Side friction roller coaster

They declined in popularity several decades later as newer coasters began incorporating a third set of underfriction wheels, which further improved safety and allowed for more thrilling track designs.

[1][3] One passenger inspired by the MCR was inventor and businessman LaMarcus Adna Thompson,[3] founder of the Eagle Knitting Company, a hosiery manufacturer.

[6] In 1894, Edward Joy Morris took the concept one step further with the invention of side-friction wheels that were installed vertically on the sides of each train car, which were then seated in a trough configuration.

[6] Side-friction roller coasters could achieve greater speeds than the switchback design, especially around curves, which led to thrill-inducing lateral g-forces.

[6] The security of the updated design enabled roller coasters to operate without a brakeman, which were previously required to ride along and slow the train at various points along the track layout.