Review: 10303 Loop Coaster
Posted by CapnRex101,
10261 Roller Coaster attracted almost universal praise during 2018, demonstrating the amazing potential of LEGO roller coasters, after the more rudimentary track from 70922 The Joker Manor the year before. 10303 Loop Coaster shows the realisation of that potential!
The mechanism certainly appears excellent and various weaknesses of the previous roller coaster are improved upon, particularly in relation to the prominence of the track. However, there are some surprising issues, notably including limited success in concealing less attractive features, which 10261 Roller Coaster did achieve.
Summary
10303 Loop Coaster, 3,756 pieces.
£344.99 / $399.99 / €399.99 | 9.2p/10.6c/10.6c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The track configuration and station are superb, but some details are disappointing
- Interesting track layout
- Balanced colour scheme
- Impressive size for display
- Very poor finishing in some areas
- Mechanism could be refined
- No exit path for minifigures
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
The impressive scale of the Loop Coaster is immediately apparent from its box, which cannot accommodate the whole model! The dark 18+ packaging does not necessarily suit the vibrant Fairground Collection sets, although the roller coaster certainly stands out against its backdrop. Inside are 35 bags, numbered between one and fifteen, alongside five bags keeping the track and large plates separate.
A cardboard sleeve contains the instruction manual and sticker sheet, which includes sixteen stickers. They are easy to apply, although 10273 Haunted House completely avoided stickers and I was hoping the same would be the case here. The repeated star designs are particularly bothersome and should definitely have been printed.
Minifigures
Eleven minifigures are provided, the first of whom controls the Loop Coaster. This character wears the same yellow and blue uniform as the attendants from 10261 Roller Coaster. Such consistency between equivalent sets is welcome, but this torso was initially created for LEGO store employees in 60097 City Square, hence the LEGO logo on the back.
I think a specialised element could have been introduced instead, perhaps matching the Loop Coaster signage shown on the sticker sheet. However, the accompanying balloon seller wears an ideal shirt, introduced in 40382 Birthday Set and displaying colourful balloons, party hats and other designs. His pink cap and purple trousers are also perfect, continuing the vibrant colours from the torso.
The attendant wears a hearing aid, which has appeared in several previous sets and usually with the same ponytail hair element. This component wraps neatly around the hearing aid, as though tucked behind the minifigure's ears.
Hot dog and pretzel stalls are also included, so need staffing. These vendors wear similar red caps and the hot dog vendor sports an appropriate chef's uniform, which looks good. I like the chosen head as well, featuring a smile with beads of sweat, presumably from working over the hot grille.
The second food vendor includes a striped torso introduced in 60234 People Pack - Fun Fair. I like its bright white, teal and magenta colour scheme, although a design specifically associated with the pretzel stall could have been even better. This head, with enormous glasses, frequently depicts Shirley Keeper from LEGO City Adventures, but also suits this generic character.
Seven guests are provided too, including a variety of interesting elements. The first two female minifigures, for example, integrate a red hair element from 40516 Everyone is Awesome and a dark azure piece from two Friends sets, while their torsos have also each appeared only twice before. The minifigure with red hair looks particularly characterful, in my opinion.
Unlike the staff members, these minifigures include double-sided heads, displaying delighted and frightened expressions to reflect the differing emotions of those riding roller coasters! The third minifigure also comprises some unusual parts, as her hair element was only introduced in dark brown this year and her torso returns from a single set last year.
Such variety is impressive and I am pleased the designer has managed to provide some less common parts. However, I also think a couple of new torsos or heads would have been ideal, particularly given the apparent dearth of unique printed elements found elsewhere in this set.
The three male visitors make additional use of heads belonging to characters from LEGO City Adventures, as the first minifigure features Clemmons' head and the second was designed for Tread Octane. Once again, the hair elements and torsos are relatively uncommon too, so their further availability is always appreciated.
Perhaps surprisingly, just one of the supplied minifigures is a child. Nevertheless, the unusual parts continue, as this minifigure includes Jay's hitherto exclusive torso from 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens. The child's alternative sad expression seems odd, but reason for this expression will become apparent shortly.
