"10 Roller Coasters That Changed America" (and the world!)

Here's a pretty interesting article that highlights some of the most influential and important coasters of all time, starting way back at the invention of the roller coaster. Dragster is one of them!

http://mentalfloss.com/article/58035/10-roller-coasters-changed-america

Magnum was much more of a game changer than Dragster.

I agree, Walt. Magnum-XL200 made a much larger impact on the industry than MF or TTD.

Magnum is what started the "coaster wars".

I agree about Magnum. I'm surprised it wasn't included.

I agree about Magnum.

However, we should remember that TTD ended the coaster wars. ;)

Kingda Ka outdid TTD 2 years later.

and the reliability problems with both ended the coaster wars

Meh, they are pretty much the same ride.

For most influential, I would rank CP's as:

1) Magnum
2) Millennium Force
3) Dragster
4/5) Gemini/Raptor

Edit: Actually, I shouldn't insult Dragster like that. One has OSTRs and a drop ride that keeps it from operating, the other doesn't. :)

The original Corkscrew, from Knott's, is still running today at Silverwood in Idaho. I was there in 2011 but the line was too long for the history credit.

Gemini was definitely more influential/bigger game changer than Dragster.

Yeah, Magnum needs some love in that article. I think out of all the coasters built in the modern theme park era which started with Disneyland in the 50's, Magnum had the biggest impact with both guests and the industry. To those who didn't experience it in 1989, the excitement park guests had for Magnum when it was new outdid both MF and TDD.