Speed43125
Member
Hello,
I was having a look at some of the off topic Maglev discussions here, and that got me wondering. The main benefit cited for conventional HSR over the Maglev alternative (the likes of Transrapid etc) is the compatibility with the existing network, which is a reasonable trade off for some minor speed losses (plus the cost difference).
However, that didn't stop the Japanese building HSR at a different gauge to the rest of their network. What was the reasoning there? narrow gauge not able to sustain the needed speeds? Could this be repeatable elsewhere?
I was having a look at some of the off topic Maglev discussions here, and that got me wondering. The main benefit cited for conventional HSR over the Maglev alternative (the likes of Transrapid etc) is the compatibility with the existing network, which is a reasonable trade off for some minor speed losses (plus the cost difference).
However, that didn't stop the Japanese building HSR at a different gauge to the rest of their network. What was the reasoning there? narrow gauge not able to sustain the needed speeds? Could this be repeatable elsewhere?