Oldest roller coaster in the world?

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Roller coasters have a long history, dating back to 15th century Russia. The French coined the term “roller coaster” and introduced wheels to the tracks. The oldest roller coaster still in operation is the Leap-the-Dips in Pennsylvania, built in 1902. It is a figure-of-eight “side drag” coaster and was restored in 1997.

Roller coasters have delighted thrill-seekers for centuries, and the history of this amusement park ride is full of interesting twists and turns. The idea of ​​modern roller coasters actually dates back to 15th century Russia, when people would slide down roller coasters on tracks made of ice. The sleigh seats were also made of ice, although the riders usually filled the carved cavities with straw to make the rides a little more comfortable

The French are usually credited with creating the term “roller coaster”. The earliest roller coaster rides used tracks made of rollers and sleds with skids, hence the art of roller coasters. The name stuck even after the runners were replaced with wheels, an innovation that probably originated in France when the first roller coaster attraction opened in Paris in 1804. Since that time, there have been numerous technological innovations and the inventions that made faster roller coasters bigger, safer, and more thrilling than roller coasters that have come before.

Many of the world’s oldest roller coasters are still standing. Unfortunately, most fell into disuse and disrepair and had to be demolished. The honor of being the oldest roller coaster still in operation goes to the Leap-the-Dips ride at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Built to replace the Gravity Railroad roller coaster that burned down in 1901, the Leap-the-Dips was designed and built in 1902 by Edward Joy Morris.

Though the world’s oldest roller coaster may seem tame by today’s standards, the Leap-the-Dips was built at a time when lateral friction was considered cutting-edge technology, a 48-foot lift hill (14.6 metres) was thrilling and the 3-foot (3 metres) fall was exhilarating. Leap-the-Dips still runs on an oak track that is 1,452 feet (4426 meters) long and offers a top speed of approximately ten miles per hour (16 km/h).

Riding this roller coaster is like stepping back in time. The cars are two rows deep and can seat two passengers each. Some say this is the smoothest and most comfortable roller coaster ride to be found anywhere, perhaps because the only metal “rails” are found in the station.

The oldest roller coaster in the world also has the distinction of being the only figure-of-eight “side drag” roller coaster still in use in North America. A side-friction coaster is not bolted to its rails with the bottom wheels, but instead uses side-mounted wheels on each car to drive it. That’s what makes these rides smooth and quiet.
Leap-the-Dips came very close to being brought down, however. Rising repair and maintenance costs forced Lakemont Park to close in 1985. The old roller coaster was in need of a major overhaul, and the amusement park simply didn’t have the money. A non-profit group called the Leap-the-Dips Preservation Foundation was formed.

In 1996, the oldest roller coaster in the United States was designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL). This honor brought attention to the fundraising cause, and the non-profit organization raised one million United States Dollars (USD). Renovation and restoration began in 1997 and the Leap-the-Dips reopened on Memorial Day, 1999. It is also an American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Coaster Classic and Coaster Landmark.




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