[Mojo]

The Fastech 360 is the new train which is going to enter service on the JR East (Japan) in 2011.

If you liked the 37s for their noses, then check out this one
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...TECH_360-S.JPG
http://withrailsforever.chitosedori....0aro%20800.jpg

They are fitted with air flaps to assist with braking in an emergency
http://blog.sanriotown.com/yingdong:...ekomimi_01.jpg
http://www.shivaranjan.com/shivauplo...ech_360S_t.jpg

And knowing the Japanese Moe cult, companies have produced models
http://lottie.up.seesaa.net/image/06C29Fastech360.jpg
and costumes
http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/miaco...543027031.jpeg
of the "Nekomimi Shinkansen" (cat-eared Shinkansen)

[Darandio]

Dolphin anyone?

[Death]

What is it with the Japanese and their seriously absurd designs for the bodywork on their high-speed trains?
Every time I see a picture of a Shinkansen-700, I can't help but think "Quack quack" for some reason...

Ye know...I'm just dreading what the next Shinkansen design will look like...
>> Death <<

[16CSVT2700]

Disgusting design!! Those japanese are weird!
That nose is an eyesore to me!

[class 313]

Must make shunting a bit ermm...

[Death]

Aye...Could ye imagine the uproar and associated p***taking that would fill the media if VT or NXEC tried to introduce a train that looked like that?

On the other hand I can see one advantage to a "long nose" design like the F-360's, and that's much more of an available "crumple zone" in the event of a head-on collision.

[16CSVT2700]

Aye that would be the only advantage along with aerodynamics.. but that is pushing it a bit too far over the functionality/stupidity line

[Chafford1]

Originally Posted by Death

Aye...Could ye imagine the uproar and associated p***taking that would fill the media if VT or NXEC tried to introduce a train that looked like that?

If it ran at 320km/h (199mph) like the Fastech will in commercial service in 2011, I don't think anyone would be complaining!

Interesting that the designs of each end of the unit differ - apparently for aerodynamic reasons.


http://video.aol.com/video-detail/fa...jpn/1453248436

[LucaZone]

Since when did trains atarted getting two tone paint??

And I wonder why the japs have never gone for the rail speed record like the french do? Assuming the Maglev 500Kph thing doesnt count because its merely a test vehicle.

[bluemeansgo]

Those trains are actually pretty cool. I love the cockpit on the front. I don't know why people think they're ugly, they just aren't designed in a conservative fashion.

This isn't exactly a pretty set of trains:

[will1337]

Those air flaps look ridiculous, a train capable of 320 kph shouldn't look like a small fluffy animal it should have at least look powerful IMO, like the TGV.

Death, have you seen the Spanish Talgo 350? They are really quack, or whatever noise a platypus makes.

[jopsuk]

What I don't get with this model is that the two ends are of different designs- surely that's going to make it more efficient (read: faster) in one direction? Anyone actually know the reason for doing it this way?

I think the reason the Japanese tend not to go for speed runs is that the lines are too busy- the latest french speed run was, after all, done on a line that wasn't even officially open at the time. Speed run require clear track, and ideally (as you don't quite know what effect they might have) no trains on the adjacent track.
At least for the latest record they minimised the "pimping" of the train- previous record sets have genuinely had larger wheels, lowered suspension and spoilers. Chav-tastic.

[bluemeansgo]

Originally Posted by jopsuk

What I don't get with this model is that the two ends are of different designs- surely that's going to make it more efficient (read: faster) in one direction? Anyone actually know the reason for doing it this way?

I believe it's to test the different aerodynamic designs to see which one works better in practice. I wouldn't be surprised if both sides have different teams of aerodynamic engineers in competition with each other.

I think the reason the Japanese tend not to go for speed runs is that the lines are too busy- the latest French speed run was, after all, done on a line that wasn't even officially open at the time. Speed run require clear track, and ideally (as you don't quite know what effect they might have) no trains on the adjacent track.

