These models are available at the resort
shops of WDW. With this inexpensive track, you can run your Monorail all over your backyard,
house, or wherever.
This project assumes you have a working knowledge of Model Railroading techniques. If you don't,
I suggest reading one of the many excellent books on the subject.
Difficulty:
Intermediate hobbiest
Parts
List
Do-It-Yourself screen-door/window rails
5/16 inch threaded steel rods
JBWELD metal glue
Hacksaw
Disney World Monorail Model
Caution: Always wear eye protection when using tools.
Building
Instructions
First plan your track layout
To plan your layout use the folowing guidelines: The minimum radius for turns is 2 Ft. The maximum grade is 1 inch per foot based on testing of the model.
To build the track, I use Do-It-Yourself screen-door/window rails, available at better hardware
stores. These have a rectangular cross-section a bit bigger than 5/16 of an inch wide, just wide
enough for the engine's driver wheels to grab securely. To be sure you've got the right size,
I recommend taking the engine with you and trying it out in the store. The rails come in white,
brown and black, but can be painted grey to resemble the concrete of the prototype track.
They are quite realistic looking once painted, and cheap at about $3.50 per 8 ft. section.
To form the rails, lay the rails on a firm table or work bench (unless you have proper metal
bending tools) convex side down. CAUTION this process WILL damage the TABLE!!
Press down on the rail at the edge of the bench while pulling it with your other hand, thus
sliding it under your first hand. While pulling, apply firm pressure to the rail in the desired
direction of bend. Note: If you apply to much pressure the rail will fold (crimp) and be useless, so
take your time and repeat the process over and over bending a little more each time, rather than
trying to bend it all at once.
For the supports, I use 5/16 inch threaded steel rods, available in various lengths up to
3 ft. Cut the rod with a hacksaw to the desired height of the track.
After forming the track, drill a 5/16 inch hole into the bottom of the track and twist the rod
into the hole. The other end can be shoved directly into the ground outdoors, or screwed into
wood blocks indoors. Use at least one support every 2 ft or so to avoid track sagging.
To connect the track sections, use square 5/16 inch steel rod. Cut the rod into 2 inch lengths,
and insert it half-way into the ends of the 2 sections of track being joined.
Once your sure EVERTHING fits, and is just the way you want it, coat the sides of the square rods
with a bit of JBWELD metal glue to hold them securely.
Next week I start a model of the Contemporary. Have fun!
People looking for more track for these great model monorails might try alumilite.com as they make silicone molds and even say they work in small lot quantities...haven't checked with him yet, but let's hope we can all get enough track to take monorail red out of the living room and across the street!
REPORTED: Jim Bailey 07 OCT 99
I was at WDW over the New Year and they are now selling straight pieces of monorail track. If I remember it was not cheap $10.00 for 6 pieces? But is an exact match and the cost should be OK unless you need a really long run. Most of the gift shops had the extra pieces near the display with the monorail models.
See our contacts page for telephone orders.
REPORTED: Lee Langston 13 JAN 00
This project assumes you have a working knowledge of Model Railroading techniques. If you don't,
I suggest reading one of the many excellent books on the subject.
Where to next?