10261 LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster

[Digger of Bricks]

1 hour ago, Blk69 said:

Its all good, if you want to complain about something, try the fact that the arctic theme is coming back. YUCK!

What is it that you dislike about it, just that it's coming back?

[koalayummies]

10 hours ago, Holodoc said:

Best example is the collectible minifigs: They started with 1,99€ , went up to 2,49€ in series 3, raised again the price with licensed figs and we are now (finally?) at 3,99€ for each figure of a complete license free series.

AND THE PEOPLE (US!!) ARE STILL BUYING!

Inflation and more significantly increases in detail and quality; newer, more and better quality prints, dual molding, brand new molds/parts... Series 1 didn't even have back printing.

[dr_spock]

It's all downhill from here, eh?

Day 137 of 365: Roller Coaster by dr_spock_888, on Flickr

 

Maybe we can MOC an artic coaster. 

 

[jus1973]

9 hours ago, Blk69 said:

See a lot of bitching in this tread.  Didn't read it all.  My thoughts.....Glad TLG has offered a set like this for those who want it.  Its out of my price range, but if someone is willing to buy it then wouldn't say it is overpriced.  Not sure how many sets TLG will sell, sure those who do purchase will love it.

Totally agree.  In fact it’s release has made me seriously consider collecting the creator expert fairground rides, which I’d avoided until now. Just wondering where I might actually display them as my display area is already full with modular buildings.  

[Digger of Bricks]

9 hours ago, Blk69 said:

Space, City, Space, Vikings, Space, Construction, Space....do I need to go on?  

You'd really like to see Space return to City don't you? Can't argue with that, same here all the way!  

9 hours ago, Blk69 said:

Honestly are you that excited about the new Arctic sets?   

Well, not necessarily excited, but I do think they're kinda cool. If anything, the Jurassic Park like premise of the subtheme does make me excited for the future potential of City in exploring more Sci-Fi inspired premises, particularly for future incarnations of the Space subtheme.

[Trekkie99]

9 hours ago, Blk69 said:

Yes, the Arctic theme should die.  I mean, its ok, but there are so many better theme to go with!  Space, City, Space, Vikings, Space, Construction, Space....do I need to go on?  Honestly are you that excited about the new Arctic sets?   

I would like to see all those other themes, but that doesn't mean you have to kill off one theme to introduce another.

8 hours ago, dr_spock said:

It's all downhill from here, eh?

*snip*

Day 137 of 365: Roller Coaster by dr_spock_888, on Flickr

Let's hope not. 

 

Edited April 28, 2018 by LegoMonorailFan

[Praetorian_Guard]

Two new videos of the roller coaster from TTPM-fair.

[Holodoc]

6 hours ago, jus1973 said:

Totally agree.  In fact it’s release has made me seriously consider collecting the creator expert fairground rides, which I’d avoided until now. Just wondering where I might actually display them as my display area is already full with modular buildings.  

Same here.

47 minutes ago, Praetorian_Guard said:

Two new videos of the roller coaster from TTPM-fair.

Hopefully it will work better in every day life.

[fred67]

Guys, I must be daft, so bear with me.  I don't have this, or the Joker Mansion, I am not sure of the detailed mechanics of the cars, but it seems to me they are independent wheels, two per car (which is why they need three linked together that I would assume can swivel), and I'm not understanding why (even if the wheels are connected by axle) if the track spacing is consistent, what the problem with banking is.  CDX can do it, and seems like a very similar system (although CDX doesn't have fixed track - the track spacers are a fixed width).

 

In particular, after the first main curve (after the barrel roll), as it goes into the second barrel roll (it's behind the main tower and harder to see), it curves and does a second barrel roll.  This is from around 10 seconds to 15 seconds into the video.

It works because each car has only two wheels and the cars together can roll independently.

I took the basic physics mechanics class over 30 years ago, so it may not have gotten that advanced, or I simply have forgotten why this wouldn't work with LEGO, but it seems to me simply that  they've already made so many different track segments that making banked curves would just be too much.

Edited April 28, 2018 by fred67

[dr_spock]

I bought the Rollercoaster Factory kit at Brickworld 2013.  It is has flexible tracks so you can make it loop and bank.  But it takes a lot of patience and tweaking to get it to work right.  I would adjust one part and it would mess up another section. I gave up on it after a while.

LEGO could probaby implement those features of rolls and stuff but it may create many help desk calls from the segment of the consumers who can't get it to work. They may have to price the set even higher to cover the tech support costs.

