Internet E-Mail Workshop/Internet E-Mail Workshop.iso/info/rcoast02.

Text File | 1993-11-24 | 47KB | 1,128 lines

·    Subject: rec.roller-coaster: Essential roller coaster and newsgroup info

Archive-name: roller-coaster-faq
Last-modified: Mon Feb 01, 1993; 09:03:18 MST


**********************
Changes from the last posting:

    Deleted abbreviations for Busch Gardens, The Dark Continent and
    Busch Gardens, The Old Country.  (They're now Busch Gardens
    Tampa and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, respectively.)

    Updated info on the National Carousel Association (membership is
    $30/year).

    Added info on Robert Cartmell's book, _The_Incredible_Scream_
    _Machine_.  Many thanks to Kara Robinson and Michael Cornell
    for this info!

    Added info on the ``Viper 1st Drop Debate'' (Guide to Ride says
    the 1st drop is 171 ft., the Magic Mountain Standards of
    Operating Procedures Manual for Viper says the drop is 187 ft.
    Some in the group maintain that 187 ft. is impossible.
    Whatever the case, it's still the 3rd longest drop on a steel
    coaster.)  Many thanks to Magic Mountain employee Ronnie Swain
    for providing the reference to Magic Mountain's procedures.

Coming soon!!!!

    Next month, look for the FAQ to grow.  I'm planning on adding
    the lists of new coasters for 1993 and 1994, and the list of the
    top 40 amusement parks (by attendance) in the US.  This will
    also cause the FAQ to become a two-parter.  You'd think we're
    talking about something *important* here. ;^)


**********************


            Welcome to REC.ROLLER-COASTER!

This article is posted monthly to rec.roller-coaster and news.answers.
It answers some of rec.roller-coaster's frequently asked questions by
providing definitions of common terms used when discussing roller
coasters, a glossary of frequently-used acronyms, information on
organizations that further the hobby of roller-coaster riding/research,
and lists of the biggest/best/whateverest roller coasters around. This
posting was originally compiled by Dave Rounds ([e-mail]), then
maintained by Bill Buckley ([e-mail]), and has now fallen
into my hands ([e-mail]). Comments and questions are most
welcome via e-mail to Geoff.


Contents:
--------

I.   Newsgroup Charter -- rec.rollercoaster

II.  Common abbreviations

III. Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms

IV.  Roller Coaster/Amusement Park Organizations
     A. American Coaster Enthusiasts - ACE
     B. Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club - MACC
     C. Western New York Coaster Club - WNYCC
     D. First Drop - U.K. Coaster Club
     E. National Amusement Park Historical Association - NAPHA
     F. National Carousel Association - NCA

V.   General Information, Questions/Answers, Comments, etc.
     A. Books on Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks
     B. Magazines
     C. Roller Coaster Designer Info
    Designers of Wooden Coasters
    Designers of Steel Coasters
     D. Roller Coaster Record Holders
    Current Wooden Coaster Record Holders
    Current Steel Coaster Record Holders
     E. 1991 Classic Coaster Roster
     F. Inside Track ``Top Coasters'' Readers Survey
     G. List of Endangered Coasters in USA -- as of July 1992:

--------


I.   Newsgroup Charter -- rec.rollercoaster

rec.roller-coaster    Roller coasters and other amusement park rides.

rec.roller-coaster is an unmoderated newsgroup which passed its vote for
creation by 184:72 as reported in news.announce.newgroups on 21 July 1991.

This newsgroup is for the discussion of any amusement park rides,
including but not limited to, roller coasters. Other topics include park
operating times/season schedules, admission prices, latest attractions,
future expansion efforts, etc.

II.  Common abbreviations

A lot of things discussed on rec.roller-coaster are in acronym form.  This
is because writing out ``Six Flags Over Texas'' several times in a posting
is tedious, at best; ``SFoT'' is much easier to write. Here are some
abbreviations you're likely to see in discussions on rec.roller-coaster.
Those items marked with an asterisk (*) are defined in the definition
section later below.

ACE - American Coaster Enthusiasts
BGT - Busch Gardens Tampa (Was ``Busch Gardens, The Dark Continent'')
BGW - Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Was ``Busch Gardens, The Old Country''),
    Williamsburg, VA
BTW - ``By the way''
CI - Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
CP - Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH
DL - Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
*ERT - ``Exclusive Ride Time''
FYI - ``For your information''
GASM - Great American Scream Machine (roller coaster at SFGA, Jackson, NJ)
*GP - General Public
IAAPA - International Assoc. of Amusement Parks and Attractions
IMHO - ``In my humble opinion''
IT - Inside Track
KD - King's Dominion, Doswell, VA
KI - King's Island, Kings Mills, OH
MACC - Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club
NAPHA - National Amusement Park Historical Assoc.
*POP - Pay One Price
RC - Roller Coaster
*SBNO - Standing But Not Operating
SCBB - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
SFGAd - Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
SFGAm - Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL
SFAW - Six Flags Astroworld, Houston, TX
SFMM - Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, CA
SFoG - Six Flags over Georgia, Atlanta, GA
SFoMA - Six Flags over Mid-America, Eureka, MO
SFoT - Six Flags over Texas, Arlington, TX
TC - Texas Cyclone, Astroworld, Houston, TX
*TPM - ``Theme Park Mentality''
WDW - Walt Disney World, Orange County, FL
WNYCC - Western New York Coaster Club
WoF - Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, MO

III. Definitions of Roller-Coaster terms

Below is a list of coaster terms used by enthusiasts when discussing
coasters, etc. This should help in following along with the discussions
and/or impressing friends and relatives with your knowledge of roller
coasters. Cross-references to other definitions in the list are enclosed
in angle brackets <like this>.

