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Monorails looking aged.
- Thread starter goodanu
- Start date
Tip Top Club
Well-Known Member
The unfortunate reality is that that is untrue. They have "Refurbed" Several of the trains over the last few years (There is pretty much always one out of service) But their idea of needed maintenance does not seem to be nearly as extensive as ours...
George Lucas on a Bench
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't want to see that at WDW.
There's no reason to dramatically alter the appearance of the WDW trains. I mean, from the outside the Mark VI train is kinda rounder and I guess larger than the Mark IV. To my eyes, though, it doesn't look very different from the original trains they had. They just need a refit.
However, I wouldn't put it past current management to replace them with something ugly like the vehicles posted throughout this thread.
There's no reason to dramatically alter the appearance of the WDW trains. I mean, from the outside the Mark VI train is kinda rounder and I guess larger than the Mark IV. To my eyes, though, it doesn't look very different from the original trains they had. They just need a refit.
However, I wouldn't put it past current management to replace them with something ugly like the vehicles posted throughout this thread.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I guess you folks must ride different monorails then I do. I haven't noticed any damage or disrepair on any of them. The AC has always worked and have never been on one that broke down. They still operate smoothly and dependably. I think it is a tribute to maintenance that they have been taken care of as well as they have. Can you imagine how many miles those things have on them? I know it seems like they run short distances, and that's true, but they run continually all day long, around and around and around...well you get the idea. They don't keep running without a lot of TLC. The smell is the cleaning solution used complete with disinfectant.
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
They don't run all day, and that is not even for break downs. Operating hours of the Walt Disney World Monorail System were cut down recently.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
True they don't run 24 hours a day...but they do run from an hour before regular park opening to and hour plus after regular park closing (or close to it). An average, I would think would be around 14 hours per day. If they didn't when would they get any maintenance at all?
I have to respectfully disagree here. Just because they run all day long and look okay does not mean they don't need an upgrade. Almost every train we rode when we sat near an A/C unit there was a puddle of water on the seat underneath. Yes, some of this was condensation, but some looked to be dripping a bit more than what condensation would provide. We also noticed some cars not to be so cold temp wise. So I'm not sure when you rode last. Just because they look OK because they travel so many miles, they still seem aged and tired. Lastly, cleaning solution??? Are you kidding me. Smelt musty and stale to me. I've never heard of any cleaning solution that smelt like that.Open your eyes and take a deep breath, you are in the minority here.
rct247
Well-Known Member
The trains themselves have held up pretty good, although they still always seem to smell like diapers. They will run them until they die though.
The monorail system could still use an upgrade. I don't find it near as reliable as they were back in the late 90s. I hate holding for "further traffic clearance". I know the reasoning and why it came about, but how about upgrading the computer system to accommodate it better with more trains or something. I also think that while the trains themselves have held up well, they still need to be replaced.
I think we will see the system fall apart before we see it get better.
The monorail system could still use an upgrade. I don't find it near as reliable as they were back in the late 90s. I hate holding for "further traffic clearance". I know the reasoning and why it came about, but how about upgrading the computer system to accommodate it better with more trains or something. I also think that while the trains themselves have held up well, they still need to be replaced.
I think we will see the system fall apart before we see it get better.
Goofnut1980
Well-Known Member
I think it smells like a horse stable
FettFan
Well-Known Member
Exactly....the WDW Monorails are every bit as symbolic of the parks as Cinderella Castle and the Contemporary Resort. If they do bring in new trains, they need to keep the same design elements as the old ones.
Rasvar
Well-Known Member
I will add that one big problem are those windows at the front and back of the cars that can be opened. Kids always open them (some adults too). I shut those things every chance I get in the summer because all they do is let in the hot muggy air right under the air intakes. This helps make the condensation problem worse.
Clamman73
Well-Known Member
The one thing I used to like to do was open the window on the Mark IV monorail. It was right there at the door.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Yes, all of this, exactly my thoughts!
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Like I said, I guess I'm going to have to believe that I live in a parallel universe cause I have never seen or experienced any of that stuff. That last time I rode a monorail was this past April so it was not that long ago. The smell in them has been the "monorail smell" since the first time I ever got on one back in 1983. It is noticeable but I have never found it overwhelming or repulsive, just there. It's one of those smells that just reminds you of being there, at least for me. Kinda like popcorn on Main Street, just not edible.
Even if I live in my own little world of sweetness and light, I opt to stay that way and understand that no company is going to spend millions and millions of dollars to replace equipment that still functions and is still magical, in it's own way, just because some folks are critical of it. It still appears futuristic and is as iconic as anything else at WDW.
Even if I live in my own little world of sweetness and light, I opt to stay that way and understand that no company is going to spend millions and millions of dollars to replace equipment that still functions and is still magical, in it's own way, just because some folks are critical of it. It still appears futuristic and is as iconic as anything else at WDW.
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
I am not talking about a literal, "They don't run 24 hours a day." I mean, that the current operating hours are less than they were until very recently, when they ran until after Extra Magic Hours had ended.
I love the monorail. I do agree a little update would be nice, but the nostalga of it is something I love about them too.
mickey2008.1
Well-Known Member
The design is perfect for WDW. The insides just need a good cleaning and updating. have never been on one that broke down, or been in line for one that broke down and had to use other transportation. We go once or twice a year.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
I really wasn't taking you literally, just underlying a point. The point was even at diminish hours, which didn't happen until recently, they have racked up a huge pile of miles over the last 20 years. The statement made by many is that they don't get any maintenance, and I just feel, based on my knowledge of mechanical vehicles, is that if they didn't have stellar maintenance they would not be working at all anymore. So, they probably are aging and it would be nice if there were new ones there but, I'm sure they feel that they have many years of good service left and it wouldn't be fiscally wise to spend more money for new equipment when the old fleet is still working quite well. The change took place in the 90's mostly because the old ones didn't have sufficient power to add an addition car to the train to bring it up to the efficiency needed.
EpcoTim
Well-Known Member
I can't believe someone thinks that awful smell is disinfectant. You may not have a lot of respect for Disney management, but I'm guessing they're smart enough not to buy something labeled "Barnyard Fresh--Now with 50% more Donkey".
I'm not quite sure how they got to smell that bad, but I'm guessing the BO and all the people who just change their babies right on the train and toss the diaper on the floor have a pretty big part in it. I can also imagine that the mold inside those AC units is something that would amaze even the most seasoned of scientists.
I'm not quite sure how they got to smell that bad, but I'm guessing the BO and all the people who just change their babies right on the train and toss the diaper on the floor have a pretty big part in it. I can also imagine that the mold inside those AC units is something that would amaze even the most seasoned of scientists.