Speed records in rail transport
Template:More citations needed This article provides an overview of speed records in rail transport. It is divided into absolute records for rail vehicles and fastest connections in the timetable.
Current speed records
The world record for a conventional wheeled passenger train is held by a modified French TGV high-speed (with standard equipment) code named V150, set in 2007 when it reached Template:Convert on a Template:Convert section of LGV Est line, part of the Trans-European high-speed rail network.[1] Japan's experimental maglev train L0 Series achieved Template:Convert on a Template:Cvt magnetic levitation track in 2015.[2]
Under commercial traffic and practical conditions where trains carry passengers across from one station to another, the world records for top operating speeds of maglev and single-phase trains are held respectively by China's Shanghai Maglev Train with a top speed of Template:Cvt and CR400 Fuxing Hao at Template:Cvt. They are followed by France's TGV Duplex, Japan's E5 Series Shinkansen and the German ICE 3 (when operating in France[3]) which all have maximum operating speeds of Template:Cvt for commercial services.[4]
Past world speed records
Legend:
- Arr (Arrangement)
- Disposition and number of elements forming the train.
- Loc
- One locomotive pulling one or more cars.
- Multi
- Multiple motorized elements on a single train.
- Single
- Single rail vehicle (i.e. railbus)
- Power
- DC, DC 3rd rail, AC, Single phase, Triphase, Diesel-elec., Gas, Steam, Diesel-hydraulic, Propeller, Rocket, Jet
- State
-
- "Proto." (Prototype)
- "Unmod." (Unmodified from vehicles in service)
- "Tuned" (Modified at some level for a better performance)
- "Unknown"
All passenger trains
The following is a partial list of absolute world speed records for all trains designed to carry passengers, regardless of gauge, propulsion or type of rail.
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2015-04-21 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | L0 Series | Multi | AC (Maglev) | Proto. | Seven-car train set, manned[2] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2015-04-16 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | L0 Series | Multi | AC (Maglev) | Proto. | Seven-car train set, manned[5] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2003-12-02 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | MLX01 | Multi | AC (Maglev) | Proto. | Three-car train set. Guinness Book of Records authenticated.[6] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2007-04-03 | LGV Est | France | SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Extensive modifications. Set formed of 5 cars.[7] Current world record on steel rails. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2007-04-01 | LGV Est | France | SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Set formed of 5 cars.[8] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1990-05-18 | LGV Atlantique | France | SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Extensive modifications. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1990-05-09 | LGV Atlantique | France | SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Extensive modifications.[9] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2003-11-12 | Shanghai Maglev Train | China | Transrapid SMT | Multi | AC (Maglev) | Unmod. | Recorded in 2003 at a test run before the commercial operation in 2004[10] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2011-01-10 | Beijing–Shanghai HSR | China | CRH380BL | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 16-car trainset[11] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2010-12-03 | Beijing–Shanghai HSR | China | CRH380AL | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 16-car trainset, near Sùzhōu[12] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1990-12-05 | LGV Atlantique | France | SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Extensive modifications.[13] |
| Template:Hidden sort key | 1996-07-26 | Tōkaidō Shinkansen | Japan | Class 955 Shinkansen | Multi | AC | Proto | |
| Template:Convert | 2023-06-28 | Fuzhou-Xiamen HSR | China | CR400AF-J-0002 | Multi | AC | Proto | 8-car train with a CR450AF prototype carriage[14] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2013-03-28 | Gyeongbu high-speed railway | South Korea | Hyundai Rotem HEMU-430X | Multi | AC | Proto | six-car train set, maximum speed test[15] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1974-08-14 | High Speed Ground Test Center | United States | LIMRV[16] | Loc | Gas turbine | Proto | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1988 | LGV Sud-Est | France | SNCF TGV Sud-Est Set No. 88 | Multi | AC | [17] | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1988-05-01 | Hanover–Würzburg high-speed railway | Germany | Intercity Experimental (ICE V) | Multi | AC | Proto | The first time that a railway vehicle broke the 400 km/h mark. The official world record was beaten just one year later by the French TGV.[18] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2006-07-16 | Madrid-Barcelona HSL | Spain | Renfe Class 103 | Multi | AC | Unmod. | Currently holds the record of the fastest unmodified AC trainset (non-Maglev) in the world. |
