[ale] OT: Maglev funding?

[Robert Reese~]

> Robert Reese~ wrote:
>>>> One advantage of a monorail is the ability to canter the
>>>> track to allow high-speed navigation and cornering.
>>>>
>>> With respect to what other rails?  Heavy rails are adjusted for
>>> corners as well.
>>>
>>
>> Not nearly to the extent of monorails and require a much larger
>> turning radius at a much lower speed.
>>
>
> I would suspect that would have more to do with the amount of
> weight the heavy rails are carrying verses monorails.

The standard gauge tracks can handle a tremendously heavy burden.  However, they 
are not designed for the lateral pressure that they would be subjected to at the 
same speeds that monorails could negotiate those curves.  Also a factor is the 
length of the train's cars.  So when a train needs to turn, it needs to do so in 
a radius that will accommodate this.

So yes, it is the weight that is the issue when the force is directed laterally 
and it is the design of the freight cars that prohibit shorter, tighter curves.  
Remember, too, that derailment is a very large and very real possibility with 
standard gauge track at high speeds even when on relatively straight-aways.  

Derailments on monorails would be catastrophic, but extremely rare.  Far more 
likely would be impact with foreign objects on the tracks, like a wayward 
homeless person looking to make the news in a dramatic, unusual fashion.  By 
far, though, the largest injury type is foot/ankle injuries suffered by/caused 
by visitors while entering and exiting various ride vehicles as well as the 
monorail. (I worked in the Safety Department at Disneyland for a brief period)

R~