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.

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 inbound 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.

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 the direction you came from.

Camel Back - A series of two or more hills, each slightly smaller than the
    preceding one.

Car - A unit or part of a coaster train, it usually carries between two
    and eight passengers.

Chain Dogs - A catch or pawl device beneath the train cars which engages
    into the chain lift.

Chain Lift - The rolling chain that carries the train to the crest of the
    lift hill.

Check Brake - A safety device that allows more than two trains to be on
    the same course. If there is a problem in one ``block'' of track, the
    check brake will not allow the following train(s) to continue the
    trackwork.

Circuit - A completed journey on a coaster track.

Classic Coaster - A term used to describe a coaster which is operated and
    maintained in a ``classic'' sense. These coasters usually run
    traditional trains, void of ratcheting lap bars, seat dividers, head
    rests, side bars, and other modern restraint/safety devices. ``Classic
    Coaster'' is also an official status given to coasters operating in
    the above manner by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Corkscrew - A coaster configuration that includes a horizontal spiral or
    helix in which riders are turned upside down one or more times.

Dog Leg - A left or right jog or offset in the otherwise straight, flat
    portion or trackwork.

Double Dip - A hill that has been divided into two separate drops by a
    flattening out of the drop midway down the hill.

Elevated Curve - A type of curve, usually found on an Out-and-Back, where
    the curve descends in height as it curves. These curves are normally
    banked as well (See Banked Turn).

Exclusive Ride Time - Usually part of an organized Coaster Club's event.
    An ``ERT'' consists of a block of time, usually before and/or after a
    park is available to the <general public>, in which only the members
    of the coaster club are allowed to ride. This allows the hard-core
    enthusiast more rides in less time. Parks usually make sure their
    coaster(s) are running better for such events, making them even more
    appealing.

Fan Curve - There are two somewhat different meanings of ``fan curve''
    floating about. A curved called a ``fan curve'' could actually meet
    definition 1 below, or definition 2, or both.  Confused?  Good. ;^)

    1.    A curve with spoke reinforcements radiating from a central point
    to the circumference of the track.

    2.    A curve that enters the turn while ascending, and exist the turn
    while descending. These are usually more thrilling than a flat
    turn (See <Elevated Curve>).

Figure Eight - Layout of a coaster resembling the numeral eight, thus
    allowing both right and left turns.

Fine' Del Capo - A portion of track that quickly ducks under an overhead
    support in such a way as to give the rider a feeling of imminent
    decapitation. Can also refer to the portion of track that first
    enters a tunnel or covered brake run. Those of you who've studied
    music or Latin may recognize the term as Latin for ``end of the head.''
    :^)

First Drop - Usually the highest and most exciting drop on a coaster, most
    often following immediately after the chain lift. First drops are
    usually angled at about 50 degrees.

Flat Turn - A turn in which the trackwork remains virtually flat (i.e. the
    opposite of a <banked turn>). It usually gives the riders the feeling
    that the coaster may tip over, due to <lateral gravity>.

Flying Turns - A term from the original trackless coaster design. This
    coaster resembles a bobsled run with the trains running in a U shaped
    trough. The flying turns from the 1920s and 30s used Cypress wood for
    its trough and maintenance was high. Newer versions of this type use
    steel for the trough.

General Public - Literally refers to the non-enthusiasts who attend a
    park. The term is used to connote those park patrons who like their
    roller coasters a little (or a lot) less wild than the average
    enthusiast does.

Gully Coaster - A coaster that makes use of the natural terrain and gives
    an added feeling of speed by keeping the track close to the ground
    through the ups and downs.

Helix - Corkscrew-shaped loops on either a vertical or horizontal plane.

Hump - Sometimes used in reference to a coaster hill.

Inversion - any part of a steel roller coaster <circuit> that turns you
    upside down.

Inverted - A coaster that rides below the track rather than on the track.
    The cars on this type of coaster are rigidly connected to their wheel
    assembly (Compare with <Suspended>).

Interlocking Loop - Two <vertical loops> that intertwine like two links on
    a chain. An example would be the two loops on the Loch Ness Monster
    at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Lateral Gravity - Those forces which pull you to the side of the car (or
    slam you, as the case may be), often found on <flat turns>, and often
    eliminated with <banked turns> (especially on newer roller coasters).

Loading Platform - Portion of the station where passengers board the
    coaster trains.

Long Line - 2400 people waiting in front of you to ride a coaster!

Machine - Term sometimes used in reference to a roller coaster.

Manual Brake - A hand-operated <station brake>, where the train is stopped
    by the muscle power of the operator. Most often found on <classic
    coasters>. Sometimes, the operator may not apply enough force and the
    train will overshoot the station. If you're on board when this
    happens, you'll be one of the lucky ones getting a free ride!

