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Peter Suciu for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online
The island nation of Japan features a vast network of high-speed rail lines to connect its cities together. The countrys famous bullet train system, which was developed in the early 1960s and is still regarded around the world as one of the best high-speed mass transit systems in the world, could soon see competition from even faster trains.
Last week the Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) unveiled a prototype of what promises to deliver even faster train service to Japan. The Series Lo prototype utilizes magnetic levitation (maglev) technology, which allows the train to float above the track and move forward via powerful magnets.
The first line would run from Tokyo to Nagoya and travel as fast as 500 kilometers per hour or about 311mph. The Shinkansen bullet train, which is currently operated by the four Japan Railways Group companies, features a maximum speed of 149-186 mph.
Japan depends on the high-speed trains and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is presently the worlds busiest high-speed rail line as it carries more than 150 million passengers per year. The line operates between Tokyo and Osaka, the nations two largest metropolises.
If the U.S., as does most of the developed world, had a $5/gallon tax on gasoline... we too could afford such public infrastructure.
If the U.S., as does most of the developed world, had a $5/gallon tax on gasoline... we too could afford such public infrastructure.
Yeah with the bitch ex-wife and her from-hell parents. Thanks for digging up that memory for me.
Too late. I'm drinking myself into a stupor tonight.
If the U.S., as does most of the developed world, had a $5/gallon tax on gasoline... we too could afford such public infrastructure.
I'd say paying $8 dollar per gallon for gas is bad. Can you understand this?
Yes, cons don't feel that the US is up to doing great things. China, Japan, and Europe are, however.Gotta love it.
We argue about foodstamps while the world surpasses us in transportation tech.
Yes, cons don't feel that the US is up to doing great things. China, Japan, and Europe are, however.Gotta love it.
We argue about foodstamps while the world surpasses us in transportation tech.
Japan's newest floating train is one blistering maglev(Phys.org)—Japan intends to outdo itself, rendering the sleek bullet train system that won it fame in the 1960s toward becoming so "yesterday." You can now look forward to the upcoming marvels of floating trains. The country known for its fast and efficient rail lines this month draws fresh attention after recently unveiling a magnetic levitation train that can travel at speeds over 310 mph. Japan is looking beyond its bullet train system as rail developers seek to excel globally once again, by offering a next-generation, no-wheels maglev (magnetic levitation) system. The maglev trains are frictionless, faster and are quieter than trains that use wheels.
According to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, maglev trains are propelled by varying shifts in horizontal magnetic fields that alternately attract and repel along the rails.
Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai) designed the maglev trains, which are scheduled for use in 2027. Earlier this month, JR Tokai unveiled its Series L0 prototype that utilizes maglev technology; the train can float above the track and travel with very high speed. The front car of the Series L0 maglev is about 92 feet long of which 49 feet forms an aerodynamic nose section. Asahi Shimbun said the streamlined nose is similar to those on its bullet train counterparts, which reduces wind drag. Asahi Shimbun also said there will be 14 carriages including the cab car. The carriages have four seats abreast; the end car can accommodate 24 passengers, while other cars will hold 68.
The new trains that are scheduled to go into use in 2027 are to link Shinagawa Station, in central Tokyo, with Nagoya and will travel at about 311 mph. It takes 90 minutes for a conventional, speedy bullet train to complete the journey between the two stations. The new train would complete the same trip in 40 minutes. "Through the test runs, we will make final checks to ensure that commercial services are comfortable,' said head developer, Yasukazu Endo. The extended plan is to have the new trains connect Tokyo to Osaka by 2045, Japan is also looking at its train technology's export potential. There is a commercial system operating in China; the maglev service is in place in Shanghai.
