Birth of the Shinkansen: The Origin Story of the World-First Bullet Train

The Shinkansen, the world's first high-speed railway, was developed in Japan in 1964 and has since evolved to become a highly safe and efficient mode of transportation. The book discusses the technological challenges faced by Japanese engineers in the 1950s and how they overcame them to create the Shinkansen, which has a high safety record and operates at speeds of up to 320 km/h.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The Shinkansen, the world's first high-speed railway, emerged in Japan in 1964 and has since undergone remarkable development. In the 1950s, European railways aimed to increase their commercial operating speed to 160 km/h, a challenging feat that seemed impossible to surpass. However, Japanese engineers with exceptional engineering skills, honed during World War II, transitioned from the military to the railways to conquer the technological barriers associated with high-speed railways. These engineers recognized the need for innovative approaches to achieve their goals.

The book delves into the technological challenges faced by railways in the 1950s and the ingenious solutions devised by the Japanese engineers. It highlights the non-computer era, where manual calculations and engineering expertise played pivotal roles in overcoming these obstacles. The Shinkansen's journey since its inception has been marked by significant advancements, enabling high-speed, safe, and frequent train operations with exceptional punctuality while minimizing environmental impact.

With a daily operational distance of 440,000 km, the Shinkansen has carried an astounding 13.3 billion passengers over 56 years, achieving an impressive safety record. The book explores the factors contributing to this remarkable safety record, including advanced engineering, rigorous training, and continuous improvement. It provides valuable insights into the design, construction, and maintenance of high-speed railways, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history and evolution of the world's first high-speed railway.

Weight: 495g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811665400
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022