If you were a park owner would you buy prototypes?

Sure I would.  But I like the "Alton Towers" approach, If I build one, ain't nobody else gettin' one. At least not until I can claim it as my own for a few years. It's also a good idea to stick with *one* company that you have a good relationship with. To work with Arrow and Vekoma together in one year is the receipt for disaster.
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What is hateful to you, do not to your fellowman. That is the entire law; all the rest is commentary. -The Talmud
*** This post was edited by DWeaver on 10/17/2001. ***

*** This post was edited by DWeaver on 10/17/2001. ***

As an engineer and and MBA, I would invest in prototypes if I was sufficiently convinced that they would work without too many start up problems.  A lot of the decision might be based on the reputation of the manufacturer involved.  Knowing how thorough B&M's engineering is I would be likely to risk one of their new designs.  Some other coaster manufacturers would be less likely to get my order.

 

Remember that people may come out for a prototype that has problems; but if they don't get to ride, they won't come back for your next new coaster.

I'd buy one from B&M and Intamin, but not Vekoma and Arrow.

Do they have coaster building school in Switzerland? If they do, I'm moving. :-)

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Sit back, hold on tight, because Mamba is about to strike! Enjoy Your Ride!

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LoadedG said:
"SoB is a prototype in the sense that it is the first (and ONLY) wooden looping coaster."

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That's not true... surely you've seen the black-and-white photos of the perfectly round loop somewhere in ancient coaster history. Not only that, but the loop itself is fairly ordinary, like any steel loop, save that it has wood bolted to it.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"As far as I can tell it doesn't matter who you are. If you can believe, there's something worth fighting for..." - Garbage, "Parade"

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Jeff said:
surely you've seen the black-and-white photos of the perfectly round loop somewhere in ancient coaster history.
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LoadedG says:
OK You got me there. But it IS a successful attempt at a failed idea on a modern coaster using modern technology. Still a first.
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I would definitely buy a prototype, for one thing they are cheaper for the parks and it attracts "coaster goers" like you $$$$$$.

The comment on waiting to seeing then copying !!!! Note to self ...... red tape copyright stuff involved there, not a good thing!!!