What are roller coasters? Delve into their history, discover how they work and learn about the different types

Out of all of the attractions that are found in theme parks, visitors are invariably drawn to their roller coasters. This is because the incredible height, rapid speed, twists, bends and loops of these massive structures can make riders feel unique sensations. This article will tell you all you need to know about roller coasters, delving into their history, presenting the different types and explaining how they work – as well as some fascinating facts!

What are roller coasters?

Roller coasters are mechanical rides that work by propelling cars along tracks that are sustained off the ground. Don’t worry if that sounds complicated, as everything will make much more sense after reading this article.

What are they made of?

Wood and steel are the two most commonly-used materials in roller coaster construction. On the one hand, older roller coasters tend to be made of wood, which lends to comparatively slower rides and an unmistakeable rattling due to its irregular texture. More modern roller coasters, on the other hand, tend to incorporate steel, ensuring a faster and smoother ride.

Parts

The component parts of roller coasters include:

Tracks: the rails that the cars run along.
Cars: the vehicle that the passengers travel in.
Supports: the columns and beams that sustain the tracks off the ground.
Safety mechanisms: including the braking system and other measures specific to each type of roller coaster.
Acceleration systems: there are different types of acceleration systems, all of which serve to drive the car forward at the beginning or maintain or increase its speed during the ride.

Origin and history: where and when were roller coasters invented?

The history of roller coasters can be traced back to 17^th-century Russia, where the first ice ramps were built so that people could slide down the slopes of mountains on sledges. Later, in the 19^th century, wheeled versions of these ramps were introduced in the USA and France. Over the years, these relatively simple structures evolved into what we now recognise as the modern-day roller coaster.

The first contemporary roller coaster was built in 1884 in Coney Island, New York. Since then, they have never stopped evolving!

To summarise, here’s a simple timeline of some of the biggest milestones in roller coaster history:

In the 17^th century, ice ramps were built in St Petersburg, Russia, so that people could slide down mountains on sledges.
Decades later, wheeled cars were introduced to disused train tracks in France.
These concepts eventually made their way to the United States, where the first modern-day roller coasters were built to be used in fairgrounds.

Types of roller coasters

Roller coasters come in all shapes and sizes. Given the speed at which technology is advancing, the possibilities of these rides are constantly increasing through a series of technological and structural improvements. In general terms, roller coasters can be categorised in the following ways:

By material: steel, wood or a combination.
By track type: side friction, water, bobsled, etc.
By car type: flying, rotating, standing, seated, inverted, etc.
By course type: open circuit, dual-track, ‘figure of 8’, wild mouse, etc.
By height: megacoaster, hypercoaster, gigacoaster or stratacoaster. You can read all about the tallest roller coasters in the world in this post.
By inversion type: in-line twist, vertical loop, pretzel loop, raven turns, etc.

Spain is home to a plethora of incredible roller coasters, including hypercoasters such as Shambhala, dual-tracked ‘coasters such as Stampida, and vertical loop rides such as Dragon Khan. And if you come to PortAventura World, you can ride all of them!

Read our range of articles on PortAventura World’s roller coasters to find out more!

How do roller coasters work?

If you think they look quite complicated, you’d be right! However, their operation is based on basic principles of physics and different types of energy systems.

Physics and energy

Roller coasters work thanks to two types of energy: potential energy, the energy that the train accumulates at the highest points of the ride, and kinetic energy, the energy that is generated when it is in motion. Some roller coasters use electricity to propel the train at the beginning of the ride, while others rely on chains or hydraulic mechanisms. The track of a roller coaster is designed to harness these energies in order to move the train around curves, down drops and through loops without losing speed.

Acceleration

Roller coasters accelerate thanks to gravity or special systems such as linear motors, which propel the cars at high speeds. The higher the first drop, the more speed can be gained throughout the ride. This acceleration is responsible for the so-called ‘butterfly sensation’ that thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies feel in the pit of their stomach during the ride.

Did you know that Europe’s fastest roller coaster is located in Spain? That’s right! It’s called Red Force, and it’s located right here in PortAventura World’s Ferrari Land.

Safety

Roller coasters must also have multiple safety systems to ensure that no risks are taken at any time. Besides the passenger safety systems installed inside the cars, advanced braking systems are also embedded in the tracks. All of these systems must also undergo regular checks to ensure compliance with current legislation, making them as safe as safe can be!

Other questions about roller coasters

How are they designed?

That’s a very complex question with a very complex answer. The simple version is that they are designed by highly qualified engineers and require specific construction permits and a high degree of technical planning. Nowadays, the first step is to create a digital render of the finished ride. Once that has been signed off, the construction planning can begin.

How are they built?

Slowly and with great care! Roller coasters tend to be built one module at a time. First, the pillars are installed. Then, the tracks are secured on top of the pillars. Finally, the propulsion and braking systems are introduced, as well as any other systems required by the given ‘coaster.

Why can’t they operate in high wind?

Roller coasters are closed for safety reasons during high winds, because these can affect the ride’s operation. One reason is the threat of a phenomenon known as rollback, in which the wind slows the train down to such an extent that it can’t build up enough speed to get around the track.

How much are roller coasters worth?

Well, it largely depends on their size and complexity. If you’re looking for some ballpark figures, the simplest roller coasters can cost hundreds of thousands of euros, while the more advanced or high-end ones can reach more than 20 million euros. So, if you’ve got some spare change burning a hole in your pocket, now you know!

Spain is home to one of Europe’s leading resorts, PortAventura World. Pay us a visit to experience the park’s fastest rides and feel the incredible adrenaline rush that can only be achieved on top-class roller coasters. See you on the tracks!