Goldberg Rollercoasters
Midjourney Prompts
Today we are going to create some unbelievably impossible rollercoasters.
Rollercoasters
The history of roller coasters is a fascinating journey that begins with the gravity roads of the 17th century and continues to the high-tech thrill rides of today.
Early Beginnings (17th Century): The earliest precursors to the roller coaster were the so-called "Russian Mountains," which were specially constructed hills of ice located in the gardens of palaces around the Russian capital, Saint Petersburg. In the 17th century, these large, icy slides became popular, and people would climb to the top of these slides, sit in a sled, and slide down the hill.
Gravity Railroads (19th Century): The modern roller coaster descended from so-called "gravity railroads," which were railroads used in mining that relied on gravity to carry goods downhill. These gravity railroads, the first of which was the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway in Pennsylvania, attracted thrill-seekers who enjoyed the sensation of hurtling down the tracks.
Inception of the Roller Coaster (Late 19th Century): The first true roller coaster, as we would understand it today, was built in the United States and is generally credited to LaMarcus Adna Thompson, who was granted a patent for his design in 1885. The "Switchback Railway," as Thompson's design was known, was a huge success and sparked the first "roller coaster craze."
Golden Age of Roller Coasters (1920s): The 1920s are often considered the "Golden Age" of roller coasters, with hundreds of roller coasters being built across the United States. This period saw the introduction of many elements familiar in modern roller coasters, including underfriction, or "upstop," wheels, which were first used in the 1920s and prevent roller coasters from derailing during sharp turns or fast descents.
Decline and Resurgence (1940s-70s): The Great Depression and World War II led to a decline in the construction of new roller coasters. However, the 1970s saw a resurgence in their popularity. This period saw the introduction of steel roller coasters, which allowed for greater heights, steeper drops, and more inversions than their wooden predecessors.
Modern Era (1980s-Present): The modern era of roller coasters has been characterized by continual advancements in roller coaster technology and design. Today's roller coasters are larger, faster, and more complex than ever before. They incorporate a wide range of features, from loops and corkscrews to "dark ride" elements and immersive theming.