Well done

There's a similar sized model of the Aerotrain in the National Train Museum in Green Bay, WI.  I think it was a marketing model from GM. Where'd you get yours originally?

That is

jaw-dropping.  The pictures are great, I can't imagine it in person.

GM's marketing model

Hi Phil,

My Aerotrain is entirely scratchbuilt. I know GM's marketing model, it was displayed a few years ago on a train show in Milwaukee and my friend shot some photos forwarding to me as an 'incentive' for my modeling efforts.

GM's model is for static display only whereas my model is able to carry 8 adults or so at 10mph. I had to make some compromises regarding the structure of the cars...each car weighs about 100lbs but (especially its roof) must be able to carry 400lbs.

Unfortunately when I started my model several years ago only the old Bowser/Varney Aerotrain was available for reference - ConCor's model was released to late....

Regards

Norman

More, More, More

Sure is a Fantastic Model...please More Pictures and descriptions of everything.

Another Aerotrain...

This one in 3 ft (30 in?) narrow gauge (5/8th scale), can be found at the Washington Park Zoo and Railway in Portland, OR
 

credit: Wikipedia

more pictures...

Following Den's wish here are some additional photos:

Construction of the car's suspension:

each axle is mounted to a frame (similar to the protoype design) - this frame is connected to the car's frame via coil springs and conical rubber elements (progressive characteristic of suspension for acceptable riding behaviour of unloaded (100lbs) and fully loaded car (500lbs))

Due to the rather big wheelbase of the car's two axles (app. 3ft) the riding qualities during curves is rather rough - like the protoype...

First rough build-up of the observation with its classical fins

And its final look

A close-up photo of the cab

Regards

Norman

Video on running the Aerotrain

Here's a video of running the Aerotrain model on a track of a live steam club. Maybe you like the perspective from a imaginary 'dome car' without the usually disturbing engineer (ok, most of the time he (me) is not visible).

Regards

Norman

Now I understand!

With a railroad to operate on like that I probably would do the same.  By the way, where is that park?  I don't remember if you mentioned it, but do you include horn sounds on your engines?

Den

horns

Hi, Den!

The park is about 15miles south of Stuttgart, Germany.

I've installed a two chime horn connected to a small compressor (similar to trucks' horns)  - it has a much deeper, natural sound than the usual electrical horns of cars.

Here's a look beneath the shell (looking upwards) showing the two horns and the compressor

Unfortunately it is not working presently due to a damaged connector. But it is quite neccessary to get attention in the overcrowded station or on sidewalk crossings.

Regards

Norman

Aerotrain

Norman, I've been a huge fan of your Aerotrain since discovering it online several years ago. We have a train park not to far from where I live and I'm starting to collect parts to build an Aerotrain myself. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to talk to you about your basis for the model and car design.