Riding the World's Fastest Train @ 500 kph

angkor writes "Riding the world's fastest train @ 500 kph - some lucky people got a chance to ride on this experimental train. The Japan Times has the story." I like the part where the wheels retract as it starts picking up speed, with the train floating 10cm over the tracks. If only the California high-speed rail system was up and running.

Comments

ouch

[Jafafa Hots]

this will make for some spectacular derailments if Amtrak gets their hands on it

What the??

[Erik K. Veland]

"Electric boards at the entrances to the seating areas flash when the train's speed hits 452 kph, usually setting off excited cries and picture-taking among the passengers."

Can someone please explain this one?

What happen? Main electric board turn on. We get signal.

Priceless

[Mattygfunk]

10 quick beers before you go: $40
Ticket on the new train: $110
Accepting a dare from your mates: Free
Being the first person to do a 500 kph face-plant into a low bridge while train surfing: Priceless

A few cost things

[rcs1000]

The SNCF requires *massive* state subsidies to do this. If the US government paid Amtrak anything like what the French paid SNCF, then you wouldn't just have TGVs and Bullet trains, you'd have MagLev's running at 1000mph.