The Completed Model
Fairground Collection sets sometimes contain smaller items around the focal attraction and four such accessories are present here. The balloon cart makes use of the bicycle frame introduced in 2019, with several balloons connected towards the front. I like the reddish brown helium tank and the balloon animals on either side, although two different colours would have been nice.
The bench assembly is most notable for a dark orange squirrel and the stickered fairground map. Some attractions are identifiable as 10273 Haunted House, 10303 Loop Coaster and 31119 Ferris Wheel, while the carousel is seemingly an original design. I can understand the decision to include a Ferris Wheel that remains available, but references to 10247 Ferris Wheel and 10257 Carousel would have been more fun.
The hot dog stall is certainly the most elaborate among these four accessory models, closely resembling a hot dog. The design strikes a perfect balance between realism and humour, with suitable colours and space for the necessary equipment on top. The grille includes clips for two sausages, with buns and condiments placed alongside.
Stickers decorate the front of both stalls and look great, although I would question the cost of adding mustard to a hot dog! The pretzel rack is an excellent addition and is cleverly attached using a clip hidden inside, occupying as little space as possible. The striped awning looks nice too, with a decorative pretzel displayed on top. While arguably superfluous, the supplemental models are well-designed.
Of course, the Loop Coaster dominates attention, measuring 92cm in height and 85cm across, between its widest extremities. That width is nearly the same as 10261 Roller Coaster, which surprised me! The dark blue and flame yellowish orange colour combination looks wonderful, drawing attention to the colourful track. Additionally, this track configuration hides many of the stanchions, so differs from the previous roller coaster.
The entrance is clearly identified, presenting the same flame yellowish orange and dark blue colours. The rounded design looks lovely and I like these stickers, particularly those on either side. One shows that hats, balloons, food and animals are not allowed on board and the other displays the minimum permitted height for minifigures. Unfortunately, minifigures with short or medium legs are forbidden, including the aforementioned child.
Dark tan plates delineate the path that passes underneath the winding roller coaster track. The same building technique and colour appeared in 10261 Roller Coaster, but this example is less elaborate. The wooden rubbish bins look nice, although the omission of a separate exist path is rather disappointing because that was included on the earlier roller coaster.
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The staircase, on the other hand, represents an improvement upon the previous model. I like the handrail design and the continued inclusion of dark blue and flame yellowish orange parts underneath is effective. Also, a printed ladybird appears at the top of these steps, which stands out clearly among the surrounding colours.
Furthermore, I think the roller coaster station looks excellent. While the colour scheme remains consistent, its distinctive architecture ensures this structure is very visible. The alternating trans-orange and trans-light blue lights look fantastic and the pillars are cleverly constructed, with ball joints connecting them to the platform and roof.
The medium azure highlights are appealing too, complementing the roller coaster train, which consists of three carriages. Their design is simple and appears very similar to the other LEGO roller coasters, with articulated joints between them and functional lap restraints. These colours are attractive, but I think an opportunity for more detailed carriages has been missed.
Three opening gates are included, alongside the operator's control station. However, more eye-catching are the stickered photo screens located at the back, showing three of the provided minifigures as they pass upside down around the second loop. A troublesome squirrel has invaded the third photo, while the second demonstrates the risk of bringing food on board!
While the station looks splendid from the front, the roof is actually my favourite feature and is more visible from behind. Light bluish grey 2x3 tiles with clips are brilliantly attached between roller coaster tracks, creating an interesting shape. The modern style is superb and I think the grey colour works well, despite rarely appearing elsewhere on the Loop Coaster.
10261 Roller Coaster integrated a clever brake wheel outside the station, which could then be rotated to launch the train. This system is rudimentary by comparison, comprising a red buffer which is usually held in a raised position by a rubber band. When the elevator lift returns, this buffer is pushed down and the train slides out of the station. While functional, this mechanism seems very exposed.
