Stingray-inspired Maglev train zooms riders into the future of transportation

The future of public transportation is going to be dominated by less energy-consuming solutions – the likes of magnetic levitation that we already see on the Maglev trains in Japan, China, and South Korea. Drawing inspiration from the energy-efficient propelling technology, designer Darina Shi has designed her own version of the future of how we move from one place to the other.

She calls it “Spacetrain” which is inherently inspired by the magnificence of nature – its dynamics, fluidity, and intrinsic patterns. The basic skeleton of the concept train takes the shape of a stingray – the front and side sections bear stark resemble the mouth and fins of the majestic sea creature. Similarly, the hues of cool white with bluish tint emulate the different forms of liquid – ice and flowing water. To reduce drag and improve aerodynamics, Spacetrain has a fluidic design – showing the roots of its origin with biomimicry. As proposed by Darina, Spacetrain will be 25 meters in length and 3.4 meters wide. The transportation module moves inside a Hyperloop-like tunnel to reduce wind drag for maximum speed and efficiency. The passengers will get panoramic views as they sit inside the two-seater rows (each having individual infotainment systems) on either side of the module that has full view windows on the ceiling.

The passengers complete their journey to alight the train at the respective stations which are equally awe-inspiring to match the mode of transport. They have a minimalist architecture honed by the matching cool blue and white colors of the train itself. Waiting sections of the stations have a good mix of ecology and modern elements. For the safety of the passengers, the track is protected by fencing to prevent accidental falls and only falls back when the train is stationary. Above the main platform for boarding trains, there is a lounge section for dining and relaxing. Truly, the concept is intriguing and gives a sneak-peak into the aspired future for smart cities and the way we’ll commute in daily life.

Designer: Darina Shi

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Split Personality Train

maglev_split_train_1

At Yanko, we believe in concepts. No matter how unearthly, how futuristic, how impossible…a good idea needs to be shared. This Mag Lev train comes into our lives from the future with a crazy awesome aesthetic and an incredible ability to split into two and be pulled in two directions by separate engines. What CAN’T magnets do!?

Designer: Phillip Seagram

maglev_split_train_2

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500 km/h Duck-billed Trainipus Resumes Testing in Japan

Japan already has some the fastest commuter trains in the world – with railways crisscrossing the country running as fast as small aircraft. While the country is already home to some incredibly speedy trains, Central Japan Railway Co. recently resumed testing of a next-generation train that’s even faster. This next-gen train uses maglev technology, and an unusual shape to help it travel at up to 500 kilometers-per-hour (~310 mph).

train tb

Traveling at that speed, the train will be able to go from Tokyo to Nagoya in only 40 min. Current high-speed trains in Japan need 95 minutes to travel the same 286 km distance. The train is currently being tested on a 42.8 km long maglev test line.

duck billed train 2

Building out the maglev line to span the whole 286 km is expected to cost around $52 billion (USD). Construction is set to begin in April 2014 and the builders will have to tunnel under the skyscrapers of Tokyo and the Japanese Alps in order to complete the route.

At least at top speed you won’t have to look at its ugly mug.

[via JDP]

Japan’s L0 maglev train aces first test, zooms past countryside at 311 mph (video)

DNP Maglev Shinkansen tests

This maglev train's length of development sure can't a hold a candle to its speed -- it took its creators almost six years to finally give it a test run. The five L0 Series cars zipped along the 26.6-mile track in nine minutes, hitting 311 mph within the first three miles. The reporters on board the futuristic vehicle couldn't feel or hear any disturbance, except for the odd blown mind. Outside, however, watching members of the public felt a shockwave followed by a deafening roar as the duck-billed train zoomed past. Using results from this trial, the company will be assessing the platypus-like train's potential environmental impact and looking for ways to reduce its maintenance costs in the future. You won't be taking a ride on this levitating wonder during your next Japanese vacation, though -- -- CJCR's got a few more tests to run before its 2027 launch date.

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Source: The Asahi Shimbun (1), (2)

Skytran Magnetically Levitating Mass Transit System: The Future is Coming to Tel Aviv

There aren’t that many maglev trains in operation yet (one is currently operating in Shanghai, China and another is in Japan). There have been skytrains and monorails before, but this is the world’s first magnetically levitating system of mass transit, which will be built in Tel Aviv, Israel. Previous maglev trains were for intercity journeys, not urban mass transit.

sky tran tel aviv maglev train pod

Skytran was designed to reduce urban traffic congestion. It’s supposed to be less expensive to use, faster, and more comfortable than cars or buses. The two-seater pods allow for personal transit between stations.

skytran station

Vehicles will be requested through a mobile app and are supposed to arrive almost instantly on demand.

The system was designed by engineers from NASA and Skytran. I wonder how this will scale up when tens of thousands of people try to use it every day. It kind of reminds me of the pods in Minority Report.

sky tran tel aviv maglev train pod side

[via designboom]