Although it would seem that way at first thought, the fact is that they take less. It's called tracking. Imagine the trams, if it helps, they contain basically a number of trailers, yet due to the configuration of the train, it tracks almost completely in the line of the lead vehicle. I don't know if studies have been done, but I'd bet that there isn't a huge difference between where the first tire tracks and the very last on does. It has to do more with the wheel base of each vehicle, not the overall length of the train/bus.
Believe me, after years of driving 40 foot municipal buses, there isn't a curb in the city that hasn't been violated by the tires on the bus. Besides the idea that they hold more passengers, the big sell for them has been the increased maneuverability in tight spaces. They do need more space to completely straighten out and sit squarely next to the curbs at bus stops. Backing up? Well, that's quite another story.
Although it would seem that way at first thought, the fact is that they take less. It's called tracking. Imagine the trams, if it helps, they contain basically a number of trailers, yet due to the configuration of the train, it tracks almost completely in the line of the lead vehicle. I don't know if studies have been done, but I'd bet that there isn't a huge difference between where the first tire tracks and the very last on does. It has to do more with the wheel base of each vehicle, not the overall length of the train/bus.
Believe me, after years of driving 40 foot municipal buses, there isn't a curb in the city that hasn't been violated by the tires on the bus. Besides the idea that they hold more passengers, the big sell for them has been the increased maneuverability in tight spaces. They do need more space to completely straighten out and sit squarely next to the curbs at bus stops. Backing up? Well, that's quite another story.
And we are talking about how much room is needed for a 40 foot straight bodied Bus as opposed to an articulated bus. Having driven both, I can assure you that it takes less space for the articulated bus. I don't pretend to know the geometry involved, just the reality. Having the rear wheels turn in the direction of the turn would indeed make it even shorter and more in line with the front wheels. Even a car will have a difference in tracking between the front and rear wheels and that difference will vary with the wheel base of the car. That is the same theory used in this process. Lesser distance between front and rear wheels means less variance while cornering. Two 25 foot sections will need less space to turn then one 40 ft section even though overall it is 10 feet longer. The rear sections is following based on the location of the rear wheels of the front section instead of the front wheels of the front section.
Exactly ...they can turn on a dime (almost). They are truly articulated and it seems they could borrow from this technology.I've always been impressed with the maneuverability of these puppies -
I've always been impressed with the maneuverability of these puppies -
The major difference is that you're talking about a 40' straight bus versus a bendy bus with two 30' sections (numbers made up). The bendy buses are shorter overall than two normal buses stuck together. I drive a 30' straight truck; I think of it as the back wheels being a pivot point. The concept is the same for a bendy bus or a tractor-trailer-- wherever your back wheels are when you start turning, that's pretty much where they're going to stay. Yes, you still have some forward velocity, but you're not taking turns at a great speed in these kinds of vehicles. If your back wheels haven't cleared the corner by the time you make your turn, you're going over the curb.
I've heard that even out West in the US, they allow triple tractor-trailers.Actually we sort of do. In Australia, semi trains are quite common. The problem is they do not turn well. You need a long straight run and they require a rather large turning radius. The bendy busses are already pushing the limits of what will work at WDW. Any longer and you are looking as some major infrastructure work.
Now that's informative!
86 tires on that rig. Hope no one throws some nails on the road. That would be a lengthy road call.
The major difference is that you're talking about a 40' straight bus versus a bendy bus with two 30' sections (numbers made up). The bendy buses are shorter overall than two normal buses stuck together. I drive a 30' straight truck; I think of it as the back wheels being a pivot point. The concept is the same for a bendy bus or a tractor-trailer-- wherever your back wheels are when you start turning, that's pretty much where they're going to stay. Yes, you still have some forward velocity, but you're not taking turns at a great speed in these kinds of vehicles. If your back wheels haven't cleared the corner by the time you make your turn, you're going over the curb.
I've heard that even out West in the US, they allow triple tractor-trailers.
Actually we sort of do. In Australia, semi trains are quite common. The problem is they do not turn well. You need a long straight run and they require a rather large turning radius. The bendy busses are already pushing the limits of what will work at WDW. Any longer and you are looking as some major infrastructure work.
Maybe. It all depends on the specific measurements of the two buses that you're comparing. Each individual section of a bendy bus is shorter than a normal bus, but the whole is longer overall... turning radius could go either way.
It would seem that way, but the opposite is true. It is less likely to run over anything then a straight body would. Again, it's a matter of tracking. Hard to explain in words, but easy to see when actually observing it. I'm not saying that one can make it without using a wide turn, but, no more then a straight body requires. The just of it is that they are perfectly capable of going anyplace a regular bus will go so that is not a problem. Pulling up next to a curb is where more space is required. In line pull in instead of a cornering problem.
One reason for the new loop is to accommodate the new articulated buses.
Also the new articulated buses will be built with the flux capacitor upgrade kit to allow the buses to work well into the future.
