Comprehensive Coaster Credit Conversation

[ernierocker]

 

Ok - maybe I overgeneralised a bit, but I couldn't really see why your argument for not counting backyard coasters is particularly valid (at least in my mind - particularly with something like oklahoma land run or blue flash)

 

(just a reminder for the rest on here - back to page 1, you did say "Personally, I wouldn't count his coasters. I'd ride them and have fun on them, sure. But I wouldn't put them on my personal list. Any ride that could be closed because the dude "isn't home", isn't a countable roller coaster to me!!)

 

 

Just a friendly word of advice:

 

Drop it! Quit trying to get the last word in, Robb has made it perfectly clear what he meant and you continue to egg it on and try to contradict him. Enough is enough.

[Meteornotes]

I stopped counting credits in 2007. I'm sure I have over 1,000 at this point, but I cannot be bothered to sit down and figure it out. I'd rather go to a park, hang out with cool people and just have fun, and not be worried about "credits" or whatever. I also rarely ride kiddie coasters. I cannot guess the number of them I've skipped over the years, but i really just don't care about them.

 

Going to parks is supposed to be fun, not an obsessive hunt for every credit and getting all upset if some powered crap pile is closed down or whatever. Some people take stuff WAY too seriously.

 

I will admit I am some times tempted to calculate Ice Bat's coaster count, just to see what it is. But that would require effort and stuff, so...

 

dt

[Skycoastin Steve]

 

what would they carry them in? most parks are quite strict about taking things on rides!

 

I can see it now - "can I take my bottle of pop on please??" (note - in england "pop" is a slang word for soda/lemonade as well as a informal word for dad!)

Oh they could have some kind of small vial hung around their neck or something. It wouldn't have to be all my ashes, just enough so that "I" rode the ride.

[Erik Johnson]

I sure hope that anyone who uses Coaster Counter does not count Harry Potter: Forbidden Jouney as a credit. Yes, they actually do list that one.

I just looked on the site, and it's not listed. Are you talking about coastercounter.com?

 

I should have clarified. It is on the coaster counter app.

[Angry_Gumball]

Here's a question. As much as I'm positive it would still be 1 credit (unless you're desperate), what would you guys say about V2 at SFDK? Since the track was altered quite a bit, being that front spike, it's made me kind of wonder. Though I guess the same thing could be asked about Turn of the Century/Demon conversion. Just thought I'd throw this one out there.

 

While I do tell people that I've ridden both iterations of V2 at SFDK, I count it as 1 since the ride is still technically doing the same thing, though in a 45-degree angle instead of vertical.

 

About my count, there are probably 3 more coasters I've ridden as a kid, one being some random coaster they had at the Oakland Zoo before the Tiger Express one was built, and a couple at my local fair...not counting the powered coaster I rode as a kid.

[cal1br3tto]

^Was anyone else here on the defunct counting site CoasterMedia? I believe it gave the option to count V2 as two credits. If not, there was at least some way to denote that you'd ridden it in both forms. Personally, I highly doubt I'd count something like that. Though the ride experience may be different, it's essentially the same ride type. If I had ridden both, I think I'd let it just be a conversation point rather than something to "count."

 

In fact, I think "ride type" is a good criteria in deciding whether to count a changed ride as a new credit. Looper to hyper, fine. Wood to steel, fine. Anything that keeps the ride in the same overall category, not a new credit.

[caffeine_demon]

Just a friendly word of advice:

 

Drop it! Quit trying to get the last word in, Robb has made it perfectly clear what he meant and you continue to egg it on and try to contradict him. Enough is enough.

 

ok - just one final question though..

 

If one of the backyard coasters had official open to the public days - would you count it then?

[Gav]

If one of the backyard coasters had official open to the public days - would you count it then?

Couldn't see why not. It''d be a bit like visiting Strickers Grove on the one or two days per year they are open to the public.

What would you call such an event...Blue Flash Bash?

[robbalvey]

If one of the backyard coasters had official open to the public days - would you count it then?

Couldn't see why not. It''d be a bit like visiting Strickers Grove on the one or two days per year they are open to the public.

What would you call such an event...Blue Flash Bash?

I dunno - I just have a real problem with people who build Home Depot coasters in their backyard, and people who consider that a real coaster on their list next to a B&M invert, for example. Stricker's Grove has all REAL rides built by REAL companies.

