LEGO Roller Coaster?

Crownie

I wasn't sure where to put this (Or if it's even allowed?), but there is currently a LEGO-complimentary product being launched through Kickstarter that allows you to create your own roller coaster. It looks pretty awesome and would certainly give the Friend's version a run for it's money! Anyone else find this exciting?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nanocoasters/the-cyclone-lego-compatible-roller-coaster-constru?token=7b5198f6

CCC

Various incarnations of this have been available for 3-4 years now. It looks like they'll make their funding.

sklamb

Interesting indeed, but I wish they didn't combine so much (presumably) fake Lego with the specialized parts needed to make the roller coaster track. So also rather frustrating.

bobabricks

Seems like an interesting kit, but I think they would make a lot more money doing just the custom track, connectors and carts for less cost, instead of adding in a bunch of custom support towers, plates and technic parts. As a bit of a purist myself, I would find myself replacing all of the parts that are available or can be made with real Lego, so these fake parts are just a waste of money in my eyes. This honestly could have been lowered down to a $30 kit if they left out those other parts.

SprinkleOtter

Not sure, but I think something better was being sold at Brickfair Va...

TigerMoth

bobabricks said:

Seems like an interesting kit, but I think they would make a lot more money doing just the custom track, connectors and carts for less cost, instead of adding in a bunch of custom support towers, plates and technic parts.

I suspect that's how they started. However building and rebuilding the support structure, from ten times as many pieces, probably took it's toll - they were moulding pieces; they just moulded some more. Either that or it was just too much work to get the strength required.

MeganL

Looks interesting.  There was a roller coaster at Bricks by the Bay that used one of the rollercoaster kits from a few years ago.

Working on a review of the Friends roller coaster now....

Pitfall69

I would laugh if LEPIN stole this Kickstarter idea and made it themselves ;)

TigerMoth

Pitfall69 said:

I would laugh if LEPIN stole this Kickstarter idea and made it themselves ;)

The trouble with Kickstarter projects is that they mean TLG are less likely to introduce something similar for fear of being accused of copying the ideas. If LEPIN copied it, it would probably be even more unlikely.

Proper roller-coasters have been on the wish list for years; now we have #41130, although that doesn't really qualify as "proper". That probably means TLG have noticed the interest, but may feel their hands are tied somewhat if somebody else has produced something.

Pitfall69

I think a proper LEGO roller-coaster would be equivalent to a Monorail system; there is great interest in that as well, but I do not think LEGO thinks it would be lucrative to produce either.

TigerMoth

Pitfall69 said:

I think a proper LEGO roller-coaster would be equivalent to a Monorail system; there is great interest in that as well, but I do not think LEGO thinks it would be lucrative to produce either.

They have to be done "right".

They tried a monorail; it wasn't exactly wonderful so disappeared. I doubt they'd have another go.

They're toying with a roller-coaster. Where that leads will probably depend on the results.

The trouble with this sort of thing, and with trains, is that everything ends up being not only big, but clunky. You can't even have a half-reasonable train set-up without half a barn or exhibition hall. At least, for a roller-coaster, you might have the option of using the third dimension a bit more.

caterham7

Video shows an empty ride - wonder if it works with Lego people on the ride or if that upsets the balance?

will also add I'm tempted, but there's an awful lot of non-Lego there!  Anyone planning to get a group of 10 together for the $749 package? ;)

BooTheMightyHamster

caterham7 said:

Anyone planning to get a group of 10 together for the $749 package? ;)

I was wondering about this.  For a decent sized coaster, I reckon I'd want three or four sets, but definitely cheaper if you could organize a group of 10.

Can't say for certain I'd be in, as I got dark looks from the management when the Technic Porsche GT3 arrived the other day, but definitely expressing an interest.

Anyone else?

At least it's all in this kit.  I bought a couple of these a few years back...

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=65586

...and then had to ask a favour of a mate in the US to be able to buy a bulk order of chain links as they weren't included.

sklamb

I'd be in on part of a set of ten. One part (just to be clear).

CoasterDynamix

Hey there. It's Jack from CoasterDynamix. I would be happy to answer any questions you all may have about the kit.

CCC

Does it work with minifigures? If so how many can ride at once?

CoasterDynamix

Yes it does. You can't put two side by side because of the seat configuration, but you can put one per car.

CoasterDynamix

As for the non-LEGO parts in the kit, you must understand our reasoning for this. The Roller Coaster Factory kit was embraced quite well when we released it. However, we soon realized customers other than LEGO enthusiasts wanted a roller coaster. These people did not have lots of parts sitting around (at least not enough to build a full coaster) and had no clue where to get them. Needless to say, we had some very irate customers who bought the kits and wondered where the bricks and chain links were. We need to strike a balance between the die hard LEGO fans and the general public (who will account for the majority of sales). We tried to engineer as many standard LEGO components into the kits as possible so switching out to genuine parts would be easy. This would encourage MOC builds. At the same time, we have some unique parts in the kit that are not made by LEGO that many builders may find useful. My philosophy is that if what you create brings you enjoyment, build it!