Negative G's - (Short for ``Negative Gravity'') See <Airtime>.

Out and Back - A style of roller coaster. The name describes the general
    configuration of the ride, basically an elongated oval in which the
    train goes out to a turnaround and then returns to the station. The
    truest form of this would have no other curves besides the
    turnaround. Another way to do this would be to put a couple of 90
    degree turns (see <dog leg>) in the ride giving it a L-shape. In
    general out and backs have higher speeds than designs with more tight
    turns.

Parabolic - A coaster hill that has an almost continuous curve and very
    little, if any, straight track.

Pay One Price - An amusement park admission which includes all rides and
    shows. The alternative is for every ride to require a separate ticket
    (or tickets, as the case may be).

Positive G's - Those forces which pull you downward, often appearing at
    the bottom of hills, and in steel looping elements.

Racer - Any coaster that runs two trains that leave the station at the
    same time and ``race'' other, most often on parallel tracks.

Ratchet - A claw-toothed steel bar running on certain inclines that
    prevents a train from rolling backwards. The ratchet causes the
    clanking sound associated with the chain lift (also referred to as
    the ``anti-rollback'' device or ``Rachet Dogs''). The ratchet itself does
    not stop the train. This is done by a device affixed to the bottom of
    the car which catches in the ratchet.

Set-Up - A term used to describe a breakdown or those circumstances when a
    ride operator shuts down the ride with a train cycling.

Shuttle Loop - A type of coaster where the train travels forward out of
    the station through a vertical loop then up an incline of track that
    ascends high into the air. The train then plummets backwards through
    the loop and through the station, usually to another steep incline,
    which returns the train to the brake run.

Side Friction - A coaster with guide rails located above and on the
    outside edge of the running rails, instead of using guide <wheels>.

Slammer - A very abrupt, rough drop that sometimes occurs after a major
    hill (an extreme example of <Airtime>).

Speed Dip - A small hill taken at high speeds usually lifting riders off
    their seats (see <Airtime>).

Speed Run - A series of speed dips, usually on the way back from the
    turnaround on an <Out and Back> coaster.

Spiral - A 360-degree turn.


Standing But Not Operating - A roller coaster which is no longer operating
    but has not been destroyed. Preservation efforts by the American
    Coaster Enthusiasts, and others, often will focus on these coasters
    because of their status. They could be torn down at any time, and the
    lack of maintenance will cause their condition to deteriorate
    rapidly.

Stand-Up - A steel roller coaster, often with one or more inverstions,
    where cars are designed for the riders to ride standing up instead of
    sitting down.

Station - A building that houses: ride operators, brake and chain lift
    controls, brake run, loading and unloading platforms, train storage
    area, and often, the train maintenance workshop.

Station Brake - Standard gear on EVERY coaster. Used for deceleration on
    return to the station (See <Brake Run>).

Steel Coaster - Generally, any coaster with tubular steel rails supported
    with steel framing. Some coasters classified as steel actually have
    wooden framing. Cars usually have nylon wheels that impart a smooth,
    quiet ride.

Suspended - A coaster that rides below the track rather than on the track.
    The cars on this type of coaster are designed such that they are free
    to swing relative to their wheel assembly (Compare with Inverted).

Swoop Turn - A fast turn that incorporates a dip and a return to the crest
    of the next hill while turning.

Theme Park - A park, usually of large size, which has one or more ``themed''
    areas, with Rides and Attractions keyed to the theme of their
    location within the park. Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Fiesta
    Texas are all excellent examples of theme parks.

Theme Park Mentality - A derogatory (but sometimes applicable) term which
    implies a set of overly strict, safety conscious rules and operation
    procedures.

    These policies are there to please the <general public> and the
    park's insurance company, not the hard-core enthusiast. :^)

Traditional Amusement Park - A park which still holds aspects of its
    origins in today's modern society. Most Traditional Parks grew out of
    ``Picnic Parks'' which were located at the end of trolley lines.
    Kennywood, Whalom Park, and Lakeside are all excellent examples of
    Traditional Parks.

Train - A series of two to seven cars hooked together to make a circuit of
    the coaster track.

Turnaround - Usually the turn located farthest from the station (usually
    on an <Out-and-Back> style coaster) after which the trains begin
    their return.

Twister - Just like it sounds. The configuration of this type of coaster
    is varied and has multiple turns, often in a Figure 8 layout. The
    Coney Island Cyclone, the Riverside Cyclone, Mr. Twister, and the
    Texas Giant are good examples of a twister. You can expect the
    unexpected. A good twister will disorient you!

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.

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.

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!).



IV.  Roller Coaster/Amusement Park Organizations

    A. American Coaster Enthusiasts - ACE

    The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a non-profit organization
    that was established to promote roller coasters, preservation, and
    documentation, and information. The annual fee is $50 for an
    individual. There are lower rates when joining as a couple or a
    family. Membership includes four high-quality magazines a year and
    newsletters approximately every six to eight weeks.

    Get-togethers include an annual convention and usually two or three
    conferences. In many cases these events coincide with the opening of
    a new roller coaster and they almost always will feature some
    Exclusive Ride Time.

    Membership forms can be obtained by writing to:

    American Coaster Enthusiasts
    P.O. Box 8226
    Chicago, IL 60680

    or sending e-mail to [e-mail], which is the address of
    ACE membership director Gary Aulfinger.

