Comments on: The Legend Analysis

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:45:20 +0000

I completely agree. Cyclops and Zeus are also good examples of that hand in glove thing… though short and quirky layouts they deliver consistently.

By: The Coaster Philosopher

The Coaster Philosopher — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:59:06 +0000

I completely agree about the feel of CCI’s, the “organic feel of train and track like hand in glove” I think is one of the best analogies I’ve heard to describe them. Legend was definitely CCI at their most aggressive and (I don’t know what the best word is) …earthy? While most other CCIs have slowed down due to roughness or just having the time pass them by, Legend still runs like it always was supposed to. It was popular when it first opened but it eventually faded, however I would not be surprised to see a resurgence in popularity in the next decade as it becomes one of the last good examples of being a genuinely out-of-control styled wooden coaster, built during that brief window of time when designers were able to be much more daring than the classicists and using complex layouts but still far from having every bent and ledger fine-tuned by an advanced computer program.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:34:48 +0000

Another great analysis. I had to watch a POV just now to refresh my memory. I’ve been on this only a handful of times and that was just last season. I can see how this ride has to be in top form for it to work. My favorite thing about CCI’s is that organic feel of train and track like hand in glove. I think it’s a combo of classic wooden coaster principles with proper modern acceleration in design and maneuvers. It’s as if the track itself is somehow propelling as well as guiding the train through elements. This was very apparent on my rides on The Legend last season. I don’t think GG was able to retain this.. I’m not sure if it is just the steel superstructers. Anyhow, great analysis. I never gave much thought to this design because all in all I just found the ride so satisfying like you said at the end. If I were to be analytical though I would have to say as an enthusiast I did wish there was a bit more madness to the helix since it seems to invoke the craziness of The Beast but doesn’t summon it. It’s more like a carousel I guess, again, like you said.
I will be sure to read “The Voyage” and “The Raven” next when I get some time.

By: The Coaster Philosopher

The Coaster Philosopher — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:51:46 +0000

Further discussion can be found on rec.roller-coaster