Crownie

Thanks for chiming in Jack. :)

CoasterDynamix

Anyone have any questions they want to ask?

sklamb

Thank you so much for coming here to comment, @CoasterDynamix. Your kit certainly produces a lovely-looking roller coaster. Is it possible to extend the length of the train in some way? Also, given how flexible Kickstarters' reward packages can be, couldn't you have offered a bare-bones version as well as a complete package? 

CoasterDynamix

Thanks for the kind words and the questions. If the campaign is funded and it goes into production, we will be offering all of the individual components for sale in addition to expansion packs and track only packs. This includes spare cars for the train. There is a video somewhere on YouTube of our Scorpion roller coaster with a 14 car train! It looks like a giant centipede.

SprinkleOtter

Were you at Brickfair VA this year? I saw someone there selling a very nice coaster setup (with loops and all).

CoasterDynamix

No we weren't. There was a guy there with a big coaster that had full terrain- James Burrows. Also there was Brickcoaster I think, but they don't have loops.

SprinkleOtter

CoasterDynamix said:

No we weren't. There was a guy there with a big coaster that had full terrain- James Burrows. Also there was Brickcoaster I think, but they don't have loops.

Ah, I must be confusing the two setups.

CoasterDynamix

We are looking at stretch goals to pull the campaign along. One of the items we are contemplating is a custom Minifugure rider. Is that something that would appeal to enthusiasts?

SprinkleOtter

It will depend greatly on what you mean by "custom". If you are talking make your own figure, that will only hurt you and possibly bring legal action from TLG. If you mean custom print, it may help, but I am not sure how much.

dougts

Minifigures won't do anything for me.

I haven't pledged yet, at least partially because I feel like Im not getting "the deal" that super early bird and early bird got (not blaming anyone, just being honest)

a package of coaster only parts (the things I can't use existing LEGO for), added  to either the full single or double kits might entice me to pull the trigger

Farmer_John

I agree with @SprinkleOtter...it might not be a good idea to actually produce a minifigure (from a legal standpoint), but I don't see an issue with custom printing. Perhaps a figure with your company's logo on it or something? Everyone likes minifigures...

dougts

Farmer_John said:

I agree with @SprinkleOtter...it might not be a good idea to actually produce a minifigure (from a legal standpoint), but I don't see an issue with custom printing. Perhaps a figure with your company's logo on it or something? Everyone likes minifigures...

Not everyone...
though i admit I'm in the minority there.

CoasterDynamix

It would be a printed minifigure.

CoasterDynamix

We may introduce it as a stretch goal and then implement it as a reward down the line.

CoasterDynamix

dougts said:

Minifigures won't do anything for me.

I haven't pledged yet, at least partially because I feel like Im not getting "the deal" that super early bird and early bird got (not blaming anyone, just being honest)

a package of coaster only parts (the things I can't use existing LEGO for), added  to either the full single or double kits might entice me to pull thee trigger

Keep looking at the site. A lot of people are upgrading to multiple kits and vacating their Super and Early Bird rewards. Swoop in and grab one. :)

dougts

Thanks for the tip

madforLEGO

Lots of luck on your endeavor, but I guess I'm a purist, and if LEGO is not making one, then I'm not buying one. Id rather MOC my own, like many others have done (I mean it is LEGO after all). To me, half the fun is trying to figure out how to engineer something that will work with existing build options for LEGO.

ecmo47

^ But for everyone of you there is somebody like me that is too lazy/not skilled enough/ impatient to do that so would welcome an easy and eye-catching addition to a theme park set-up.

CoasterDynamix

Currently, there are 3 Early Bird Specials that have opened up!

sklamb

A package of supplemental parts would likely get me to pledge more. A custom-printed minifigure? Not so much, though it might be fun to have someone who can act as an attendant for the ride.

Recce

Pitfall69 said:

I would laugh if LEPIN stole this Kickstarter idea and made it themselves ;)

I think Lepin only copy sets that already have instructions, they probably don't have the expertise to do a full instruction from scratch.

davee123

Recce said:

I think Lepin only copy sets that already have instructions, they probably don't have the expertise to do a full instruction from scratch.

I believe that although they do seem to use LEGO's instructions as a base, they do make alterations to them for any replacement parts that they switch out (or, so I recall reading).  I don't think it'd be too much work-- especially considering that instruction quality wouldn't be a big deal for anyone buying from them.

But I doubt LEPIN would go for it.  LEPIN is all about stealing ideas that have a proven and successful market.  I'd be surprised if they started producing non-LEGO products like BrickArms, Mega Blok Star Trek figures, or Hasbro Kreons (I admit, I haven't checked to verify).

If the brick-built roller coasters turn into a huge thing, then maybe.  But then again, if that were the case, LEGO probably would've picked up the idea, too, rather than turning it down.  It's probably best suited to be what it is-- a niche in the hobby rather than a huge money-maker.

DaveE

dougts

Bringing back an old thread, I ended up pledging for this kickstarter and this weekend I received and put together the Cyclone.  It was very well done, parts are high quality, build went smoothly, and it works great.  My son can't stop playing with it.

Andy0815

Hi guys, this is my creation with the Cyclone, named Space Race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxovasDRwnw&t