| 400 km/h (250 mph) | 2019-12-14 | Tohoku Shinkansen | Japan | Class E956 "ALFA-X" | Multi | AC | Proto | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2016-02-26 | AV Milano-Torino | Italy | ETR 1000 | Multi | AC | Unmod. | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2007-04-03 | LGV Est | France | SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4404 | Multi | AC | unmod | Set formed of 10 cars -The 4404 train opens the way at 380 km/h for record breaker Tgv 4402 V150 train.[19] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1981-02-26 | LGV Sud-Est | France | SNCF TGV Sud-Est Set No. 16 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Line voltage increased from 25 kV to 29 kV, wheels of a larger diameter, and gear ratios between motors and wheels increased. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2009-02-04 | Monte Bibele tunnel (Bologna-Firenze HSL) | Italy | ETR 500-Y | Multi | AC | Tuned | World record in tunnel.[20] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2004-12-16 | Gyeongbu high-speed railway | South Korea | Hyundai Rotem HSR-350x | Multi | AC | Proto | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2003-07-30 | High Speed 1 | United Kingdom | Alstom Eurostar Tgv 3313/4, British Rail Class 373 | Multi | AC | Unmod | The speed of 334.7 km/h was recorded at Nashenden Valley, just outside Rochester.[21] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1955-03-29 | "Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax | France | Jeumont-Schneider SNCF BB 9003-9004 | Loc | DC | Tuned | Pulling 3 cars. Train was specially modified for the test. The track was badly damaged by the test.[22][23] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1974-12-08 | "Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax | France | TGV001 | Multi | AC | proto | TGV first prototype[24] |
| Template:Hidden sort key Template:Convert | 2007-09-14 | Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway between Ankara and Eskişehir. | Turkey | ETR 500 Y2 | Multi | AC | Unmod. | Turkish railway speed record. Record set during testing of the high-speed railway, 18 months before revenue service began.[25] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1954-02-21 | France | SNCF CC 7107 | Loc | DC | unmod | [26] | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2008-09-14 | Western Main Line | Sweden | Bombardier Regina | Multi | AC | Proto. | Swedish national speed record. |
| 293 km/h (182 mph) | 2013-11-24 | Grodzisk Mazowiecki–Zawiercie railway | Poland | Pendolino
ED250-001 |
Multi | DC | Unmod. | Polish national speed record. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1967-12-20 | Northeast Corridor between Trenton and New Brunswick, New Jersey | United States | UAC TurboTrain | GTEL | -- | Unmod. | -- |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1993-10-05 | Saint Petersburg — Moscow | Russia | TEP80 | Loc | Diesel-elec | Proto. | Claimed,[27] but no verification from an independent witness[28] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 2002-06-12, 2002-07-10 | Madrid - Barcelona, Olmedo-Medina del Campo | Spain | Talgo XXI | Multi | Diesel-elec | Proto. | Claimed by the company for both dates.[29][30] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1980 | Rosslyn to De Wildt South Africa | South Africa | South African Class 6E | Loc | DC | Proto. | High speed pantographs was tested for British rail on locomotive number E1525. The idea was abandoned thereafter. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1987-11-01 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | Class 43 (HST) | Multi | Diesel-elec | Modified | Current official diesel speed record listed in 2006 Guinness Book of Records[31] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1973-06-12 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | HST prototype | Multi | Diesel-elec | Proto. | [32] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1936-02-17 | Germany | DRG SVT 137 233-234 "Bauart Leipzig" | Multi | Diesel-elec | Unmod. | First diesel train faster than Template:Convert[33][34] | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1938-20-07 | Bologna-Milano line between Pontenure and Piacenza | Italy | FS Class ETR 200 | Loc | DC | Unmod. | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1938-03-07 | East Coast Main Line between Peterborough and Grantham | United Kingdom | LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | Authenticated speed. World Steam Speed Record Holder to this day. Analysis of the original dynamometer rolls in 2018 however points to several issues with the original authentication and a sustained maximum speed of 199.36 km/h (124 mph).[35] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1934-07-20 | United States | Milwaukee Road class F6 #6402 | Loc | Steam | Unmod | A point between Oakwood, Illinois and Lake, Wisconsin. Also averaged Template:Convert on Template:Convert from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, and Template:Convert for a Template:Convert stretch[36] | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1904-05-09 | United Kingdom | GWR 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | In 1904, City of Truro may have achieved the first Template:Convert by a steam locomotive, as measured by Charles Rous-Marten. | |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1934-11-30 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated Template:Convert by a steam locomotive.[37] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1829 | Rainhill Trials | United Kingdom | Stephenson's Rocket | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | [38] |
Conventional wheeled
The following is a list of verified absolute world speed records for conventional wheeled rail vehicles.