 

I guess it would sort of be like people who keep a list of all the movies they watch, and count every YouTube video on that list. There NEEDS to be some sort of criteria, otherwise I could just put a shopping cart on a plank of wood in my backyard and call it a roller coaster. Then I'll change it's location slightly 500 times, and give myself 500 more credits. Seriously, people who count backyard coasters, this is exactly how I see it.

 

Again, if you want to count backyard coasters, knock yourself out. But I'm going to laugh at you for doing it.

 

--Robb "Seriously needs to build something in my backyard and charge die-hard enthusiasts $500 to ride it!" Alvey

Edited May 9, 2012 by robbalvey

[Meteornotes]

^You could probably retire if you did that. Come to think of it, I have a very large backyard. Ice Bat's Coaster Of Extreme Torment & Suffering may become a reality...

 

dt

[robbalvey]

If one of the backyard coasters had official open to the public days - would you count it then?

Couldn't see why not. It''d be a bit like visiting Strickers Grove on the one or two days per year they are open to the public.

What would you call such an event...Blue Flash Bash?

I dunno - I just have a real problem with people who build Home Depot coasters in their backyard, and people who consider that a real coaster on their list next to a B&M invert, for example. Stricker's Grove has all REAL rides built by REAL companies.

 

I guess it would sort of be like people who keep a list of all the movies they watch, and count every YouTube video on that list. There NEEDS to be some sort of criteria, otherwise I could just put a shopping cart on a plank of wood in my backyard and call it a roller coaster. Then I'll change it's location slightly 500 times, and give myself 500 more credits. Seriously, people who count backyard coasters, this is exactly how I see it.

 

Again, if you want to count backyard coasters, knock yourself out. But I'm going to laugh at you for doing it.

 

--Robb "Seriously needs to build something in my backyard and charge die-hard enthusiasts $500 to ride it!" Alvey

^You could probably retire if you did that. Come to think of it, I have a very large backyard. Ice Bat's Coaster Of Extreme Torment & Suffering may become a reality...

 

dt

 

Honestly, we could probably rig up the equivalent of a Butterfly coaster in about a day or so using some planks of wood and a shopping cart. Granted, there's a good chance of injury, but hey, if someone wants to pay money to add it to their count, I don't mind inflicting some pain on people willing to take it!

[cfc]

^You could probably retire if you did that. Come to think of it, I have a very large backyard. Ice Bat's Coaster Of Extreme Torment & Suffering may become a reality...

 

dt

 

Perhaps you should install a "Mr. Bonestripper."

 

[BeemerBoy]

Honestly, we could probably rig up the equivalent of a Butterfly coaster in about a day or so using some planks of wood and a shopping cart. Granted, there's a good chance of injury, but hey, if someone wants to pay money to add it to their count, I don't mind inflicting some pain on people willing to take it!

Don't forget to create your own Fast Pass system. You wouldn't wanna miss out on all the constant bitching while they wait for their elusive credit.

[ernierocker]

And definitely a no loose article policy so they can bitch about having to use lockers.

[RAWKIN_coaster38]

And don't allow outside food or beverages, but charge $300 for a bottle of water and a bag of chips.

[simaticable]

Also remember to stack trains and put little themeing.

[Moose]

Please be sure to include over the shoulder restraints so we can all politely discuss their benefits!

[coasterbear30]

This is how I count:

Dueling/Racing coasters-count as 2. They have seperate tracks regardless (unless they are a mobius loop-that is one because it is one continuous track.)

 

Relocated coasters-have been counting them as 2, but am rethinking my count on that because of some discussion here.

 

Reprofiled coasters-yes, as long as it is a significant reprofile.

 

Powered coasters-absolutely not. They are powered and do not work off of gravity. Roller coasters are gravity driven.

 

Kiddie coasters-yes, they are a coaster as long as they aren't powered.

 

Back yard coasters-I will probably never ride one so who cares?

 

Traveling coasters-no, because I don't want to try and keep up with where they travel to and if I have ridden it. I have ridden a couple of fair coasters but don't count them. The only exception to this rule would be Olympia Looping or Alpina Bahn of something significant like that.

 

Water coasters-I only count something like JTA because it has a coaster track and wheels and is gravity driven. I do not count log flumes or splash boats.

 

I want to know how Robb or anyone else counts a ride like Blazing Fury at Dollywood? I count it but it seems like more of a dark ride with a drop.

