Friday, September 12, 2014

JAPANESE RAILWAY MIRACLE - SHINKANSEN TRAIN

50 years ago, in October 1964 in Japan, was launched the world's first bullet train "Shinkansen» (aka bullet-train), capable of speeds up to 210 km / h and for all has become a symbol of the "new" Japan and its growing economic strength. The first line connected the two major Japanese cities - Tokyo and Osaka, reducing the minimum travel time between 7.5 to 4 hours.

Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train

Shinkansen train on the background of Mount Fuji - one of the most recognizable landscapes of modern Japan:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Literally translated from the Japanese word "Shinkansen" means "new line". Before the advent of high-speed trains in Japan Railways were narrow-gauge (1,067 mm), and had a lot of twists due to the nature of the local topography. On such roads to develop high speed was too limited. For the "Shinkansen" has been specifically designed new line has a standard gauge of 1,435 mm.

Why Japan initially deviated from the international standard is still not fully understood. It is believed that it was the decision of a certain Mr. Okubo, who was the person in charge at the start of construction of the first railway in Japan. Of course, the narrow gauge is cheaper, and the trains themselves were smaller and more economical to manufacture. However, at the same time it also means less load capacity and low speed. Therefore, the feasibility of this solution for the Japanese remains a big question. At the beginning of the 20th century of the proposed project to restructure the web according to international standard, and although supporting the idea was much, instead it was decided to spend the money to build new directions.Thus, the narrow gauge spread throughout Japan, which still gives a lot of inconvenience.

Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Supporters of the broad gauge was able to realize their projects in the life on the railroad, paved the Japanese in the early 30-ies. colonized in South Manchuria. In 1934, between the cities of Dalian and Changchun (700 km) was launched on the legendary "Asia Express", a show symbol of Japanese imperialist power at the time. Capable of speeds over 130 km / h, it was far superior to the railway system in China at that time, and was even much faster than the fastest express train in Japan.Yes, and on a global scale "Asia Express" was an impressive performance. For example, the world's first air-conditioned cars were equipped with it in it. Dining car was equipped with a fridge, also had a special coach - an observation platform with windows around the perimeter, furnished with leather chairs and bookshelves.

Probably, this example was the final argument in favor of the broad gauge and gave rise to the first high-speed railway projects in Japan. In 1940, the Japanese government approved the incredible scale project. Even then, the project involved the creation of a train, capable of speeds up to 200 km / h, but the Japanese government was not going to be limited to laying lines only in Japan. It was supposed to pave the underwater tunnel to the Korean Peninsula and the way to reach right up to Beijing. Construction has already partially started, but soon began the war and the subsequent deterioration of the military and political position of Japan put an end to the imperial ambitions. In 1943, the project had been discontinued, the same year was the last for the "Asia-Express." However, some parts of the lines of "Shinkansen", operated today were built before the war.

On the construction of the "Shinkansen" began to talk again, 10 years after the war. Rapid economic growth has created a great demand for freight and passenger transport in the country. However, the idea to revive the project proved to be quite unpopular and was heavily criticized. At that time was strongly believed that road and air transport will supersede the railway soon as it happened, for example, in the United States and some European countries. The project was again in jeopardy.

In 1958, between Tokyo and Osaka, as yet narrow gauge, was launched on a direct ancestor "Shinkansen" - Business Express "Kodama". With a maximum speed of 110 km / h and it covered the distance between cities in 6.5 hours, making it possible day trips. In Japan, where the culture of doing business is based on personal meetings, it was very convenient solution.Nevertheless, he served for a brief period. The incredible popularity of "Kodama" did not leave any doubts in the need for high-speed lines, and less than a year, the government finally approved a project to build a "Shinkansen".
 
