Fast Trains
by Al, Jason, Ryan and Trevor, Grade 3

Through the city, across the fields, faster than a speeding bullet the Shinkansen of Japan sets the tracks on fire.

The Shinkansen is nicknamed the Bullet Train because the front of the train is shaped like a bullet. Also this electric train can go as fast as a bullet. These trains can travel at speeds of 140 to 190 miles per hour.

There are several reasons this train can go so fast:

  1. Sections of the track are welded together into one smooth piece. This helps keep the train stable.
  2. There are no sharp turns in the tracks because when the Bullet Train is going fast it might tip over on sharp turns.
  3. There are brushes on the front of the train to sweep the rocks off the tracks.
  4. The train is made of plastic, titanium and aluminum so it is lighter.

The ride is really, really smooth so you don't feel like you are moving fast. But, if you look outside, the objects you pass will look blurry.

Every Bullet Train in Japan is controlled by computers. The computers are kept in a building called the CTC (Central Traffic Control) in Tokyo. The cab of a Shinkansen is not complicated because it is connected to computers which operate the train.

The head lights are so powerful that they can see far ahead. They become red tail lights when the train is going in the opposite direction.

Shinkansen have evolved over the years. This train was just an idea in 1939. At that time the people who thought up this train wanted it to go the length of Japan and then across Korea and into Asia. However, the first Shinkansen didn't start operating until October 1, 1964. It went between Osaka and Tokyo.

Shinkansen have up to sixteen cars. There is a conductor on every car. When you board the train you will find that the inside looks just like an airplane. You can reclineyour seat and fold down the table in front of you. If you want a soda, box lunches, fruit, cookies or ice cream you can get them from the rolling snack cart. The bathrooms are just like the ones on airplanes too. There are phones so you can call your mom and dad or anyone else who is not on the train.

Bullet Trains have double deck cars. One of the double deck cars has a diner on the top with a kitchen below. It is very fun on top because you can eat at tables kind of like in a restaurant. You can look outside as you speed along at 168 mph.

Three billion people rode the Shinkansen in the first 25 years without a single passenger fatality. One million passengers ride the train each day. Click to see the routes of the Shinkansen.


Bibliography

 

We got our information from these sources:
The Best Book of Trains by Richard Balkwell.
Big Book of Trains by Jame Yarke.
Fast as a Bullet by Mark Henricks.
"Boys Life", Nov. 1993 pages 28-13.

Photographs used with permission of Dave Fossett.

Coal Creek Home Page Railroads Index
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Created: June 1, 2000
Updated: October 28, 2000
Web Page Address: http://schools.bvsd.org/coalcreek/trains/shinkansen2.html