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.
:razz:
hock::roll:
