17 May, 12
Info. Coaster Types Steel Coasters Fourth Dimension
 Fourth Dimension Coaster
a.k.a  4D, ball coaster, Zac Spin...

The ride that put an end to Arrow Dynamics, but pulled 6-hour plus queues.  A "true" 4D ride is a coaster that utilizes four running rails instead of two.  The main running rails are the usual rails that the coaster's train wheels run on - the running wheels, guide wheels, and upstop wheels. 
The side pair of rails (or "seat control" rails), located to the outside of and under the main running rails, are run on by wheels attached to ratchet gears (these are what give the trains the characteristic "spikes" on their bodies).  The ratchet gears are linked with standard circular gears, which are attached to seats. 
As the seat control rails adjust their position relative to the main rails, the ratchet gears attached to the seat control rails move up and down.  This up and down motion transfers to the circular gear located inside the train, and corresponds to a vertical spinning motion of the seats.
There have been cheaper models released which work on a free rotating car adjacent to the track rather than on top of it. These "ball coasters" have a tiny foot print, being very narrow as they only move in linear directions.

 

 The Original

arrowArrow 4D

A highly anticipated ride that promised to redefine what a coaster could be.  When it finally opened, after months of delays and lawsuits against Arrow by Six Flags, X was hailed as one of the most intense coasters of all time, combining a creative half-above track, half-below track layout with the added bonus of the 4D trains and track.  However, the ride began to tear itself apart.  The massive weight of the 20-ton trains and poor supporting issues in some areas caused the ride to develop hairline fractures in its trains, track, and supports.  These problems aren't able to be completely fixed, as their causes (such as train weight) simply aren't things that can be changed, and while X still runs, it does so only under the careful watch and constant maintanence of park staff.  Sadly, X, one of Arrow's most creative projects ever, caused the company's demise - X's delays and downtime prompted a lawsuit by Six Flags that bankrupted the historic company.

 

 Variations
sand4d S&S Power 4D


With Arrow's demise follow X's construction, it seemed that it would be a long time before another 4D was attempted.  This assumption was quickly put to rest when S&S Power bought the bankrupt company and announced plans that they would be continuing the 4D project that Arrow had started.

Making its first appearance in Fuji-Q highlands, the S&S Power 4D is the second-generation 4D coaster.  Combining the technology possessed by the acquired Arrow Dynamics, the knowledge gained from X's problems, and the creative abilities of their own staff, S&S Power's version of the 4D coaster promises to be a safe, reliable, and fun ride..  
Kirnu005 Intamin Ball Coaster/Zac Spin


Almost a cross between a flat ride and a coaster, the Intamin Zac Spin coaster features a simple track layout that works only vertically and laterally (up and down and forwards and backwards). The coaster never turns a corner.

The trains have free spinning seats on either side of the track and the layouts are designed to allow the seats to spin and rotate as the coaster completes its circuit. Cheap, cheerful, fun and with a small footprint; these rides are perfect for a smaller park, or one wanting to add a new coaster in a small space on a low budget.

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