Engineers have been working on the maglev train concept since the middle of the twentieth century. Originally conceived in 1968 by James Powell, a researcher at Brookhaven National Lab, the maglev exchanges the traditional wheel and axle model for a levitation system that lifts the cars by magnetism.
The system uses the repulsive and attractive forces of magnetism to provide both the lift and the thrust required to move a train.
In the past decade, engineers have designed maglev trains that are currently in service. Just last week a new train was tested on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line.
Named the L0 Series, Japan’s newest maglev train is capable of reaching a top speed of 505km/h (311mph). During its first run the L0 raced to its top speed before it reached the 3-mile marker along its 26.6-mile test track
Observers who were fortunate enough to catch a ride on the futuristic L0 reported that they couldn’t feel any disturbances or hear much noise as the train barreled down the tracks at high speed. However, for those outside of the train there was a different story to tell.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, “[One] reporter felt a shock wave and a massive gust of wind as the train sped past him. He also reported a deafening sound that made conversation all but impossible. “
Whether this type of disturbance limits maglev train from use densely populated areas is still to be seen. Between now and the train’s scheduled opening date in 2027 engineers have plenty of time to minimize these exterior forces.
In the coming decades more maglev trains are planned to come online in areas of India, China, and possibly even the US. Hopefully a future filled with Maglev trains and Hyperloops will make mid-distance travel fast, easy and futuristic.
Images and Video Courtesy of Sankai Photo & The Asahi Shimbun
Source: The Asahi Shimbun