Business Express "Kodama" 1958-1964 years .:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
It is widely believed that the launch of "Shinkansen" was scheduled for the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but the Japanese deny it. Construction lines "Shinkansen" began in March 1959, more than a month before Tokyo was selected the host city for the games. However, the Olympics came in very handy. Originally announced budget for the construction of "Shinkansen" was obviously too small and everyone knew it, but to claim the actual numbers were too risky. Credit, highlighted by the World Bank at a sufficiently low rate, and did not cover half the cost. The real value, which, in turn, exceeded the stated almost 2.5 times managed to cover, "asked to borrow" money from the government, ostensibly to catch the opening of the Olympic Games!

Early in the morning October 1, 1964 at Tokyo Station ceremony of the first run "Shinkansen" from the specially built platform number 19 Platform richly decorated red and white ribbons and traditional Japanese paper ball "Kusudama". Tronuvshegosya train ripped the tape, the ball opened and out of the will of white doves fluttered 50. Next was the music, fireworks and general rejoicing of thousands of Japanese, do not be lazy to visit at 5 am as a momentous event. In the evening of the same day pictures "Shinkansen" appeared on the front pages of all the major publications of the country under the big headlines, broadcasts a new era in the history of Japan, and, what could be modest, around the world.

The ceremony of launching the first "Shinkansen". Tokyo, 1964.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
A sense of national pride in the "Shinkansen" do not pass by any Japanese, and the emperor himself, they say, wrote about him whether the song is an ode to Do.

In 1975, Japan was visited by the Queen of the country-country railroad. It is, of course, about England. The royal couple arrived on a friendly visit to the emperor, and one of the first items in the program of entertainment was a trip to the "miracle train" to Kyoto. For Japan, it was the perfect occasion to show off, but a rare chance and could not miss the quirky Japanese unions. Almost immediately upon arrival of Queen workers staged the first in the history of Japanese railway strike. In a word, all the drivers "Shinkansen", of which there were 1,100 people, refused to roll queen, until you have made the union's demands. Naturally, cornered bosses demands quickly complied, but a ride on the "Sinkansene" Queen was only already on the way back. Series of failures did not stop there. On the day when the queen had to catch the train, was a heavy downpour, and the train was late by as much as 2 minutes. In general, it turned out there to make an impression on Elizabeth II or not - is unknown, but it is said to strike it really was not offended, and took everything with humor. She said she herself is no stranger to strikes.

Train "Shinkansen", painted paint in protest:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Contrary to skeptical expectations, train Shinkansen proved incredibly successful and fast enough to recoup the costs of construction. Just 8 years was opened a second line. Already by 1981 the debt to the World Bank loan was completely covered. Moreover, to date train Shinkansen provides up to 80% of the profits Japan Railways. At the moment there are 8 lines "Shinkansen" total length of almost 3000 km and they continue to be built.

Scheme Shinkansen train lines:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Of course, in the 50 years of its existence, "Shinkansen" was rather big evolutionary path, though not always cloudless.

In the 80-ies. 575 inhabitants of the city of Nagoya, whose houses were located along the tracks, sued the management of "Shinkansen" to complain about the noise and strong vibrations. Immediately after this technology have been introduced to reduce the level of noise and vibration, improving the quality of railway track. Was also introduced generally slow down when passing through densely populated areas.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Today the "Shinkansen" virtually silent, the path often held in close proximity to buildings without causing too much discomfort. Another step in the development of steel technology in the field of energy efficiency. And all because of Japan, in which 99.7% of oil imported (not from Russia), proved very sensitive to multiple oil shocks. Thus, under the pressure of both external and internal factors in the person sverhtrebovatelnyh Japanese "Shinkansen" rapidly improved. Nevertheless, the very first model train was permanent until 1982, and even after the emergence of new models remained in use right up to 2008

In 1987, the Japanese National Railways was privatized, rather than a state monopoly 5 new independent companies. Healthy competition has given a new impetus to the development of technology and quality of service.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
The trains came the so-called "green cars", comparable with the level of business class on airplanes. Actually, the airlines and were and are still the main competitors "Shinkansen". These cars have become a kind of indicator of the economic situation in the country. During the heyday of many companies buy their employees for business trips in place of "green cars", but with the decline of the economy are usually empty.