    It may take a few weeks for Gary and his ``lovely assistant'' Tracy to
    process and send the form, so be patient.

    B. Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club - MACC

    The Mid-Atlantic Coaster Club is a fairly good sized regional club.
    It is based out of the Virginia area, but members are welcomed from
    any state. There is a monthly newsletter called the Grizzly Gazette
    which keeps members up to date on club activities, etc.

    Among these activities is the annual Screamfest convention, usually
    held in early Spring. 1991's SCREAMFEST convention occurred at King's
    Dominion, Doswell, VA. As usual, the highlight of this event is the
    exclusive ride time available only to club members.

    The annual membership fee is only $15 for an individual. There may be
    be a couple and/or family rate, but you'd have to inquire. For
    membership, please send a check (payable to Steve Thompson) to the
    following address:

    Steve Thompson
    7532 Murillo Street
    Springfield, Virginia  22151

    ATTN: MACC

    C. Western New York Coaster Club - WNYCC

    The Western New York Coaster Club (WNYCC) is a fairly good sized
    regional club. It is based in the Buffalo/Rochester area, but there
    are many members from just about every state.

    Meetings are held in Batavia, NY, between Buffalo and Rochester.
    There is a monthly newsletter called the Gravity Gazette that keeps
    members up to date on club activities.  The Gravity Gazette centers
    around articles written by the members themselves, giving a very
    intimate, inclusive feeling to the newsletter.

    Among these activities are an annual Coasterfest (usually on Memorial
    Day weekend). The '90 and '91 Coasterfests were held at Darien Lake
    to celebrate the opening of the Predator and included a side trip to
    Seabreeze Park as well. As with events of other clubs, you can expect
    to get in some exclusive ride time. Most of the time there is *at
    least* one dinner included in the registration fee.

    The annual membership fee is only $15 for an individual and $20 for a
    couple.

    The membership address is:

    Membership Director
    724 East 6th Street
    Erie, PA  16507

    ATTN: WNYCC

    D. First Drop - U.K. Coaster Club

    Coaster clubs are not confined to the U.S.! There is a club in the
    United Kingdom with a bi-monthly newsletter, which keep tabs on all
    the coasters across ``the pond''. There has actually been quite a bit
    going on in the U.K.

    The address is:

    First Drop
    Coaster House
    68 Dellfield Crescent
    Cowley
    Middlesex
    UB8 2EU

    England

    The membership rate, payable in check, postal order, or International
    money order is:

    Europe - 6 pounds
    U.S.A. - $15

    E. National Amusement Park Historical Association - NAPHA

    NAPHA Is a non-profit organization formed in 1978 to preserve and
    display items of amusement park memorabilia (past and present),
    document park history, enable people with common interest in parks to
    meet and exchange ideas, and in the future, to open the Amusement
    Park Historical Society.

    Membership per year is $25.00/individual, $30.00 for Family or
    corporate membership (USA). International rates are $35.00
    individual, and $40 for family and corporate memberships. Check or
    money order can be made payable to ``N.A.P.H.A.'' Membership includes 6
    newsletters/year, park discount tickets, and an annual convention,
    usually held in IL.

    For membership, write to:

    National Amusement Park Historical Association
    P.O. Box 83,
    Mt. Prospect, IL  60056

    F. National Carousel Association - NCA

    The National Carousel Association is a non-profit organization
    dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the hand-carved
    wooden carousels. This group is not really coaster-related, but an
    item of nostalgia which may be of interest to readers.

    The NCA's annual membership fee is $30.00 (at least $5 of this goes
    directly to carousel preservation), and the club offers a magazine/
    newsletter arrangement similar to the ACE schedule: 4 magazines/year
    (Merry-go-Roundup), and 6 newsletters/year. A yearly convention is
    also standard fare.

    Inquires for more information on the organization, or for membership
    requests should be sent to:

    National Carousel Association
    P.O. Box 307
    Frankfort, IN  46041

V.   General Information, Questions/Answers, Comments, etc.

    A. Books on Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks

    GUIDE TO RIDE -- published by ACE in 1991. Lists the MAJOR roller
    coasters located in North America. Features photos of most rides,
    and a full description of each.

    Ordering info:

        $17.95 US and Canada
        $21.95 all other countries

        American Coaster Enthusiasts
        c/o John Page
        6108 Sherman Drive
        Woodridge, IL  60517

    THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE -- written by Tim O'Brien. Lists most every
    amusement park on this continent! Lists parks alphabetically by
    state then Canada and Mexico. Published mid-1991 but includes
    some rides to open in 1992.

    Ordering info:

        Cost: $12.95

        The Globe Pequot Press
        ``A Voyager Book''
        ISBN 0-87106-300-x

    GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN THEME PARKS -- published by AAA. Lists
    selected Amusement and Theme parks. Not all parks in either
    category are listed. Parks are listed by region. Lists all rides
    and attractions by name including description. Published Spring
    1990. Available in most book stores in the TRAVEL section.

    THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK INDUSTRY: A History of Technology and
    Thrill -- Written by Judith A. Adams, this traces the history of
    amusement parks from Bartholemew's Fair in 1614 to current.
    Covers the rise and decline of trolley parks, offers an in-depth
    critical look at the Disney Parks, and covers the current success
    of theme parks.  Often viewed from an socio-economic perspective,
    it can be a trifle dry at times, but contains a lot of historical
    data.

        Twayne's Evolution of Business Series
        Twayne Publishers
        ISBN 0-8057-9833-6

    THE INCREDIBLE SCREAM MACHINE: A History of the Roller Coaster -- by
    Robert Cartmell. This book traces the roller-coaster from its
    origins in Russia and Paris to America.  It discusses the early
    rides, and how John Miller revolutionized coasters.  It goes on
    to talk about Traver and Theme Parks in general.  This book is
    illustrated with many photographs, including photos of Miller's
    rides, Traver's twisted (some might say ``demented'') metal
    coasters with wodden tracks, and the old switchback railways.

        Bowling Green State University Popular Press
        [phone]
        Price: $42.95 (hardback)  $25.95 (paperback)

    B. Magazines

    Rollercoaster! -- is the quarterly magazine of the American Coaster
    Enthusiasts and is included with ACE membership.  See the section
    on ``Organizations'' above for further info.

    Inside Track -- is a magazine that is worthwhile for new information
    on roller coasters and amusement parks in general.  It is a
    newspaper format, published monthly, and very professionally
    done.

    Along with news on new coasters, there is info on park closings,
    coaster designers and amusement ride innovations, and a section
    called APtv (Amusement Park Television) that'll give you info on
    videos and feature movies with coasters and parks in them.
    Inside Track is highly recommend for those that want to keep tabs
    on what's happening in the Amusement Park Industry.

    For a subscription in the US send your address and $20 to:

        Inside Track
        P.O. Box 369
        Hammonton, NJ 08037

    The subscription rate for those outside the US is $30.

    At the Park -- is published by Yellow Dot Publishing, and is by-and-
    large the brainstorm of long-time ACE corporate member Allen
    Ambrosini.  This is more a journal for the amusement park
    industry than for the average coaster enthusiast; however, the
    magazine is TOP NOTCH in design and format (contains excellent
    4-color photographs of today's top coasters and parks!), with
    very well-written articles, and a sensible, enjoyable layout.
    You'll learn much more about the industry as a whole.  It's a
    highly recommended as an addition to ACE News or Inside Track. A
    one year subscription (5 issues) costs:

        USA:                  $17.95 (airmail -- $27.95)
        Canada and Mexico:    $25.95 (airmail -- $30.95)
        Outside North America: $25.95 (airmail -- $54.95)

    Send your name and address to:

        At The Park Magazine
        P.O. BOX  597783
        Chicago, IL  60659-7783

    E Ticket -- is published two or three times per year, and features
    stories focused primarily on the Disneyland of the 50s and 60s.
    (The full title of the magazine is ``The `E' Ticket -- Collecting
    Theme Park Memories.'') Though Disneyland is the primary focus,
    the magazine covers other California parks as well, such as
    Pacific Ocean Park and Knott's Berry Farm. Each issue is about 35
    pages long.

    For a sample issue, send $6 to:

        The ``E'' Ticket
        20560 Alaminos Drive
        Saugus, CA  91350

    Again, if anyone has info about ordering from outside the US, I'd
    be happy to add it.

    Amusement Business -- a weekly publication which covers ALL aspects
    of the entertainment industry: water parks, amusement parks,
    theme parks, traveling carnivals, state fairs, concerts,
    sporting events, trade shows, ANYTHING to do with public supplied
    entertainment!

    AB is always on the ball about the latest and hottest news!! AB
    is a bit pricey, though -- for pre-paid credit card orders, you
    get a discounted yearly subscription rate of:

         $85.00 - USA
        $105.00 - Canada
        $115.00 - Overseas


    But consider the fact that this price includes about 55 issues/
    year! There are also rates for a half-year (6 months)
    subscription, but I don't have them readily available.
    Inquiries, information, and subscriptions can be sent to:

        Amusement Business
        Subscription Dept.
        P.O. Box 41527
        Nashville, TN  37204-9945

    C. Roller Coaster Designer Info

    Designers of Wooden Coasters

    CURRENT:

    Custom Coasters Inc. (Mike Boodley) -- Builders and Designers
    John F. Pierce and Assoc -- Designers and Builders
    Roller Coaster Corp. of America (Michael Black) -- Builder

    PAST:

    Allen, John -- Designer and Builder
    Baker -- Designer and Builder
    Bitler, Oscar --
    Cobb, William J. -- Designer and Builder
    Dinn, Charlie (Dinn Corp.) - Builder
    Fehr, Carl --
    Harton, T.M. --
    Hoover, Frank --
    IAD (International Amusement Devices) -- Designers and Builder
    Keenan, Vernon -- Designer and Builder
    Leis, Edward --
    Looff -- Designer
    Lorenz & Williams --
    Miler -- Designer
    Miller, John -- Designer and Builder
    Mitchell, James T. --
    Moran, George --
    NAD (National Amusement Devices) -- Designers and Builders
    Pierce, Fred --
    Prior and Church -- Designers
    PTC (Philadelphia Toboggan Company)-- Designers and Builders
    Rosser -- Designer
    Schmeck, Herbert -- Designer and Builder
    Sink, Amandus --
    Summers, Curtis D. -- Designer
    Thompson, Marcus A. --
    (Harry G.) Traver Engineering Co. -- Builders and Designers
    Vaszin, Aurel --
    Vesco, Paul --
    Vettel, Andrew --
    Vettel, Edwin -- Designer and Builder

