Bringing back Monorail.

**I Scream Clone** · October 5, 2011

If LEGO decides to do a completely different system, similar to that pictured in the previous message, do the track like this: 2w, square cross-section, smooth on all sides. To get the idea, stack a bunch of 2x2 bricks, and lay the stack horizontal, then build a train that rides on it. The track sections can alternately be used as columns and beams in buildings, with the possibility of multi-way connectors to connect the track pieces when using them as framing members in a building, along the lines of Construx. The track pieces would have stud sockets on the bottom on the ends, to allow them to be snapped onto the monorail stanchions, and technic pin sockets in the ends, so they can be pinned together.

In short, the idea is a monorail system of pieces that can also be used in non-monorail creations, the same way other LEGO pieces can used to build anything, and then some.

Edit:

I realized the track pieces cannot have stud sockets on the bottom and have Technic holes in the ends.

So, instead of having stud sockets at all, have 2w cube connectors that have built-in Technic pins on the 2 sides and sockets on the bottom, allowing the connector to be snapped onto a monorail support, and track pieces would be pinned onto either end. The connector cubes would have only 2 pins, and 2 holes on each end, because 4 pins would be too difficult to separate. The user can add 1 or 2 pins per connection, if a stronger joint is needed. No stud sockets on the track pieces also means a curve piece can be rotated 90 degrees about a horizontal axis, to make a ramp.

Giving more thought to the idea of using the track pieces in buildings, have a lengthwise groove on each side, sort of like this, so panels can be used. The connectors would have matching grooves on their smooth sides. Maybe TLG should also make a 1x2 brick with a ridge, the opposite of this (and a 1x1 version), so brick-built panels can be made to stay in place.

The monorail trains would have special profile-matched tires that "grip" the track by meshing with the grooves.

Your solution is intriguing, how would you approach multiple tracks with points connecting them? corners etc, this allows more interesting layouts etc.