ALFA-X

[peteski]

TGV test runs up to 357mph 

~Ian

And it doesn't need the "alligator snout" nose. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TGV_POS

[Spades]

Just a wild a$$ guest.  The faster you go the bigger the pressure wave and drag.  If you extend the lower part of the nose you can generate a wave 180 degree out of phase to cancel out the wave. Minimize drag, save fuel and go faster.  Think of the bulbous bow that stick out on large ships.

[nkalanaga]

Spades:  That could also be a possibility.  The aerodynamics of a 300+ mph train are much closer to an airplane than to conventional trains.

Peteski:  "A 19 mile MAGLEV train line exists in China. Top speed   431 km/h (268 mph)."
True, and it works well.  But predictions in the 90s were that maglev would be the big thing in intercity travel by now, replacing airplanes on many shorter routes.  Instead, there are maybe a handful of routes actually carrying passengers, and those are relatively short.  Plus, the TGV can still outrun them, although the French don't try in general service.

[Bulbous]

Quick note that the main reason for the aerodynamics on this is that there are strict noise limits on the Shinkansen routes, requiring every design to limit noise - from tunnel boom to travelling through built up areas. Even pantographs are shaped carefully to keep the noise down below limits. Each time they want to increase speeds incrementally, the next gen rolling stock needs substantial redesign to allow for higher speeds with no increase in decibels.

Also, note that the TGV record required a non-standard set (two power cars with three heavily modified passenger cars), more powered axles (including under some of the passenger cars), and almost the complete reconstruction of nearly 100 kilometres of LGV to achieve that record. Then, they still didn't beat the Japanese with their 18.6km maglev test track (581km/h in 2003, versus 574.8km/h in 2007), which the Japanese then followed up with a 603km/h in 2015 on the longer 42.8km test track.

Cheers,

Matt

[Spades]

Quick note that the main reason for the aerodynamics on this is that there are strict noise limits on the Shinkansen routes, requiring every design to limit noise - from tunnel boom to travelling through built up areas. Even pantographs are shaped carefully to keep the noise down below limits. Each time they want to increase speeds incrementally, the next gen rolling stock needs substantial redesign to allow for higher speeds with no increase in decibels.

You move anything through the air you will generate drag and it's by product.  Aerodynamic noise. Going back 30 years and a lot of ground schools.  I believe it's edge noise and bluff body noise. `

[nickelplate759]

A 19 mile MAGLEV train line exists in China. Top speed   431 km/h (268 mph).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_maglev_train

I rode it in 2008.  Worth doing, but not at all a smooth ride at top speed.  It only goes  full speed for about a minute each trip.
If memory serves, the design is derived from a German one.

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[MK]

Look at the bug splatters!  But judging from the size of them spots, maybe small birds are more like it!