DragonKhan

I can tell. And I can tell you loved playing Roller Coaster Tycoon. But I'm sorry to burst your bubble. As I explained (and Fuppylodders explained well again), it's simply not possible. I wish it would be ... There's a reason roller coaster models are rather rare. They are quite the nightmare to get to work right. I've had my fair share of experience. When it comes to different train types, I'm hoping that the AFOL community will come up with some creative ideas. Spinning and wing coasters should be possible. Inverted coasters like Nemesis less so (no wheels on the underside of the cart as far as I know?). Oh and another thing I forgot ... If you actually use modern wheel assemblies, the consistent width of the track actually would be an issue. The track has to narrow slightly in the turns then. Yup, roller coasters are quite the science!

This is going quite into details, so be warned. :P In order to go into a banked turn, the track has to twist in 3 dimensions instead of 2 like on flat turns (horizontal turn) or drops/hill (vertical turn). A fixed axis can't manage such a "space curve" (technical term, google it) well without jaming. It also gets much worse when a cart hast two axes which can't twist relative to each other, which is the case here. A banked turn can still be somewhat managed if the bank is introduced before the track actually turns, but you need quite a bit of space for that to minimize the jamming since the axes can't twist relative to each other. And on a model coaster where the train has hardly any mass, even the slightest imperfection will make the train jam. This is also the reason we won't be seeing any kind of inversion in the new system from Lego. Pretty much all modern roller coasters have individual wheel assemblies instead (you can still find fixed axes on some very old wooden coaster). Those can "steer" with the track, making even the wildest maneuvers possible. On the scale of Lego that, of course, is not viable. To counter the problematic friction you'd want to keep the wheels as large as possible, but realistic wheel assemblies would be incredibly tiny. As far as I know the only somewhat realistic roller coaster model is the O-scale Inverted coaster from Coasterdynamix (where a single train has 42 wheels!). Stupid natural laws and their inability to be scaled for models! That all makes me think now ... A Lego coaster cart has two axes, right? Could removing an axis from the trailing carts (leading cart needs two axes) improve the friction and jamming problem somewhat? Basically making a modern articulated roller coaster train. Has anyone tried that already?

Well, of course the ride can't be translated 1:1 in the real world (or simulating a real world like in RCT). Friction can't be scaled, so making a realistic coaster model is as good as impossible. Banked turns would look much better, but wouldn't be possible with this new system (fixed axes in the carts). But I'm sure Lego people are g-force proof and can take the lateral g-forces. I have to say though, I love your idea of recreating the ride in RCT!

Uhm, are you actually implying the coaster would be half the price if it wouldn't be a limited release "collectors item"? Are you joking? I'm really not seeing a significant jump in prices over the last few years like you are implying. The only thing I'm actually seeing is that Lego is releasing a few sets that are significantly bigger than previously. The reason for those is, I think, the growing number of AFOL. Not the kids. And it's still a very small number of sets that reach this size ... And of course a lot of kids want the coaster set when they see it in a Lego store. Which kid wouldn't? The same with the Millennium Falcon and any other huge sets. That doesn't mean they'd get it. The fact that you won't find it in regular toy stores says enough about who this is marketed to in my opinion. I completely understand that for many people (me included) spending more than 300eur on a Lego set is not an easy decision. I remember being a bit hesitant about the Assembly Square as well because of the high price. Despite knowing the value is about the same as with the other modulars. I just think it's not fair to complain about it being to expensive when the price/value is actually still there (as you say yourself). I think it's especially unfair considering Lego does offer a much cheaper (and nicer, more playful looking) set with the pirate coaster. They are certainly aware that the big coaster is a bit beyond what is suitable for a kid price wise ...

