2.2: Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms: U-W
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: U-W
Unloading Platform
Portion of the station where passengers unload from the coaster train.
Modern coasters have combined the loading and unloading platforms into
one quick-moving operation.
Vertical Loop
A nearly closed vertical turn of 360 degrees in which riders are turned
upside down in a transitional curve in a near-vertical plane.
[Images: PHANTOM3.GIF]
Wheels
A coaster car uses 3 different types of wheels:
* Guide Wheel - A set of wheels which guide the train so that it does
not leave the track sideways (also known as Side-Friction wheels).
* Road Wheel - A wheel that actually rides on the top of the track.
* Upstop wheel - A set of wheels which ride underneath the track to
keep the train from jumping off or leaving the trackwork (also
referred to as "Undershot" or "Underside" Friction wheels).
Wild Mouse
A small steel coaster featuring small cars (big enough for two adults);
sharp, unbanked turns; quick, steep drops (heavy on the airtime); and,
in general, a very rough and wild ride.
Wingover
An element on B&M coasters similar to a <<corkscrew>>, but more like an
extended <<vertical loop>>.
Wooden Coaster
Generally, any coaster with laminated wooden rails, to which flat steel
rails are attached. Supporting members are usually wooden, however, some
coasters classified as wooden actually have steel framing (e.g. Crystal
Beach Cyclone, Coney Island Cyclone, and Frontier City's Wildcat!).
[Images: CYCLONE1.GIF]
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