Lift hill

A lift hill, or chain hill, is often the initial upward-sloping section of track on a typical roller coaster that initially transports the roller coaster train to an elevated point or peak in the roller coaster ride. Upon reaching the peak, the train is then disengaged and propelled from the lift hill by gravity and allowed to coast throughout the rest of the roller coaster ride's circuit. Lift hills usually propel the train to the top of the rid... more

A lift hill, or chain hill, is often the initial upward-sloping section of track on a typical roller coaster that initially transports the roller coaster train to an elevated point or peak in the roller coaster ride. Upon reaching the peak, the train is then disengaged and propelled from the lift hill by gravity and allowed to coast throughout the rest of the roller coaster ride's circuit. Lift hills usually propel the train to the top of the ride via one of two methods: a chain lift involving a long, continuous chain which trains hook on to and are carried to the top; or a drive tire system in which multiple motorized tires push the train upwards. A typical chain lift consists of a heavy piece of metal called a chain dog, which is mounted onto the underside of one of the cars which make up the train. This is in place to line up with the chain on the lift hill. The chain rotates at a constant speed and is normally powered by one or more motors, which are positioned under the lift hill... less