[ale] OT: Maglev funding?

[Robert Reese~]

> Robert Reese~ wrote:
>
>> In fact, you inadvertently proved the superiority of the
>> monorail's switching system.  In that Google Map photo, take a
>> look directly under the monorail switches: GASP!  Those are
>> standard gauge track with switches.  Note the monorails switch
>> has five lines in the same space and span as the track below's
>> switches that contain just two junctions.
>>
> I hadn't noticed that, but there you go.  I also noticed that what
> they have there are very simple level-style turnouts that have a
> sharp deflection - I guess that a monorail train could negotiate
> that but only at low speeds, which would suffice for this
> particular application.

One advantage of a monorail is the ability to canter the track to allow 
high-speed navigation and cornering.

>
>> In other words, with one photo you have shown that monorail can
>> have 5 lines in the space of just three standard gauge lines.
>> AND the 5 lines are handled with just ONE switch.
>>
> I should point out that WDW monorail trains are much narrower than
> US standard gauge rail stock, which would account for some of the
> difference.  But your point still rings true:  the footprint of
> monorail is relatively compact compared to US standard gauge.
>
>> And FWIW, there's no need to turn a monorail around.  It is
>> bidirectional. ;c)
>>
> Yes, but to its credit, so can be heavy passenger rail like MARTA.

Right.  MARTA is considered a Light-Rail system.

R~