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr. | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2007-04-03 | LGV Est | France | SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Set formed of 2 power cars + 3 trailers.[7] Current world record on steel rails. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1990-05-18 | LGV Atlantique | France | SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Extensive modifications. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2010-12-03 | Beijing–Shanghai HSR | China | CRH380BL | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 16-car trainset[39] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2010-12-03 | Beijing–Shanghai HSR | China | CRH380AL | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 16-car trainset, near Sùzhōu[40] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1989-12-05 | LGV Atlantique | France | SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Extensive modifications. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2013-03-28 | Gyeongbu high-speed railway | South Korea | Hyundai Rotem HEMU-430X | Multi | AC | Proto | six-car train set. maximum speed test. |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1988-05-01 | Hanover–Würzburg high-speed railway | Germany | Intercity Experimental (ICE V) | Multi | AC | Proto | The first time that a railway vehicle broke the 400 km/h mark. The record was beaten just one year later by the French TGV.[18] |
| Template:Hidden sort keyTemplate:Convert | 1981-02-26 | LGV Sud-Est | France | SNCF TGV Sud-Est Set No. 16 | Multi | AC | Tuned | Line voltage increased from 25 kV to 29 kV, wheels of a larger diameter, and gear ratios between motors and wheels increased. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2004-12-16 | Gyeongbu high-speed railway | South Korea | Hyundai Rotem HSR-350x | Multi | AC | Proto | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2003-07-30 | High Speed 1 | United Kingdom | Eurostar 3313/4, British Rail Class 373 | Multi | AC | Unmod | The speed of 334.7 km/h was recorded at Nashenden Valley, just outside Rochester.[21] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1955-03-29 | "Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax | France | Jeumont-Schneider SNCF BB 9003-9004 | Loc | DC | Tuned | Pulling 3 cars. Train was specially modified for the test. The track was badly damaged by the test.[22][23] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1993-10-05 | Saint Petersburg — Moscow | Russia | TEP80 | Loc | Diesel-elec | Proto. | Claimed,[27] but no verification from an independent witness[28] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1987-11-01 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | Class 43 (HST) | Multi | Diesel-elec | Modified | Current official diesel speed record listed in 2006 Guinness Book of Records[31] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1973-06-12 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | HST prototype | Multi | Diesel-elec | Proto. | [32] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1936-02-17 | Germany | DRG SVT 137 233-234 "Bauart Leipzig" | Multi | Diesel-elec | Unmod. | World speed record. First diesel train faster than Template:Convert[33][34] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1938-07-03 | United Kingdom | LNER Class A4 No. 4468 Mallard | Loc | Steam | unknown | [41][42] Downhill grade. Data indicates peak speed Template:Convert, mean speed (half-mile) Template:Convert. Mallard suffered an overheated crankpin during the run, but was repaired and returned to traffic within 9 days.[43] This is the standing record for a steam locomotive. Analysis of the original dynamometer rolls in 2018 however points to several issues with the original authentication and a sustained maximum speed of 199.36 km/h (124 mph).[44] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-07-20 | United States | Milwaukee Road class F6 #6402 | Loc | Steam | Unmod | A point between Oakwood, Illinois and Lake, Wisconsin. Also averaged Template:Convert on Template:Convert from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, and Template:Convert for a Template:Convert stretch[36] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-11-30 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated Template:Convert by a steam locomotive.[37] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1829 | Rainhill Trials | United Kingdom | Stephenson's Rocket | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | [38] |
Electric
The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles with electric traction motors and powered by electricity transferred to the train.
