And the essential thing here is that they've introduced new technology and pushed the envelope a bit. And about the French: while they are doing a great job with their TGV:s, and I definitely wouldn't belittle their achievement in getting that speed record, we have to remember that it was a one-off stunt with a specially modified train - the improvements we see from the Japanese here are measured from actual train in regular passenger service, on the maiden voyage it carried 1300(!) passengers.
For comparison, while the experimental TGV managed 357 mph top speed, their fastest scheduled service (Lyon - Aix-en-Provence) reached a record in 2005, running at an average speed of 163 mph and reaching a top speed of 198 mph.
BTW, still waiting for the Americans to get on board the train of fast trains....
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TH @ Jul 3rd 2007 9:35AM
Paul's right, it adds up.
And the essential thing here is that they've introduced new technology and pushed the envelope a bit. And about the French: while they are doing a great job with their TGV:s, and I definitely wouldn't belittle their achievement in getting that speed record, we have to remember that it was a one-off stunt with a specially modified train - the improvements we see from the Japanese here are measured from actual train in regular passenger service, on the maiden voyage it carried 1300(!) passengers.
For comparison, while the experimental TGV managed 357 mph top speed, their fastest scheduled service (Lyon - Aix-en-Provence) reached a record in 2005, running at an average speed of 163 mph and reaching a top speed of 198 mph.
BTW, still waiting for the Americans to get on board the train of fast trains....