[coreysjunk]

OK, I've got a few points to make here:

 

#1 : The first rule of coaster club is - you DO NOT talk about how you count credits.

 

#2 : YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT HOW YOU COUNT CREDITS!

 

#3 : I can'tr believe this thread is still going. SERIOUSLY!

 

#4 :

...doing a "credit whoring" report can lead to some good, funny photos...

I couldn't agree more!!! Some of my favorite parts of our trip reports are from the kiddie coasters, especially the ones that involve kidnapping children to get the credit OR having the kids flash a TPT:P3 sign for the on-ride photo!!!! LOL!!!!

 

#5 :

I wonder if the Euthanasia Coaster was ever built, would that be a credit?

YES, ABSOLUTELY!!!!! But, as Wes pointed out earlier, you wouldn't be around to update your credit list, regardless of what counting site or spreadsheet you use.

 

#6 :

...There NEEDS to be some sort of criteria, otherwise I could just put a shopping cart on a plank of wood in my backyard and call it a roller coaster.

AW CRAP!!!!! That just knocked my count from 198 to 194. You BASTARD!!! AND, Now I'm gonna have to cancel that trip to Albertson's that I was planning on for Memorial Day!!!!

 

#7 :

When I finally do succeed in my quest, I will KNOW that I did in fact ride EVERY SINGLE ROLLER COASTER IN THE USA, no matter how other enthusiasts decide to count them, because I will have ridden every type!

HOW EFFING AMAZING IS THAT???!!!!!

 

#8 : regarding BACKYARD coasters: What if I was SUPER RICH, like Michael Jackson, and bought a unique coaster from B&M and had it installed in my Neverland backyard? Would it count? What if Big Mike were the only person that I ALLOWED to come ride it? Would he be shunned for counting it? Awwwww, poor Big Mike.

 

#9 : ROBB, why hasn't the name fairy changed my donkey tag yet????? --- "I would count cupcakes, but not cheesecakes". Would a change be more likely if it contained the word DONKEY. "If Donkeys count as a credit, can I also count a JACKASS?"

 

#10 : See points #1 & #2

 

Love,

Mr. Bebe

[805Andrew]

Perhaps you should install a "Mr. Bonestripper."

 

 

Now that is a euthanasia coaster

[OldJJman]

Since my name has come up, I'll chime in (to ridicule, of course).

 

I count the old Motorcycle Chase and Wacky Soapbox Racers separately, because the switch from cycles to soapbox cars changed the ride experience quite a bit.

 

I AGREE wholeheartedly! 2!

 

 

^ Ahh, Wacky Box/Cycle Chase. I rode them both as well, and I know many people who actually count them as "8 coasters" (Hi Jeff Johnson), but I actually only count that whole ride as 1.

 

For the umpteen billionth time - *I* count it as 2. Period. Stop. End of story. No maś!

 

 

Though my count has stalled (2 new credits, over the last 2 years, due to lack of finances), I too, am now leaning toward the more conservative approach, with an exception or two. Though I won't go back and edit my count for the sake of this discussion, or my database (currently using "Numbers" on the Mac).

 

Anywho, for the record (again!):

 

I do count Wacky Soap Box Racers and Motorcycle Chase as 2. Even looking back, I would still say 2. And ONLY 2.

 

Steeplechase @ BPB - One. (And yes, I have ridden all 3 tracks - still ONE credit in my book.)

 

Space Mountain, is exactly the same, 1 credit.

 

Travelling and/or fair coasters: Since I don't want to spend the time tracking down each model/type/style by each owner, I just count the "type" once. For example: if I ride a spinning mouse at one fair and another one at another fair (in the same country) ONE credit. I think I only have 5 or six of those anyway.

 

I did count "Devil's Den" at Conneaut Lake. In hindsight, I wouldn't have counted it nowadays.

 

JTA at SWF, no credit. More water ride than coaster. On the flip side, JTA at SWSD I would count, as it's more coaster than water ride, when and if I ever get down there to ride it. (Probably might later this summer with Manta opening up.) Haven't even looked at the one at SWoT.

 

Relocated coasters - Yes, I do count them. Deal with it.

 

Racing/Dueling - Generally I count as 2. NO MORE THAN THAT! No discussion.

 

Mobius coasters - Only 1, providing I've ridden both sides (Only 3 that I know of, and I've ridden 2: Grand National & The Racer @ Kennywood.)

 

S:TE & S:EFK - ONE credit. ONE. Only ONE.