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr. | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2007-04-03 | LGV Est | France | SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402 | Multi | Single phase | Tuned | Set formed of 2 power cars + 3 trailers.[7] Current world record. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2010-12-03 | Beijing–Shanghai HSR | China | CRH380BL | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 16-car trainset[39] Current record for the top speed of an unmodified production vehicle. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2010-12-03 | Beijing–Shanghai HSR | China | CRH380AL | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 16-car trainset, near Sùzhōu[40] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1996-07-26 | Tōkaidō Shinkansen | Japan | Class 955 Shinkansen | Multi | Single phase | Proto | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1993-12-21 | Jōetsu Shinkansen | Japan | Class 952/953 Shinkansen | Multi | Single phase | Proto | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2013-03-28 | Gyeongbu high-speed railway | South Korea | Hyundai Rotem HEMU-430X | Multi | Single phase | Proto | six-car train set. maximum speed test.[15] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2010-09-28 | Shanghai–Hangzhou HSR | China | CRH380A | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | [45] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2006-07-15 | Madrid–Barcelona HSR between Guadalajara and Calatayud | Spain | Siemens Velaro E (AVE S-103) | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | 15–16 July [46][47] Record for the top speed of an unmodified production vehicle until 2010. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2001-09-03 | Hannover–Berlin between Oebisfelde and Rathenow | Germany | ICE 3 (DB BR 406) | Multi | Single phase | Unmod. | The journey was carried out as a regular approval journey, whereby according to German regulations a speed of at least 10% higher to the approval speed must be reached during the approval process. Since the train was regularly approved for 330 km/h, at least 363 km/h had to be reached during the test run.[48] Record for the top speed of an unmodified production vehicle until 2006. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2009-02-03 | Bologna–Florence high-speed railway | Italy | ETR 500 Y1 | Multi | Single phase | Tuned | Indoor Italian speed record, in the Monte Bibele tunnel on the high speed line between Florence and Bologna.[49][50] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2006-09-02 | Nuremberg–Ingolstadt high-speed railway | Germany | Siemens EuroSprinter ES64U4 No. 1216 050-5 | Loc | AC | Unmod. | On Nuremberg–Ingolstadt high-speed railway, locomotive owned by ÖBB, pulling one car.[22][51] Record for the maximum speed of an electric locomotive. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2003-07-30 | High Speed 1 | United Kingdom | Eurostar 3313/4, British Rail Class 373 | Multi | AC | Unmod | The speed of 334.7 km/h was recorded at Nashenden Valley, just outside Rochester.[21] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1955-03-29 | "Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax | France | Jeumont-Schneider SNCF BB 9003-9004 | Loc | DC | Tuned | Pulling 3 cars. Train was specially modified for the test. The track was badly damaged by the test.[22][23] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1979-12-07 | Oyama test track | Japan | Class 961 Shinkansen | Multi | Single phase | Proto. | test track, now part of Tōhoku Shinkansen[52] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1972-02-24 | Sanyō Shinkansen | Japan | Class 951 Shinkansen | Multi | Single phase | Proto. | [52] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1963-03-30 | Odawara test track | Japan | Class 1000 Shinkansen | Multi | Single phase | Proto. | Test track now part of Tōkaidō Shinkansen[52] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1903-10-28 | Royal Prussian Military Railway between Marienfelde and Zossen | Germany | AEG Experimental three-phase railcar | Multi | Triphase | Proto. | Overall speed record. Many sources say 27 October.[53][54][55] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1939-20-07 | Florence–Bologna "direttissima" and Bologna-Milan lines | Italy | ETR 200 | Multi | DC | Unmod. | Record average speed between Bologna and Milan[56] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1903-10-06 | Royal Prussian Military Railway between Marienfelde and Zossen | Germany | Siemens & Halske Experimental three-phase railcar | Multi | Triphase | Proto. | After railbed was improved. Some sources say 7 October, others say Template:Convert or an improbable Template:Convert.[53][57][58] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1941 | Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad | United States | Electroliner | Multi | DC. It used its OHEL system, not its 3rd rail system for the record run.