To commemorate the new Mark Vll Monorail at Disneyland, I decided to rebuild my Walt Disney World Monorail toy that I bought at the park to reflect the new look of the Mark VII. The rebuild consisted of replacing the nose-cones with a new nose-cones made from Vacuum-formed plastic, new head lights and beacons, and a whole new paint job. Obviously, being that I was rebuilding a toy modeled after the Disney World Monorail, I had to make some compromises when rebuilding the train in order to get the new nose-cone shape to fit the shape of the monorail toy. The nose cone was shortened in length, so the overall proportions of the lead and rear cars would be correct. I was considering having blue LED lit nose-cone interiors, but the original circuit board had to go somewhere, so that aspect was scrapped. However, both ends of the monorail have new headlights and beacons, so it looks really cool at night.

Even with all those compromises, I think it still captures the cool look of the new Mark VII

Well, here are some pictures…










Night-Time…







and here is a video of it running during the day and during the night.

[url]http://youtube.com/watch?v=1nCDBHNf7G8[/url]

I may do a completely accurate model of it in the future, but I’ll stick with this for a while.

Um...I don't know what to say.

If WDI doesn't hire you on the spot they're crazy.

Can I have some of your talent? Pretty please??

Thanks Steve!

You want some of my talent? Eat your greens and do your homework!

Very nice, how did you change the ends ?

The end cone was made out of foam that was carved to get the right shape, then it was Vacuum-formed in plastic twice (for two nose-cones), and then it was fitted and sanded. That left a hollow plastic shape on the end, which was filled with the old circuit board, sound unit, and the new headlighting.

Heres a picture of the first car before paint, you can see the new clear plastic nose-cone (with the lights on)

Wow, that looks fantastic - great work!

Great job!
Steve's right, WDI should hire you ASAP!
Take care,
T

Vacuum molding over foam patterns...hmm...

When I was your age I had just discovered twigs and they were nothing more than something to poke my little brother with.

Sam, you never cease to amaze me, though I must say I am becomming less surprised by the quality and skill you put into your work as it is apparent in everything you produce. Keep it up!

Big BM, Ouch! Quit it!

Vacuum forming/molding has been around a while, BM, I'm sure you must of had one!


http://youtube.com/watch?v=t8mhu5GR6kA

I wish they still made toys like these. (Stinkin' lawyers!)

I remember the "toys" but I never had one, something else to look for if I ever went to yard sales or go to thrift stores. I was also curious on the windows, is that more self adhesive stickers or something more exotic?