Additionally, the base of the elevator lift is sparsely detailed. The flowers provide some colour, but I think including some mechanical detailing would have improved the model. Also, there is nothing to prevent the moving track section from hitting the ground and potentially bouncing. A couple of rubber buffers could easily have cushioned its landing.
Beyond the addition of rubber buffers, I think the mechanism for releasing the train could also have been improved. Rather than using an unsightly stopper, perhaps the whole track section beside the station could move downwards when the elevator lift arrives. The roller coaster track would therefore remain level for passengers to board.
Despite those potential improvements, the train slides smoothly between the station and the separate track, taking advantage of a new 2x4 track element that bridges the gap. I hope this piece appears in other colours soon, given it should prove extremely useful. The front carriage actually abutting the column leaves something to be desired though.
However, maybe most disappointing is the Technic mechanism controlling the entire coaster, which has not been disguised whatsoever. While only occupying a small area and somewhat hidden behind a pillar, these gears should certainly have been covered, as they were in 10261 Roller Coaster. Access to attach a Powered Up motor is easy though, fitting on the noticeable yellow axle.
The support structure around the elevator lift is relatively plain, but appears realistic and any Technic parts are hidden. The medium azure and dark azure 2x2 triangular tiles adorning the column create a superb pattern and the lift chain is unobtrusive, greatly improving upon 10273 Haunted House in that regard.
In fact, this elevator lift mechanism is very reminiscent of 10273 Haunted House. The lift chain comprises 222 narrow chain links and 33 wide chain links, which catch underneath the moving track section and carry it up the tower. Once the lift reaches the top, a clutch mechanism allows the wider chain links to pass and the lift returns to the bottom of the tower.
The mechanism works well and the visible wheels on either side appear authentic. However, I dislike the appearance of the lift from the front, particularly because the single light bluish grey 1x2 brick with bar looks completely out of place. This element could surely have been produced in dark blue.
I find the stickers similarly lacklustre, as there was potential to create a brick-built design here instead. The prominent 'LOOP' sign also seems unusually bland, lacking the complexity of the equivalent sign from 10261 Roller Coaster. However, the functionality continues to impress, as the train automatically begins its downward journey when the elevator lift reaches the top.
A strong cable is secured on the aforementioned 1x2 brick with bar and passes over the tower, linking to a counterweight that reduces the torque necessary to raise the elevator lift. Wheels keep this cable perfectly in position, but their Technic frame is exposed and notably conflicts with the surrounding dark blue pieces, unfortunately.
The counterweight itself is nicely finished though. While the red 3L bar on top is conspicuous, the dark blue highlights are effective and you can change the height of the counterweight by rotating the cable reel. This entire assembly is constructed around two further roller coaster carriages, running along some more track elements. I am pleased the designer has used extra flame yellowish orange track wherever possible.
Another new track component is situated at the top, as two 13x13 curved slope elements form the uppermost bend. However, they are overshadowed by the exceptional construction of the more dramatic slope, where 13x13 curved track elements are mounted sideways and line up seamlessly beside the neighbouring track! Their unique orientation appears slightly odd, but is certainly excusable.
The elevator lift tower presents some issues, but the lower section of the Loop Coaster looks fantastic. Naturally, this includes the titular loops and the remarkably subtle supports, drawing attention to the track. The tower seems disproportionately tall beside these loops, although the height is necessary to gain sufficient speed for the train to pass comfortably around the track.
The teardrop loop incorporates another new element, as two 4x12x10 quarter loop tracks are combined to form the top of the loop. 2x16x6 sloped track pieces are brilliantly fixed sideways underneath, creating an authentic steep rise and fall as the roller coaster train enters and exits the loop. The stanchions on each side do not keep the loop completely motionless, but it feels strong and these supports look marvellous.
A camera is mounted on one of the lower supports, ready to photograph the riders travelling around the second loop. Its position is perfect and I like the lost balloon underneath the large loop too. Unfortunately, many of the Technic pieces strengthening the supports are surprisingly noticeable, which was an issue mostly avoided by 10261 Roller Coaster.
