Japan HSR Gauge Change Train

[#Metro]

Something Unusual.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauge_Change_Train

The Gauge Change Train (GCT) or Free Gauge Train (フリーゲージトレイン?, "FGT") is the name given to a Japanese project started in 1994 to develop a high-speed train with variable gauge axles to allow inter-running between the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge Shinkansen network, and the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow gauge regional rail network.[1]

The first GCT train was completed in October 1998.[3] It was designed to be able to run at a maximum speed of over 300 km/h (185 mph) on Shinkansen lines, and at over 130 km/h (80 mph) on conventional narrow-gauge lines under a catenary voltage of 25 kV AC (50/60 Hz), 20 kV AC (50/60 Hz), or 1,500 V DC.[4]

[ozbob]

Interesting.  I know there are some trains in Spain (I think) that can convert from broad gauge / standard gauge, was not aware of a 3'6" / 4' 8.5" unit.

[SurfRail]

I was aware of this (I think I might have flagged it in one of the other threads).  It has been going through R&D for a while now.

As I understand it the scope for possible applications is probably limited to certain situations only where it makes sense to use the Shinkansen perway and have direct service to another line.  Probably won't be showing up on the busier lines, or around Tokyo or the biggest cities.

[petey3801]

Yeah, probably like how the TGV uses HSR tracks out a certain distance, then back on the regional lines (which are still quite fast for Aus standards!) To form a regional service further out.

[red dragin]

Yeah, probably like how the TGV uses HSR tracks out a certain distance, then back on the regional lines (which are still quite fast for Aus standards!) To form a regional service further out.

We took a TGV from Caen, France to Paris Disneyland. Took a regional track most of the way, stopped on the line whilst the drivers changed ends and then off on the LGV line to Disneyland.

[ozbob]

More on variable gauge systems here >> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_gauge