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This monorail
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/mbellis/Technic/Power-Functions/Roller-Coaster/pf_roller_coaster_2.jpg
is built with tracks from Snowmobile 8272 and the forthcoming Bullozer 8275.
The Power Functions system
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=226241 allows IR remote control
of the train.
I found it runs smoother with these yellow wheels than with the smaller black
ones from the Snowmobile, but smaller size might be an advantage for town and
space enthusiasts. Variation of vehicles is possible and designs can depend on
the application. I'll try using a PP3 battery box to reduce weight, though this
will require some work on the electrical interface unless I wait for the
official parts that will make the Power Functions system compatible with the 9V
system.
The curves I've built
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/mbellis/Technic/Power-Functions/Roller-Coaster/pf_roller_coaster_3.jpg
are as sharp as those of the old monorail, but they can be widened if space
permits. To widen them I suggest adding multiples of 6L to each beam in the
corners, since the tracks have a pitch between centres of 1.5L. The support
centres for raised track on a baseplate will then widen by 12L in each
orthogonal direction.
Points are possible with this system, using sliding track sections. The train
is OK with a track link missing, to permit the sections to slide, as long as a
bar or equivalent piece is used on the end of the last track, so that the wheels
have something to grip. I'll add pictures of this once it's running.
I've tested a hill as a concept, but this is waiting for a proper build. Again,
pictures to follow. The vehicle is easily capable of climbing vertically, so I
intend to extend the hill concept to work for a full loop for roller-coaster
applications - pushing the limits a bit beyond the old monorail!
I shall add pictures of a 360 degree barrel-rolling track soon. This concept
works but needs to improve on reliability of the gravity-defying part of the
roll. The IR system is particularly useful for this function as it removes the
need for wires that would wrap around the track!
The best thing about this monorail concept is that its availability is up and
coming, not in the obsolescence market! A snowmobile has 28 track links and a
bulldozer will have 84, so better save up for those bulldozers!
Gallery when moderated: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=237939
PLMKWYT
Mark
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Message has 3 Replies:
 | | Re: New Monorail System (MOC)
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| (...) it's a cool concept but not very cost effective. i imagine those tank treads are going to go for .20 cents or more on bricklink. i could see this being feasable for something large and possibly space, but i'd concider trying something cheaper. (...) (18 years ago, 12-Mar-07, to lugnet.technic)
| | | Re: New Monorail System (MOC)
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| That's ingenious! I'm glad there are smart people like you out there that figure this sort of innovation out! The possibilities for this are endless, you've certainly discovered a cool monorail system, but think of the roller coasters you could (...) (18 years ago, 12-Mar-07, to lugnet.technic)
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