Yes, that and the fact that Japan is a country built on Volcanoes and fault lines. This being so, they have tonnes of tunnels in order to meet the minimum curve radius of 4000m on all new Shinkansen lines (the old standard on the Tokyo - Osaka run is a 2500m radius).

Actually tunnels are another reason that they can't go much faster. When trains enter a tunnel at such a high speed they have a LOUD BOOM! Shinkansen trains on the Tokyo Osaka route go through a lot of populated places. Given that during rush hour, those train run on a 4-5 headway the noise pollution is a big factor limiting their speed. This is also why I believe a LOT of money and technology has been put into making trains quieter and quieter. I believe Shinkansen trains are a lot quieter than TGV, as Japanese environmental quality standards for shinkansen railway noise are among the strictest in the world. This is another reason Mag-lev is an attractive technology.

Those air flaps look ridiculous, a train capable of 320 kph shouldn't look like a small fluffy animal it should have at least look powerful IMO, like the TGV.

"Air Brakes" are actually an innovative idea for trains. Whether one thinks they're "too cute" for a train, they serve a useful purpose. Slowing the train down. The Japanese are crazy about Safety and Punctuality (not a bad thing, considering the high speeds and the fact that you're carrying up to 1000 people/train every 5 minutes during the rush hour). TGV don't look more powerful if you ask me. They look more boxy and stub-nosed. What looks more powerful, an A380 or an F-18? I guess it's opinion, but I've always felt that the more sleek and streamlined a train looks, the more effortless it appears to make speed be. Like, as if it's nothing to travel at such high speeds.

Shinkansen trains have only been derailed once, because of an Earthquake 4 years ago, and there were no serious injuries. At the time it was travelling 210km/h and stopped in 1600m. It was a 10 car train, but a lot of these trains are 14-16 cars long... and carry over 1000 people. That's a lot of weight to stop in a short period of time. There have been no deaths causes by Shinkansen.

The Fastech 360 train won't run at 360km/h mostly because of tunnel booms (noise pollution), overhead wire wear (cost), and stop distances (safety), though it is designed to operate regularly at that speed. I'm sure no one would complain about how "cute" the train looks when going at that speed. Lion cubs are cute, but you probably still don't want to mess with one. Besides the Japanese have built up an entire industry around cute and this actually adds to the appeal of the train. The idea that a train must look masculine and tough because it goes fast is a tad ridiculous. Some of the fastest fish in the world are Sailfish and Tuna... both which have funny fin-like protrusions and LONG snouts. At these speeds, air becomes more like water, in that you have to push it out of the way.


Bear in mind that although the new Mag-lev is indeed a test track, as of last November, construction to go ahead with the Chuo Shinkansen (Mag-lev) was approved using this technology.

The French test run was amazing but as was mentioned, was done on an empty track that isn't yet opened (aka test track) with no trains on the opposite rail. The new Mag-lev (581km/h) still holds the record, test track or not, and has demonstrated passing another train at a combined speed of more than 1000km/h. Pretty amazing accomplishment, if you ask me. (Is that considered 1Mm/h? )

In addition, this test track will be implemented into the main line when it is built, so I guess it's kind of like running a train on an empty track that isn't yet opened.

I guess style is in the eye of the beholder, but I'm a huge fan of the "short-nosed" version, with the "cockpit"

Airbrakes aren't different than flaps on aeroplanes, after all. They help to slow down the vehicle.

[will1337]

I don't disagree that the air flaps seem a rather good idea and guess that not too many people will see the train from a dead on angle anyway. However on the subject of aeroplanes, if maglev takes off more, becomes more economically viable and increases in speed, I wonder if they could end up with a Concorde like moveable nose to decrease/increase the aerodynamics. Probably wouldn't work but it's just an idea.

[jopsuk]

Ah, so the "production" model will likely have identical ends then? Makes more sense.

They do have some seriously ugly beasts at work on Shinkansen services- though I think we could forgive the looks of the E4 Series if we had that sort of thing plying its way on our mainlines...

As balance to the French using a special set on an empty line to set their record, they did, remember, do it with double decker passenger cars with the world's press on board.