Brakes (Rollercoaster)

Rollercoasters use brakes to slow down, or completely stop the train. Rollercoaster brakes can come in the form of magnetic and physical brakes, manual and automatic brakes, brakes that are on the train, and brakes that are on the track. Brakes have existed for as long as rollercoasters have, but they have evolved over time, going from manual skid brakes, to the highly technical magnetic and friction brakes of today.

Contrary to popular belief, most rollercoasters do not feature brakes on the train. Instead, rollercoasters generally feature brake runs. As a rollercoaster enters a brake run, the brakes will engage, bringing the rollercoaster to an appropriate speed. Generally on modern steel rollercoasters, this break run will often consist of Magnetic brakes to slow the train, friction brakes to stop the train, and drive-tyres to push into the station or the next part of the circuit. There are however, some anomalies, such as the Matterhorn and other early steel coasters still using skid brakes, and some brake runs not using magnetic brakes, such as Nemesis, or their brake run not needing drive-tyres due to it being on a downwards slope (such as on Shambhala).

On most roller coasters, the brakes are controlled by a computer system. Some older coasters have brakemen or manually operated friction or skid brakes, some with a pneumatic assist. These are either engaged at the control panel or operated by pulling or pushing large levers in the station.