Along with the most extensive high speed rail network, China also has the world’s fastest train, which rolled off production lines last week. The 380A built by Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd, can go up to 380 kph (236 mph), which is a slight decrease from previous claims, but still very fast. This new line of high speed trains will run on the railway between Beijing and Shanghai when it is completed in 2011.
China’s Ministry of Railways signed a contract back in March to purchase 100 of these new high speed trains built by Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China CNR Corp, one of the two big train makers. China also has the independent intellectual property rights of the trains.
As soon as the railway between Beijing and Shanghai is complete, the trains will start running on them, cutting the trip between the two major cities (1302 km at 350 kph) down to around 4 hours.
Via Earth and Industry
photo credits: Xinhua
[...] design firm Priestmangoode recently unveiled the Mercury, a high speed train designed for low-carbon ultra-efficient travel. The Mercury is a double-decker train with a sleek [...]
[...] High speed trains are important for long haul travel, but more efficient rail systems are also needed in cities for general commuters. With precisely that in mind, Francisco Lupin designed this sleek concept train for Bombardier as part of the YouRail Train Interior Design Contest and their line of Eco4 energy saving trains. Lupin’s train is designed for economy commuters within a city and completely rethinks the interior of public transportation. The train is solar powered, made of lightweight materials and utilizes MagLev technology for a fast and energy efficient train. [...]