MagLev train help?

Question

How many MagLev train systems are currently in use and where? Also, where can I find up-to-date information on them?

Answer 1

The only one in passenger carrying service is in Shanghai China

good videos here

http://www.500kmh.com/

Answer 2

There are several test facilities (eg. in Japan and Germany) but currently there is only one MagLev-Line that actually runs in public passenger service: Shanghai Airport Link. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Ma... for further details.

Answer 3

many in japan, england and france not sure exactly on numbers thou, for best results look at google for maglev metro trains. good luck

Answer 4

There are many high-speed rail systems in France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Japan and China, however virtually none of them use maglev technology.

Why not?  Because of the extreme cost of maglev track, with its network of electromagnets, as compared to the advanced "regular railroad track" on which the TGV and other high-speed rail services operate.  

As the French have constantly proven, "regular railroad" TGVs can do everything maglevs can do, better and far cheaper.  Historically they have never allowed a maglev train to keep a speed record for long, though France's latest attempt fell 5 mph short of the mark.

TGV type trains can also operate on regular railroad track, so they use existing track to reach downtown terminals.  Maglev track must be completely new, end to end - so building into a downtown station is extremely expensive due to cost of land.

A comprehensive list of maglev systems:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev_trai...

While maglev is a "cool" technology, it just doesn't make any sense cost-wise in the real world.