Japan's Maglev Train Sets New Speed Record

Japan's new maglev train has set a new world's speed record during a test run.

According to The Guardian (U.K.):

Japan has again demonstrated its prowess in high-speed rail travel after its state-of-the-art maglev train set a world record of just over 600km/h (373mph), just days after it broke its previous 12-year-old record. 

The seven-car maglev – short for “magnetic levitation” – reached a top speed of 603km/h on Tuesday during what officials described as a “comfortable” zip along a test track near Mount Fuji. 

The Lo Series train, carrying 49 Central Japan Railway employees, managed nearly 11 seconds at over 600km/h during its 1.8km journey, the company said.

To read more, go here. 

L0 Maglev Shinkansen Unveiled In Japan

Source: Yomiuri Shimbun

As if Japan's current bullet trains (shinkansen) weren't impressive enough, now they are about to test new maglev technology for wheel-free trains of the future.

Singapore's Today reports:

TOKYO — Japan’s “floating” trains of the future, designed to travel at speeds of 311mph, have undergone their first test tracks. 

The new generation L0 Series trains, which employ the latest magnetic levitation technology instead of conventional wheels, will begin commercial services in 2027. 

The first five cars of the new train, which has a distinct aerodynamic “nose” at the front, were displayed on a test track in Yamanashi Prefecture.

I've ridden several times on conventional bullet trains, and have enjoyed the experience.  2027 is only 14 years away, so it should be interesting to ride a 311 mph train that "floats" above its tracks without wheels.

Above, a conventional Tohoku shinkansen in 2006.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full story, go here and here.