To be honest, I think it's a bit weird to complain about the price of a set that you don't intent on buying. Especially when so many people seem to be so excited about it. And I don't think your comparison is fair at all. Now I don't own the Big Ben or Taj Mahal, but I suspect that both those sets are, to a large part, made out of huge numbers of tiny pieces just like the Assembly Square. The roller coaster is the opposite to that! So where does your comparison match up? It'd be MUCH more interesting to compare the sets by the gram/price ratio. In my opinion the price per gram of bricks would give a much more comprehensive price/value idea than the rather arbitrary price per brick. Anyone know the weight of the coaster? That reminds me of a pretty good article from a while ago that touches on the "Lego is getting more and more expensive" subject. It might be old news to some of you Lego cracks, but it might be interesting to some: http://www.realityprose.com/what-happened-with-lego/ Correct me if I'm wrong, but I never got the feeling that the fairground sets were ever marketed at kids? I know I would've never gotten such expensive sets as a kid, and I'm sure that's still true for most families today. The pirate coaster is what is marketed at kids ... So, while I completely agree that this coaster set is super expensive (and I'll have to wait too I suspect, as hard as it will be), I still believe it's fair game. I always understood the large fairground models (except the mixer with the great play features) to be solely sets for AFOLs ...

I don't understand that fear. Lego is not going to price the next modular completely different than the previous ones. It'll be priced along the lines of all previous models. And if it is going to be an expensive 249, I will expect the size to be the same as for Assembly Square again. I really don't understand the people that argue about the price not being worth the piece count to be honest. Specifically Lego fans I'd expect to know better than compare such vastly different sets with pieces that are vastly different in size and complexity. *shrug* This is certainly nitpicking, but I am a coaster enthusiast after all, so I kinda have to. I've mentioned it in the other thread already, but this Lego coaster clearly is inspired by classic figure-8 roller coasters from fun fairs. They're not as common in the US (where amusement parks have a bigger history than fun fairs), but in Europe they are all over. You're totally right by saying "this is your basic rollercoaster", just that it's even more basic than the examples you've given. Here are two examples of very typical models. Maybe you can find one you have ridden? "Galaxi" model, Italian made & "Wildcat" model, German made

Friction wheels are common. But not really after a lifthill before the first drop. But I don't want to complain about it being unrealistic. I know of the reason why they did it, and it's probably easy to change.

Finally it is official! I'm still kind of geeking out since this is something I have been hoping for since my childhood over 20 years ago! It's an absolute dream for a roller coaster (I've been travelling the world just for them) and Lego enthusiast like me! Some thoughts: Things I love: The expected rail slope piece! It'll offer so many possibilities! The amount of functions! I expected the lift, but I did not expect a transfer track! The technical details of the functions like the "tightener" on the chain lift and the station "brakes"! The incredibly cool sign! The amount of minifigures and the inclusion of a second train! The amount of nerdy details like on-ride photo camera, "do not stand up" sign, boarding gates, height measuring stick and the transfer track! Possibly easily exchangeable "modular" supports? Things I feel indifferent about: Not motorized. I expected that. It keeps the price down and makes buying multiples much more viable. Not many additional details. Since it was most likely going to be a fun fair coaster I expected. Some extra stands are enough for me. I want tracks! The support structure. It looks bland, as expected. It's not exactly a "pretty" set. The price. It ain't cheap. It's actually rather expensive. But I expected a 300+ price since I realized any decent coaster would be huge! And I think it's a bigger set than it looks. Things I hate: That contraption after the lift. I'll be adding a slope piece after the lift right away! I was hoping for a "S-bend" track piece, which would've made custom layouts much easier. That's my single big issue I have with the set. It's just very unrealistic. But as I said in the other thread, it's probably a solution to make sure the set doesn't get even wider while reaching the required height of the ride. I'm pretty sure that it can be "fixed" with a simple modification. Adding a simple slope right after the lift should do just fine ... I agree that the mixer seems out of place compared to the rest, but to be honest, most rides Lego releases seem mostly inspired by their temporary counterparts from the fun fairs. The big difference with the mixer is that that set includes the whole transportation set up. Imagine how crazy that would be for the coaster. The coaster is also definitely inspired by the typical coasters on fun fairs. The rather modular looking support structure seems to confirm that. I also hope that the supports are truly "modular" so that other layouts are easily doable. Better than the rumored German name "Wilde Maus"! And yes, "Rollercoaster" is by far the most common name, but "Coaster" by itself is not uncommon either. I'm fine with it considering we get a cool brick made sign with the set.

