French train breaks rail speed record

While the majority of world speed records we cover involve things like transistors, data transmission, and even the occasional text messaging attempt, we're not ones to pass up a good old fashion land speed record, which France's Alstom Technologies thankfully provided today. After months of working up to it, the company finally sent its V150 passenger train screaming through the French countryside, ultimately topping out at a breakneck speed of 574.8 kilometers per hour, or about 357 mph, easily besting the previous rail speed record of 320 mph. While it'll no doubt only make you jealous of not being on board (or at least nearby), you can check out a video of the record-setting attempt at the link below.

[Thanks, Antoine G]

[Ayle @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:07PM]

How did you get buried?

[Adam @ Apr 3rd 2007 8:23PM]

Spell check the titles anyone?

[eric cumbee @ Apr 3rd 2007 8:38PM]

Now the French can surrender at record speed.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:36PM]

hahahah yeah thats great....

[Alex Padilla @ Apr 3rd 2007 8:42PM]

You know, I have been noticing a log of spelling errors in recent Engadget posts. But they don't take away from the awesomeness of the site, so that's definitely good.

[Ayle @ Apr 3rd 2007 8:59PM]

HOw can the chopper keep up with that speed? The max spped for a chopper is supposed to be 320 kph.....

[Yankees368 @ Apr 3rd 2007 9:02PM]

Couldnt it just be a slow flying plane?

[murray @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:55PM]

It was a plane. They showed it in the video.

[DaLaKrem @ Apr 3rd 2007 9:06PM]

It's not so much the misspellings that make me think less of Engadget, you always expected that, it's how behind the Associated Press Articles they are now.

[BobbyW @ Apr 3rd 2007 9:13PM]

Can you get up and go to the bathroom when it's going that fast? I wonder what it looks like out the window. I would think it would make people sick. Unless it can maintain a very steady speed.

[ashmist @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:03PM]

When I was on the Eurostar last, there was a strike by the train staff due to, among other thing, injuries sustained from violent buffeting of the carriages when the train was going fast (over 200kph IIRC)

Indeed it was an effort to get from my seat to the canteen car without ending up on someones lap, so this train must have some awesome suspension. That or teh track is dead straight, lol

God help them if a cow wandered onto the track

[j.d.ripper @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:05PM]

I've ridden the Eurostar many many times. Never once had a bumpy ride.

I've even ridden the new TGV between Paris and Avignon (not the record breaking one, this one tops up at 550 km/h) and it's very very smooth. Smooth enough to hold a cup of smouldering hot tea and not spill a drop. The train just hums along.

[n.p. @ Apr 3rd 2007 9:27PM]

if you're inside walking from rear to front, you in fact going faster than the train?

[Dolomite @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:15PM]

Not really, relative to the train, you are moving maybe 2 MPH.

[Kurtis @ Jan 1st 2008 3:20PM]

Well, yeah... but compared to the train you are passing (that is going the opposite direction), you are going 716ish mph (that 357 * 2 plus the 2 mph you are walking).

[Kurtis @ Jan 1st 2008 3:24PM]

and by 'compared to' I meant 'relative to'.

I'll tell you what though, I would much have that state-of-the-art avatar than useless features such as comment editing. Glad engadget has its priorities straight.

[LordFarkward @ Apr 3rd 2007 9:38PM]

was it richard hammond that was driving it?

http://www.ILikePeopleWhoLeaveUselessCommentsAndThenTryToPromoteTheirStupidWebsites.com

[Michael @ Jan 1st 2008 7:18PM]

the sad part is i clicked the link

[DM @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:01PM]

Finally, something the French can be proud of.

[Sam @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:01PM]

Can young Clark Kent outrun this train?

[Mark @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:03PM]

Actually the French have a lot to be proud of. Like being right about Iraq back in 2002.

Ouch.

And yeah, I'm getting really sick of the self-promoting website hawkers on engadget comments too.

[John Doe @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:26PM]

Naa that wouldn't be the French. That would be pretty much the world. Sans those who are US brown nosers. But I digress.

