| Although many modern upgrades to present Steel Wheel
technology are catalogued, the proposed first generation of Sky Train is described as
follows: Our monorail runs on steel wheels, which carry heavier loading , larger vehicles and consume less than a quarter of the energy of motion consumed by vehicles on rubber tires. This without regenerative braking. The STC system exceeds other super elevated systems balancing speeds by 60%. i.e. On a 2 degree curve, on a mainline Railway, permitted speed is 60 mph; riders feeling a lateral force of .07 g. Compare this to Sky Train's speed on the same curve at 100 mph - without passengers feeling any unbalance. The design is effectively a re-engineering of modern light rail, self steering wheel
designs, mostly used as is, thereby avoiding delays that might be encountered if new
research and development would be needed. The use of time proven components ensures
safety, reliability, low power consumption and competitive pricing. The system is
suspended beneath ducts overhead, creating minimal visual, sound, and particulate
pollution, but, offering the strength to operate even in high winds and extreme weather
conditions. The system can be constructed for passengers, cars, freight or can be mixed
mode. Patents have been disclosed for features of the system including mechanical switches
and hybrid Maglev compatibility. Sky Train offers many benefits in their Overhead Suspended Light Rail System (OSLR): · The Sky Train System: * Performs as a high speed, high capacity transit service * Suspended overhead passing above all traffic and land uses * Safety: Vehicles are locked in the supporting structure * Does not diminish existing highway capacity, nor even share it * Operates above congestion allowing fast unimpeded service * Designed to continue operating in high winds * Descends to ground level if necessary * Can climb twice the rate of the maximum suggested for highways * Uses mostly light rail components performance-tested in existing services * Components mostly standard off the shelf = low cost due to competitive bidding * One (1) Sky Train Monoduct transports the equivalent of nine (9) or more Bus lanes * Uses less power than rubber tired systems * Can be totally automated at low cost, the same as any subway * Can also be used for heavy freight The Sky Train Car designs: * Cars 10ft (3.0m) wide, 40ft to 80ft (12.2m to 24.3m) long for high capacity and comfort * Offers transportation capacities equaling that of modern subways * Are air conditioned for comfort in hot climates * Wide-door, level walk-in for handicapped, wheelchairs and bicycles * Wide-door, level walk-in for baggage trolley and container access * Level walk-in offers double passenger loading rates compared with up and down steps A suspended Monoduct provides: * A modular constructed duct offering low overall cost and assembly time * The track, signaling and power supply are installed inside the duct * Traction components installed inside are protected against adverse environmental and climatic conditions * Operation continues despite high winds, snow, freezing rain, flooding, fallen trees etc. * Ducts are inaccessible to trespassers or saboteurs, ensuring safe operation * Powered trucks move inside the ducts, as a sound barrier affording acoustic isolation * Preferred electric operation ensures good Air Quality * Supporting columns occupy minimal land, minimizing property condemnation * Minimal environmental impact, e.g. sight, noise, lubricants, dust and dirt, wild life, plant life, wet lands, lakes and rivers * Simplicity insures easier Regulatory and Legal Approvals * Does not occupancy right of way on the ground * Has no grade crossings - no road traffic delays or accident risks * Does not require right of way fences, nor crash and isolation barriers * Ecologically friendly, no need for chemicals controlling weeds * Has no place for trash accumulating on tracks, ditches, gutters or fenced areas * Does not need drainage systems or retention ponds (Rev: 4/4/98) |