French Train Sets Speed Mark at 357 MPH
A French train has broken the world speed record for trains traveling on conventional tracks. The V150 train hit 357.2 miles per hour as it zipped through the French countryside. For the record attempt, the train was using extra-large wheels and was aided by higher-than-usual voltage. We listen to some of the highlights of the record-breaking event.
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Unidentified Man #1: (French Spoken)
MELISSA BLOCK, host:
That is the French equivalent of a Shuttle launch. Today, a record-setting journey for the fastest train on conventional train tracks. The bullet train, known as the TGV in France, hit 357.2 miles per hour as it sped through the countryside. Sparks flew overhead as the V150 with three double-decker cars beat the record set in 1990 by more than 30 miles an hour. That record was set by another French train.
As you can imagine, the bistros in Paris came to a standstill as patrons watched on TV.
(Soundbite of French television program)
Unidentified Man #2: (French spoken)
MICHELE NORRIS, host:
Now, this isn't the fastest any train has ever traveled. That record was set by a Japanese magnetically-levitated train - 361 miles per hour. And to be fair, the French train used special large wheels today to cover more ground with each rotation. And the electrical tension in the overhead cable was kicked up to 31,000 volts from 25,000.
BLOCK: But it was a record, nonetheless. And on hand to take note of that record was a delegation from California. They're looking into trains for a high-speed service from San Diego to Sacramento, with stops in L.A. and San Francisco. No word on whether they'll play this during the trip.
(Soundbite of song, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)")
Mr. SCOTT MCKENZIE (Singer): (Singing) If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to…
BLOCK: You are listening to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News.
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