Alive Matters

…and other reflections from the frontier

Archive for November 13th, 2006

Shanghai Maglev

Posted by mtc on 13 November, 2006

One of the more surreal things I’ve experienced. This puppy connects Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport with downtown’s Longyang Road Station, and in seven minutes transports you over 30 km. It tops out at 431 km/h (267 mph), which this video I took proves.  Yes, that is normal speed.  I know of no other system that lets you experience this kind of speed, on the ground.  You could approach it with something like a Bugatti Veyron or F1 car, but for $6???  No way.

It’s a little unnerving when you realize you are basically in a missile, and free to walk around without being locked down in a five-point racing harness.

For a more in depth article, check out  Wikipedia.

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