Monorail Teal Automation Update, Lime Update, Gray Update and Black Update

nace888

Well-Known Member
The most radical differences that exist amongst monorails that would be a true benefit of new trains (walk through trains) would require far more than just new trains. The existing trains can get new wiring, new motors, new bodies, just like has been done twice at Disneyland. It doesn't matter if they're not specifically INNOVIA 200 trains, they'll still be incredibly similar in design. The big changes between the Mark IVs and the Mark VIs were standing room and powered doors. New trains were needed due to the new larger size.
These trains can't get much larger without LOTS AND LOTS of new work in platforms, height ranges, and clearance in general...
 

lazyboy97o

Well-Known Member
These trains can't get much larger without LOTS AND LOTS of new work in platforms, height ranges, and clearance in general...
Exactly. Being larger is something that cannot be added. Automation, level entry, new interiors or exteriors, new controls, etc. can all be added to the existing trains.
 

nace888

Well-Known Member
Exactly. Being larger is something that cannot be added. Automation, level entry, new interiors or exteriors, new controls, etc. can all be added to the existing trains.
However just to extend platforms by 40ft would be practical, but costly at the same time. It's all about how they wanna do it though.
 

Timon

Well-Known Member
Trains are already at max length.
The stations are designed for six cars max - the limiting factor. To run 7 car trains each station would have to be lengthened for a seven car trains, very expensive. Although if the focus was on the Express Loop, only TTC and MK Stations would have to be lengthen for 7 car Express Loop trains. At one time 5 Mark IV trains had a 6th car added for Express Loop service. Lucky for them the stations were designed for 6 cars, later the rest of the Mark IV's get extra cars and two additional trains for the Epcot line.

Money would be better spent on two additional Ferry Boats since they now have 4 docks. With a total of 5 Ferry boats one could be in dry dock for overhaul while the "fleet" would still be at max capacity.
 

Timon

Well-Known Member
Looking at this though, has me worried that Automation will cause a train to take longer to enter the station. It takes forever for that one to pull in...
If you've rode the Las Vegas Monorail open since 2003, also by Bombardier, they are not slow. This INNOVIA 300 is in test and adjust and is only open to the public on weekends between two stations. When finished there will be 18 stations, 24 km+ of track and 54 7 car trains.
 

MaryJaneP

Well-Known Member
We know what new trains would probably be like because the trains are still sold by Bombardier as the INNOVIA 200 series. Are you unaware of the fatal accident that really created the impetus to move towards automation?

Not unaware, just less certain that automation will "guarantee" lack of accidents and fatalities. Fundamental question of advisability of retrofitting current fleet for automation, which may take years, is proper given the loss of the sunk cost when(if) new fleet with automation built in is put into service.
 

lazyboy97o

Well-Known Member
BRAND NEW TECH in late 80s monorails...
Not unaware, just less certain that automation will "guarantee" lack of accidents and fatalities. Fundamental question of advisability of retrofitting current fleet for automation, which may take years, is proper given the loss of the sunk cost when(if) new fleet with automation built in is put into service.
The technology in the train themselves can and have been upgraded to contemporary systems. Frames and bodies aren't something that get dated as easily. The Mark VIIs are not wholly new trains, reusing the Mark III chassis and the Mark V bodies.
 

MaryJaneP

Well-Known Member
The technology in the train themselves can and have been upgraded to contemporary systems. Frames and bodies aren't something that get dated as easily. The Mark VIIs are not wholly new trains, reusing the Mark III chassis and the Mark V bodies.

We appreciate the progression you detail from Mark III to Mark VII. However, the upgradability of the bodies while the chassis remain the same, for the addition of automation, which has reportedly been problematic, which may take many years to implement, and which may cost significant amounts of money, for what may be a hybridized system, all of which may be jettisoned when(if) a new fleet is put into service, is curious to say the least. Is it reasonable to expect a new monorail to be backwardly compatible with an older automation system?
 

lazyboy97o

Well-Known Member
We appreciate the progression you detail from Mark III to Mark VII. However, the upgradability of the bodies while the chassis remain the same, for the addition of automation, which has reportedly been problematic, which may take many years to implement, and which may cost significant amounts of money, for what may be a hybridized system, all of which may be jettisoned when(if) a new fleet is put into service, is curious to say the least. Is it reasonable to expect a new monorail to be backwardly compatible with an older automation system?
You keep using the term "hybridized system" and I do not know what you mean. Is that in reference to automation being pilot initiated? I do not recall seeing anything about the troubles with automation having to do with the design of the chassis or bodies.

Even new, from the ground up automated transit systems often have a significant amount of test and adjust time because they are not a matter of pug and play. Brand new trains is sending a lot of extra money for new parts that are unrelated to automation. The Mark VIII, whenever that happens, will probably be rebuilds like the Mark V and Mark VII and not complete replacements like the Mark II, Mark III and Mark VI.
 

PeterAlt

Well-Known Member
A whole lot of updates from a Cast Member on Monorail red tonight. Here is an update on the colors that are in the title.

Teal
Rejected the new system so they are ripping out the system and putting it back on the track. Expected to be back in October or November.

Gray
Will be the next monorail to try the new system. So it is going off the track and will not be seen for quite a while.

Black
Black is curently in the shop getting a new fire supression system :(

Lime
Still in the shop won't be seen till well into 2015
This should be in news...
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom