First Look At Monorail Damage Up Close
It was hard to tell just how bad the damage was when the monorail trains were stuck together on the rails. When crews pulled them apart, it revealed a huge gash along the side of the red train.
"It's dented all the way, about 95 percent of the side of the train," explains Seattle Center's Perry Cooper. "The impact ripped a hole along the side, too, and exposed the electrical system."
The blue train's damage doesn't look as bad but engineers say it's impossible to tell without taking it apart. Seattle Center officials say engineers have access to the parts they need for repair but some people remain skeptical about the repair job.
The trains were built in 1962 and are one-of-a-kind. While monorail systems exist around the world, the trains are original and unlike any other. Still, engineers remain hopeful.
Businesses at Westlake Center are hopeful, too. Some store managers say they are losing business during what should be the busiest time of the year; customers don't appear to be taking the alternate shuttle to downtown Seattle.
The manager at Candy Tyme says: "We've taken a huge hit! As the district manager I talk to other managers on the third floor and they're saying the same thing. This is definitely hurting us right now."
The monorail was closed for six months after last spring's fire and businesses hope the latest repair won't take as long. Engineers say there are no guarantees but they, too, hope they can bring the Seattle icon back.