Now the interior of the car looks like this:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Tickets are available with and without a place. In cars without a place you may have to sit in the middle,, but cheaper
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Toilet:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
At the station, the train hanging scheme, so that once it is clear what the car you need:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
On landing all stand in neat lines. On the platform of the line drawn in the queue for each car:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Companies also competed and sophistication on-board power. In general, eating a "bento" in "Sinkansenah" became a sort of tradition, even if it takes just a couple of hours. They are sold as at the stations and in the trains themselves. At each site has its own unique "bento". Until 2000, there were trains dining cars and wagons cafe, but the ever-increasing flow of passengers demanded more seats. Began to appear double-decker train, but in the restaurants they did not last long. Same story touched and private compartments that could be little room for one or an entire conference room for 4-5 persons.Economic recession almost completely destroyed the demand for such cars.

VOKZALNAYA traditional "bento" lunch:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
90th. and the end of the economy "bubble" became the most unstable in the history of the "Shinkansen". In addition, in 1995 in the Osaka earthquake happened, and although the trains themselves are not affected, well bent rails. On the restoration took about 3 months. But there were also positive aspects, such as the Olympic Games in Nagano, 98, has created a demand for new destinations!
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Despite the slowing economic growth throughout this time it has consistently continued to appear newer, more advanced model trains. Were developed various security systems, primarily for protection from earthquakes. Now in case of an earthquake triggered an automatic warning system, which slows down the train for a split second until the shock. So even shattering earthquake in 2011 did not happen no accidents with trains "Shinkansen", they are all safely stopped automatically. By the way, the danger of earthquakes is one of the main reasons why the trains go slower than they would technically.

Modern train "Shinkansen":
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Wagons in trains "Shinkansen" is not disconnected. Therefore, they do not have a tail, but always two heads! And trains can be interconnected (Smack)
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
By the way, a red cooler and faster, so he usually drags green. The latest model came out just a couple of months ago, in March 2014.

There is one more very special train. It is called «Doctor Yellow». It is said that to see it - a good sign. This is such a special doctor who examines and tests the path and other related equipment for serviceability few times a month. During the day he travels at the same speed as the rest of the train, so as not to interfere. At night, he slowly and carefully examine all parts of the route.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Starting from the 2000s. Japanese technology "Shinkansen" became actively exported abroad. At this point in the Asian region, high-speed trains are China, Taiwan and South Korea. All of these countries except Korea, have high-speed railways based on Japanese technology (technology borrowed Korea French TGV). Exported not only technology, but also they decommissioned Japanese compositions.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Modern train "Shinkansen" in Japan are developing a top speed of 270 km / h, the next year it is planned to raise up to 285 km / h, although the test speed reaches more than 440 km / h. Time travel between Tokyo and Osaka are now less than 2.5 hours. The trains are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay - clean toilets, smoking, sockets at each seat, sometimes even machines with drinks.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Tokaido Line (Tokyo-Osaka) is the busiest high-speed rail line in the world and carries for the year more than 150 million passengers. Trains from Tokyo depart every 10 minutes.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Despite the relatively high cost of train Sinkansken not lose popularity due to its accuracy, speed, comfort, high level of service, and most importantly, safety. Over 50 years of service, not a single incident which caused death or serious injury from high-speed train. No other country in the world can boast of such safety performance of high-speed rail transport.Statistics confirm that "Peregrine Falcon" had killed more than 20 people in the first year of his service.
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Although the Japanese Shinkansen train remains one of the most advanced vehicles in the world, working to improve it do not stop. In Yamanashi Prefecture has a special research center, where you create and test new technologies, in particular, JR-Maglev - the Japanese system of high-speed maglev trains. It was there in December 2003, the composition of the three test cars modification MLX01 set an absolute speed record for rail transport - 581 km / h.

Maglev MLX01-1:
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train
Japanese railway miracle - Shinkansen train

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