This is cool. I just fear for the first pup that puts his head out the window. YIP! *woosh* ;-)

[arrhhgg i be a pirate @ Apr 4th 2007 10:15AM]

Yeah its odd to me that the french would be respected for thumbing the nose at the iraq war

Oh yeah .... thats right ... oil for food scam .... forgot

And wait ... how exactly were they right ?

[meeeee @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:20PM]

holy crap that thing is really movin!!! wow, those wheels must be perfectly balanced, and that track sooooo smoooothe. i wonder how the above power lines can handle those speeds?!

[Fabien @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:38PM]

Ah... nothing like old french bashing to feel better I see.

Just my two cents : this train exists for a while now in France (and a derivative travels to Belgium and Netherland) and it is very fast, very silent, and incredibly punctual, plus it departs from the center of the cities and not an airport 30mn at least from downtown.

That is why it is faster to take that train than a plane to travel inside France (from Paris to Cote d'Azur in less than 3 hours... a lot of people work in Paris and go to the Riviera every week end thanks to this train).

Basicaly, to summarize, this thing is to regular train what the Concorde was to a 747 :-)

[DAZA @ Apr 4th 2007 9:54AM]

How much does a ticket cost? Say a return trip from Paris to Cote d'Azur? Is there a lot of seating? Sounds very interesting :-)

[kaztm @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:58PM]

Pretty impressive speed record for something on wheels.

As for non-wheel railroad, Japan's linear motor train has the world record of 581km/h from 2003.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:41PM]

So what it just breaking a record on this run or will it actually transport people at these speeds?

[Jean-Michel Decombe @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:52PM]

It would not be cost effective to run trains at such speeds (you have to take the infrastructure into account too), but the effort is still useful because it helps design trains that run more slowly but much better and much more safely (not to mention that it helps selling trains to other countries). Most high speed trains will keep running at speeds of around 220mph only, at least in the foreseeable future.

[Frankenstein Black @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:42PM]

DAMN SHAME WE IN THE US CAN'T BUILD AND COMPETE IN THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SPEED TRAIN SEEN LIKE JAPAN AND FRANCE! There is no reason a speed train (Bullet or Grande Vitesse) cant be built and operated coast to coast (and north to south). Will help with that, oh I don't know, "global warming" thing too. OH YEA, I FORGOT. IN COMES THE OILIGARCH SCUMBAGS STARTING WITH STANDARD OIL'S ASSAULT ON THE US RAIL WAY ALL THE WAY UP TO THE OIL AND BULLET PROFITEERS RUNNING THE SHOW NOW!! (scratches head) How did they managed to fool some of you into thinking they GIVE A RATZ ARSSE ABOUT ANYTHING OTHER THAN RICHES AND PROFITS AND ALL ELSE BE DAMNED? INCLUDING THE PLANET THAT THEIR GRAND CHILDREN WILL INHERIT!

[Mike @ Apr 4th 2007 12:50AM]

California's working on it...

http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/default.asp

[Michel Coste @ Apr 4th 2007 3:03AM]

Hi Jean-Michel!

It's been a long time!
Still in the Bay?

m

[Sasha S. @ Apr 4th 2007 2:31AM]

As a frequent user of TGV trains (in France and outside of it - trere is an expanding networkof this trains all over Europe) I would like to add my two cents (euro cents of course):

- yes mighty, iTunes meddling, EU birocracy did speak out on the issue and they actually prefere this types of trains to short haul EU flights. This year a specially built and cordoned-off track (cow-proof) track will be opened between Belgium broder and Amsterdam in Netherlands connecting NL to the rest of TGV network. Travel time Amsterdam - Paris will be 3 hours and 13 mins (flying time by airplane is 1 hour and 15 minutes). Speed will be standard TGV speed of 320km/hour - almost 200 miles/hour.

- TGV track (the trains are called Eurostar there) is currently being extended to London as well (will be finished in 2007) cutting the travel-time between London and Paris to 2 hours and 15 minutes. Trains will go 320 km/hour except through chunnel-tunnel where they will go half that speed.

