Maglev trains and materials?

Question

What materials are used in maglev trains? I know that they use electromagnets (but what does that mean ---are they actual magnets) also what sort of glass/transparent material would they use for windows (glass, plexi, what materials used in the frame (steel)? etc

Answer 1

Electromagnet -- a slug of steel with wire wrapped around it many times.  Hook a battery to the wire, and you get a magnet until you turn power off.

In a maglev they would probably use the same windows as normal trains -- half inch thick polycarbonate.

Frame would be steel, stainless steel (very popular in railcars- rust proof), aluminum (for weight) or composite (for weight).

I wouldn't get too excited about maglev's though.  The entire track has to be lined with electromagnets, which is insanely expensive.  Why would anyone build one when you can have 10 times as much TGV train for the same price?  What's more, TGV track is available off the shelf from many American suppliers - nothing to invent.