Loop track pieces alone constitute the second loop, which is tighter and less realistic than the first. I understand the wish to include differing shapes, but I think the teardrop loop could have been repeated. After departing this second loop, the track extends beyond the green base and curves back towards the station. I like this track design, although the white Technic bushes on the supports are awkward.
Yet another exposed Technic assembly guides the train around the final curve. This is linked to the elevator lift mechanism and works well, although the train already has sufficient momentum to reach the station. The gears and mechanical systems propelling roller coasters are frequently visible in reality, but this example looks awful and should undoubtedly have been enclosed.
Given the momentum of the train, maybe this mechanism could have been omitted altogether. However, it does play a signifiant role in slowing the carriages as they near the station, rather than immediately hurtling into the buffers or onto the waiting elevator lift. Either by turning the crank or fitting a motor, the elevator lift does return before the train, so the Loop Coaster could run without interruption.
Overall
10303 Loop Coaster improves upon its predecessor in some respects, including a much more elaborate and therefore more exciting route. This mechanism works consistently and I love the twin loops. Furthermore, the track configuration surrounding the loops avoids the overwhelming forest of pillars present on 10261 Roller Coaster, instead emphasising the colourful track.
This model therefore looks spectacular on display, although viewing the Loop Coaster closely reveals some problems. Whereas the Technic mechanisms on the existing roller coaster were relatively well-hidden, similar features are poorly concealed here. The driving wheel beside the station seems particularly conspicuous, which was unexpected.
However, disguising these Technic pieces would require additional elements because there is nothing that could be obviously simplified elsewhere. Adding those extra parts would probably have stretched the price of £344.99, $399.99 or €399.99, which already seems fairly expensive. Nevertheless, I think a few refinements could have substantially improved this set.
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52 comments on this article
Thanks Rex. Worth the wait.
I am personally not bothered by the visible Technic stuff, partly because it's often like that in real roller coasters too and partly because that means you can see the mechanisms in action! You'll often hear Technic superfans complain about the non-funcionality in modern sets and the fact that a lot of it gets covered up with the bigger models (looking at you, supercar transmissions), so it's both really cool and ironic that system sets are doing it better nowadays. Sure, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it! I'm trying to get this for my birthday but it's a lot of money, hopefully the winter wave isn't too strong :P
No exit path? This coaster must have been made in Roller Coaster Tycoon.
I feel a great disturbance in the Force, as if dozens of complaints about overdue reviews suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.
I thought 'Vintage Set of the Week' was Saturday :-)
I still have my 2018 coaster in the box. I'll get to ot one of these. Will try to squeeze these two coasters together somehow.
The counterweight reminds me of the weighted brick that Lego made which came with 4011 Cabin Cruiser. It actually had metal inside. It gave the boat a nice realistic angle in the water (it really floated). I wonder if that was the only weighted brick or if there were others?
Excellent review, thank you!
@B_Space_Man said:
"The counterweight reminds me of the weighted brick that Lego made which came with 4011 Cabin Cruiser. It actually had metal inside. It gave the boat a nice realistic angle in the water (it really floated). I wonder if that was the only weighted brick or if there were others?
Excellent review, thank you!"
The 1980's 12v Train system had weighted black bricks to give traction to engines with motors in.
Thanks for the detailed review. I must say I completely don't understand all the criticism towards exposed technic parts and gears. For me these are very cool mechanisms and engineering solutions to specific construction needs, they add learning value. Reviewers often complain about big technic sets that their mechanisms are concealed therofore are less inspiring than in old technic sets, where most constructions were barebone and mechnics were visible. Looking at the photos the set looks glorious and grey technic parts do not detract from the look at all. Maybe that's different IRL.
@B_Space_Man said:
"I wonder if that was the only weighted brick or if there were others?"
The floating boats of the 70s and early 80s used a weight attached to the bottom of the hull. One can be seen in the image for 1049 .
Eh, what? Already?
I was just enjoying the constant nagging of the impatient of this world!
"Unfortunately, minifigures with short or medium legs are forbidden, including the aforementioned child."