- When TGV travels I have not noticed ANY rocking motion from left to right, the suspension on those trains is excellent. However there is a just a slight discomfort involved when one walks through the train and a track is going down or up, then you can feel a gravity shifting similar when plane is slightly climbing or going down at a slight angle.

- The only problem - and it is in my opinion a VERY annoying one when travelling with TGV is a quite laud "thump" and a bit of the shuddering EVERY 15 minutes. This is happening when another TGV passes along in the opposite direction and creates a considerable air pressure between the trains. The trains are designed to handle this but the first time is very unnerving. It was scaring the wits out of my american friend who was in the TGV for the first time.

- Another "problem" is that cellular towers alongside the TGV route are specially designed with high speed switching in mind. Imagine a full train (say 300-400 people) all with mobile phones - at any time say 15% of them happily talking with someone zipping from one cell tower to the next. This WILL be a problem at 570km/hour because at present cell towers are NOT designed to do this. At first they were not able to handle TGV normal speeds (320km/h) either. That is now fixed as I have done number of GSM and even UMTS video calls from within the TGV at 320km/hour - no problem. I have not measured the download speed with new HSDPA network, but I plan to do it next time I am on my way with TGV.

[2Perfect @ Apr 4th 2007 2:51AM]

Still doesn't mean the Maglev does it?

Wouldn't that be one crazy ride, if it still rolls on wheels?

[Jean-Michel Decombe @ Apr 4th 2007 1:45PM]

Michel, yep still here. Send email to jm at decombe dot com to reconnect.

[Sasha S. @ Apr 4th 2007 4:29AM]

UPDATE: An representative of California Transport Board was on board this train during the record-breaking ride - she was interviewed by CNN International but her name or title was not mentioned. She was visibly impressed and CNN reporter mentioned that California is examining possibility of making SanDiego - Sacramento rail link

see video here:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/world/2007/04/03/bittermann.france.tgv.record.ap

[andy @ Apr 4th 2007 4:54AM]

Shame its not written in english.

[Toymao @ Apr 4th 2007 5:09AM]

Well, this not THAT big-a-deal regarding the whole TGV thing, as these trains (I think now the 2nd generation since 1981) running everyday connecting cities in France and neighboring countries (including the UK) of an AVERAGE speed in France 235 kph (146 mph), more than 700 km (434 miles)in 3 hours and that includes several stops between for example Paris and Marseille, which means it travels at up to 320 kph (~200 mph), although trains can easily go some 450 kph (280 kph). These new trains are tested (including this record breaking) to see if they can raise the speed limit.

Of course, you'll not gonna be sick, it feels absolutely normal to travel. In fact from Paris, no way to use planes to travel to London, because Eurostar (the TGV under the English Channel) takes you from central Paris to Waterloo Station in London (also in the city center) in 4 hours. No waiting, no check in, nothing. (An this is a "slow" line.)

so it rocks, although its very expensive, like non-discount airlines.

[luminos @ Apr 4th 2007 5:49AM]

There has been a discussion on whether higher speed trains are viable or not in the States. Most people seem to agree that while some routes will be viable, extremely long routes such as coast to coast will not be viable. The thing that is the most problematic in implementing high speed trains in the states is that there is no infrastructure since America focused more on building road rather than track. Furthermore, since the distances from cities to cities is more further apart than in Europe, it is not as easy.

Check out airliners.net on this discussion
http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/3299861/

[Flying? @ Apr 4th 2007 4:47PM]

In July, depending on the time you want to leave Paris, depending on what comfort you want (1st or 2nd class knowing that the 2nd class is already comfortable, no need to spend extra-money here, except if you can afford it and want more space), it will cost you between 33€ (2nd class, at 6 pm) and 75€ to go to Marseille for a single trip.

;)

[Derek @ Apr 4th 2007 1:43PM]

Broke the European record, but Japan's maglev still holds the record by hitting the 361 MPH mark.

Still it's nothing to sneeze at. Beat's walkin', huh?

[Antoine Gatty @ Apr 4th 2007 4:52PM]

They did break the world record because the Maglew is not considered as a train (i.e. engine on rails, with a preexisting infrastructure)... that's what I read ...

