The modern steel roller coaster might not exist today if it weren’t for one groundbreaking attraction at Disneyland Park.
That ride is the Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Walt Disney’s Vision
Walt Disney wanted to create a ride that felt like racing through a snowy mountain in a bobsled.
But the existing roller coaster technology at the time couldn’t achieve the tight turns and speed required.
Inventing Tubular Steel Track
To solve the problem, Arrow Development created a new type of track.
This design used tubular steel rails and polyurethane wheels, which allowed trains to move faster and handle sharper turns.
A Huge Industry Impact
That innovation changed roller coaster design forever.
Today, nearly every modern steel roller coaster uses a similar tubular track system.
Watch the Reel
https://youtu.be/4aDENhjKzqQ?si=CqLG_wJ3N6daVsjF
Want to learn more? Coaster FUNdamentals series here->