I feel compelled to buy this set and fill the coaster with only minifigures that have short or medium legs.
Hmmm. In the 1:8-scale Technic cars series the complaint is often that once built, all the inner workings of the set's functionality are (almost) fully enclosed and therefore not possible to present when on display. While the technical complexity of this model probably falls below the gearboxes of the Technic supercars line - I have first hand experience with neither - I would think it a good thing being able to view and enjoy how the set actually works even after the building process is complete and the set is put on display.
I just picked this up yesterday. Some Lego employee hide it under a bunch of damaged Optimus Prime and Saturn V sets. I thought $50 off wasn’t to bad. Also I like the exposed technic, it’s exactly like a real rollercoaster.
This coaster looks ridiculous.
I know they don't aim for 'realism' but with this they are truly off their rocker.
Especially since they always did their best to maintain a certain level of 'realism' with the other fairground rides.
" including a much more elaborate and therefore more exciting route."
I honestly can't seem to find this elaborate and more exciting route anywhere.
The two loops, right after a steep drop as well as them two consecutive in a row, are 1st degree murder. It is then followed by a couple of unbanked corners back to the station.
Suspension of disbelieve goes but as far as it can reach.
They just wanted to have a huge lift, a vertical drop and two loops. And they failed by throwing them all together. I guess they needed to show off the loop but their could have many far better ways to achieve this.
Add to that the technical issues for which my nephew already regretted spending a ton of his money on, and it shows that for this set, marketing goals were set instead of quality goals.
@CapnRex101 said:
"I understand the wish to include differing shapes, but I think the teardrop loop could have been repeated."
Without increasing the height of the tower even more, it seems unlikely that the roller coaster cars could make it through two large teardrop loops. The second loop is smaller for a reason.
I also don't mind the exposed Technic elements. Not a big deal to me. Yes, it might have been nice if that single light bluish grey 1x2 brick with bar was produced in light blue...but that's a minor issue and certainly not a deal-breaker.
However, the lack of an exit path seems like a big oversight that the designer could have easily corrected. I guess this is the official roller coaster for Hotel California. You can never leave.
@GBP_Chris:
Be sure to hand out a variety of hats, food, balloons, and animals. No phones, though. That would be dangerous!
@Watsonite said:
"This coaster looks ridiculous.
I know they don't aim for 'realism' but with this they are truly off their rocker.
Especially since they always did their best to maintain a certain level of 'realism' with the other fairground rides.
" including a much more elaborate and therefore more exciting route."
I honestly can't seem to find this elaborate and more exciting route anywhere.
The two loops, right after a steep drop as well as them two consecutive in a row, are 1st degree murder. It is then followed by a couple of unbanked corners back to the station.
Suspension of disbelieve goes but as far as it can reach.
They just wanted to have a huge lift, a vertical drop and two loops. And they failed by throwing them all together. I guess they needed to show off the loop but their could have many far better ways to achieve this.
Add to that the technical issues for which my nephew already regretted spending a ton of his money on, and it shows that for this set, marketing goals were set instead of quality goals."
You should research "Dive Coasters."
@Boiiinng said:
" @Watsonite said:
"This coaster looks ridiculous.
I know they don't aim for 'realism' but with this they are truly off their rocker.
Especially since they always did their best to maintain a certain level of 'realism' with the other fairground rides.
" including a much more elaborate and therefore more exciting route."
I honestly can't seem to find this elaborate and more exciting route anywhere.
The two loops, right after a steep drop as well as them two consecutive in a row, are 1st degree murder. It is then followed by a couple of unbanked corners back to the station.
Suspension of disbelieve goes but as far as it can reach.
They just wanted to have a huge lift, a vertical drop and two loops. And they failed by throwing them all together. I guess they needed to show off the loop but their could have many far better ways to achieve this.
Add to that the technical issues for which my nephew already regretted spending a ton of his money on, and it shows that for this set, marketing goals were set instead of quality goals."
You should research "Dive Coasters.""
