Who do you think is the best wooden coaster designer ever?
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<BR>I personally think its
<BR>Church AND Prior
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"Some say I'm crazy...Others say I'm nuts....but I say I'm a freak....I'M A COASTERFREAK

Harry Guy Traver or John A. Miller

Herb Schmeck / PTC

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"I wasn't always this cynical, but then I started kindergarden..."

I'm a huge fan of Herb Schmeck... he is responsible for the design of my all-time favorite coaster, the Knoebels Phoenix, as well as wonderful rides such as the Dorney Thunderhawk, Hershey and Great Escape Comets, and the Lake Compounce Wildcat.
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<BR>He was a master when it came to airtime, and all of his designs have a certain recklessness to them... they feel out-of-control and wild, but never to the point of being uncomfortable or punishing (well, the LC Wildcat is kinda wild in the back!)

Harry Traver, without a doubt! He was totally mad. Would love a time machine to ride some of his monsters. Boy, I miss Palisades Park.
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<BR>Prior & Church, Schmeck and Miller were also geniuses in their own right. Just think..
<BR>They did all of that before computers and CAD.
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<BR>The gang at GCI are becoming masters in their own right. The Millennium Flyer cars are incredible and their racers, duelers, and twisters are becomimng legendary. May they build many, many more.

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Size does NOT matter!
<BR>It's all about how good it works!

I think that Traver, Miller, Church & Prior were all very good designers and Curtis D. Summers as well.
<BR>CCI and GCI are the kings of todays woodies.

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Scoz

In all fairness, can we really say that Harry Traver was a great designer without having ridden his coasters? These things had a reputation for being rough enough to cause broken bones and the occasional death. It's a shame none of his coasters are with us today. CCI and GCI have done some absolutely brilliant rides in the Traver tradition, but that's using modern technology.
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<BR>Having said that, I must admit that my jaw dropped more than a few times looking at the Harry Traver: Legends of Terror book. Every coaster fan MUST read this book. That book is one of the greatest thrill rides around!

We dont judge him as the best due to rides that are still in existance (Which are none to my knowledge). I'm sure there are a few peeps that will agree with me that his name is mentioned due to the fact he was visionary who pushed limits to discover what potential rides of the future could bring. At least that is why i mentioned him.<BR><BR><font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: flcoasterfan on 2001-05-07 19:48 ]</font>

Prior & Church
<BR>The Giant Dippers rule!

Oh decisions, decisions, decisions....
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<BR>Well, in terms of appearances my vote goes to Prior & Church and the company that seems to be their modern incarnation, GCI. Lightning Racer is one of my top 2 coasters.
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<BR>In terms of riding fun, my vote goes to Herb Schmeck. Pheonix is the other of my top 2 coasters.
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<BR>Other coasters I've especially enjoyed are P&C's Belmont Giant Dipper (my only Church ridden so far); Schmeck's Comet(Hersey) and Thunderhawk; GCI's Roar(SFA); and CCI's Ghostrider.

John A. Miller
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<BR>Jack Rabbit in Kennywood has the best MOMENT of airtime anywhere!

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<BR>Jack Rabbit in Kennywood has the best MOMENT of airtime anywhere!
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<BR>You've got that right! That's the only thrill ride where I've genuinely felt like I was going to be thrown to my death. And the ride seems so harmless up to that point! <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif">

I think that Dennis McNulty from CCI is the best coaster designer of our time. He designed all the great CCI's, Rampage, Boss, Legend, etc. Too bad he left the company to pursue other interests. It will be interesting to see if CCI will continue to design rides of that caliber.

Custom Coasters International
<BR>The Villain is the best

Geoge Rodgurimo

How about John Allen? He built some great wooden rides, especially the Racer at Paramount Kings Island.

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Aaron Cedoras: Thrillnetwork Story Editor
"Dead men tell no tales..."

D.Summers and the CCI people!!!

I hope its CCI as I will be riding the Villian tomorrow.

I would say CCI and GCI. They are both SOOOOOOO close I can't tell...

i perfer the modern marvels of GCI and CCI!

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"remember, the enemy's gate is down"
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<BR>98 precent of you have no clue what i'm talking about

It really is CCI Villian is great.

herb schmeck for the past but in the present i have to say it is a tie between CCI and GCI

My favorite old desiner is Miller or Shmeck.

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Ski fast... or don't ski at all...
July 13, Thrillrides last day... Im sooo sad....

old herbie shmeck

One ride on Cheetah at WA made me decide that CCI was at the top of my list!!!!

The CCI people are the best designers!!!
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<BR>X

John A. Miller is the best old time designer. He built Jackrabbit, Racer, and Pippin (now the Thunderbolt) at Kennywood.
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<BR>CCI is the best today, followed closely by GCI.

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Millennium Force Crew '05
Magnum Crew '06

Proud member of the Notre Dame Class of 2008

For old timers, I say Miller but CCI and GCI are the Gods of Woodies now.

JOHN MILLER, hands down!
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<BR>DAC

Harry Traver.