    Designers of Steel Coasters

    Arrow Dynamics (Ron Toomer)
    Bollinger & Mabillard (B&M)
    Intamin AG
    MACK
    OD Hopkins
    Schwarzkopf, Anton (BHS)
    SDC Corp. of Italy
    Sensei
    TOGO of Japan (RCCA/TOGO overseas)
    Vekoma International
    Zamperla
    Zierer

    D. Roller Coaster Record Holders

    Current Wooden Coaster Record Holders

    STEEPEST

        1. 61.2 degrees: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
        2. 58 degrees: Cyclone - Astroland/Coney Island; Brooklyn, NY
        3. 56 degrees: Georgia Cyclone - SF over Georgia; Atlanta, GA

    HIGHEST

        1. 179 ft, 6 in: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
        2. 160 ft: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        3. 143 ft: Texas Giant - SF over Texas; Arlington, TX

    LONGEST DROP
        1. 176 ft: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
        2. 155 ft: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        3. 148 ft: Hercules - Dorney Park; Allentown, PA

    FASTEST
        1. 73 mph: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
        2. 65 mph: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        3. 62 mph: Texas Giant - SF over Texas; Arlington, TX

    LONGEST CIRCUIT
        1. 7400 ft: The Beast - King's Island; Cincinatti, OH
        2. 5530 ft: Rattler - Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, TX
        3. 5427 ft: Mean Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH

    OLDEST
        1. 1902: Leap The Dips - Lakemont Park; Altoona, PA
        2. 1919: Jack Rabbit - Clemonton Lake; Clemonton, NJ
        3. 1920: Jack Rabbit - Kennywood; W Mifflin, PA

    MOST FAMOUS (yeah, it's subjective, but these coasters are
        somewhat legendary...)
        1. 1927 Cyclone - Astroland/Coney Island; Brooklyn, NY
        2. 1927 Cyclone Racer - The Pike; Long Beach, CA
        3. 1924 Bobs - Riverview; Chicago, IL

    Current Steel Coaster Record Holders

    STEEPEST
        1. 90 Degrees: Ultra Twister - SF Astroworld; Houston, TX
        2. 60 degrees: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        3. 60 degrees: Excaliber - ValleyFair!;

    HIGHEST
        1. 205 ft: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        2. 196 ft: Bandit - Yomiuriland, Japan
        3. 188 ft: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA

    LONGEST DROP
        1. 225 ft: Steel Phantom - Kennywood; W Mifflin, PA
        2. 194 ft: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        3. 171 ft: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA
            (The Magic Mountain Standards of Operating Procedures
            Manual for Viper says the drop is 187 ft. This has been
            the subject of some controversy in the group. 171 ft.
            is the number in Guide to Ride, and some in the group
            maintain that 187 ft. is impossible. Whatever the case,
            it's still number 3.)

    FASTEST
        1. 80 mph: Steel Phantom - Kennywood; W Mifflin, PA
        2. 72 mph: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
        3. 70 mph: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA

    LONGEST CIRCUIT
        1. 7450 ft: The Ultimate - Lightwater Valley; UK
        2. 5500 ft: Dragon Mountain - Marineland; Toronto, Ontario
        3. 5106 ft: Magnum XL-200 - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH

    BIGGEST LOOPING COASTER
        1. 188 ft: Viper - SF Magic Mountain; Valencia, CA
        2. 173 ft: GASM - SF Great Adventure; Jackson, NJ
        3. 170 ft: Shockwave - SF Great America; Gurnee, IL

    MOST INVERSIONS - (7)
        Viper, Magic Mountain
        GASM, Great Adventure
        Shockwave, Great America

    HIGHEST G FORCES - (+6.5g)
        Mindbender, Fantasyland
        Drier Looping, Germany
        Moonslaut Scramble, Japan

    MOST TRAINS ON CIRCUIT
        1. 5: Thriller; German Fairs
        2. 4: Olympia Looping; German Fairs
        3. 4: Hymalaya Bahn; German Fairs

    MOST DEMENTED SHUTTLE LOOP (yeah, another subjective one!)
        Weiner Looping, Flamingoland (UK)

    E. 1991 Classic Coaster Roster

    Big Dipper - Camden Park; Huntington, W. VA
    Big Dipper - Geagua Lake; Aurura, OH
    Blue Streak - Cedar Point; Sandusky, OH
    Blue Streak - Conneaut Lake Park; Conneaut Lake, PA
    Coaster - Arnolds Park; Iowa
    Cyclone - Astroland; Coney Island, NY
    Cyclone - Lakeside Park; Denver, CO
    Cyclone - William's Grove Park; Mechanicsburg, PA
    Kiddy Coaster - Playland; Rye, NY
    La Montana Rusa - Chapultepec Park; Mexico City, MEX
    Lil' Dipper - Camden Park; Huntington, W. VA
    Little Dipper - Kiddie Land; Melrose Park, IL  (New)
    Roller Coaster - Hillcrest Park; Lemont, IL
    Roller Coaster - Joyland; Wichita, KS
    Roller Coaster - Playland; Vancouver, BC, Canada  (New)
    Roller Coaster - Western Washington Fair; Puyallup, WA  (New)
    Rollo Coaster - Idlewild Park; Ligonier, PA
    Screechin Eagle - Americana Park; Middletown, OH
    Starliner - Miracle Strip; Panama City, FL
    Thunderbolt - Kennywood Park; W. Mifflin, PA

