[coasterdude89]

In my opinion, Thunder Road is two coasters, not one. What I mean is that the forwards coaster has its own unique characteristics that are different than the backwards coaster. And the same goes for the backwards coaster, it has a unique set of characteristics that makes it what it is. Sure, the tracks are almost identical, but, they are still different. I have never riden the backwards one (I know, I suck) but if I ahd a chance to I would. You see, I have been to Carowinds once in the past three years (its because I hardly ever get a chance to go), but, when I was younger (in elementary) I was scared to ride backwards, ands the last time I went it was closed. Sorry about this little side note about me having never riden the backwards one. What do you all think about this poll?

[swampfox43]

My belief is that Thunder Road is ONE coaster with TWO separate tracks. Or, I prefer to say it is one ENTITY. Think of a duplex. A duplex is one single structure divided into 2 separate living quarters. Thunder Road is basically one structure (the outbound portion), divided into 2 separate tracks.

That is how I view Thunder Road.

On the other hand, I view dueling coasters as 2. Examples are Lightning Racer, Gwazi, Fire & Ice. The reason I view these as 2 is simple. The majority of the structure for these are separated from each other and the layouts are very different.

Yeh, I know everyone has their opinion on this matter. I'm sure many will disagree with this assessment. Of course, this debate has been going on for decades and I doubt we will end it here in this forum

[coasterdude89]

My belief is that Thunder Road is ONE coaster with TWO separate tracks. Or, I prefer to say it is one ENTITY. Think of a duplex. A duplex is one single structure divided into 2 separate living quarters. Thunder Road is basically one structure (the outbound portion), divided into 2 separate tracks.

On the other hand, I view dueling coasters as 2. Examples are Lightning Racer, Gwazi, Fire & Ice. The reason I view these as 2 is simple. The majority of the structure for these are separated from each other and the layouts are very different.

I never thought of it like this. But, you do make a good point.

[Top Gun]

My belief is that Thunder Road is ONE coaster with TWO separate tracks. Or, I prefer to say it is one ENTITY. Think of a duplex. A duplex is one single structure divided into 2 separate living quarters. Thunder Road is basically one structure (the outbound portion), divided into 2 separate tracks.

That is how I view Thunder Road.

On the other hand, I view dueling coasters as 2. Examples are Lightning Racer, Gwazi, Fire & Ice. The reason I view these as 2 is simple. The majority of the structure for these are separated from each other and the layouts are very different.

Yeh, I know everyone has their opinion on this matter. I'm sure many will disagree with this assessment. Of course, this debate has been going on for decades and I doubt we will end it here in this forum

I would have to agree with Swampfox43. It does seem a bit like one coaster with two tracks.

[coasterbruh]

Two rides, one coaster. It differs between coaster though. I feel if the coaster has one name like thunder road or rebel yell then it can be listed once. However being that dueling dragons has the fire and the ice coaster which is 2 different names i would concider that two coasters and two different rides But of course its a matter of opinion.

Next debate............. Is Thunder Road a racer or just a double track coaster??

[ThrillSeeker]

I would have to say it is only 1 coaster with 2 styles of rideing. 3 If you count raceing good luck with that though. :mellow:

[LP_Reanimator]

well, coasterdude89, if you ever ride TR backwards, get the back of the train (it looks like the front of the forwards, and you can watch the track behind you). That always confuses people. When I say the back of the backwards train, i mean the front of the forwards train turned around. Like, if it were the forwards train, it'd be the seat in the front, but since it's backwards, that seat becomes the back of the train.

I think it is two coasters, since, 1. it is a rarity when they race, 2. if one breaks down, the other still runs, 3. they are not on one track, 4. backwards is more fun!!, and 5. each gives a totally different experience.

[Jonathan]

I've always seen it as two coasters, since there literally are two coasters. Two coasters, one attraction...

[coasterbruh]

^^^ yeah yeah . But i think they should name each side of the track so it can a distinct difference. But for agruementive sakes theoretically its 2 coasters but hypothetically its one attraction....................Hey that can be how the coaster is defined from now on!!

[Carowinds44]

It's definitely two. If you aren't going over the exact same tracks in the exact same way then its not the same ride.

[MarkD]

Two coasters.
The tracks are not connected together and the trains do not switch tracks so to me it is two coasters.

[Cephas]

One Coaster with 2 tracks. The tracks were built together at the same time, they are mirror images of each other. They even share the same superstructure for the ride out to the turnaround. TR is ONE attration with 2 tracks. Some of us may say it is two different coasters, but think about this. Is superman the escape at SFMM 2 coasters?

When parks count up their coasters they should classify racers as 1 coaster. If I were to debate with someone if the ride was one or two tracks, I wouldn't care, it's there opionion.

If one track on TR had been built 20 years after the other, I would classify them as 2 coasters, but they were built at the same time instead of a single-track coaster of a different genre.

<a href='http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=roller%20Coaster' target='_blank'>Here</a> is the exact definiton of Roller Coaster. It dosen't say anything about it having only 1 track so this is purely a matter of opionion. TR could be one Coaster or one Attraction. It's all up to person opionion.

[swampfox43]

But i think they should name each side of the track so it can a distinct difference.

Well, technically they are named. As you pass under the TR sign the left side says "backwards" and the right side says "forward".

I know what what you mean though. Like when TR first opened, one side was known as "Sherriff" and the other side was known as "Outlaw". Those days are gone.

[MarkD]

Your definition link says....

A steep, sharply curving elevated railway with small open passenger cars that is operated at high speeds as a ride, especially in an amusement park.

Just for kicks and giggles.

The very first word says it all. "A" meaning one. Since Thunder Road has 2 tracks then I still classify it as two coasters. This goes for all racers and duellers.

One attraction...Yes by all means but 2 coasters.

[Cephas]

"A" Railway can have more than one track. For Ex., CSX isn't one strip of mainline from here to NY.