They're not just fun machines, but they're part of Americana. They're not just amusement rides; they represent the very best in engineering, architecture, and art.
Can you believe that in the 1920's there were over 2000 wooden roller coasters in the US? Now there are only about 400 coasters left in the country, and about two-thirds of them are steel coasters erected after 1960.
Luckily, with the latest computer-aided design capabilities there is a resurgence of interest in steel coasters. The contraptions built in the last few years (including BATMAN, KUMBA, MAGNUM XL-200, MILLENIUM FORCE, STEALTH) are amazing indeed.
In addition, there has been renewed interest in wood coasters
as well. Successes like the Great Escape Comet and Megafobia along
with other new mid-sized woodies (Raven, Hoosier Hurricane, Wildcat,
Great White, Hurler) lead me to believe that many of the medium-sized
parks will add more great and custom coasters.
I have built the Faller "Big Dipper" Coaster model, an HO-scale plastic model coaster with a working chain lift and cars! Follow my progress in this construction project which started October 3, 1997 and ended May 20, 1998. A picture of my finished model is on the bottom of Page 4. Construction hints and tips are scattered throughout.
![The Great White [first drop; bunny hops] (Wildwood, NJ)](Cgreatwhite1.jpg){kind=link}
![The Great White [Entire profile f/ beach] (Wildwood, NJ)](Cgreatwhite2.jpg){kind=link}