    Wildcat - Frontier City; Oklahoma City, OK  (New)

    F. Inside Track ``Top Coasters'' Readers Survey

    Many people want to know which is the best/wildest/awesomest/scariest
    coaster in the world (or at least US). We can't answer that for you,
    but we can pass on to you the results of the Inside Track magazine
    reader's survey. This is an annual survey, the most recent version of
    which was published in the August 1992 issue of Inside Track. Just
    because a coaster is highly-ranked on this list doesn't mean *you*
    will think it's best, but it does mean that lot of coaster
    enthusiasts like it, and you probably will too.  Rankings from past
    years are given as well, to give you some idea of how things change
    from year to year.  If a column contains '-', it indicates that
    coaster didn't place in the rankings for that year, for whatever
    reason (it was new, it didn't get enough votes, etc.).  Also note
    that the 1992 survey lists the top 50, 1991 listed the top 40, and
    1990 listed the top 20.

     +----------------------------------- 1992 Rank
     |   +------------------------------- 1992 Vote Total
     |   |    +-------------------------- 1991 Rank
     |   |    |  +----------------------- 1990 Rank
     |   |    |  |  +-------------------- Ride name, Park, Location
     V   V    V  V  V

     1 (733)  3  3  Texas Giant, Six Flags over Texas, TX
     2 (606)  2  4  Magnum XL-200, Cedar Point, OH
     3 (526)  5  1  The Beast, Kings Island, OH
     4 (463)  1  2  Timber Wolf, Worlds of Fun, MO
     5 (347)  7  5  Phoenix, Knoebel's, PA
     6 (305)  -  -  BATMAN -- THE RIDE, SFGAm, IL (New in '92)
     7 (278)  6  6  Cyclone, Coney Island, NY
     8 (274) 10  7  Thunderbolt, Kennywood, PA
     9 (179)  4  -  Thunder Run, Kentucky Kingdom, KY
    10 (151)  -  -  The Rattler, Fiesta Texas (New in '92)
    11 (148) 16  -  Steel Phantom, Kennywood, PA (New in '91)
    12 ( 78)  8  9  Predator, Darien Lake, NY
    12 ( 78) 16 14  Grizzly, King's Dominion, VA
    13 ( 76)  9  8  Mister Twister, Elitch Gardens, CO
    14 ( 74) 13 11  Big Bad Wolf, Busch Gardens, VA
    15 ( 71) 34  -  Mean Streak, Cedar Point, OH
    16 ( 70) 11 18  Giant Dipper, Santa Cruz, CA
    17 ( 69) 35 19  Georgia Cyclone, SFoG, GA
    18 ( 68) 29  -  Roller Coaster, Playland, BC
    19 ( 66) 24  -  Blue Streak, Conneaut Lake, PA
    20 ( 65) 32  -  Cyclone, Lakeside, CO
    20 ( 65)  - 20  Wild One, Wild World, MD
    21 ( 61) 14  -  Blue Streak, Cedar Point, OH
    22 ( 60) 12 12  Mindbender, Fantasyland, Alberta
    22 ( 60) 23 16  Racer, King's Island, OH
    23 ( 57) 11 10  Hercules, Dorney Park, PA
    23 ( 57) 17  -  Vortex, Wonderland, Canada
    24 ( 54)  -  -  Arkansas Twister, Magic Springs, AK (New in 92)
    25 ( 51) 22  -  Ninja, Magic Mountain, CA
    26 ( 50)  -  -  Drachen Fire, Busch Gardens, VA (New in 92)
    27 ( 49) 14  -  Giant Dipper, Belmont Park, CA
    27 ( 49) 19 13  Viper, Magic Mountain, CA
    27 ( 49)  -  -  Screamin' Eagle, SFoMA, MO
    28 ( 43) 20  -  Iron Wolf, Great America, IL
    29 ( 40) 30  -  Yankee Cannonball, Canobie Lake, NH
    30 ( 38)  -  -  Swamp Fox, Family Kingdom, SC (New in 92)
    30 ( 38) 21 18  G.A.S.M., Great Adventure, NJ
    30 ( 38) 30  -  Matterhorn Bobsled, Disneyland, CA
    31 ( 37) 22 12  Cyclone, Riverside, MA
    32 ( 36) 33 15  Mindbender, SFoG, GA
    33 ( 34) 40  -  Space Mountain, Walt Disney World, FL
    34 ( 32)  -  -  Ultra Twister, Astroworld, TX
    35 ( 31) 29  -  Anaconda, King's Dominion, VA
    35 ( 31)  -  -  Adventure Express, Kings Island, OH (New in 91)
    36 ( 30) 18  -  Screechin Eagle, Americana, OH
    37 ( 29) 38  -  Big Thunder Mtn Railroad, Disney, FL
    37 ( 29) 36  -  Comet, Hersheypark, PA
    38 ( 28) 32  -  Big Dipper, Geagua Lake, OH
    38 ( 28)  -  -  Vortex, Carowinds, NC (New in 92)
    39 ( 26) 31 17  Shockwave, Great America, IL
    40 ( 25)  -  -  Greezed Lightnin, Astroworld, TX
    41 ( 23) 33  -  Colossus, Magic Mountain, CA
    41 ( 23)  -  -  Vortex, King's Island, OH
    42 ( 22) 25  -  Loch Ness Monster, Busch Gardens, VA
    43 ( 21) 40  -  Roller Coaster, Arnold's Park, IA
    44 ( 20)  -  -  Rebel Yell, King's Dominion, VA
    45 ( 18) 28  -  La Montana Rusa, Mexico City, MX
    45 ( 18) 33  -  Montezooma's Revenge, Knott's, CA
    46 ( 16)  -  -  Wildcat, Elitch Gardens, CO
    46 ( 16)  -  -  Tornado, Adventureland, IA
    47 ( 14)  -  -  Thriller, German Fairs
    47 ( 14) 26  -  Texas Tornado, Wonderland, TX
    47 ( 14) 39  -  Grand National, Blackpool, UK
    48 ( 13)  -  -  Jack Rabbit, Kennywood, PA
    49 ( 12) 39  -  Thunderhawk, Dorney Park, PA
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Big Dipper, Blackpool, UK
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Le Monstre, La Ronde, Canada
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Sea Serpent, Wildwood, NJ
    50 ( 11)  -  -  Excalibur, Valleyfair!, MN
     -   -   15  -  Revolution, Magic Mountain, CA
     -   -   33  -  Dragon Mountain, Marineland, Canada
     -   -   37  -  Wildcat, Lake Compounce, CT
     -   -   38  -  Gemini, Cedar Point, OH
     -   -   39  -  Space Center, Phantasialand, Germany
     -   -   40  -  Bandit, Yomiuriland, Tokyo, Japan
     -   -   40  -  Psyclone, Magic Mountain, CA
     -   -   40  -  Sidewinder, Hersheypark, PA

