When Japan’s legendary “Bullet Trains” entered service in 1964, a new era in high speed rail travel had begun. Brand new trains operating over brand new railway lines cut journey times in half and opened the world’s eyes to the possibilities of high speed rail travel.
This volume is an updated and revised second edition of Peter Semmens' acclaimed work on the subject. Using first-hand knowledge and experience, Peter tells the story of Japan’s high speed rail network, from the earliest beginnings to the end of the twentieth century.
Civil engineering challenges, day-to-day operating procedures, political aspects and the high speed trains themselves are all examined. Also includes a useful glossary and chronology of events. Well illustrated in colour and black & white. 128 pages. Hardback. Published 2001.