Monorail Rules

[cei]

So, my current bad habit is the old monorail sets. I own the lovely Airport Shuttle and the Futuron monorail, along with a still MISB track expansion pack, and a load acquired from Bricklink (switches, curves, lots of straights).

However, I really want to create my own train on top of the chassis from the Futuron monorail, but am at a bit of a loss as to the actual 'rules' of the monorail system. I thought that only four-wide was possible, but this Cuusoo project seems to prove otherwise, with a six wide, yet I can't actually make out the details of how they have dealt with the issue on the baseplates to successfully transit points/stations/stop points.

Secondly, is there a standard method of adding extra carriages? The monorail's unique ability to transit over slopes means there needs to be movement in the Z-axis, so which parts allow this?

So, essentially, what do I need to know about custom monorail trains?

[UrbanErwin]

six wide monorails work perfectly fine. Height is more of a problem if you let the tracks pass each other. Extra carriages, I don't know. I'm curious too.

[cei]

If you build six wide, what considerations need to be made in regards to stations? Lego's design feature little guides sticking up to the side to bring the train in to precise alignment with the platform that presumably only works with four wides? What about the control track sections, which work by hitting a switch on the side of the train?

[UrbanErwin]

I've build my monorail on top of the base so having some overhang so it doesn't collide with control stuff

Give me 10 minutes and I have a picture

Here you go:

I hope this clarifies stuff a bit

Edited April 13, 2013 by UrbanErwin

[cei]

Yeah, that makes sense, but when I see thing like this: I wonder if it's possible to extend all the way down. I did note that the motor is left as-is at base level.

[UrbanErwin]

after having a closer look, those control things are as high as the clearance of the monorail base is.

[splatman]

This and this (or their variants) may work for attaching multiple cars/carriages.

As far as width goes, you can basically build as wide as you wish. Just make sure the corners of the carriages don't limit articulation when going around curves.

Air draft, like UrbanErwin said, must be limited, because overhead track clearance is 10 bricks, the height of the stanchions. Otherwise air draft is almost a non-issue.

[Electricsteam]

There is a good veriant of the normal monorails using old 12v rails that allow for 4-8 wide you could try...

[cei]

This and this (or their variants) may work for attaching multiple cars/carriages.

As far as width goes, you can basically build as wide as you wish. Just make sure the corners of the carriages don't limit articulation when going around curves.

Air draft, like UrbanErwin said, must be limited, because overhead track clearance is 10 bricks, the height of the stanchions. Otherwise air draft is almost a non-issue.

Perfect, I suspected those were the linkage pieces, and thankfully my childhood 80s/90s collection contains a lot of those as it used to be the standard for vehicles back in the day.

Still not quite understanding how building wide allows the control mechanisms to work, but I'll give it a bash :)

[paul_delahaye]

I still kick myself for not picking up that Monorail Track expansion pack I saw in an old toy shop in South Wales when on holiday years ago!

[Monorailrulez]

Ofcourse a 6-wide monorail works. I can remember someone from the forum has combined the monorail and the tram. Monorail rules ofcourse !

Edited April 14, 2013 by Monorailrulez

[cei]

I still kick myself for not picking up that Monorail Track expansion pack I saw in an old toy shop in South Wales when on holiday years ago!

I got mine for £40 off eBay (6921). I think people simply hadn't noticed it, and I got it on a Buy It Now, whereas the Bricklink price is £60 for a used set, let alone MISB. Funny thing is, the price tag says £3.99! (down from £13.95 behind that sticker).

EDIT: Anybody know the best way to get the switches moving smoothly again? My four are all sticking, so when the train hits the little nubbin to shift the rail back in to place the train just stops. That said, they do move freely if I push the rails by hand.

Edited April 14, 2013 by cei

[1974]

Monorail surely does rule, but I'd like to keep mine 4 wide as I only do 6 wide trains and I want my monorail trains to look small

Here's a good blog about multiple monorail trains connected (and yes, he uses the pieces linked) :

http://www.carolinatrainbuilders.com/2008/09/6-car-airport-shuttle/

Regarding fixing switches, google "anatomy of monorail switch" and you'll find a nice document