Typical Coaster

Gonch's little fact of the day had me peeping Wikipedia. Of course I wanted to see what they had about rollercoasters and noticed a little drawing up top labeled "Typical Roller Coaster".

Not that I wouldn't mind a discussion on what we think of when we think of a "typical" coaster, but I was wondering if the drawing was none other than the Crystal Beach Cyclone?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster

Also, since the information in Wikipedia is edited by users, just curious if anyone here had anything to do with the article.

Similar to the CBC, but not exactly.
IIRC CBC had a longer run up to the lift, and the layout of the second half was much different.
Plus I'd hardly call CBC 'typical'. If only.

Edit: clicking on the link claims that the drawing is based on patent art for 'Cyclone' so I guess I'm technically wrong.
Though the drawing is certainly poor in its representation of the station position and the second half of the ride. *** Edited 11/29/2004 11:23:04 PM UTC by ThemeDesigner***

I think the best example of a "typical" coaster would be a simple kiddie (the oval with a station, lift, drop, turn, two small hills, turn back to station)

I mean if you were trying to explain the concept to someone who had no idea whatsoever what a roller coaster was, this would be the most basic form.

It provides the basics in both design and idea behind how it works.

Everything else beyond that is just a bigger or more complex version. (inversions, launches, etc)

I agree with that. Otherwise, it would be a case of TMI.

I guess the most simple representation would be a icon (I just finished having a conversation about icons). However, a icon would not convey how the thing works...it assumes the audience is familiar with the thing.

And yah, that's what struck me as odd. The picture seemed far from typical.

I just think of a typical coaster as one that gives a forgetable ride. Not really a ride that doesn't have air, or strong laterals. Basicly a ride that you rode but had to describe what it was like and you can't remember.

Comet @ Hershey

Wildcat @ Lake Compounce

Wildcat @ Frontier City

Thunderbolt @ SFNE

Jack Rabbit @ Seabreeze

All come to mind.

But as a Typical Design I'd have to go with Gonch with the lift drop turn, a few hills, turn, breaks and station. Somthing like the HSTC at Knoebels. Or any Allen Herschell Little Dipper design.

*** Edited 11/29/2004 11:58:59 PM UTC by coasterpunk***

Comet @ Hershey as forgettable? I can remember everything about that ride, it rocks!

I know the layout of the Comet but to me it doesn't deliver an exciting ride like the Comet at Great Escape or the Phoenix at Knoebels. It's a good beginner coaster but I wouldn't call it an airtime machine or that thrilling of a ride.

I still say it's a thrilling ride...it's one of the most "fun" coasters I've ridden. The layout is relatively simple, but it's a very fun ride.

I'm going to go ahead and disagree with you there coasterpunk. Yyyyyaaaaahhhh ;)

I think that typically, coasters are pretty memorable. I'd say those coasters were atyically unmemorable. ;)

Then again, there is the law of diminishing returns. ;)