    G. List of Endangered Coasters in USA -- as of July 1992:

    Legend:

    DAMA - Damaged and non-operational
    DEMO - Demolished/Destroyed
    SBNO - Standing But Not Operating
    STOR - Dismantled and in storage

            ASSURED TO BE SAVED

    SBNO -Leap The Dips: Side Friction; Lakemont Park; Altoona, PA

            COASTERS WITH A CHANCE

    STOR -Comet: Dbl Out-and-Back (from Crystal Beach)

            COASTERS IN DANGER

    OPER -Wildcat: 1926 Out-and-Back, Elitch Gardens; Denver, CO
    OPER -Coaster: Twister, PNE; Vancouver, BC
    SBNO -Comet: 1946 Twister; Lincoln Park; N Dartmouth, MA
    SBNO -Thunderbolt: 1925 Twister, Coney Island, NY
    SBNO -Mighty Lightnin: 1958 Wood, Rocky Glen; Moosic, PA
    SBNO -Jumper: 19?? Jr. Wood, West Point, PA
    SBNO -Red Streaker: 19?? Jr. Wood, Willow Mill; Mechanicsburg,PA
    SBNO -Jack Rabbit: 1910 Out/Back, Idora Park; Youngstown, OH
    DAMA -Wildcat: 1927 Twister, Idora Park; Youngstown, OH

            COASTERS WE'VE RECENTLY LOST FOREVER

    DEMO -CNE Flyer: 1956 Oval, CNE; Toronto, Canada
    DEMO -Speedway: 1937 Out/Back, Eldridge Park; Elmira, NY
    DEMO -Valley Volcano: 1956 Jr. Wood, Angela Park; Hazleton, PA
    DEMO -Tornado: 1968 Out/Back, Panama City, FL
    DEMO -Mountain Flyer: 1929  Out/Back, Mountain Park; Holyoke, MA
    DEMO -Coaster: 1931 Out/Back, Harvey's Lake, PA
    DEMO -Shooting Star: Out-and-Back (from Lakeside Park)

*************************************************************************

Contributors, commentators, error-correctors and other helpers:

     Mark Wyatt (of Inside Track magazine)
     [e-mail] (``Buck'')
     [e-mail] (Me, Geoff Allen)
     [e-mail] (Ronnie Swain)
     [e-mail] (Tom Obszanski)
     [e-mail]
     [e-mail] (Ken Denton)
     [e-mail] (little gator aka s. mudgett)
     [e-mail] (Kara L. Robinson)
     [e-mail] (Michael A. Cornell)
     Nora G.

Disclaimer:  I make no warranty on the information contained here-in.
Comments, corrections and questions are welcome via e-mail to
[e-mail]. You may redistribute this information freely as
long as it is distributed in its entirety. You may not charge, either
directly or indirectly, for this information.

--
Geoff Allen          \  Please remain seated and keep your hands and arms
uunet!pmafire!geoff   \  above your head at all times.  Enjoy your ride.
[e-mail] \