Wizarding World - Diagon Alley Discussion - Part 2

[Teebin]

^ Thanks for the clarification. So, I take it that functioning wheels are the smaller dual edged wheels on the left hand side in the following picture? Doe anyone know why flat rollers are in place on the opposite right hand side? It appears that only the dual edge wheels on one side is what keeps the thing on the tracks.

right click to view larger image in a new window

 

[Kevin38]

^ Thanks for the clarification. So, I take it that functioning wheels are the smaller dual edged wheels on the left hand side in the following picture? Doe anyone know why flat rollers are in place on the opposite right hand side? It appears that only the dual edge wheels on one side is what keeps the thing on the tracks.

It probably has to do with the curve in the track
only one side is needed to keep on track.
when going around a curve a real train's out side wheels turn more (farther distance)
that is why cars have a differential in the rear end.

 

[Teebin]

It probably has to do with the curve in the track
only one side is needed to keep on track.
when going around a curve a real train's out side wheels turn more (farther distance)
that is why cars have a differential in the rear end.

Thanks. Sounds logical to me. It is also interesting to note that there are no such wheels on the back end of this engine, suggesting that the coal car will support it.

 

[bobwadd]

^ Thanks for the clarification. So, I take it that functioning wheels are the smaller dual edged wheels on the left hand side in the following picture? Doe anyone know why flat rollers are in place on the opposite right hand side? It appears that only the dual edge wheels on one side is what keeps the thing on the tracks.

There is actually more to it than Kevin38's answer. He has part of the equation but not all of it.

The wheels on conventional trains are fixed together in pairs on a solid axle without a differential. That is not relevant in this case but I thought I would mention it anyway.

Once again, on a conventional train the wheels have some play between the wheel flanges and the inside of the track. Also, the running surface of the wheel is not flat but tapers outwards to aid in directional tracking. These two design qualities are partially responsible for the side to side swaying motion so common on trains.

In the case of the HE, that motion should have all but disappeared due to the only guide mechanism being the wheels on the left of the picture. This design will enable much truer tracking but is not ideal for a high speed rain.

 

[Hatetofly]

If you have questions and would like them answered were recording our first podcast tonight. You can PM me your questions.

 

[natespf]

I am not sure if it has been mentioned, but the wheels that straddle the track are on the outside rail, the wheels that just sit on top of the track are on the side of the track that transfers. (one train guided by east rail, one train guided by west rail)

 

[Teebin]

^ I wonder if the track fork requires rail switches? Perhaps the cable controls the route? If so, it means the same train will be on the outside (switch) track forever and ever.

 

[natespf]

^ I wonder if the track fork requires rail switches? Perhaps the cable controls the route? If so, it means the same train will be on the outside (switch) track forever and ever.

This is a crude drawing I did a while back. But one train will always take the green route, and the other train will always take the blue side.

I am sorry I did not do much detail on the actual transfer part, but the flat wheel can jump over a transfer without moving parts. Obviously it would not jump as far as depicted in the image

Edit: Found a better diagram, it is the one labeled 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Funicular_layouts.svg It is for a different train type, but the transfer concept is the same. The main difference is on the HE the cable will loop in both directions.

 

[Teebin]

Wow, diagram 2 is such a surprise to me. I still don't understand what sends the train onto the left or right. Do both trains have the same setup, say, the roller-pin on the left and the dual edge on the right? Or are they reversed on each train in order to do opposite jump-overs?

 

[bobwadd]

Or are they reversed on each train in order to do opposite jump-overs?

:thumbs:

 

[natespf]

Wow, diagram 2 is such a surprise to me. I still don't understand what sends the train onto the left or right. Do both trains have the same setup, say, the roller-pin on the left and the dual edge on the right? Or are they reversed on each train in order to do opposite jump-overs?

Yes, it's the outside rails. Notice how one train is guided by the east outside rail and the other train by the west outside rail.

 

[Spideyfreak]

Guys, read up on Funicular Railways. That's pretty much how HE works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funicular

In particular, this diagram:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Funicular_layouts.svg

Look at the rightmost diagram.

 

[natespf]

Guys, read up on Funicular Railways. That's pretty much how HE works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funicular

In particular, this diagram:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Funicular_layouts.svg

Look at the rightmost diagram.

Yes, basically the difference is HE is level instead of uphill. So the cable loops instead of just going uphill.

 

[Teebin]

Sorry so stupid guys but thanks for being patient (and really kind). I now see that the grab-wheel on the yellow train in the diagram is on one side and the blue is opposite. I am now a more informed person because of it. :wave:

 

[justibbs]

I just found this message board and am so glad I did! I am very much looking forward to and counting down the days until Diagon Alley opens! I just read all 53 pages to get caught up. I live way out in California so don't get to Florida often. But I made my first trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure last year, specifically to see WWoHP. I am planning on heading back in September of next year to visit the expansion. Just wanted to give a BIG THANKS to all of you who live close and give us these updates. All the inside information, speculation, photos and videos are very interesting, fun and informative and a great way to spend the days counting down to the opening! I don't know that I'll be able to add much to the conversation, but thought I'd register, say hi and input if I can instead of just trolling around! So, :wave:

 

[rhino4evr]

are the glow ears used at WDW? If so, during what show?

They were out in full force this past weekend. Super popular from what I could tell. They are pretty cool. The colors typically match the colors of the fireworks. However, I question the "point" of them, as you really can't see them while they are on your head. I think a Wand that did the same thing would be even more popular.

 

[Jymmymack]

They were out in full force this past weekend. Super popular from what I could tell. They are pretty cool. The colors typically match the colors of the fireworks. However, I question the "point" of them, as you really can't see them while they are on your head. I think a Wand that did the same thing would be even more popular.

This is why I never bought them for WoC. They are a great idea in theory... but in reality I'm paying $25 for EVERYONE ELSE to enjoy them and have to hope that plenty of people in front of me have also bought them.

 

[WolfmanJ]

I'm guessing testing has begun on the Hogwarts Express based on this tweet from HTF:

Major milestone in testing tonight [HASHTAG]#choochoo[/HASHTAG]

 

[Hatetofly]

I'm guessing testing has begun on the Hogwarts Express based on this tweet from HTF:

Testing started nearly 10 days ago, this involved something else within the testing parameters...

 

[WolfmanJ]

Testing started nearly 10 days ago, this involved something else within the testing parameters...

My bad! I haven't been keeping up with all this news lately.