Most Influential Woodie

I have to say that the Racer at PKI is number one, but number two would be The Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags over Georgia.

This John Allen woodie sparked the monster coasters that we have today. If the GASM hadn't been built than we wouldn't have the Magnum or Steel Force or MF or any of those hypers.

The GASM started all of that "bigger is better" stuff that we got going on today. When it was built it was the worlds tallest roller coaster. The GASM also lead to bigger and taller John Allen Coasters like the Screaming Eagle.



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SP we hardly knew Ye
Hey ya'll I say Howdy
Save Idora Park

most influential: Coney Island Cyclone
most influential (personally): Blue Streak
most Influenz-al: Mean Streak

After reading the posts and followed my ancient magazines of RC's, I came up with this: The most influential woodie of all time is the Coney Island Cyclone for many reasons. Did it help build SOB? Maybe. But, many coasters duplicated it's twister mold. After riding two GCI's this summer, I realized that CI Cyclone had a lot to do with many wooden coasters. Even though the GCI (Wildcat, Roar) is built for constant speed through the turn arounds, you can see that CI Cyclone had something to do with those two coasters. CCI coasters are very similar to it, also.

I'm definitely not a rocket scientist when it comes to manufacturing these cathedrals of thrills, but after riding the Cyclone, you know you have been on it before, but you were in another Park.

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There's nothing like a woodie...

I don't think that anyone will ever agree on which coaster was the most influential.

Even though its not really influential, I love the Screeching Eagle at Americana.
It does have John Miller's trademark to-the-ground drops and airtime.

For those of you that do not know, S.E. and Americana (in Middletown, Oh... 30 miles NW of PKI) are SBNO as of the 2000 season. They closed due to competition, but have plans to re-open in 2001 under new ownership. Only time will tell if this actually happens or not.

Okay, well I am a 'rocket scientist' (and I wish folks would stop using that comparison ;)) but when it comes to infuential woodies, I tend to agree that PKI's Racer and the CI Cyclone have had a big impact on modern thrills. I also appreciate the pointing out of SfoG's GASM as starting the higher, faster, 'arms race'. However, i'm going to have to weigh in and say the most infuential woodie was the one that proved that people would pay to ride these things, because, after all, if folks dont pay, coasters dont get built. Anyway, my vote goes to the Mauch Chunck Switchback Railway. (CI Cylone would be my number 2)
lata,
jeremy.

BTW: Even though Rocket/Phoenix was the first coaster actually moved, SF wanted to move the CI Cyclone to Texas when they threatened to tear it down. That's actually how the Texas Cyclone came into existance. Since they couldn't have the original, they cloned it! *** This post was edited by 2Hostyl on 12/13/2000. ***

First off, good history lesson, 2Hostyl. I didn't know that about the Texas Cyclone. I loved that coaster because, at the time, it didn't have the traditional turn-arounds on the corners, now with GCI, a turn is at full speed. I know I'm not saying any other coasters or manufacturers that created banked turns on woodies, but GCI is a great example...
Second, 2Hostyl, just a playful question about "rocket scientist". What other analogies would you offer to avoid this awful use? My offerings could include, "brain surgeon", "biochemist", "structural engineer", "marine biologist", "computer software designer", "domestic engineer", or "school teacher". :o)


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There's nothing like a woodie...

Woody: It actually used to be really funny my last year of college. See I was studying Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (hence the rocket scientist) and my girlfriend was studying biology. However, she also did research (to graduate w/ honors) in the neurological sciences. So together, we were a "brain surgeon" and a "rocket scientist". Additionally, engineers dont know how to let stuff die, so my friends poked fun the entire time we were together.

Anyway, to answer your question, "Einstien" would do just fine :) note: I really dont have an issue with the 'rocket scientist' thing. I just like to say it cause it makes me feel extra important!;)

That's great, I'm very happy for you both. And at age 25, that's quite an accomplishment!! I'm glad our education system does work in most respects...hence the teacher at the end of the post.
Congratulations and take care, Einstien!

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There's nothing like a woodie...

I'd have to say Meanstreak over at that park... what's it called? Oh yeah! Cedar Point...

It was the tallest and fastest wooden coaster when it debuted, and that sparked a thought that went like this:

"Oh! A wooden coaster can be THAT big?"

Chris

"...and that sparked a thought that went like this:"

Ouch!

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How dare you vanquish the Steel Phantom without his consent? Fear the Phantom's Revenge.

LOL...

Forgot about that one, Lynch!

Chris