.GIF, GA_CYC01.GIF]
Batwing
Arrow's name for an element just like a <<Boomerang>>, but a mirror
image of Vekoma's design.
B&M's version of a Batwing differs greatly from Arrow's. It features
two inversions as well, but it consists of two loops, both angled at 45
degrees and which face each other in a mirror-image arrangement.
Block
A section of track which is divided from other sections by brakes, chain
lift, or some other mean of preventing forward progress of the
<<train>>. The safety system prevents two trains from occupying a block
at the same time.
Boomerang
There are two different meanings for this term.
1. A type of coaster manufactured by Vekoma. It is a variation of the
<<shuttle loop>> where you are hoisted up an incline, released and
sent through the loading station into a semi-loop arrangement (as in
definition 2 below) that inverts you twice, then into a <<vertical
loop>>. After this the train heads up another incline and stops.
The train is then pulled further up the second incline and released
backwards, goes back through the loop and semi-loop and returns to
the station.
2. An element used in a looping steel coaster that inverts you twice
and also acts as a turnaround. You enter going up and to the left,
then the train twists upside down and follows through in an upright
U-shape, you twist upside down and to the left again, exiting
upright heading back in the direction you came from.
[Images: DRACHEN2.GIF]
Booster Wheels
The rotating wheels used to move the train near the station, pushing it
along on flat track.
Bowtie
An element similar to a <<boomerang>>, but which you exit in the same
direction entered, rather than making a 180 turn as in a Boomerang.
Brakes
Every coasteraholic's nightmare! ...used to slow the train, they are
located strategically in the circuit to control speeds in areas where
excessive speed may be undesirable (note that "undesirable" and "unsafe"
are not necessarily synonymous in this case, see also <<Theme Park
Mentality>>). Brakes are usually located in the center of the trackwork,
and not on the cars themselves. There are several different types of
brakes used on a coaster, they are:
Check Brake
A safety device that allows more than two trains to be on the same
circuit, as part of the "block" safety system. These are usually
brakes on a ride which don't necessarily slow down the train, but
separate one block from another. Should a train try to enter another
block when it is occupied, the safety system will <<set-up>> the
ride.
Scarf Brake
Used only to slow down a train, and are usually pre-set. The
difference between a Scarf brake and a Trim Brake is that a Trim
Brake can stop a train if needed, while a Scarf brake can only slow
one down.
Trim Brake
A brake used to slow the train running the track. This is used when
the coaster exceeds recommended operating margins. It is also used
when the train is causing too much wear on the track from excessive
speed.
Brake Run
A flat stretch of track, usually two to three train lengths, at the
station approach, where in-bound trains are halted. Since it is very
difficult to stop a train with wet brakes, this area is usually covered
to keep the brakes dry during a rainstorm.
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