Thread: What are maglev trains?

Can anyone tell me what are maglev trains which are supposed to be running about a mm above the track.So not touching the track means no friction and minimum loss of energy. These have been tested successfully in certain European countries.

A maglev, or magnetically levitating, train is a form of transportation that suspends, guides and propels vehicles (predominantly trains) using electromagnetic force. This method has the potential to be fast and quiet when compared to wheeled mass transit systems, potentially reaching velocities comparable to turboprop and jet aircraft (900 km/h, 600 mph). The highest recorded speed of a maglev train is 581 km/h (361 mph), achieved in Japan in 2003, 6 km/h higher than the conventional TGV speed record.

See here : Maglev (transport) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wow! I don't know that this type of trains existed, some strong electromagnetic force they've got if it could lift trains off the tracks. If there are no friction, then there are no reacting forces, and like sanju said will be less energy needed to move it around. This will eventually save energy and increase speed! Wonderful!

[quote=vip404;266585This will eventually save energy and increase speed! Wonderful![/quote]
Yeah, technology is advancing in leaps and bounds and don't be surprised to see trains running using more advanced technology in the near future.