What Would Compose An Ideal Coaster Lineup?

1. Kiddy Coaster: While some enthusiasts don’t give these the light of day, I think models like the Zamperla Gravity 80STD (Lil’ Devil Coaster @ SFGAd) are essential in getting the youngest of park guests an introduction to the world of roller coasters. We all have to start somewhere!
2. Junior Coaster: While it may seem redundant, a Zierer Tivoli (the medium or large variant) or a larger-scale E&F Miler (Canyon Blaster @ SFMM) provides more thrills without being too intense. A good stepping stone between the Kiddy Coaster and Family Coaster. 
3. Family Coaster: Think of your Mine Trains, indoor coasters like Runway Mountain @ SFOT and Skull Mountain @ SFGAd, Wild Mice (non-spinning), etc. Something that the whole family can enjoy. Something not seen as “babyish” by older kids. Typically, these don’t include inversions or launches, though there are exceptions out there (FireChaser Express @ Dollywood has multiple launches and a backwards section). 
4. Wooden Coaster (Ejector Airtime): It’s exactly what it says on the tin; a wooden coaster that focuses primarily on ejector airtime. Gravity Group seems to be the modern woodie manufacturer that focuses on ejector air, so I’d let them build it. Also fills one-half of my personal airtime criteria. 
5. Wooden Coaster (Lateral Forces): Also pretty self-explanatory; think of most coasters built by Great Coasters International- they’d build this one. I like the idea of a park having two woodies that contrast each other, as it shows that wooden coasters have variety in their layouts, even if not to the extent of steel coasters (also to show the differences between GG and GCI).  
6. Steel Coaster (Floater Airtime): Think about your traditional Hypercoasters; though I’m sure there are other models that focus on floater air. Fills the other half of my personal airtime criteria. You get contrast with the ejector-focused coaster (which in this list is also wooden). 
7. Steel Coaster (Multi-Looper): There are a whole host of coasters that can fulfill this criteria; B&M sit-down/floorless, B&M Dive, RMC Raptors, an S&S like Steel Curtain @ Kennywood, Gerstlauer Eurofigter and Infinity, etc. Think of any coaster with more than one inversion (that also has trains that sit on top of the track).
8. Steel Coaster (Launch/Multi-Launch): This is where you bring in an Intamin, Premier, or Mack multi-launch, though there are Vekoma, Zamperla, and S&S coasters that could fit here as well. Preferably, it’d be a good balance between powerful launches and having a more “complete” layout. 
9. Steel Coaster (Spinning): The ideal spinning coaster is made by Gerstlauer, Mack, or Mauer Rides, though Zamperla and SBF have their own (smaller) variations. Typically dosen’t include inversions or launches, but exceptions have been built (Ride to Happiness @ Plopsa and Time Traveler @ SDC). 
10. Steel Coaster (Not a Sit-Down/Floorless/Dive): Break out the inverted, flying, wing, suspended, axis, or 4th Dimension coaster! B&M Comes to mind with this type, though S&S and Vekoma could provide something here as well. I personally have a soft spot for B&M Flyers.

…I think I’m satisfied with the lineup already! I expected to struggle with cutting out one or two to fit under the 15-coaster limit. Just for fun, let’s address (and rank) some “non-essential” coaster models a park could add:

1. Water Coaster: Starting at the top is the Water Coaster; most parks have been moving away from water rides due to maintenance costs and pushing their consumer base to visit their associated waterpark. However, coasters like Pulsar @ Walibi Belgium and Aquaman: Power Wave @ SFOT provide the thrills of a roller coaster and the big splash of log flumes, shoot-the-chutes, and river rapid rides. Mack seems to be the trailblazer in this category. Could be useful for a new ground-up park that doesn't have the money or space to build a waterpark.
2. Shuttle Coaster: Shuttle coasters are useful in that they save space and can be multi-loopers, spinning coasters, coasters with trains not on the track, launch coasters, and even wooden coasters (Switchback @ ZDT’s). A park on a smaller scale/budget will find these especially useful.
3. Racing/Dueling Coaster: While racing/dueling coasters can be fun, you’d be adding two coasters- twice the capacity, but also twice the staff and maintenance costs. More often than not, a park will only run one side to save on staff/costs. Unless it’s built like West Coast Racers, these types of coasters need to have both sides operating in order to really get the full experience. 
4. Bobsled Coaster: I’ve only been on Flying Turns @ Knoebels, but I think these rides are really fun! While the trains are technically “on the track”, they provide a very different experience in comparison to a regular coaster. I’d rank this option higher, but it seems like they’re not really built anymore; the only manufacturer I can see making them in the modern age is Mack. 
5. Alpine/Mountain Coaster: I’ve yet to ride this type of coaster and I don’t think most amusement parks want to install one. These are usually found at ski resorts or are a straight-up independently-operated attraction. If any amusement park installed one, I’d say Knoebels would, given its location and family-run, “quirky” nature. 

10-15 coasters is a lot; I created the original list under the mindset that I was “building” a large-scale amusement park. What about a smaller park? Let’s look at a condensed list;

1. Kiddy/Junior Coaster: This coaster would be a “middle” ground in installing both a Kiddy and Junior Coaster; length of a Junior Coaster, thrills of a Kiddy Coaster. Something built by Zamperla, Vekoma or E&F Miler.
2. Family Coaster: A Family coaster could also be launched, spinning, or an invert. For simplicity’s sake, I'd choose from this group; wild mouse, mine train, indoor coaster a la Skull Mountain @ SFGAd. Built by Zamperla, Vekoma, or S&S. 
3. Wooden Coaster: This is the park’s sole woodie. While there are woodies with inversions and even one built as a shuttle, this is not one of them. This woodie would focus on ejector air, but also feature some lateral moments (think like El Toro @ SFGAd). Built by GCI or GG. 
4. Multi-Looper (non-launch): I think a solid multi-looper choice (& one that would be cheaper) would be a Gerstlauer Eurofigther or Infinity Coaster (with lap bars).
5. Launch Coaster: This coaster is similar to Ice Breaker @ SWO; it’s a shuttle coaster and a muti-launch, though not a clone. Could have inversions, but I’d want it to focus on floater airtime. Built by Premier Rides or Mack.
6. “Bonus” Coaster: If it’s in the budget, the park could put in a spinning coaster or not-on-the-track coaster. Let’s give them a Mack spinning coaster, which can also double as a second family coaster and wouldn’t break the bank. 

To end off this document, I’ll reveal the park that best fits my 10-coaster “ideal” lineup. That park is….

Hersheypark! 

Which coasters fit what criteria? Look below…

• Kiddy Coaster: Cocoa Cruiser
• Junior Coaster: Trailblazer*
• Family Coaster: Sooperdooperlooper, Wild Mouse
• Wooden Coaster (Ejector Airtime): Comet
• Wooden Coaster (Lateral Forces): Wildcat, Lightning Racers (also a dueling coaster)
• Steel Coaster (Floater Airtime): Candymonium
• Steel Coaster (Multi-Looper): Fahrenheit, Sidewinder (also a shuttle coaster)
• Steel Coaster (Launch/Multi-Launch): Storm Runner
• Steel Coaster (Spinning): Laff Trakk
• Steel Coaster (Not a Sit-Down/Floorless/Dive): Great Bear, Skyrush

      *(on a technicality; it’s very mild, even by mine train standards).

What do you guys think of my “ideal” coaster lineup? Would you add or take away a type of coaster? Are there any other real-life parks that fit the “ideal” coaster lineup? Let me know in the comments!