Monorails are rubbish. With one exception, the rails are always mahoosive beams that cost vastly more than a traditional track bed. Pointwork requires enormous constructions.
Basically, the whole lot offers very few benefits over a normal railway, while the downsides are terrific.
This doesn't make them any less fascinating of course. Which is why I share with you this film by the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership covering the TSR2 of the rails - the Hovertrain.
Phil, I can think of more than one exception, including the steam monoloco, but for the absolute other end of the spectrum you can't beat Chris Shilling's approach. And yes I am tempted as an adjunct to the ELR. http://www.garden-monorail.simplesite.com/
ReplyDeleteAnyone spot the Ruston 48DS?
ReplyDeleteUnlike the hovertrain, it is still in working condition, converted to metre gauge and residing at Irchester Narrow Gauge Museum in Northamptonshire.