Hydraulic Highs at Cedar Point Amusement Park

I've been riding roller coasters since I was a little girl, but am not your typical roller-coaster fanatic. I've been scared of heights all of my life, and would never call myself a daredevil or risk-taker. Yet almost a decade ago, I began my journey of seeking out the insanely biggest and fastest stratacoasters in the country to raise my endorphin levels to crazed heights.

The Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio set a slew of records when it was introduced to the world in 2003. Manufactured by the Swiss company Intamin AG, it was the first roller coaster to hit a height of more than 400 feet. The Top Thrill Dragster was also the first to reach 120 miles per hour using a hydraulic launch system. Other coasters have surpassed the Dragster in height and speed, but it will always hold a special place in my heart as my first stratacoaster.

Until recently, I'd been perfectly happy to stand in line for up to two hours and wait for this 20-second ride without wondering what was going on behind the scenes mechanically. Recently, however, I started wondering how in the world the Dragster's 5.3 ton (without riders!) roller coaster train could be shot straight up over 400 feet in less than four seconds.

How Does a Hydraulic Launch Coaster Work?

Hydraulic launch coasters provide both a smooth ride and high acceleration. They are powered by a series of hydraulic pumps, each of which produces 500 hp. These pumps move incompressible hydraulic fluid into hydro-pneumatic accumulators, energy-storing devices with compartments that are separated by a piston. As hydraulic fluid enters one compartment, the gas in the other compartment is compressed.

When a hydraulic roller coaster is launched, hydraulic pressure is used to drive a series of hydraulic motors. In just seconds, these motors spin a large, drum-like winch that rewinds a cable attached to the train's catch-car. When the train advances, a pusher moves back from the motor. The pusher connects and an anti-rollback braking system falls below the track, notifying operators that the train is ready to be launched. According to one account, the entire system can produce up to 20,800-hp for a single launch.

Translation? An amazing rush of adrenalin! I'm already counting the days until spring for my next hit!