Adding A Twist To The U-Turn
Hypercoaster designers have come up with some creative ways to turn a hypercoaster around. Some are basic
like the U-Turn and some are more complex.
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Pretzel Knot
This turnaround is found on Magnum XL-200. It features a upward section into a 270 degree turn to the left, then another 270 degree turn is executed and the coaster exits in the opposite direction it came.
The Pretzel Knot generates some intense lateral g's, but the version on Magnum XL-200 has trim brakes before this turnaround (**sigh**). |
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DH Morgan Helix
This element is found on Steel Force and Mamba. It is roughly a 360 degree downward spiral that transforms into a 180 degree upward spiral that rises above the downward spiral. An exciting feature of this ride is the fact that the ride's supports come close to the spiraling track.
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Hammerhead
A twist on the u-turn that is found on Giovanola Hypertwisters and B&M Speed Coasters. The coaster rises and banks to the right. In the middle of the 180 degree turn, there is a small dip. |
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B & M Helix
This feature is found only on Apollo's Chariot. It features an 180 degree elevated turn, a 270 degree banked turn, and a drop below the elevated turn.
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DH Morgan Fan Curve & Helix
Found only on Wild Thing, this weird turnaround begins with the diving drop of the 3rd hill then a 180 degree fan curve to the right. It concludes with a 360 degree ascending helix to the right, and a 90 degree banked turn to the right. |
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Downward Helix
Featured on the Superman -- Ride Of Steel (SFA & SFDL), it is basically a 540 degree descending helix with a cool head chopper effect at the end.
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Overbanked Turn
Found only on Superman -- Ride Of Steel (SFNE) and Millennium Force, this element is a 180 degree turnaround. It is a fan curve with a banking between 90 and 180 degrees. The steepest overbanked curve, which is found on Millennium Force, is 122 degrees!
Pictures courtesy of http://www.CoasterGallery.com, used with permission. |
