Japanese Railway Technology

[Malcolm]

In a twist of fate, I have just returned today from a visit to Japan to see some old friends (Should never have left there, but that's another story), and was wondering:
What with Hitachi planning to build a new factory at Newton Aycliffe for rolling stock
AND
the government wanting to go ahead with high speed rail links. How about another what if?

If the Tories want to cut spending and still go ahead with the line, why not go to the Japanese who have tried and tested high-speed technology. It would mean no testing or development costs and I'm sure, with their economy the way it is, the Japanese would be more than happy to cut a deal.
Here's an example. This week sees the introduction of the lastest Shinkansen (bullet train to you guys|)... the E5. I have attached a few pictures of the inside and outside. Built by Hitachi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, it reaches speeds of 320 kph (200 mph), has regenerative braking and the latest green technology. It also holds three classes of seating: Standard, Green Sha (first class) and Gran Sha (super first class).

Malcolm

[Malcolm]

And now for the interiors.
Remember that this year is the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Shinkansen. AND no major incidents or fatalities in all that time.
If anyone is interested, I also have the full schematics of the E5 10 car set on TIFF files. If you want copies, just PM me or email me. I'll gladly pass them on.

Malcolm

[Bryan]

By coincidence on the BBC today
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12655826

[60041]

The Japanese seem to have managed something that looks rather strange to our British eyes; seats that line up with the windows - what a strange idea!

[manna]

G'Day Gents


Wot no tables, they'll never catch on, also I noticed there's nowhere to put the paraffin tail lamp !



manna

[third-rail]

are they beds in super first class, and those coaches look longer then normal

[Malcolm]

1. Tables fold down from the back of seat in front in Green Sha and Standard Class, but what do you want a table for? To rest your iPhone on?
2. All seats recline in all classes, but Gran-Sha seats recline further...with footrests, too.
3. Cars are 25 metres overall length each, except driving cars, which are 26.5 metres (includes nose cone).

Malcolm

[Multiprinter]

Extraordinarily ugly is all I can say! In fact rather like the trains in the Lloyds Bank ads.

[Ferrybridge Flyer]

Reminds me of something out of Thunderbirds!!!!Gerry Anderson should sue for breach of copyright!!!