 

Powered coasters - No. (Though I still give Big Mike grief over that )

 

Steel Phantom/Phantoms Revenge - Big enough change, so 2. Same for Texas Giant.

 

I wouldn't make fun of people that ride "Backyard" coasters. I will probably never ride one, so more power to those that have/do.

 

But, as Robb said, nowadays it seems (to me) to be more about how many locations (parks, whatever) and the experiences I've had, with the people I've met, than to just ride coasters. If that makes sense.

 

JJ

[ginzo]

^Big Mike also counts alpine slides.

[OldJJman]

^Big Mike also counts alpine slides.

 

That's fine, and I see his reasoning.

 

I don't. Even when I almost get ran over on one, and in the process, almost ran over Elissa and KT. (Hi Bob!)

[805Andrew]

For my coaster counts, I go by RCDB and the coaster counting websites. I never thought to count both tracks of Colossus or Superman the Escape or both new and old Space Mountain or even Journey to Atlantis at Sea World SD until I started logging my coaster counts on a couple of those sites last year, but since just about everyone counts those on the coaster counting sites, so do I.

 

If I ride a coaster at one location, and it moves to another location without significant track/ride changes, I would not count it twice. I would ride it again if it was fun, but not count it again. I won't count a Boomerang that gets moved from one park to another twice (I think that's silly) but I will count two separate Boomerangs (like Knotts and SFDK for example). I would count a woodie that gets converted to steel (or vice versa) as two separate credits (like New Texas Giant -although I haven't been on the old one). If a ride is turned backwards, I would count it as a different ride experience, but not a separate credit - its the same track. I am debating whether or not to count powered coasters, I have only been on one that I can recall and counted it because it felt like a coaster experience. If the powered coaster feels and looks like a coaster I will count it, if not then no.

 

I don't ride too many kiddie coasters and although I would count the ones I've ridden, I wouldn't go out of my way to ride them. I'd rather ride a fun and/or unique water/dark/drop/flat ride and miss the kiddie coaster credit at a park then ride the kiddie coaster just for the credit and miss a fun water/dark/drop/flat ride. Heck, I'd miss the kiddie coaster credit in a far away park that I may never return to re-ride another coaster or ride that I liked at that park.

 

As for parks, rides with two separate tracks I will count as two credits, but only as one ride or coaster for the park's coaster count. For example, Superman and Colossus count as one ride each for SFMM's coaster count, but as credits, each track is one credit (according to RCDB). Sorry Magic Mountain, only 17 coasters for your park until ou built another, separate coaster.

 

Traveling fairs is where it gets tricky. For fairs, I will count each coaster type according to its manufacturer/operator once. For example, I have ridden a spinning mouse at the California Mid State Fair called Crazy Mouse which was made by Reverchon of France and operated by some company based out of New Braunfels, TX (I forgot what it was called). If I saw another Crazy Mouse that looked exactly the same at another fair and it was made by Reverchon I wouldn't count it again. If it was a different spinning mouse made by a different company, then I would count it as a credit. The Crazy Mouse I rode didn't say who made it or operated it (at least where it was visible) so I had to ask the employee working the photo sales booth of the ride and he told me it was Reverchon.

 

I don't count coasters I can't remember. There are some coasters that I may have ridden when I was very young that I don't remember. For example, I went to Knott's in 1989 but all I remember is a coaster with a big loop (Montezooma's Revenge), parachutes, and a log ride. I may have gone on Soap Box Derby or Corkscrew (if I was tall enough) but I don't remember so I don't count them. I also went to the Orange County Fair when I was very young but I don't remember what I rode there (I sure I rode a kiddie coaster).

 

I like counting parks also but don't count traveling fairs or places with 1-2 rides as parks. A place would have to have at least five attractions (not necessarily rides) for me to count it as a park. Places like Sea World San Diego with minimal rides are definitely parks (they have a several attractions that are not rides) but zoos where the focus are not rides/entertainment (like San Diego Zoo which only has a skyride and guided tram tour) I don't count as parks (I'd gladly still visit them). I also don't count casinos like New York New York which have one ride as a park but would definitely count Circus Circus Adventuredome as a park and possibly the Top of the Stratosphere. I may make a count for traveling fairs if I get to enough of them, but I won't count them as parks.

 

Well, there's my two cents on coaster/park credits.

[australianalex]

I'd like to count parks but I've been to way too many when I was younger to remember.