Mark VI monorail
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Canada |
| Products | Mark VI monorail trains |
The Mark VI monorail (Mk6) is a type of monorail train currently in service on both the Walt Disney World Monorail System and the Las Vegas Monorail. It was first introduced at Walt Disney World in 1989 and had completely replaced the Mark IV monorail fleet by 1991. In 2004, two former Walt Disney World Mark IV trains were substituted by Mark VI models on the Las Vegas Monorail (formerly known as the MGM Grand-Bally's Monorail). The Las Vegas versions are distinct in design and operate fully automatically, whereas the Walt Disney World units only transitioned to automated control starting in 2014.
Train specifications
- Produced by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier, with each train reportedly costing more than $3.5 million.
- Cab cars measure 40 ft 5 in (12.3 m), while intermediate cars are 28 ft 2 in (8.6 m) long. A six-car train at Walt Disney World spans a total length of 203 ft 6 in (62 m).
- Passenger capacity per car consists of seating for 20 and standing room for 40 individuals.
- Cab cars can seat up to six passengers plus the operator; however, access to cabs has been restricted on both systems following the July 2009 monorail incident at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World
Continuing the "Learjet" aesthetic seen in earlier models, the Mark VI trains at Walt Disney World showcase elongated, streamlined white exteriors complemented by mid-level windows. The original interior design featured grey tones paired with green bench seats extending across the width of each car, accented by pink stripes on the doors. Subsequent refurbishments introduced grey seating along with coordinated color schemes on stripes and walls that correspond to each train’s name.
These Mark VI models brought automatic plug doors into service—four per car, two on each side—that operate pneumatically and can close automatically, removing the need for manual door operation by staff. Compared to their Mark IV predecessors, Mark VI trains offer longer cars, more spacious cabins, increased standing capacity, and enhanced climate control systems including improved heating and air conditioning.
Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail operates nine Mark VI trains configured with four cars each, differing from the six-car arrangement at Walt Disney World. The design features notable differences, such as cab ends resembling those of the Innovia Monorail 300 and only two pairs of sliding doors per train. Seating is arranged along the sides to maximize passenger capacity while allowing unobstructed movement throughout the cars. The trains are painted primarily in black and white but frequently display advertising wraps. Unlike Walt Disney World’s pilot-operated system—which retained operators until automation began in 2014—the Las Vegas monorails run fully autonomously without drivers.
Power
Each unit is powered by eight electric motors operating on 600 volts DC, each delivering 100 hp (75 kW). These motors also facilitate dynamic braking and provide electrical power to resistor banks located between cars. While a speed governor limits Walt Disney World trains to a maximum of 55 mph (89 km/h), operational procedures restrict their speed to no more than 40 mph (64 km/h).
Suspension
The suspension system of the Mark VI includes Michelin XTE2 445/65R22.5 load tires that run atop the beam to provide traction, complemented by nitrogen-filled guide tires that steer the train and mitigate fire hazards should tire failure occur.