Inverted roller coaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inverted roller coaster |
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A Bolliger and Mabillard built Inverted coaster. Nemesis at Alton Towers in Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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| Status | In Production |
| First manufactured | 1992 |
| No. of installations | 189 |
| Manufacturers | Bolliger & Mabillard Vekoma Intamin Mack Rides |
| Vehicles | Suspended trains |
| Restraint Style | Over-the-shoulder (most common style) |
An inverted roller coaster is a super exciting type of roller coaster where the train runs under the track! This means your feet dangle freely in the air as you zoom along. It's different from older "suspended" coasters because your seat is directly attached to the wheels. On a suspended coaster, the seats would swing from a bar.
This unique design makes inverted coasters feel very open and thrilling. Instead of having the track under your feet, it's above your head!
Contents
How Inverted Coasters Started
The idea for inverted roller coasters came from two Swiss designers. They were from a company called Bolliger & Mabillard. They created the very first inverted coaster in the early 1990s.
The first one ever built was called Batman: The Ride. It opened in 1992 at Six Flags Great America. This ride was so popular that many other parks wanted one just like it. Soon, inverted coasters became a big hit in the amusement park world. New custom designs were built almost every year.
Record-Breaking Inverted Coasters
Some inverted coasters are known for being extra big or fast. The tallest and fastest inverted coaster is Wicked Twister at Cedar Point. It stands an amazing 215 feet (66 m) (about 65 meters) tall! It can also reach speeds up to 72 miles per hour (116 km/h) (about 116 km/h).
The longest inverted coaster is Banshee at Kings Island. This ride takes you on a journey along 4,124 feet (1,257 m) (about 1,257 meters) of track!
Other Companies Building Inverted Coasters
After Bolliger & Mabillard, other companies started making their own inverted coaster designs. These included Vekoma and Intamin, along with some smaller companies.
- Vekoma: This company is famous for making many identical inverted coasters. Their "SLC (689m Standard)" design has been built 41 times around the world! Vekoma has also created family-friendly inverted roller coasters more recently. These are great for younger riders.
- Intamin: While Intamin doesn't have many rides specifically called "inverted coasters," they do use inverted coaster trains on some of their launched rides.
- Giovanola: This company also has one inverted coaster that is still operating.
Cool Moves and Loops (Inversions)
Inverted roller coasters are known for their exciting inversions. An inversion is when the track turns you upside down! Here are some common inversions you might experience:
- Vertical loops (a full circle upside down)
- Zero-gravity rolls (a twist that makes you feel weightless)
- Immelmann loops (a half-loop followed by a half-twist)
- Cobra rolls (two inversions that look like a cobra's head)
- Corkscrews (a twisting spiral)
See also
In Spanish: Montaña rusa invertida para niños