[59] | Unmod. | When the sets were received in 1941, during one test run the traction motors were allowed full field shunt to determine absolute maximum speed. It reached just over 110 mph (180 km/h), but at that speed the train reached highway crossings before the crossing gates fully closed, a dangerous situation. Thereafter, the sets were limited to 90 mph (140 km/h).[60] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert or | 1988-04-11 | Somewhere on the Waterloo to Weymouth route | United Kingdom | British Rail Class 442 | N/A | DC 3rd rail | Unmod. | World speed record for a 750 DC 3rd rail train.[61][62] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1901 | Royal Prussian Military Railway between Marienfelde and Zossen | Germany | Siemens & Halske Experimental three-phase railcar | Multi | Triphase | Proto. | Early tests of AC power. Some sources say Template:Convert or Template:Convert.[63] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-08 | Northeast Corridor | United States | Pennsylvania Railroad class GG1 | Loc | Single Phase | Unmod. | First streamlined electric passenger train in the world, pulling 14 coaches at sustained speeds of 161 km/h. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1930 | Cincinnati and Lake Erie Railroad | United States | Red Devil (interurban) | Single | DC | Unmod. | Defeated a plane in a race for publicity.[64] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1972-01-31 | LIRR Main Line between Woodside and Jamaica | United States | R44 (New York City Subway car) | Multi | DC | Unmod. | World speed record for a subway train. When half the motors were disabled to simulate the weight of a rush-hour crowd, it still reached Template:Convert. The cars were capable of even higher speeds, as the consist was still accelerating as it approached the end of the designated test track.[65][66] |
Fuel-electric
The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles with on-board fuel to generate electricity for traction motors such as diesel-electric locomotive, diesel electric multiple unit and gas turbine-electric locomotive trains.
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr. | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1993-10-05 | Saint Petersburg — Moscow | Russia | TEP80 | Loc | Diesel-elec | Proto. | Has documentation and record of the speed,[27] but no verification from an independent witness.[28] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2002-06-12 2002-07-10 |
Madrid - Barcelona, Olmedo-Medina del Campo | Spain | Talgo XXI | Multi | Diesel-elec | Proto. | Claimed by the company for both dates.[29][30] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1987-11-01 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | Class 43 (HST) | Multi | Diesel-elec | Modified | Current official diesel speed record listed in 2006 Guinness Book of Records[31] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1973-06-12 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | HST prototype | Multi | Diesel-elec | Proto. | [32] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1936-02-17 | Germany | DRG SVT 137 233-234 "Bauart Leipzig" | Multi | Diesel-elec | Unmod. | World speed record. First diesel train faster than Template:Convert[33][34] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-05-26 | United States | Pioneer Zephyr | Multi | Diesel-elec | Unmod. | World speed record. First streamlined diesel-electric train and the first multi-coach passenger train to reach a 181 km/h top speed. | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-02-12 | United States | M-10000 | Multi | Gasoline-elec | Unmod. | World speed record. First streamlined gasoline-electric train and the first multi-coach passenger train to reach a 177 km/h top speed. |
Fuel-mechanic
The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles with on-board fuel to mechanical energy to drive vehicle's wheels such as diesel-hydraulic trains and gas turbine locomotive trains that use mechanical transmission to power the drive wheels.
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr. | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1967-12-20 | Northeast Corridor | United States | UAC TurboTrain | Multi | Gas | unknown | [67] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1905 | Union Pacific and Southern Pacific | United States | McKeen railmotor | Single Railcar | Gasoline Engine | unknown | First streamlined train in history with 152 units sold and used by Union Pacific and other railroad companies from 1905-1934. |
Steam
The following is a list of speed records for steam locomotives.
Note: All records with a faster speed than Template:Convert (the record set by Mallard) are claimed and have not been officially verified (compare rival claims section).
