Tram Curiosity.....

[DManRightHere]

It is just that simple. Most of the best ideas are. Simply having the wheels mounted on what is in essence a bogie allows for a very tight turn radius.

I do not believe this is the same concept. I've found and posted the link before. Hang on...

 

[Monorail Mike]

The trams were ordered from United Tractor and were supposed to use compressed natural gas, but WED had to switch them to diesel. The originals were a disaster and would not handle any load so Bob Gurr redesigned those to work and WED modified them all. All the overheating, brake, electrical, and transmission problems were alleviated.

That's right! According to Bob's book, the best place to put the huge natural gas cylinders was between the wheels for traction and that's why the tractors have such big "shoulders". He stuck a big block Ford engine in it and used the front axle from a Chevy van. Later, when they were switched to diesel engines the bodies weren't re-styled so even the modern tractors at DLR "have no idea why they're so big and strange".

Regarding the trams themselves: Enjoy this entertaining YouTube video



Then check out this forum thread to see how to build you own!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-chit-chat/537959-offroad-wagon-tech.html (about halfway down the page)

 

[DManRightHere]

I can't find it...i could have sworn I found a diagram. It was basically a straight rod that connected say the front left tire to the rear right tire. Vice versa for the other tires (the 2 rods would make an x). Maybe I'm losing my mind.

I don't quite understand how those nursery carts track so well together without physical steering of the rear tires. Maybe something to do with the short wheelbase?

 

[Monorail Mike]

Like this, simple and magical!

 

[Master Yoda]

I do not believe this is the same concept. I've found and posted the link before. Hang on...

I knew it was not exactly correct but it was a close as I could find.

It is ironic that I can find multiple pictures of virtually everything Disney has ever done, but pictures of the trams steering linkage seem to be as elusive as bigfoot.

 

[Monorail Mike]

One more post...

This vintage image is found on the WDW web site
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa/services-amenities/

Other than the awesome retro-ness of the paint jobs, there are two things to notice: First the one of the left has a burnt out headlight, second the one on the right is missing a hubcap. Quality only started going downhill recently?

 

[DManRightHere]

I knew it was not exactly correct but it was a close as I could find.

It is ironic that I can find multiple pictures of virtually everything Disney has ever done, but pictures of the trams steering linkage seem to be as elusive as bigfoot.

Monorail mike posted a photo of what I am talking about. I would think there is a proper name for the mechanical linkage but I can't figure it out....I was googling and looking for photos with no luck too..

 

[Victor Kelly]

One more post...

This vintage image is found on the WDW web site
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa/services-amenities/

Other than the awesome retro-ness of the paint jobs, there are two things to notice: First the one of the left has a burnt out headlight, second the one on the right is missing a hubcap. Quality only started going downhill recently?

I remember those tacky colors with great fondness.

 

[Mad Stitch]

Good old 5A! That was my favorite tram to drive. All of the tractors had governors on them but for some reason that one seemed like it could haul a__ more than the others.

 

[Mad Stitch]

Since others were looking things up I felt obligated to see what I have. Nothing about the steering linkage, but here are some tram facts for you.

 

[nace888]

OMG DRIVERS ARE READING THIS!! XD What's it like to drive em?

 

[jreuben]

Do you think they would let me ride from the drop off point out to the cars and back? Would hate to have to get a cab to drive me a mile out to the parking lot. hahahaha

of course you can. load at ttc, ride, get off at parking lot, get on next one in parking lot and ride back to ttc and then back to mk.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

of course you can. load at ttc, ride, get off at parking lot, get on next one in parking lot and ride back to ttc and then back to mk.

During mid-day they often drop off and load on the same trips so you could ride round trip without anyone even knowing.

Not that I know that from experience…..

 

[JoeCamel]

That's right! According to Bob's book, the best place to put the huge natural gas cylinders was between the wheels for traction and that's why the tractors have such big "shoulders". He stuck a big block Ford engine in it and used the front axle from a Chevy van. Later, when they were switched to diesel engines the bodies weren't re-styled so even the modern tractors at DLR "have no idea why they're so big and strange".

Regarding the trams themselves: Enjoy this entertaining YouTube video



Then check out this forum thread to see how to build you own!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-chit-chat/537959-offroad-wagon-tech.html (about halfway down the page)

I always thought they started life as airport tugs and the back is wide to accommodate fat tires for traction

 

[graphite1326]

They're heavy, very powerful, and the tractors short wheel base (and good turning circle) allows nimble turning. Physics dictates that where the drive path is and the drive wheels go the trailing path and wheels will follow. Kind of reassuring when they do the U turn through the planters at the TTC!

You have never been behind a tractor with a double load of hay. Looks like a nascar driver trying to skuff and clean their tires during a yellow caution. I give them a lot of room.

 

[marni1971]

You have never been behind a tractor with a double load of hay. Looks like a nascar driver trying to skuff and clean their tires during a yellow caution. I give them a lot of room.

Even a decade on ??!!!

 

[graphite1326]

Even a decade on ??!!!

I have no words