Types of coasters
Classic coaster: some people use this term for any wooden coaster.
The American Coaster Enthusiasts use this term for a wooden coaster of the Golden Age. These coasters have lap bars, undivided seats, and no headrests.
Enclosed coaster: a roller coaster track that is within a building.
Figure eight coaster track: the layout of the coaster track resembles the number 8 – tracks make right and left turns that cross each other
Inverted coaster: the coaster train runs under the track –unlike a suspended coaster, the train does not swing or sway
Out and back: this coaster’s circuit looks like a long oval – the car travels through a turning curve and returns to its place of origin
Racer: on this coaster, two or more coaster trains race each other on parallel tracks
Shuttle loop: these coasters have a single track- on most, the coaster train travels forward, goes through a loop, then climbs a high, steep slope. As the train reaches the top of the slope, it retakes the journey going backwards, returning to the station.
Stand-up coaster: passengers straddle bicycle-like seats while standing up instead of sitting on the roller coaster.
Suspended coaster: the coaster train runs under the track and swings and sways as it moves along the track – these coasters usually have more turns and loops than normal coasters
Trackless coasters: first known as "flying turns" – the coaster cars look like bobsleds that travel through a deep through (which acts like the track)
"Twister": passengers can not figure out what the next turn will bring because the turns are tangled together (like a tornado, or "twister")