 

[DragonKhan]

51 minutes ago, fred67 said:

...
It works because each car has only two wheels and the cars together can roll independently.
...

Yup, to a large part this is true. Also most modern roller coasters have articulated cars like that. I've also mentioned that earlier:

20 hours ago, DragonKhan said:

...
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?

There's an important detail though. When using one axis per cart, the first two axes can't be allowed to move vertically or horizontally relative to each other. They can only allowed to "twist". This ensure a stable front car ("zero-car" in coaster speak) that delivers the required stability to the freely attached carts that follow. This principle is also used in the CDX coaster. Anyone who has a set probably knows what I'm talking about. If you skip that important leading car the whole train will jam. You can also observe that in videos of CDX coasters (or any model or real coaster with articulated trains) if you watch how differently the first two carts move relative to each other compared to the other carts.

Now to the question why Lego isn't doing that. Well, have you had the chance to play around with some coaster model set with flexible track? Let's put it that way, it's not exactly an activity for the impatient. 
While it would offer many more possibilities, it would not really be suitable as a toy for kids or impatient adults. It requires quite a bit of skill and a ton of patience (but then, the reward is amazing). I'm quite certain that the reason Lego isn't bringing out flexible track, banked turns/inversions (and with all that, the previously explained articulated trains) is not the lack of will, but simply to keep it simple enough that their customers can just construct the set and then have fun playing with it right away instead of fiddling around for hours to make it work. 

Edited April 28, 2018 by DragonKhan

[Fuppylodders]

4 hours ago, Holodoc said:

 

Hopefully it will work better in every day life.

It wasn't working properly because it's designed to work with the length of 3 carts, she had removed one so 2 wasn't reaching the required distance going through those tire parts at the top of the slope. Looks like they put someone behind it who didn't know what they were doing... 

But yes, having a down slope immediately after would eliminate the minimum requirement of 3 carts, or adding further wheels at the top would also eliminate this. 

[Terrasher]

Two things I'd like to find out:

1. Would a full, 6-cart train properly go through the whole rollercoaster without any problems?

2. Could I place one 3-cart train at the top of the coaster (in contact with the first of the three wheels), and another 3-cart train at the loading station and have them both work at the same time without any problems?

[DragonKhan]

Obviously I don't know for sure, but I'd answer both of those questions with "probably". 

By the way ...
Am I the only one that is excited about the support structure seemingly being very flexible? It might not be the prettiest, but with all those connectors I can't shake off the feeling that Lego made them purposely very flexible so other track layouts are easy to build.

[AllanSmith]

Yes and yes. On the first TTPM video there is a five car train so six would work. On my Brickcoaster rollercoaster I have run separate cars at once on opposite sides. One will eventually catch up to the other due to friction differences.

 

[Lego Dino 500]

I know it's probably not entirely a popular opinion, but chances are I'll probably pick up a CDX coaster kit or two if I can. What Lego has is a really cool system, but they were kind of locked in to making the track system that they used for Joker's Manor, and now the coaster sets that are coming out. The owner of CDX bricks has talked to Lego employees and representatives at toy conventions, and from what I understand, Lego has said to him "We could never produce what you produce." The track system CoasterDynamix, and subsequently CDX Bricks uses is quite a bit more flexible, but also difficult for some to use. I'm sure had Lego not had to develop a track system usable for children, they wouldn't have been forced to use it for this set. As far as aesthetics, flexibility, and price goes, I'm loving the idea of CDX a lot more than this set, for those reasons. But they're two different systems, from two different companies, meant to fulfill different purposes with the same brick system. I can't wait to see what more cool stuff people will build with them, especially as CDX and Lego release more coaster kits in the future. Personally, I'm going with CDX though. 

[Wesley D]

I'm pretty charmed and impressed by the looks of this rollercoaster. I think it looks very complete and is perfectly scaled compared to the minifigures. It definately has to look huge in their eyes!

The rollercoaster makes a cheerfull scene, just the way I expect LEGO to look. It feels like the used colors and parts add a nostalgic touch. Could this become the most iconic LEGO set ever?

On the other hand I'm less impressed by the video's of the coaster in motion. I like the climbing on the hill, but I guess the descent would have benefited a lot from banked turns.

I understand this would require even more effort and costs because of even more specialized coaster tracks, but on the other hand when LEGO goes for an ultimate set like this, why wouldn't they go all the way? Seeing how they are releasing allready so many coaster sets, I wouldn't be too suprised they'll go for banked turns anyway in the future. It would hurt if I would buy this one and they'll release an ever better expert coaster within a few years.

