Coming to a DCA near you... The Big Red Car!

[techskip]

I would hope that at some point pictures like these would grace TR's from inside the park, but until then I thought I would share these... taken at San Pedro Memorial Weekend.

Now the reason I posted this here was to demonstrate several things. San Pedro requested exact replicas of the 500 series. These cars, while small by trolley standards, are HUGE. The station platforms are about 5ft up... So scale at DCA would likely be a problem. The 500's also do not hold a lot of people, so again, scale is an issue. However that said, there is an INCREDIBLE amount of detail in these trolleys, from woodwork to period machinery. The reason the seats have a handle on the side is that they are reversible. Not to plug... but I would gladly consider a Micechat meet to ride these trolleys, except aside from the ride there is not a whole lot to do in San Pedro!

If done properly, the DCA trolley will be enjoyed by kids, and the kid in all of us. My little ones LOVED this ride, and I teared up thinking of the stories my Grandpa used to tell me about his rides when he was their age!

[PEZZ Lightyear]

I love it!

Let's roll!

[The Dark Lady]

Wooowww, that Red Car really is beautiful on the inside, isn't it?

[Uncle Bob]

I drive by these everyday! This reminded me, I had been wondering if the DCA ones will have platform loading like the San Pedro ones. I would assume that it would make wheelchair loading easier, but that also will mean a lift or a big ramp which there isn't probably room for. I hope WDI took all this into account as I think that front plaza is going to be tight on space to begin with.

[techskip]

Here are some machinery shots.




I apologize for the glare, that time of the day and no matter what I did I was greeted by the sun. I attempted to get a shot of them switching the poles (lowering one and raising the other to reverse trolley direction at the end of the line) but that was completely washed by the sun... oh well. As I said great care was taken to present the authentic trolley. The only additions (not visable) are those required under Federal Safety Standards (because the line also runs actual freight nearby as explained by a conductor).

This particular system is a single line with turn outs at the stations. While it works well with 2 cars, it would be a nightmare to implement at DCA. Even if they do a loop, it will likely be a choreographed nightmare... so best of luck to WDI on this one.

[techskip]

Originally Posted by The Dark Lady

Wooowww, that Red Car really is beautiful on the inside, isn't it?

The craftsmanship on the wood inlays alone is AMAZING... everything is period piece from the windows to the rope. In fact when I looked up the manufacturer they actually use original blueprints to ensure an accurate replica!

[MagicWDI]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

I drive by these everyday! This reminded me, I had been wondering if the DCA ones will have platform loading like the San Pedro ones. I would assume that it would make wheelchair loading easier, but that also will mean a lift or a big ramp which there isn't probably room for. I hope WDI took all this into account as I think that front plaza is going to be tight on space to begin with.

The Entry Plaza will be large enough to comfortably accommodate this attraction's footprint as well as walkway space. There is plenty of room for each platform; one at the Entry Plaza, two on either side of the street adjacent Playhouse Disney Live, and the last near the Tower of Terror attraction. The cars will use a shuttle technique being able to travel in either direction along the rails, so there is no need to loop a complete circuit. This only allows two cars to be traveling along the rails at once.

[WOKcreative]

Very nice. I didn't know they had them running down there. I've got to get over there with the kids, soon. Thanks for posting. They look great.

[RocketRodRider88]

Now that belongs in a Disney Park. Good thing it is coming to DCA.

[Steve DeGaetano]

I amazed at how the overhead clutters up the view! This would be much better if it was battery powered, or better yet, running on rubber tires.

[k_peek_2000]

Originally Posted by RocketRodRider88

Now that belongs in a Disney Park. Good thing it is coming to DCA.

It'll probably be cloned at WDW.

[techskip]

Originally Posted by MagicWDI

The Entry Plaza will be large enough to comfortably accommodate this attraction's footprint as well as walkway space. There is plenty of room for each platform; one at the Entry Plaza, two on either side of the street adjacent Playhouse Disney Live, and the last near the Tower of Terror attraction. The cars will use a shuttle technique being able to travel in either direction along the rails, so there is no need to loop a complete circuit. This only allows two cars to be traveling along the rails at once.

The Shuttle technique would limit the trolley to two cars, if they prove popular then the wait will be rather painful... which is why I had suggested a loop making it easier to add/subtract cars as needed.

So where are they putting the roundhouse?
Currently the San Pedro ones are stored in a large tent, but they hope to eventually build a proper warehouse area for them. They have 2 500's and a 1000 which is an original.

[BFJen]

What great pictures! But, was I the only one that was thinking of the Wiggles Big Red Car?

[fo'c's'le swab]

Originally Posted by techskip

My little ones LOVED this ride, and I teared up thinking of the stories my Grandpa used to tell me about his rides when he was their age!

Great pics, and TR!! There will be no crying, however; I will not have it. None.

Hopefully your offering will silence the criticism regarding the 'obstructive' overhead cable network--it's beautiful! Good job, Skip.

[mousechild]

Is this really going to physically fit in DCA? From the pictures the cars seem pretty large. For all the cr*p we throw around about DCA the intended route is pretty full during the busy times. (once or twice a year )