Tilting Train Project

Hitachi, Ltd. is now going underway of designing and manufacturing limited express tilting trains for Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA). Its delivery will start at the end of 2006, and total 6 units (48 cars) of tilting trains will be supplied by the end of 2007.

The tilting train is the "A-train" with 8 car vehicles (4 motor cars and 4 trailer cars). Its car body shell is the distortionless aluminum double-skin structure utilizing Hitachi's Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology. Moreover, the state of the art VVVF inverter units will be provided for the propulsion system.
The tilting system is the controlled-type tilt (maximum 5 degrees tilting angle), which enables to pass the sharp curves quickly and comfortably.

Owing to Hitachi's rich and advanced technologies on tilting trains, travel time between Taipei - Hualien is expected to be shortened after this train is in service.
Hitachi is boosting up railway system business in Taiwan by this tilting train project.

Bullet Trains Stealing Passengers Away from Airlines in Spain

High speed bullet trains are eclipsing airplanes as the preferred method of intercity travel in Spain. Traditionally, air travel was the way to traverse the long distances (typically 300 miles apart) between cities in the large country. Barcelona and Madrid are 410 miles apart, which previously helped create the busiest air travel route in the world. But in February of 2008 the new 220 mph train system linked up the two cities, and ridership has boomed. With a faster travel time, less delays and a lighter ecological footprint, more people are getting on board the train system.

Japanese bullet trains in 2009

Remember that Type N700 train that became Japan's fastest in mid-2007? Yeah, well it's about to get a lot more fun to ride. Starting next year, passengers on the ultra-quick bullet trains will be able to hit up their favorite blogs and banter about aimlessly via email / IM at 270 kilometers per hour (that's 167 miles per hour for you Yanks). The service will reportedly be an extension of NTT Communications' HotSpot service, and we're told that download speeds should reach around 2Mbps. As for cost, the fees will be at the usual HotSpot rate, which runs from ¥500 ($5.73) per day to ¥1,680 ($19.25) per month, or in other words, rates you'll totally pay to stay connected on the brisk runs from Osaka to Tokyo.

Travel With Train in Europe

It’s true that the rail system is a great way to see Europe. The train is the best way to get around Europe. Trains are spacious, go everywhere, and leave on the hour to most European destinations. When you take into account the time it takes to get out to many European airports, you’ll often find the train quicker than flying. The Only way to Travel in Europe

Although the train is an easy way to travel, there are some things you need to know:

Many trains require a supplement, above the regular ticket price. Be aware that some express trains in some countries may require a seat reservation. Fast trains usually are more expensive–you’ll be charged a supplement. Italian trains are notorious for charging supplements whenever they feel like it. I was once charged a €5.20 supplement on a €1.50 half-hour trip from Padua to Venice.

Many European trains split in two parts half-way through the journey with the two halves ending up in different destinations. Each carriage should carry a sign indicating the stops en-route with the destination station clearly marked. Make sure you get on the right carriage and be careful when you go for a walk.

Consider taking longer trips on an overnight train. You can often buy a couchette or bunk on a train from the conductor (check when you purchase your ticket). You’ll save a hotel and a day of travel.

It’s worth paying the extra money to make a reservation on Italian trains, which are often booked full. It’s not unusual to have to stand for three hours or so on the busier routes.

n general, trains in the southern part of Europe are cheaper than trains in the north. Slower trains are also cheaper than those slick, fast ones. Also, ask about special passes that might be available in the country in which you’re traveling.