From here. I'm hoping thought that it'll be incorrect ...

As Eaglefan344 already said, I was talking about the classic "figure 8" fun fair coaster that is common around the world. Those usually only have individual cars. But even when talking about ALL coasters worldwide, I wouldn't be surprised if cars are more common than trains simply because of the unreal amount of "Wild Mouse" Style rides you can find everywhere. By the way: For some odd reason, the Lego coaster actually will be called "Die Wilde Maus" in Germany. Which is rather odd to be honest ... Am I correct in assuming all cars are exactly the same? So each car has two axes? Then lopsiding shouldn't be much of an issue. Coasters with just one car should theoretically be possible (since there are two axes), but with the reduced mass the loss of speed because of friction would be much higher. So more cars (increasing the mass) is probably better, at least to some point where the train would just create too much friction overall. It'll be interesting to experiment with that indeed! I plan on making longer trains as well. It'd be awesome if Lego would offer a second kind of car with just one axis that could be coupled after the leading car with two axes. It would cut down on friction tremendously! But that's probably too much to ask for. Another cool detail I spotted in the pirate coaster: Have you all noticed how the track is used in one of the alternative builds? Apparently adding track "off angle" (steep to straight) is possible! That'll offer so many possibilities!

I've noticed that too, and honestly, I'm a bit bummed. I was hoping there would just be a small dip after the lift to get the train going (like on most real coasters). This contraption now is anything but realistic. But I suppose it might be a solution to get the required height of the coaster without making it another 16 studs wider ... Trains are actually more unusual with rides like that. Single cars are more common. :) The one you rode at Worlds of Fun is another very common ride model from Germany. In case you're interested: https://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&ml=10954

Probably that person on eBay? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lego-Creator-Roller-Coaster-Expert-16/253576583372?hash=item3b0a5798cc:g:zHAAAOSwaaJa3B-2 Disgraceful ... In Iowa? That ride was the classic and common fun fair coaster model "Galaxi" which you can find all around the world: https://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&mo=8355&page=1 Together with other similar models it must have been the inspiration for the Lego coaster. Anything else but the classic figure 8 fun fair coaster (more common in Europe. The "American classic" is wooden) would've been surprising to me. :) It's almost too bad that that classic figure 8 layout is pretty much impossible with that new Lego track ...

The speed is not so much the problem. The problem is that friction can't be scaled and with that the loss of speed then becomes very significant with even the slightest imperfections in the track. I've been through enough working coaster models to know that. If you manage to make a very smooth loop, the initial drop doesn't need to be much higher than what you'd see in real life. But the loop element itself most likely will cause the train/cart to slow down significantly. And that's because of following: The track twists in three dimensions! Slightly in a loop, much more extreme in a corkscrew. The train/carts can't navigate that well because of the fixed axis in the carts (That's a big detail! Modern roller coasters have different wheel assemblies). The train would just get stuck at the entry of the element when the track "twists away", no matter the speed it enters the element with. A vertical loop might be possible if it would be large enough. The smaller the loop, the less time the straight track has to navigate sideways to clear the entry point. The larger the loop, the less twisting you'd have in the track at the entry and exit of the loop. But it'd still be headache ... Simply said: With the new system now only two dimensional turns are possible. Either horizontal (the 90 degree turns), or vertical (the valleys and hills). Both (google "space curve") won't work, and that's what most inversion elements need ... You can trust me on that. I've been a nerdy roller coaster enthusiasts since about 20 years.

