500kph train sees light of day in Qingdao

Industry News | FrankF | December 29, 2011 at 11:46 am

Qingdao’s Sifang Locomotive Company have been busy over the past few years developing China’s high speed rail services where trains regularly go above 200km per hour. The current fastest train in China is the 300kph Shanghai-Beijing railway line that debuted earlier this year but was plagued by issues in its early days. The new train is capable of speeds of up to 500kph but will not likely hit such speeds when it goes into real world application. The trains design was apparently inspired by ancient Chinese swords, hence the long nose which is used to cut the air ahead of the train allowing for smooth operation.

A 500kph top speed translates into just over 300mph, which makes it faster than most of the short haul jets taking people across the skies of Europe and North America. Perhaps this train will herald the end of passenger flights?

FrankF

Frank entered the automotive industry via his father's instructions. He grew up with cars around him, especially as his father was a major auto restorer, Frank's childhood was spent passing beers, tools and coffee to his father whilst he explained the ins and outs of engines. Frank now works in the Chinese car industry at a specific manufacturer.