Ah it seems that China wishes to keep its 1st place on HSR networks, both construction and operation. Anyway, also in Spain - they also want to keep their 2nd place in the 'HSR network contest' - two new streches of HSR are also being redied for opening, both in the North of the country. Both are sections of the North high speed Corridor.
The first of it links the present end of the line at Valladolid with Leon. As a cost saving measure, part of it was build in single track (but with space for a second track already built) and as on this phase ERTMS will not be installed, top speed will be limited to 200 Km/h (125 Mph) since the only cab signal system installed is the so called 'Asfa digital'. However, with ERTMS installed, and maybe a second main track in place, top speed may reach a maximum of 350 km/h. Here's some info (quite complete, it even mentions the maximum speeds of operation), in spanish only ; https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%ADnea_de_alta_velocidad_Valladolid-Palencia-Le%C3%B3n
A video of the tests depicting Adif Talgo test train (from the same family of the newest Cascades) ;
The Valladllid to Leon HSR section is expected to open in September.
The other HSR section wich will start to be tested soon is the Galicia branch, starting at Olmedo. On the 7th of august a section fo Oledmo to a point just north of Zamora will be opened for test runs with catenary already energized (electrified on 2X25 Kv)
blue streak 1 UK is putting on hold further expansion of electrification due to cost over runs and lack of supplies. Also note that article states system is at capacity much of day. That may be the reason that supplies are in short supply ? http://www.railwaygazette.com/news.html
UK is putting on hold further expansion of electrification due to cost over runs and lack of supplies. Also note that article states system is at capacity much of day. That may be the reason that supplies are in short supply ?
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news.html
Actually this is a little misleading. They are putting the projects up north on hold in order to concentrate on on electrifying the Great Western Main. This is required to make sure it's in place for the upcoming HST replacement trains.
China is spending about 4 times what all US RRs including Amtrak this year.
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/china-invests-dolus-43bn-in-rail-in-first-half-of-2015.html?channel=522
Why not buy HSR train sets in bulk ? Then just pawn off a few to offer to US. China putting out tender for 351 train sets.
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/china-issues-tender-for-351-high-speed-trains.html?channel=523
China starts testing another HSR line.
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/high-speed-testing-begins-in-chinas-far-north.html?channel=523
blue streak 1 A surprize China's population likes to tour country on HSR http://www.ecns.cn/2015/07-08/172246.shtml
A surprize China's population likes to tour country on HSR
http://www.ecns.cn/2015/07-08/172246.shtml
Again, why is that surprising? The route serves several well-known tourist destinations, such as legendary mountains. And some of the tourists will be foreigners, including "overseas Chinese."
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
HSR line Hong Kong - mainland overbudget and delayed. Guess not all China projects get fast tracked/
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1834045/high-speed-rail-link-mainland-china-too-idealistic-start-hong
Why is that surprising? We lag behind many countries on HSR.
World HSR summary by railway gazette. Of course China leads. But interesting who USA lags behind.
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-2015-china-remains-the-pacesetter.html
505 miles in rugged terrain, built in 5 years. The trains take under 4 hours. I believe the terrain north of Fuzhou is more rugged than the New England routes would be, for the most part. The highest mountain is over 7,000 feet high. Fujian province is said to be "Eight parts mountain, one part water, and one part farmland."
blue streak 1Article notes that 86% of route is in tunnels or on bridges.
Not surprising to me. What might be highly interesting: look at the topo and compare it with either the 'revised' White Train route or the parts of the 'second spine' route in New England. Then see if the '86%' of tunnels and bridges have length and heights respectively that are comparable to what the American routes would require...
blue streak 1Maybe this is in anticipation of thawed cuba - US relations ?
Probably so. The embassies are scheduled to open soon.
What is probably to become a regular happening China just opened another ( 300 KPH ) HSR rail line. Article notes that 86% of route is in tunnels or on bridges.
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/china-opens-hefei-fuzhou-high-speed-line.html?channel=540
Even Cuba is getting into the act of improviing RRs. They are closing Havana station for reconstruction. Article also lists several route rojects to decrease travel time. Maybe this is in anticipation of thawed cuba - US relations ?
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/central-south-america/cuba-begins-havana-station-reconstruction.html?channel=536
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