I'm pretty certain that the crank with the circle arrows is for the lift chain. I expect that function to be up front just like all other functions and not hidden somewhere in the back. Having a small chain in the station instead of friction wheels might very much be possible. Especially if the track cross-ties are too tight to allow a wheel to pop through. With even more side structures the price of the set would skyrocket even higher I'm sure. I get the wish for more side structures, but for the matter of buying multiples, them being limited is a good idea in my opinion. At least there are some stands included. I honestly didn't expect any ... What I'd love to see would be a specific fairground set with stalls, games etc. without any ride. Then there could be more focus on them as well. I know what you mean, but I'm still not 100% sure. I probably also don't want to get my hopes up too much since having a transfer track like that would be a huge surprise for me. I never expected Lego to include a function like that! But considering the amount of other functions I can see this being very likely indeed. This really is a set made for coaster enthusiasts like me! And yeah, the friction wheels make too much sense to me. I'm just wondering how they would get squeezed into the track cross-ties ... And if you don't want them I'm sure you could easily remove them and have the train just whizz through.

A looping never really had a chance in an official Lego model. Friction on such a small scale would make it pretty much impossible to achieve (and also quite unrealistic looking). For the same reason we won't get to see very long trains, even though I imagine you can just couple several carts together? A realistic roller coaster model will never truly be possible. That's also why this model appears so huge and tall. It has to be in order for there to be a acceptable amount of track. I totally understand the disappointment about the lack of decorations, however I think it would make this model even more expensive. Personally I'm glad they are sticking to the fundamentals, which makes buying multiples much more feasible. I'm also counting 10+ minifigures which, at least for me, is plenty. I don't see how that number can be considered "very low". I'm pretty sure that crank is just for the "friction wheels" in the station that will move the train forward out of the station. A also believe that the two other handles are "brakes" of some sort that just hold the trains from crashing into each other. I'm not seeing a double "garage" track to be honest. But I might be totally wrong on that. In any case I'm positively surprised by the amount of functions. That makes the roller coaster nerd in my super happy!

Nope. The ride in the background is a so called "Star Flyer". Basically a modern chain chair swing carousel that slowly rides up and down a tower. See this version in Copenhagen as an example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Flyer_(Tivoli_Gardens) I also think this would be a better Lego model than a free-fall tower. But personally I'd prefer the classic chair swings (like in the previous post) you can find all over the world. That said, that roller coaster is, without any lies, the ONE model I was always hoping for since my earliest childhood memories. Yes I know there are (great) third party options, but finally an official model and tracks! So my excitement can hardly be contained! I think I also figured out the layout and track pieces used in case anyone is interested: (I'm not so certain with the short straight pieces though ... ) Long Straight (25059): 2 Short Straight (26022): 4 90° Curve (25061): 12 Small Ramp (34738): 9 Large Ramp (lower) (26559): 4 Large Ramp (upper) (26560): 4 Large Ramp (middle) (NEW): 6

