The Peoplemover Thread!!!(Merged Threads)

[Timekeeper]

Looks like this is becoming a fun(but merged) Thread!

Timekeeper.

[Bruce Bergman]

Originally Posted by Twist1234

I know this sounds stupid but about using lims or whatever there using at Disney they said i could go up to 40 mph and it would be controlled from the tracks(And a small on board computer) and since it would magnets i would have zero contact with the track thus no replacing tires.i dont no i guess it's the cheapest way i really dont know.Still i guess it would cost less than rebuilding the whole thing.

EDIT:
Oh and also the fast slow and medium great idea i tough of something similar but then i tough the cars would collide one into the other so maybe rethink i dunno do u have a plan

Linear Induction Motors are great for propulsion, they are used at Tommorowland Transit Authority (updated Peoplemover) at WDW, and for the launch and lift hills at DCA's California Screamin'. They could be implemented right now, as the original track had the tire drive motors spread out along the entire length.

(Oh, and there are a lot of LIM's hidden away in unlikely places like on DL's Big Thunder Mtn. coaster, to speed-boost cars that were stopped at a brake zone or in the station, and to shuffle them back and forth to the Barn.)

But Magnetic Levitation as a substitute for tires on a guideway is Not Ready For Prime Time - it's still way too expensive (requires an active track and active electronics the whole distance), way too finicky of an arrow-straight and surface-plate flat track, and an energy hog. And you still need to provide wheels and a guideway track as a backup, for when the system fails in operation. A lovely idea, but the R&D folks have been saying that practical long-distance applications are "10 years away" for about 20 years now.

Steel wheels on steel rails and concrete ties is simple to install and maintain, very long lasting, proven very safe, ready to use *right now* and dirt cheap. You could use solid Polyurethane tire Steel wheels (roller coaster style) for a bit more money and get a lot better ride quality, at the cost of a bit of service life.

Adding in a third rail or a catenary wire system for train power doesn't cost that much more, the difficulty is building high voltage power lines along the entire track to power the trains. The track is still 'dumb', just had to place poles and string a power wire.

--<< Bruce >>--