You should read up on Dive Coasters.
No Gerstlauer nor B&M does this.
@PurpleDave said:
" @GBP_Chris:
Be sure to hand out a variety of hats, food, balloons, and animals. No phones, though. That would be dangerous!"
Completely forgot about this critical part of the true coaster experience, thank you!
Thank you very much for this review !!!
Is there any reason why the coaster axles can't be metal, like the train ones? Would this help reduce friction and the need for such a great drop height? It would also be good if we could have 1/8 of a turn corner track pieces, to facilitate figure of eight track layouts.
I love the touch of the lost balloon. Speaking of balloons, they should have put two colors of balloon dog in there, considering it's been produced in three!
Also, am I the only one who gets a lesbian vibe from the redheaded woman? I thought that might be a pride flag on her shirt, but after a quick Google, it doesn't seem to be.
This looks hideous in my opinion. At least the blue tower part on the left. The previous RC was much more pleasing to look at as a whole.
@Skeletor said:
"Is there any reason why the coaster axles can't be metal, like the train ones? Would this help reduce friction and the need for such a great drop height? It would also be good if we could have 1/8 of a turn corner track pieces, to facilitate figure of eight track layouts."
They sadly have phased out metal axles starting with the Hidden Side train from 2019. (Apparently, LEGO didn't like going elsewhere to source the axle parts to put in the sets. ) They say it makes them easier to run and less hard on the parts, but tell that to the LUG's who run trains...
The big problem in my opinion is that most of the visual mass is in the tower, which is the lamest part of a roller coaster. Also the entire ride from the top to the entrance is like 2 seconds.
@Skeletor:
Figure 8 track layouts should already be possible, though the entire thing would have to be set at a 45° angle to the rest of the park. Trying to run the 8 along a cardinal direction would require 45° versions of straight sections, ramps, and loops, and both an in and out 1/8th turn to keep the mounting points on grid.
@Murdoch17:
More friction on straight track because metal on plastic is less abrasive than plastic on plastic. Less friction on corners because now both wheels can rotate independently, basically giving each “axle” a poor man’s differential. Of course, since sets heavily favor curved track, and LUGs/LTCs far more prefer straight track, it’s kinda like this:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant
@CapnRex101 you going to review the Inquisitor Transport Scythe?
They were too busy thinking if they could, they never stopped to think if they should.
The technical feat of this set is super impressive, even with the new track elements. But to do it they made a ridiculously tall column with a short bit of track after it. It's not even what the coaster community would call a 'full loop coaster' due to the lift. Visually the thing is just plain lopsided, and you don't get a lot of functioning coaster track for the amount of bricks and money.
They did their absolute best designing this one. But at what cost?
That's up to the buyer to decide.
Personally I would rather get the old one if I could (I can't).
Agree that both loops should have been teardrop, it looks more realistic and is a smoother inversion
@binaryeye said:
" @B_Space_Man said:
"I wonder if that was the only weighted brick or if there were others?"
The floating boats of the 70s and early 80s used a weight attached to the bottom of the hull. One can be seen in the image for 1049 ."
While not encased in a brick, some of the older railroad gates had metal counterweights as well, as seen in sets like 4539
I think this new roller coaster set epitomizes the newer style of roller coasters. Whereas the previous one is the classic roller coaster timber style design (my favorite).
The two different styles of loops in this set are welcome instead of two identical loops, as it reminds me of a portion of a corkscrew coaster ride in a park I have visited. I don't mind the technic parts showing on this set. I also like the extra pieces of track used as decoration.
I can't wait to add this set to my theme park. I am not sure where to put it due to the height, but I will figure it out, as I did for the previous one.
@LegoStevieG said:
" @B_Space_Man said:
"The counterweight reminds me of the weighted brick that Lego made which came with 4011 Cabin Cruiser. It actually had metal inside. It gave the boat a nice realistic angle in the water (it really floated). I wonder if that was the only weighted brick or if there were others?
Excellent review, thank you!"
The 1980's 12v Train system had weighted black bricks to give traction to engines with motors in."
