Gemini (roller coaster)

Infobox roller coaster
name = Gemini


caption = Two trains race to the finish on Gemini
location= Cedar Point
type = Steel
type2 = Racing
manufacturer = Arrow Dynamics
designer = Ron Toomer
model = Twin track
status = Open
opened = June 17, 1978
height = 125.3
drop = 118
angle = 55
length = 3935
speed = 60
inversions = 0
capacity = 3,300
cost = US$ 3,400,000
restriction=48
rcdb_number=14

"Gemini" is a hybrid wood and steel roller coaster located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Built in 1978 by Arrow Dynamics and designed by Ron Toomer, it is a racing roller coaster. Also, Cedar Point claims that when the ride debuted it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world.

The structure is considered hybrid since the track is actually tubular steel, while the support is wood. Two trains, red and blue, are dispatched on two tracks that run parallel to each other throughout the ride until the end when they diverge into their own helix before coming back together to finish the ride.

Although prohibited, riders on separate trains often give each other high-fives as both trains pass through curves. "Gemini" has one of the highest capacities of any ride in the park. "Gemini's" station previously featured a double sided entry, allowing guests to enter the station from both the front and the back. Eventually modified to have guests only enter from the back of the station due to confusion and congestion caused by the double entry, the stairway formerly used for the queue at the front of the station still remains. When conditions permit, "Gemini's" trim brakes are disengaged, and a slightly faster ride is experienced. This is especially noticeable when traveling through the helixes at the end of the ride. When the ride opens in the morning (or when attendance is low) the ride only operates one colored side. Thus, on some days the coaster may not race at all. Gemini is known for the fact that either side may win the race instead of the usual predictable results on other rides.

External links

* [http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/Gemini/index.cfm CedarPoint.com - "Gemini" Official Page]
* [http://thepointol.com/gemini.html ThePointOL.com - "Gemini" Unofficial Page]
* [http://www.pointpics.com/categories.php?cat_id=29 PointPics.com - "Gemini" Photo Gallery]

Gemini debuted as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world in 1978.