A minor remark I have is the reference to the other fairground sets, like they are encouraging us into collecting them all. As much as I like the color scheme and the technical part of the carousel, I think that set is way oversized. They had better made it smaller and thus a cheaper fairground set or they could have included some other fairground elements.

I have to make my mind up if I'm going for the coaster, but even if I'm not into collecting all of them, I wonder what the next fairground set will be. I'm curious to see what LEGO will pull off to surpass this rollercoaster!

Edited April 29, 2018 by Wesley D

[jfbat]

There's just no way for me to justify buying this set. I have no idea where to put it, and while I'm sure it will be an amazing build, the price is just way too high for something that will end up in storage.

But I absolutely like what they did and the way they did it, keeping it simple enough to keep it an enjoyable build for a large group of people, but still capturing the essence of a bigger rollercoaster. And for those who want to, there's more than enough to mod!

On 28-4-2018 at 4:57 AM, koalayummies said:

Inflation and more significantly increases in detail and quality; newer, more and better quality prints, dual molding, brand new molds/parts... Series 1 didn't even have back printing.

I agree, but the "apparently people are willing to pay more for this" factor does attribute to it too, I think.

[jus1973]

Just been rewatching the video, where it shows motorising it.  I know it’s boost compatible, but I don’t fancy buying that as I have a mindstorms 2.0 set in storage, which has 3 motors which can step, as well as the sensors.  Perhaps if I did succumb to buying the Ferris wheel, carousel and then eventually this beast, then I could automate the 3 together. 

Any thoughts on if this is possible or worth doing?

[DragonKhan]

2 hours ago, Wesley D said:

...
I understand this would require even more effort and costs because of even more specialized coaster tracks, but on the other hand when LEGO goes for an ultimate set like this, why wouldn't they go all the way? Seeing how they are releasing allready so many coaster sets, I wouldn't be too suprised they'll go for banked turns anyway in the future. It would hurt if I would buy this one and they'll release an ever better expert coaster within a few years.
...

It won't happen. It just won't. Because of what I've said already ...

18 hours ago, DragonKhan said:

... the reason Lego isn't bringing out flexible track, banked turns/inversions (and with all that, the previously explained articulated trains) is not the lack of will, but simply to keep it simple enough that their customers can just construct the set and then have fun playing with it right away instead of fiddling around for hours to make it work. 

It especially won't happen with the current trains.
I think many people here are thinking of a roller coaster model way to simple. Anyone who has worked with any kind of coaster model knows how problematic it can be.
Lego has already acknowledged the CDX product and how it's not something they will produce. CDX is for those who are willing to put much more effort in constructing an excessive coaster. The Lego coaster is for those who just want to build a coaster and have fun.

[paul_delahaye]

One thing I'm really looking forward to is seeing what AFOL's can achieve with this kit at some of the shows and exhibitions when they combine multiple sets or use the rumoured track expansion pack.  We have seen what has been achieved without the specialised parts which is quite a feet, now it's only a matter of time to see some monster roller coaster being constructed and displayed.  

[Wesley D]

18 hours ago, DragonKhan said:

I'm quite certain that the reason Lego isn't bringing out flexible track, banked turns/inversions (and with all that, the previously explained articulated trains) is not the lack of will, but simply to keep it simple enough that their customers can just construct the set and then have fun playing with it right away instead of fiddling around for hours to make it work. 

In fact it charms me they keep it simple. I love it when LEGO uses parts that are multifunctional instead of going for very specific molds that just serve one purpose.

I just have the idea they're pushing their limits ever further and they'll eventually will have to go for something even more impressive.

[DragonKhan]

Doubt it they'll push the limits. That's really what the CDX kit is for. And I agree with you about Lego keeping it simple. I also love that because I know when Lego brings something out, it'll work right away! 
 

19 minutes ago, paul_delahaye said:

One thing I'm really looking forward to is seeing what AFOL's can achieve with this kit at some of the shows and exhibitions when they combine multiple sets or use the rumoured track expansion pack.  We have seen what has been achieved without the specialised parts which is quite a feet, now it's only a matter of time to see some monster roller coaster being constructed and displayed.  

100% my thinking!
I won't be able to afford more than one set, but knowing how much some AFOLs will dive into this gets me really excited. There were already many great coaster creations with CDX and other custom systems. With an official system now this is going to be crazy cool! 

[Eaglefan344]

Really hope they do double vip points in July like they did last year. That'll make the pain of spending $405 after power functions a little more bearable. 

[BrickyBoy]

I have a feeling we will eventually see a new proper monorail next year? Maybe with a nod to the past...? Dreaming