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Coaster terminology

If you're going to get airtime, you've got to talk the talk. The following definitions were taken from rec.roller-coaster FAQ.

AIRTIME: the sensation of coming out of your seat while riding a coaster (also known as "negative G's").

BRAKE RUN: a flat stretch of track usually two or three train lengths, where the train is halted at the end of the ride. Usually covered, since it's hard to stop a coaster on wet brakes.

GULLY COASTER: makes use of the terrain, keeping the train close to the ground's ups and downs.

HELIX: corkscrew-shaped loops, either vertical or horizontal.

POSITIVE G'S: forces that pull downward, often most pronounced at the bottoms of hills.

SPEED DIP: a small hill that at high speeds usually lifts riders out of their seats.

STEEL COASTER: generally, a coaster with tubular, steel rails and steel support framing.

WILD MOUSE: a small, steel coaster with small (two-adult) cars, sharp, flat turns, quick, steep drops and lots of airtime.

WOODEN COASTER: generally, a coaster with flat, steel rails attached to wooden, laminated rails with a wooden support structure.

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