Monorail Update January 2015

[ewensell3]

The only way to get rid of that smell is replacing the carpets in the cabins.

Or install some automatic air fresheners loaded with the old Horizons orange grove scent.

Edit - I was going to suggest 'regulars' take some Febreeze and give each cab a couple sprays every so often, but that would probably cause more harm.

 

[Progress.City]

Can someone tell me at this point of spending if it would be cheaper to just buy new a new fleet of monorails? At least in the long run.

I know, really?!??!

 

[Progress.City]

They're still sticking with Thales. Ouch.

What would Bombardier have charged for a new next-generation automated fleet versus what Disney is currently stuck paying Thales (plus all the internal upgrade and rehab work)?

 

[marni1971]

What would Bombardier have charged for a new next-generation automated fleet versus what Disney is currently stuck paying Thales (plus all the internal upgrade and rehab work)?

Who knows?

 

[James122]

The stinky monorails must be a relatively recent phenomenon, as I didn't notice any particularly bad smell that last time I was there in 2012.

 

[Texas84]

The Downtown Disney Station is the Disneyland Hotel station from years gone by and is most convenient for hotel guests entering the park.

Isn't it a new station built in the same location?

 

[lazyboy97o]

What would Bombardier have charged for a new next-generation automated fleet versus what Disney is currently stuck paying Thales (plus all the internal upgrade and rehab work)?

New trains with automation would not be cheaper. In any scenario new trains means paying for brand new parts that are only really different in being new. It's like replacing your car with the same year but the upgraded model with the better stereo. Even systems built new with automation are full of headaches.

Isn't it a new station built in the same location?

Same station, just redecorated.

 

[ford91exploder]

The only way to get rid of that smell is replacing the carpets in the cabins.

Yes that would be a good start, Replace it with some good non-skid decking and the monorails would both smell cleaner and be easier and CHEAPER to clean, Imagine that a win-win situation where both the Guest and Disney win.

 

[ford91exploder]

I didn't notice it this weekend, so hey.

I did notice on Lime that I felt like I was going to die several times. We brake checked so hard.

But then again, I rode a ferrarri bus to AK and also considered my fate.

Probably not brake checking but drive motors failing.

 

[ford91exploder]

I'll go with it. My head went with it, almost into a pole.

Yikes, That's not good - the only times I've ever had a stop like that is when the beam lost power.

 

[ford91exploder]

The stinky monorails must be a relatively recent phenomenon, as I didn't notice any particularly bad smell that last time I was there in 2012.

It is fairly recent - only the last couple of years has it been like that along with the outside of the monorails having dirt and oil streaks on the side - the monorails just are not cleaned as completely as they had been in years past.

 

[dstrawn9889]

I was thinking new-ish driver. We were going to Epcot from TTC - isn't there a track switch over there? Regardless, we were going to be passing another monorail and he slammed to a stop pretty hard.

overran a blocklight most likely(engaging the emergency brakes), and the switch is on the far side of TTC in the direction you were going in

 

[Kman101]

For what it's worth, I haven't noticed the smell the last few times I've ridden. I had noticed it in the past.

And agreed on the braking. I definitely don't think the monorails sound very good and personally I expected it to just stop working each time I was on it.

 

[Figment2005]

I didn't notice it this weekend, so hey.

I did notice on Lime that I felt like I was going to die several times. We brake checked so hard.

But then again, I rode a ferrarri bus to AK and also considered my fate.

That would be 100% the driver.

 

[Figment2005]

Probably not brake checking but drive motors failing.

No drive motors are failing. It had new running gear installed during its last downtime, and it brakes like it should. I recommend holding onto the silver handrails, especially going down hills, because the driver must put it into braking.

 

[Figment2005]

overran a blocklight most likely(engaging the emergency brakes), and the switch is on the far side of TTC in the direction you were going in

Highly unlikely, with only 2 trains running, if you were leaving TTC, the other train would be leaving Epcot. Not a chance that the MAPO system would have engaged.

 

[montyz81]

Not sure if anyone has talked about this. Why can't TDO take the same approach as Disneyland. Just use the same frame and reskin and replace some of the guts. Cheaper option of building all new trains and it would be easier to retrofit full automation

 

[LAKid53]

The only way to get rid of that smell is replacing the carpets in the cabins.

What carpets? The floors aren't carpeted.

 

[ford91exploder]

No drive motors are failing. It had new running gear installed during its last downtime, and it brakes like it should. I recommend holding onto the silver handrails, especially going down hills, because the driver must put it into braking.

The only time(s) I've been tossed around on the WDW monorail is when the beam lost power, At least I assume the beam lost power because hard stop, ventilation shut down and emergency lights came on. I'm assuming the e-brake engages when beam power is lost to hold the train in position.

Just like a conventional train where the air brakes hold the brakes in a disengaged state so in the event of problems the train fails safe.

 

[dstrawn9889]

they didnt say only two on the beam, the capacity for that beam is 3-4 after all... and i have seen three on that beam, counting colors from the walkway b/t FW and WS