Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<I would bet that DL gets the ones at WDW and WDW gets the new ones.>> I do not believe the two systems are compatible; the WDW trains are built larger and with higher weight loads in mind, and would not work on DL's beamway.
Originally Posted By SuperDry What did happen at one time was that the older WDW monorail trains were sold and were operated on the private monorail in Las Vegas that ran between the MGM Grand and Bally's. This beamway has now been folded into the new quasi-public Las Vegas Monorail system and the rolling stock has been replaced by new trains that are more suitable for public transport.
Originally Posted By DeadMansChest I am convinced that at some point, monorail trams were sent from WDW to DL and WDW got new ones. Am I totally wrong about this?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I think so. The WDW rail is about 26" wide, while the DL beam is only about 20". To make the trains fit, they would have to do major resizing of the drive mechanisms on the trains. Although it is possible, it would probably be cheaper to just build all new trains. Going along with the clearance issues of the new trains, the WDW trains are mostly standing room only, while most people have to hunch over in the DL trains just to get to their seats. If the clearance in an area really is that close, than I really doubt that trains ever came from WDW, where they are significantly taller.
Originally Posted By Roger55 Totally wrong. But it does sound like something they would do if it were possible.
Originally Posted By Indigo I think you're thinking of the Matterhorn and Space Mountain Cars. The Matterhorn's original cars went to WDW for their space mountain.
Originally Posted By iluvdisneyland "IF there is going to be a new monorail, I would bet that DL gets the ones at WDW and WDW gets the new ones. It only makes sense given the use or volume at WDW." Walt Disney World's beamway is actually 6" wider than the beamway at Disneyland. At 20" wide, Disneyland's monorail is one of the smallest in the world. "I mean they have done this more than once yes?" No, there is no way a Mark IV or Mark VI could fit on the Disneyland beamway. Firstly, the width of the beam itself is not adequette and then clearance - Walt Disney World's monorail trains are much larger than Disneyland's. <a href="http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/TPBeams.html" target="_blank">http://www.monorails.org/tMspa ges/TPBeams.html</a>
Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt Despite the somewhat retro look of the new monorails the design could have been worse. Thankfully, DLR isn't getting those horrible TDLR monorails with the rediculous Micky Mouse windows.
Originally Posted By Mr X Hans, I agree with you that the TDR monorails look ugly on the outside (though the Mickey ears don't bother me, and they look even COOLER on the new Hong Kong trains), but on the inside it's absolutely the most luxurious ride of any Disney transportation anywhere, not to mention being ontime at all times (no sitting around on the beams forever waiting for "clearance" or whatever), and providing nice, sweeping views out the driverless front window. Boy, some people will slam ANYTHING! Geez.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss While I have mixed feelings about the exterior styling of TDR's monorail trains, the interiors are fantastic, with plush seating, whimsical Mickey handholds for standing passengers, and even cool little showcases featuring Disney artifacts.
Originally Posted By BrigmanMT 2 Who cares about luxory, I want fun. One of my fond memories from a Disney World trip was surfing the monorail and pulling into the Magic Kingdom while the fireworks were going off. There is plenty of room to stand and brace youself for beam inconsistencies. It was pretty cool. Although I doubt this concept art is really giving us any details (infact it looks more like something that would be featured on a park map, rather than something that would be used to generate development funds or design features), the one thing I notice is the roomier front cone, which is cool. It seems like a few more folks will be able to sit up there with a driver (although you cant see him, I doubt Disneyland will become automated), which is a unique Disneyland experience. Overall I am not too impressed with the design, though I am interested in being able to maybe stand in the vehicles, that would shorten the waits (the cabins could be modified in house by Disney pretty easily).
Originally Posted By BrigmanMT 2 Oh, and I think the exterior of the TDL monorails look cluncky and utalitarian. The Mickey ears feel very forced, just like they do on the Hong Kong Hotel. Yet, I think they come off much nicer on the HKDL trains.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Got the same discussion going on at Micechat: Here's a better link where the pic is much larger: <a href="http://www.burkecompositeengineering.com/images/monorail.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.burkecompositeengin eering.com/images/monorail.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By oc_dean Very similar to the Mark I-III series .. yet ..with a "new" twist that in many ways differentiates them from the "I-III". I do wish they could have incorporated a pilot's "bubble" top. That is a very distinctive feature for DL. One that should be reinvented with a new flaire .. so that it doesn't come off so "retro".
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 For some reason, the nose cone reminds me of Shamu the Killer Whale, LOL!
Originally Posted By FormerDiz I kind of like the new look. I wonder what colors they'll use this time around. The original Mark III's were Red/Blue/Green/Gold. Mark V's were Red/Blue/Purple/Orange. Wonder what they Mark VII's will be. I'm sure Red and Blue are a given. I think having a black one would look cool with the stainless sides.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Hey 'FormerDiz' .... I love your avator pic at Micechat - So frikin funny. Back on topic....
Originally Posted By tuknshak A quick question. When are these trains suppose to become a reality? Is it any time soon or is this change something a few years off?
Originally Posted By TP2000 Anyone think that this picture, wonderfully linked in post #34 by oc_dean, may be of the back of the train? There is no driver in the cab, and the riders could very well be looking "backward" as the train zips away from the viewer in the picture. The front of the train in the pictures background looks identical, but this picture could very easily be of the trains rear end. Just a thought.