[Greg @ Apr 4th 2007 2:17PM]

Looking out the window WOULD make you violently ill. Why even have windows? I would have to eat a box of Dramamine to ride this.

[Ben e. @ Apr 4th 2007 4:50PM]

so... since they actually broke the record is it still an attempt? i've always been foggy on that one.

[MaitreSoda @ Apr 4th 2007 6:03PM]

I watched it live from my school, and that's pretty impressive. There where video cameras everywhere on the train, so that we could see everything.

For technical issues :
- TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse = High Speed Train) tracks are obviously special tracks. They cost more than regular tracks, but are very, very straight and well-made, so that the train doesn't meet any "disagreement" when he travels high-speed (usually 300-320 kph on those tracks, and around 200 kph on regular tracks).

- To be able to reach that speed, people had to increase voltage in lines from 25,000 volt to 31,000 volt. This was the same train you could use tomorrow (well, as soon as the Paris-Francfort connection is open), but don't worry about comfort issues, it won't go any faster than 350 kph (planned).

Also, I heard that some of these trains were used in the North of the US, has anyone heard of it too ?

[Brian @ Apr 4th 2007 7:26PM]

You state "While it'll no doubt only make you jealous of not being on board .." Somebody already criticized spelling errors at this site, how about grammar? Can you say "envious of those on board"?

[Harry Allen @ Apr 17th 2007 10:46PM]

If only the US had this type of rail! Many years ago, I rode Metroliner NY to Phila. @ 118mph. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Recently, I wore out a Railpass from London to Paris to Valencia to Italy. i was spoiled for life! CLEAN restrooms with hot water and hot air hand-dryers ON A TRAIN? Really good food, great espresso, clean comfortable compartments, smooth quiet ride @ 185 MPH. This is the ONLY way to go. My only regret was not having enough time to take a sccenic ride thru Switzerland. Fortunately, I was able to fly over the Alps on a clear day enroute to Amsterdam and had a terrific view.
The stations themselves were an architectural tour! Milano is like a cathedral. I rode from Alassio to see Milano and Genoa, and to have lunch because I didn't want to waste my last available day on the Railpass. I must admit to a personal love of train travel here, and I realize that what works well i Europe cannot work here in US for a number of reasons. What a shame!
LITERALY! I noticed that europe is light years ahead of the US in conservation, alternative energy. An interesting juxtaposition was a nuclear plant I passed in France, followed by mile after mile of wind farms all the way down into Spain. The train is the best way to travel in Europe. Cautionary note for visitors-don't over-estimate the number of countries you have time for when purchasing a Railpass. Also, the Italian and Euromed trains are Not high speed. SOME trains require a reservation-check at the station. Some of the happiest hours of my journey were on the trains and I won't hesitate to ride them again on my next visit. Boomer

[Battle48 @ May 10th 2007 12:36PM]

Hi there,
I'm French, so I thought maybe my opinion would be appreciated. We, in France are very proud of this record. And also it warms our hearts to see how the international community congratulates us nicely about this performance. We would like to thank you all for you nice comments and congratulations. I'm particularily proud because after all France is just a 60 milion people country, so we don't stand the chance to hold a world record just everyday. I admit that the Maglev is faster. But considering it is not in contact with the railway, it means less friction, so less speed reduction. I think that if we build an electromagnetic train with what horse power there was in this one, we would set an incredible record. Once again, thank you everyone for you apreciation of that event which without a doubt makes me proud of my nation. I hope the US can get such high speed trains. Because, let's be honest, they need them more than France does. The distance to cover for Americans are simply on another level, so it would be nice for everyone if they got trains to go rapidly from a city to an other. Not to mention that although the 'TGV' HST (High Speed Train) is more expensive than a regular train, it is far more conveniant (when there is no checking) and still far less expensive than planes. In France people do not use planes for internal travels. We consider it too much of an expense and use our cars for hours to cover distances whenever we do not use our TGV. Thanks everyone for you comments. France says hi to you all =) We are proud to be on the same planet as you guys are.