DLRR goes green

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Apr Wed 18, 2007 8:23 am

Looks like the Disneyland Railroad has gone green and now uses B98 as fuel.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/ne ... 654549.php

Didn't realize the Jungle Cruise was already CNG powered, very interesting.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Apr Wed 18, 2007 10:11 am

Nice to see they did. They already have those combo fuel trams, and I'm sure they will soon get a whole new fleet of better burning cars and vans, rather than the Chevy Express's, Uplander's, HHR's, etc. they have now. I know Chevy is coming out with cleaner versions of them this coming year. Oh well just gives me another excuse to do a tender ride in August. Thanks for the article G2-4T.

ambiguity123 · Post by **ambiguity123** » Apr Fri 20, 2007 6:01 pm

I'd like to see the Autopia convert to Electric cars or something even cooler like solar powered cars. I mean, they are in Tomorrowland after all, I think it would fit great!

ZenMondo · Post by **ZenMondo** » Apr Sat 21, 2007 10:00 am

I think its awesome. I agree that Autopia could do with a very tomorrowland energy solution, just a grand idea. Makes me wish imagineers lurked on this board.

Post by **subsonic** » Apr Sat 21, 2007 11:41 am

Yes, Tomorrowland needs to become Tomorrowland again. A world on the move. Not cartoonland. Electric cars could be so simple, they could charge the batteries while guests get in and out. Like the audio for Space Mountain. And to make it "look cool" they should put solar panels look-a-likes on the hoods. I don't they they would use real solar panels because they are expensive and would probably break when cars bumped, but then again, the smart thing, since we're going electric here, would be to add sensors in the cars and they would slow down when cars got close to each other.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Apr Sat 21, 2007 10:44 pm

I Disney did go electric on the Autopia cars it would obviously be Battery based, BUT they could use Thin Film Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System. It would subsidize the power of the batteries and give them longer life on the track. They would still probably have more operating time than the current ones, so that's a bonus there.

These Thin Film solar panels are much smaller and more flexible than any other type. Crystalline silicon was the original PV panel system now this company invented and patented amorphous silicon (a-Si) technology which is a much cheaper way to produce solar cells. It is also still environmentally friendly like other versions, like the cadmium based version which is very harmful to the environment. But the Thin Film Panels could be put on the hood and anywhere else on the body they want.

The batteries could be either lithium or nickel metal hydride batteries. Lithium are better but more expensive. They may give the cars about 4 hours of run time with or without the Solar panels but I'm not a electrical engineer so don't quote me on that.

Esmeralda · Post by **Esmeralda** » Apr Thu 26, 2007 10:37 am

It's good to see that Disney is finally realizing that going green won't only be good for the planet, but also their wallets. I'm glad to hear the antique trains are liking their new fuel!

As for the Autopia cars, I've always thought they should go electric. Weren't they planning to do that in Hong Kong or was that just a rumor?

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Apr Thu 26, 2007 2:59 pm

Actually I believe they are. I can't remember where I read it.......I will try to find it and post a link. But I do like Sub's idea about the Solar panels, it's a nice touch.

mjd268 · Post by **mjd268** » May Tue 29, 2007 4:29 am

I can confirm from visits to Hong Kong Disneyland that the cars used on the Autopia there are electric. Silent running but they pipe in a futuristic music track to a speaker behind the headrest that almost imitates acceleration sounds into the car speakers.. Honestly, they don't really have that kick acceleration I am used to in DL and WDW versions..

garyman · Post by **garyman** » Jan Mon 28, 2008 2:41 pm

Yes, It would be nice to see Disney to get greener. Even if it wasn't all that apparent. For Solar they could use the Top of many of the warehouses and the top of Pirates to put up some solar array. Every bit helps.

Autopia going electric or using and elevated magnetic track would be cool as well.

Esmeralda · Post by **Esmeralda** » Jan Mon 28, 2008 2:51 pm

Green energy is the way of the future, so if there were visible ways Disney could be more green in Tomorrowland and Future World, that would be exciting. I know guests would love to see Disney helping the planet!

elizabethswann · Post by **elizabethswann** » Jan Tue 29, 2008 4:44 pm

always go green! i'm loving it.

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Jan Wed 30, 2008 1:52 am

I was noticing a while ago how tremendous the sound effects are during the light cycle scene in Tron. Too bad it's 25 years too late, because turning Autopia into a light cycle attraction would have been really cool. It'd even be an explanation for the track. And it could change color as each cycle went by.

Post by **YZFDonor** » Jan Wed 30, 2008 10:25 am

I was noticing a while ago how tremendous the sound effects are during the light cycle scene in Tron. Too bad it's 25 years too late,

Then make Tron 2.0!!! Then they could make the changes!

danimal3114u · Post by **danimal3114u** » Jan Wed 30, 2008 12:39 pm

This is really cool news. i also completely agree with everyone about Autopia moving to something more green, whether it be electic or some other alternative. I forwarded the article to a bunch of family members!