Hello everyone! :) I've been looking for a place like this! I've been collecting since the first series, so I have a few I can offer. Hopefully someone can be found that's willing to trade with a new member. I have completed the first 10 series, so I'm specifically looking for the series 11, Movie & Simpsons. Of course some are more worth to me than others. Just make me an offer. Anything in Europe will work fine for trading. If it's a good batch I also don't mind the US. All the figurines were unpacked but in very good condition and of course with all accessories! HAVE: Series 1: Cheerleader (2) Series 2: Lifeguard (1) Pop Star (1) Series 3: Fisherman (1) Samurai Warrior (1) Snowboarder (1) Space Villain (1) Sumo (1) Gorilla Suit Guy (2) Space Alien (1) Hula Dancer (1) Series 4: Surfer Girl (1) Hockey Player (1) Street Skater (1) Werewolf (1) Hazmat Guy (1) Series 6: Flamenco Dancer (1) Intergalactic Girl (1) Series 7: Evil Knight (1) Series 9: Fortune Teller (1) Mr Good and Evil (1) Series 10: Tomahawk Warrior (1) Skydiver (1) Paintball Player (2) Baseball Fielder (1) Series 11: Tiki Warrior (1) Gingerbread Man (1) Mountain Climber (1) Constable (1) Lego Movie Series: Abraham Lincoln (2) Panda Guy (2) Simpsons Series: Homer Simpson (2) WANT: (Bold are my missing minifigs. Italic ones I already have, but would actually like several.) Series 1: Nurse (2) Series 2: Mexican (1) Ringmaster (1) Weightlifter (1) Series 3: Tennis Player (1) Rapper (2) Series 4: Punk Rocker (2) Sailor (2) Artist (1) Ice Skater (1) Series 5: Woodcutter (2) Boxer (1) Series 6: Surgeon (1) Butcher (1) Mechanic (2) Series 7: Bride (2) Bagpiper (2) Tennis Ace (2) Hippie (3) Computer Programmer (3) Rocker Girl (2) Series 8: Lederhosen Guy (3) Fairy (1) DJ (1) Red Cheerleader (3) Series 9: Roller Derby Girl (1) Plumber (1) Series 10: Librarian (1) Grandpa (3) Sea Captain (2) Series 11: (1 left) Scarecrow (1) Bavarian Lady (3) Welder (1) Diner Waitress (2) Grandma (4) Lego Movie Series: (5 left) Calamity Drone (1) Hard Hat Emmet (3) Wild West Wyldstyle (1) Mrs. Scratchen-Post (1) Scribble-Face Bad Cop (1) Gail the Construction Worker (3) Larry the Barista (2) Velma Staplebot (2) ’Where are my pants?’ Guy (3) Simpsons Series: (4 left) Lisa Simpson (1) Grampa Simpson (1) Nelson Muntz (1) Scratchy (1) Other: I don't have any other collectible minifigs yet, but if you have them (GB Team and others) offer me a deal.

I actually own all of them (except the Market Street, but that one is unofficial anyway). I came out of my dark ages right in time for the Cafe Corner. Lucky me !

No, not Harlem in New York, but the original Haarlem in the Netherlands! Hello everyone! I'm Bjoern from Switzerland (now living in the NL) and I have been an avid reader here for a few years already. I've never posted anything so far though, which is mostly due to me not having any MOCs to show, but I have greatly enjoyed the amazing work of the members here! Eurobricks has also been a great source of information on my newly found hobby! So it's time to finally say something! Now I have been a huge fan of Lego as a child. It's pretty much the only toy I owned and wanted. I ended up with quite a selection but eventually lost interest. This was not only due to me growing out of it, but I also didn't like the direction Lego was heading. It was dissapointing what Lego had to offer and my "dark ages" started ... Eventually I had noticed that Lego seemed to have gone back to their roots with the new creator line and other things. You all know enough about it already. When I saw the Santa Fe train sets I knew that my dark age was over! Already as a child, I was most interested in the trains and had pretty much all sets. So it was a given that I had to get one more Lego train! But Lego decided otherwise. Not only did they continue to offer similar detailed trains, no they also introduced the modular buildings which I have been collecting ever since! Lego has gotten me back ... When younger, I enjoyed the classic technic sets and trains specifically. But I had a few "phases" where I collected other sets like the Western line or Aquanauts. I also was a big fan of more "advanced" sets like the Black Cat truck. The main focus was on the trains though, accumulating in a rather large collection of trains and tracks (9V & monorail). Now my main focus is pretty much everything city related. Especially the modular buildings and trains as mentioned. I also collect minifgs, the collectibles and city minifigs of all kinds. The city needs a population after all! Of course Lego is not my only interest. I enjoy travelling a lot and usually try to see and experience as many places as possible! Also, I visit a lot of theme parks because of my favorite pastime: Roller coasters! If there is something I enjoy more than Lego, this is it! I travel around the world just for some specific rides and so far I've been on over 800 different rides around the globe! My nickname is also a reference to a roller coaster btw. Currently I try to combine my two favorite things and build a Lego roller coaster! Something I wanted to do since I was a kid! ( http://www.theroller...terfactory.com/ ) It's a challenge, but I'll let you see the result eventually. I hope that some day I'll be able to actually contribute with a MOC! Until then: Cheers!