Cloning Wars

Interesting, I usually do flips when I hear that Six Flags is going to install another cloned coaster, but I think 2Hostyl has a good point. People aren't going to travel to go to the vast majority if the Six Flags properties. The ones that are somewhat destinations (SFMM, SFGAdv) tend to get more unique rides. I guess my problem lies in the continuous construction of low quality coasters like SLCs and Boomers. When they clone good rides like hypers, woodies, Impulses, and the like, I, as well as the rest of the enthusiast community seem to have less of a problem with it.

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E.J.
Webmaster: Theme Park New England
http://tpne.8m.com

Well... they've definately pulled me from Buffalo, which is a good 3-4hr drive.

All the rides up till now have been just "ok, just another steel, just another wooden coaster"...

But now, I got real reason to get to Worlds of Adventure. To try out the 'much talked about' flying coaster, and to even get to try a floorless & impulse coaster... it's a different experience since all the parks in New York & Ontario, Canada lack that variety of coasters.

Normally I'd pass up that park for Cedar Point, but they now got reason to visit. A couple of those coasters may be cloned at other Six Flags parks (ie: Batwing), but those aren't remotely near me, and I'm tired of "The Same Old Thing"!!

A bunch of comments:

2Hostyl: Your home park, SFA, is getting Batwing, a much improved Stealth. I don't know why you would want a coaster with the same mistakes that Stealth has (Happens the first time you build a new type of coaster) repeated at PKD. Instead, lets go for something better.

I agree with those who have made comments about repeating mediocre coasters. The only thing interesting about riding an SLC is comparing the degree of head banging to the other 6 SLCs that you have ridden. Now 6 B:TRs, 6 Montus, or 6 Hulks spread around the country might be a good idea.

Clones will continue to be built. There are too many advantages.
Reduced R&D.
Reduced engineering.
Reduced CAD/CAM cost.
Reduce tooling costs.
Increased chance of success, not only technically, but also commercially. If the people in California liked it, the people in New Jersey will probably like it too.

Let's face it, those of us who visit 10 parks in a year are a small minority.

There is disadvantage to clones. It is nearly impossible to make a clone which is a terrain coaster, so you need relatively flat ground, and you can't take advantage of the shorter supports that may save money on a terrain design.




*** This post was edited by Jim Fisher on 4/15/2001. *** *** This post was edited by Jim Fisher on 4/15/2001. ***

Jeff, SFA has about 500 acres of land to build on. We may not be a major national player yet, but just you wait. Every year Six Flags/Premier has put in at least one thing in this park, and often times that thing/s has not been cheap. They obviously see a huge potential in this park, as do I. Batwing will be a major attraction for tourist/enthusiast as is Hypersonic XLC. The proof? 15 tourist who traveled from New York to ride it on opening day, and they go to Great Adventure. (They should've called first, but that's another story). Clones have been around since the golden era of coasters. It's simple mathematics friends. One more thing, the number of enthusiasts I've talked to so far who've ridden Stealth-0. *** This post was edited by Intamin Fan on 4/15/2001. ***

Clones really don't bother me too much, I must say...After all, I am hoping and praying that SFWoA gets a clone of Titan. However, I also believe that every park should have 4 or 5 unique, signature rides.

I guess clones make sense. But I think that it is rediculous some of the rides that certain companies choose to clone rather to perfect them. Like Vekoma Boomerangs, B&M B:TR, Vekoma SLCs, and more.

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What is life with out coasters, geniuses, and/or SFA

Jim, 2Hostyl made that comment long before Batwing was announced. I personally agree with most here about clones being good as long as the park has it's great signature rides(and the clones are actually good). SLCs and boomers are probobly the two worst clones ever and I hope I never see one made ever again. Now, the invertigos, BTR, and Impulses are a different story(I think I'm just crazy about inverts). But I would prefer if the park at least changed a couple elements just to get a surprise different feel from the other one.

I agree that the average park-goer doesn't know the difference between an original ride & a clone of a ride, especially when that park hypes it up...

But with my home park of Six Flags Darien Lake... 3 of our wonderous 5 coasters are in fact... clones! And this isn't a great thing. Clones get old quite fast.

It's just a little disappointing to hear your park is going to get a new coaster, and find out later that this coaster is up already in about 3 other parks!

SFDL needs a true original signature ride that seperates itself from the little guys. Something that they can truly call their own and takes true advantage of their land not unlike Cedar Point did with Millennium Force! It can be done for those who've visited it.