In my experience, they were necessary to prevent the trains from tipping over in the corners. Without the weights, the trains would often fly off the track there.
Visually, I liked the old coaster better. Probably because it looks more like the rollercoasters I know. And I'm not a big fan of too much Friends-like colours. Just wondering: are the tracks at the loops not stressed in an illegal way?
I haven't built mine yet. But from what i've seen in reviews, the only thing that annoys me a bit about this set, is that the train automatically rolls onto the lift platform when it's down, because the platform pushes the red blocker down. So there's not really a way to have the platform in the down position and the train halted in the station. That's a thing the older coaster did better: YOU decided when the train continues to the lift.
@CapnRex101 - how did you get the trains to pose at the top of the loop?
@Wrecknbuild said:
"Just wondering: are the tracks at the loops not stressed in an illegal way?"
No, they're new track pieces to give the offset.
@raven_za said:
" @CapnRex101 - how did you get the trains to pose at the top of the loop?"
My money's on balance, sticky tape or Blu-Tack!
@thor96 said:
"Thanks for the detailed review. I must say I completely don't understand all the criticism towards exposed technic parts and gears. For me these are very cool mechanisms and engineering solutions to specific construction needs, they add learning value. Reviewers often complain about big technic sets that their mechanisms are concealed therofore are less inspiring than in old technic sets, where most constructions were barebone and mechnics were visible. Looking at the photos the set looks glorious and grey technic parts do not detract from the look at all. Maybe that's different IRL."
I think the mechanisms inside Technic models should be visible, or at least accessible through an opening hatch or easily removable panel. In System sets, on the other hand, I prefer most of the Technic to be concealed. That is not always possible, but I think 10261 Roller Coaster struck a good balance, as the larger gears were located beneath the station, but the driving wheels and lift chain remained visible, as on real roller coasters.
@raven_za said:
" @CapnRex101 - how did you get the trains to pose at the top of the loop?"
They actually balance upside down on either loop very easily.
@CapnRex101 wrote:
"Stickers decorate the front of both stalls and look great, although I would question the cost of adding mustard to a hot dog!"
Having been to Denmark this summer, there were places (e.g. McDonalds) where you had to pay for condiments like ketchup (and probably mustard). So maybe this is business as usual in Denmark, but I understand what you mean; in Norway, ketchup and mustard usually comes free with a hot dog (but stuff like raw or fried onions are extra)..
What's "LBP" mean? :P I know it's "Loop", but once I saw LBP, I haven't been able to unsee it.
@Terrax said:
" @CapnRex101 wrote:
"Stickers decorate the front of both stalls and look great, although I would question the cost of adding mustard to a hot dog!"
Having been to Denmark this summer, there were places (e.g. McDonalds) where you had to pay for condiments like ketchup [...] "
The practice also pertains in Czechia, as I discovered at a KFC when visiting Prague this summer. (There's a factory in Kladno, but "how things are done in Denmark and/or the U.S." seem to be the guiding principles in minifig civilization: signage, traffic signals, emergency vehicle livery, etc.)
I like how the designer has included the upper-halves of the two-part ramps in the roof, so that you have enough to match all the lower-halves used at SNOT angles in the teardrop loop. A shame other designers aren't so considerate, when sets (often Christmas ones) come with things like one-sided wedge and wing plates without their matching twin.
I would love to see a third party manufacture some brass versions of the wheelsets from LEGO coasters. They'd add momentum to the cars and roll a lot better. The plastic wheelsets can (over time) pick up a tiny groove, worn around the centre of the axle by the retaining clip. It hardly affects straight-line speed, but when the axle slips slightly to the side in a turn the friction goes right up. A coaster can suddenly switch from slick running to grinding to a halt in turns and there's not a lot you can do about it but order new axle pieces.
@TheEpicLuke said:
"No exit path? This coaster must have been made in Roller Coaster Tycoon."
Oof, right in the nostalgia feels!
@Watsonite said:
"(...)
Suspension of disbelieve goes but as far as it can reach.
