JAPAN | Maglev

[gladisimo]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Just a question. The second video talks about "rotated magnets on the side of the train". What does he mean by that?

I'm not sure which video you're referring to, but I'm assuming you're asking about the magnets, which may have alternating currents passed through them to rotate their polarities in order to propel the train forward.

[MetroWest]

-----------This thread is for updates about Maglev projects and general maglev information----------

A Maglev train is a train that has no wheels. It uses magnets to make the train hover slightly off the ground. Magnets on the side of the track propel the train forward and keep it on the track. Because the train is not touching the ground there is little friction. The only friction slowing down the train is the air around it. Since there is no friction, trains can operate at high speeds. There are a few different design for Maglev trains and magnet propelled trains. Magnet propelled trains are trains that run on conventional track, but are pushed forward by magnets. This is the inductrack method. These are used in many mass transit systems such as the Vancouver Skytrain. They can be seen in the diagram below.

Even though these trains may sound feasible to have, they are extremely expensive to run and maintain. Because of this, there are only three Maglev trains in current operation, and only one open to public use.

The Shanghai Maglev
This is the only Maglev system that is in public operation. The cars and the track where built by Transrapid. The Transrapid company is based in Emsland, Germany. The Maglev used in Shanghai uses the track and car set up in the middle of the diagram above. The system connects downtown Shanghai to Pu-Dong International Airport. The systeme was officially opened to public use in 2004. The top speed of the trip is 450 km/h. The track length is around 50 km. The journey time is around 7 minutes and 20 seconds and costs about 5 euro (around 8.00 US) but is cheaper if you have proof of airline ticket (prices subject to change). The video below shows parts of the trip.



Emsland Test Track
The Emsland test track is the birth area of Transrapid. Here, different models of Maglevs where tested and the final design is used here and in Shanghai. The test track is around 30 km, and the top speed of the train is 420 km/h. The video below shows the Emsland Test Center, and early Maglev designs.


Yamanashi Test Track
The Yamanashi Test Track is located in Yamanashi prefecture, Japan. Here, the most advanced Maglevs in the world are tested. The test track is run by JR (Japan Railroad, the government).The trains here have broken the world record in train speeds by 7 km. The world record is 581 km/h. The video below shows more information on the JR Maglev and its test track.


Munich Maglev Project
A Maglev has been proposed to be built in Munich, Germany. The Munich Maglev would link Munich International Airport and Downtown Munich. The Maglev would be built by Transrapid and would be similar to the system in Shanghai. THE MUNICH MAGLEV PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELED

Applied Levitation
Applied Levitation is an American company that is developing a way to mount magnets on normal rail track. They have tested this method in scale models, and are planning to build a test track. For more information on this project, visit http://www.appliedlevitation.com/

There are many more types of Maglev trains and Magnet propelled mass transit.

[Substructure]

You forgot the Linimo subway line in Japan, which is also a maglev.

http://www.gizmohighway.com/transpor...glev_train.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linimo

[33Hz]

The Munich line has been canned, hasn't it?

Even though these trains may sound feasible to have, they are extremely expensive to run and maintain. Because of this, there are only three Maglev trains in current operation, and only one open to public use.

That is not true. They are cheaper to run and maintain according to all business cases I have seen. It is the capital cost of tracks that has to date held such projects back.


Can I ask, what is the point in this post?

[keber]

Originally Posted by 33Hz

That is not true. They are cheaper to run and maintain according to all business cases I have seen. It is the capital cost of tracks that has to date held such projects back.

I doubt, that Shanghai officials would agree with you.

[ZZ-II]

Originally Posted by 33Hz

The Munich line has been canned, hasn't it?

yes, the Munich line has been cancelled unfortunately

[MetroWest]

Originally Posted by Substructure

You forgot the Linimo subway line in Japan, which is also a maglev.

http://www.gizmohighway.com/transpor...glev_train.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linimo

I know I forgot it, these are the major High-Speed Maglev trains. There are many more that could be included in this article. There are also the magnetic propelled trains that are used mostly in people movers that could be included too. Thanks for posting that though.

[MetroWest]

Originally Posted by ZZ-II

yes, the Munich line has been cancelled unfortunately

I can't believe it has been canned. Are you sure? That sucks!

[Anekdote]

Originally Posted by MetroWest

I can't believe it has been canned. Are you sure? That sucks!

Yes, he's right. It was cancelled because the costs were higher than expected..

[bluemeansgo]

And also because the benefits didn't outweigh the costs. There is already a 200km/h high speed line along the same path.

If there was no rail already existing, I think this project would've flown.

[Vascilli]

How much does it cost per km?

Edit: $100 million per km on the Linimo, but that might be so high because it was a unique project.

[Kuvvaci]

I don't think many country will have these soon...

[serdar samanlı]

inductrack has steel-wheels-rolling-on-steel-rails just like a normal train

[JoKo65]

Originally Posted by bluemeansgo

And also because the benefits didn't outweigh the costs. There is already a 200km/h high speed line along the same path.

If there was no rail already existing, I think this project would've flown.

There is no high speed line along the same path.

[MetroWest]

Originally Posted by serdar samanlı

inductrack has steel-wheels-rolling-on-steel-rails just like a normal train

Yea, so i guess i should say these are magnetic powered trains...

[UrbanBen]

I think the original graphic might mean a system which lifts at higher speed, rather than a linear induction system (like skytrain).

[RSG]

I have read that Maglev trains are very loud. I believe most governments would risk building them in highley populated area. Not in western countries anyway.

[Tri-ring]

Originally Posted by RSG

I have read that Maglev trains are very loud. I believe most governments would risk building them in highley populated area. Not in western countries anyway.

Since Maglevs do not create mechanical friction (ex.rail rubbing against wheel), when compared at same speed Maglevs will always be more silent than conventional high speed rail.

[Shezan]

japanese ones are stunning and so futuristic

[Railfan]

Venezuela Telemag



Caracas – La Guaira : A maglev train has been proposed to connect the capital city Caracas to the main port town of La Guaira and Simón Bolívar International Airport . No budget has been allocated, pending definition of the route, although a route of between six and nine kilometres has been suggested. The proposal envisages that, initially, a full-sized prototype train would be built with about one kilometre of test track.

In proposing a maglev system, its improved life and performance over mechanical engines were cited as important factors, as well as improving comfort, safety, economics and environmental impact over conventional rail.