The Japanese "New Rail Line" Shinkansen first started its operation in 1964. Unlike the current high speed systems world wide, the Shinkansen is a separate system of its own. The trains run their own track all the way between their stations in the bigger cities. Of course this will crunch additional minutes of the scedules, but will also add huge costs in and around already builtup areas like cities.  

  Shinkansen Types Summary Chart  
  Shinkansen Series 0 Technical Details  

For the moment the Shinkansen page is mostly a Japan super high speed picture page, but we will gradually add more information and additional pictures while they become available. 

One of the fleet of the impressive Shinkansen series 300. 
 

The same streamlined shape pictured from behind. 

Two Shinkansen 300s resting at the Osaka station. Look at the heavy duty electric connection on the roof between the cars. The wires look incredibly narrow compared with the supporting structure!

The entrance with doors that slide into the side.  

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The newer Shinkansen train "Hikari Rail Star" boarding at the airport...I mean station, alhough the personnel in the background sure look like they would be from the airport. 

Hikari Rail Star for Shinkansen, another view to the streamlined shape of the Japanese designed nose.  Many of the modern Japanese trains exported around the world have interesting streamlined design. 

Hikari Rail Star pantograph and "fins". 

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Shinkansen series 300 seen on the Shinkansen line. Notice the separate traditional rail line close by. If this was in Europe, the super fast traffic would use traditional infrastructure inside the cities and the super high speed lines would be built outside the cities. In many cases it would be difficult to find new corridors for new lines in older European cities.       

More information and pics to follow later. 

The story of the high speed in Japan started with 1964 series 0 trains on the Shinkansen lines. An impressive number of cars, 3216, were built and the last unit  retired after 44 years in service (for the type).          
     
Series "0" Technical Details  
-> Type: Series 0 

-> Builder: Nippon Sharyo, Kawasaki Sharyo, Kinki Sharyo, Kisha, Hitachi Ltd, Tokyu Car Corporation
-> Owners: JNR (-1987), JR Central (1987-), JR West (1987-2008)  
-> Number of units: 3216 ! 
-> Delivered to use: 1963 - 1986  
     
-> Configuration: 4, 6, 12 or 16 cars per trainset  
-> Capacity:  368 – 1,323 passengers   
-> Operated by: JNR (-1987), JR Central (1987-), JR West (1987-2008)      
-> Unit length: 25 meters per car 
-> width: 3383 mm (broad loading gauge)  
   
-> Unit power: 740 kW / car  (992 Hp)
-> Starting tractive effort:     kN 
-> Continuous tractive effort:      kN 
-> Electrical systems for: AC 25 kV/60Hz

-> Design temperatures: unknown
-> Mass, metric tons:    t /  t net
-> Gauge: 1435 mm 
-> Carbody material:  
-> Wheel diameter:      mm
-> Coupler type: 
-> Axle weight max:    tons  

-> heated and ventilated environment for the passengers and train service personnel  
   
Easy recognition guide

• only museum units remain currently