(...)"
You're in for a shock when you find out that LEGO makes unaerodynamic aeroplanes & non-hermetically sealed spacecraft...
@Joefish said:
"(...)
I would love to see a third party manufacture some brass versions of the wheelsets from LEGO coasters. They'd add momentum to the cars and roll a lot better. The plastic wheelsets can (over time) pick up a tiny groove, worn around the centre of the axle by the retaining clip. It hardly affects straight-line speed, but when the axle slips slightly to the side in a turn the friction goes right up. A coaster can suddenly switch from slick running to grinding to a halt in turns and there's not a lot you can do about it but order new axle pieces."
I use silicone oil spray on the axles of monorails to prevent them from becoming ABS dust. It greatly extends axle & support life, is plastic-safe, and results in an immediate improvement in performance.
If that red spiky hairdo doesn't scream "8-bit RPG protagonist" to you, you're just not listening hard enough.
@kwickbrick:
The only time I’ve ever gone upside-down on a roller coaster was through Mickey Mouse’s head at California Adventure, so I’m not an expert on coaster physics, but my read is that the teardrop loop might give you a bit of hang time at the apex, while the circle loop will just hurtle you through with minimal loss of speed. As a rider, that would give you more of a varied experience, which would be important in a ride this short. Frequently at pop-up carnivals, or even at LEGOLAND parks, when a ride is very short, they may send riders through 2-3 times so they experience a ride that’s comparable to a single trip around a full-size coaster, and varying the ride experience would make those repeat trips seem less repetitive.
@PurpleDave
@kwickbrick
You have a point in saying that roller coaster rides are dependent on variety, but they usually provide that by alternating full loops with half loops, sharp turns, corkscrew inversions, top hats, etc.
All modern roller coasters use the teardrop shape for their vertical loops, providing smoother and safer rides. Circular loops create enormous g-forces at the speeds needed to make the loop, due to the sudden shift in direction. These would be very uncomfortable for even the most hardened riders, let alone the average theme park enthusiast. The rapid succession of force changes on a fully circular shaped loop can even cause serious neck injuries. The teardrop shape prevents this, not only by temporarily slowing down the ride (the 'hang time' can be considered an added bonus, but not the main goal), but also by gradually changing the angle of the turn, both inward and outward.
So yeah, the circular loop isn't very realistic, but then again, I wouldn't want to try a roller coaster riding a plastic track either...
Also, funny how the 'unbanked' turns seem to bother a lot of people on this coaster, but not on the previous one.
@You_reDoingItWrong said:
"What's "LBP" mean? :P I know it's "Loop", but once I saw LBP, I haven't been able to unsee it."
It's the inevitable result of surviving the twin loops.
'Large Brown Poo
@LegoStevieG said:
" @B_Space_Man said:
"The counterweight reminds me of the weighted brick that Lego made which came with 4011 Cabin Cruiser. It actually had metal inside. It gave the boat a nice realistic angle in the water (it really floated). I wonder if that was the only weighted brick or if there were others?
Excellent review, thank you!"
The 1980's 12v Train system had weighted black bricks to give traction to engines with motors in."
There even was a blue one in 7760. super rare.
You can help with the "bounce" of the moving track section by adding a little more weight to the counter-weight. I added the equivalent of 2 - 4x4 plates and 2 - 4x6 plates to the weight and the descent is much less "dramatic", eliminates the bounce, and still allows plenty of time for the cars to roll on to the lift.
The train doesn't have enough speed off the teardrop loop to make it through a second teardrop. It does have enough speed for a longer section of track after the second loop. I added 2 sections of track 34738 before and after the 180 degree turn. With an "up and down" after the loop, and a "down and up" after the turn. It carries just enough speed to make it to the station. The hardest part was waiting for those track pieces to show up on Bricklink in the new color!
My favorite part of this review is roasting the set for exposed technic parts while also complaining that the bottom of the lift doesn't have enough exposed technical details
"No exit path for minifigures"
That's the neat thing about the Loop Coaster.
The ride never ends.