Mean Streak, next to go??

Topper track as adertised by RMC

The best way to get information about a product is to go to the manufactures website (link above).

Important points:

Topper track replaces the top two layers of wood lamination, therefore the final product's dimensions are identical to a traditional wood track.

Topper track can be installed on only sections of a wooden coaster, leaving the rest with traditional construction if the customer desires,

Topper track can run with steel wheels.

Since we are debating what makes a coaster steel or wood, here is my two cents. I define a coaster based solely on track type. For example Gemini and the New Texas Giant are steel, the Voyage is wood (Despite it being a steel support structure), and Outlaw Run and Goliath SFGA are hybrids (because their track is made structurally of both wood and steel). On traditional wooden coasters, the running steel does not provide any significant structural support.

There is still wood in the tracks though. My definition of hybrid coaster is wood supports with completely steel track. That is where I draw the line. To me Outlaw Run and Goliath are both wood coasters. I'm not a wood coaster traditionalist. If extra steel is needed for track support then so be it.

I agree with jscll:

Layers of wood with metal lamination on three sides where wheels run = wooden (the traditional definition).

Steel tubes or I-beams with no wood = steel

Layers of wood topped by a steel box where the wheels run = hybrid. (Topper Track).

That being said I haven't ridden a "Topper Track" coaster, besides the old Cyclone at SFNE which sported topper track on one of the turnarounds in the last few years before it got converted. I vaguely remember it not being a huge difference in how the ride felt, although the turn had none of the usual bouncing that most traditional wooden coasters have around turns.

I knew my post would stir the conversation a bit.

You can debate about what's wood and what's steel all you want. But isn't the most important thing, whether or not the ride is fun.

Very true, and no one here is disputing that what matters is do you enjoy the ride. Just a debate on what the considerations are for different folks in their determination of what type a coaster should be classified as.

This debate is the new "Is Superman: The Escape a Coaster?"

Lowkae said:
This debate is the new "Is Pipescream a Coaster?"

Fixed it for you ;)

Since you HAD to bring it up...

I'm curious, who here thinks that PipeScream should be counted as a roller coaster? I certainly don't, but that's just me.

Does it really matter? It's not like guests approach a ride and say "I'm not riding Pipe Scream because it's not a real roller coaster!"

It's definitely worth the conversation. It uses gravity and rolls along a track, so yes. It's powered from the ride vehicle, so no. But aren't there powered coasters? So yes.

Honestly, I think it is the park (owner, marketing team) that is the final say.

Yeah I'd say it is up to the park. I don't really care either way on that one. I know I will never ride it because I hate spinning rides.

But in Cedar Point's competition (mainly against SFMM) of trying to have the most roller coasters, do you think that PipeScream should count? I think not.

I would love to see them bring in Gravity Group for an overhaul. Although I love Outlaw Run, it doesn't have the same feeling as a traditional wood coaster.

No inversions. Just make it a fun coaster again!

Pete - I don't remember them changing the 2nd hill (I could be wrong). I do recall the changes to 3rd drop. It used to have nice pop of airtime before they shaved it down.

That would require it to have be a fun coaster to begin with.

Theme Park Press said:
But in Cedar Point's competition (mainly against SFMM) of trying to have the most roller coasters, do you think that PipeScream should count? I think not.

Most people visiting CP aren't aware of a park with just as many coasters 3,000 miles away. They're in business to make money, not to have the most roller coasters.

kylepark said:

Theme Park Press said:
But in Cedar Point's competition (mainly against SFMM) of trying to have the most roller coasters, do you think that PipeScream should count? I think not.

Most people visiting CP aren't aware of a park with just as many coasters 3,000 miles away. They're in business to make money, not to have the most roller coasters.

True. Maybe 10-15 years ago it was CP vs MM, but those days are long gone. Bragging rights are great, but I think they'd rather have the "best' rides than the "most" rides these days.

Interestingly enough Zamperla advertises the Disk'o style version of the ride as a coaster on their website.

http://www.zamperla.com/products/disko-coaster/

The Skater version is under "tweener rides" but as you can see in the link it's still self described as a disk'o coaster.

http://www.zamperla.com/products/disko-coaster-template-2/

So, I would assume personal definition or not if the manufacturer calls it a coaster and the park wants to advertise it as a coaster then its a coaster. Personally in track records that offer it I count it, in ones that don't I don't.

Do you consider Wicked Twister a coaster?

Pretty similar....back and forth on a track.

I consider it one personally. Mainly due to rides like Wicked Twister, Steel Venom and Superman at SFMM. Also I would consider first gen Intamin free falls like Demon Drop a coaster too. Runs on track, gravity powered fall, vertical lift hill, complete circuit. If you want to argue "classic" definitions of coasters those early free falls fit them better then some modern coasters.

Larson refers to this as a coaster too:

Fire Ball