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr. | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1938-07-03 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | LNER Class A4 No. 4468 Mallard | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | [68][42] Downhill grade. Data indicates peak speed Template:Convert, mean speed (half-mile) Template:Convert. Mallard suffered an overheated center big end bearing (or crankpin) during the run, but was repaired and returned to traffic within 9 days.[43] MallardTemplate:'s record is the standing world speed record for a steam locomotive. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1936-05-11 | Germany | Borsig DRG series 05 002 | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | Level grade.[69] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-12-27 | New York Central Railroad (also B&A, THB, MC, CCC&StL) | United States | New York Central Hudson "Commodore Vanderbilt" | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | This was the first streamlined coal-fired steam train in history. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1935-04-05 | United States | Milwaukee Road class A #2 | Loc | Steam | unknown | This was the first streamlined oil-fired steam train in history. Claimed to have sustained Template:Convert for Template:Convert. Average speed for Template:Convert between Milwaukee and New Lisbon, Wisconsin was Template:Convert.[36] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1935-03-05 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | LNER Class A3 2750 Papyrus | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | The locomotive reached a peak speed of 108 mph and maintained a speed above 100 mph for 12.5 consecutive miles, hauling a 217-ton load that included a dynamometer car to provide an accurate record of performance. |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-07-20 | United States | Milwaukee Road class F6 #6402 | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | A point between Oakwood, Illinois and Lake, Wisconsin. Also averaged Template:Convert on Template:Convert from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, and Template:Convert for a Template:Convert stretch.[36] This trip was a test run for the feasibility of a new planned high speed passenger train service between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul via Milwaukee, which came to fruition the next year as the Hiawatha. | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1934-11-30 | East Coast Main Line | United Kingdom | LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated Template:Convert by a steam locomotive.[37]Template:Refn |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1904-05-4 | Exeter to Bristol Line | United Kingdom | GWR 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | This was the first independently measured and published Template:Convert by a steam locomotive.[70]Template:Refn |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1895-10-24 | Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway | United States | Brooks-built ten-wheeler and train | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | The engineer was presented with a memorial watch from the Webb C. Ball Company in a ceremony at the Brooks Locomotive Works offices on April 17, 1896.[71] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1895 | London and North Western Railway | United Kingdom | LNWR Improved Precedent Class No. 790 Hardwicke | Loc | Steam | unmod. | [72] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1893-05-10 | United States | Empire State Express No. 999 | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | Template:Convert claimed, which would make it the first wheeled vehicle to exceed Template:Convert.[73][74] Unauthenticated and dubious. | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1840s | Great Western Main Line | United Kingdom | GWR Iron Duke class Iron Duke | Loc | Steam | unknown | [72] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1830-09 | Liverpool and Manchester Railway | United Kingdom | Northumbrian | Loc | Steam | unknown | [72] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1829 | Rainhill Trials | United Kingdom | Stephenson's Rocket | Loc | Steam | Unmod. | [38] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert Script error: No such module "Unsubst". |
1804-02-21 | Merthyr Tramroad | United Kingdom | Richard Trevithick: World's first railway steam locomotive |
Loc | Steam | Unmod. | On 21 February 1804 it successfully carried 11.24 tons of coal, five wagons and 70 men over the full distance, in 4 hours and 5 minutes, at an average speed of Template:Convert.[75][76] |
Note: Template:Reflist
Air propulsion
The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles that use air propulsion to move rail vehicles while the wheels are rolling along the track.
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr. | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1974-08-14 | High Speed Ground Test Center | United States | LIMRV[16] | Loc | Gas turbine | Proto | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1966-07-23 | Butler, Indiana to Stryker, Ohio | United States | New York Central Budd RDC-3 M-497 | Loc | Jet | Proto. | Jet aero engines (retrofitted to roof) |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1928-06-23 | Germany | Opel RAK III | Loc | Rocket | Proto. | Unmanned. Some sources say Template:Convert or Template:Convert. See:[77][78][79][80][81] | |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1931-06-21 | Berlin–Hamburg line between Karstädt and Dergenthin | Germany | Schienenzeppelin | Single | Propeller | Proto. | Propeller-driven railcar with gasoline (petrol) aero engines. Could carry up to 40 passengers, still holds the land speed record for a petrol powered rail vehicle |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1921-07-24 | Moscow-Tula | Soviet Union | Aerowagon | Single | Propeller | Proto. | Propeller-driven railcar with a gasoline (petrol) aero engine. |
Using an air cushion and a monorail, the Aérotrain set on 5 March 1974 a mean speed of Template:Cvt and a peak speed of Template:Cvt.
Conventional wheeled – Narrow gauge
The European speed record on meter gauge was achieved in the night from 8th to 9th July 2022. A Rhaetian Railway class ABe 4/16 train made by Stadler Rail reached 163 kph during testing in the Vereina tunnel.[90]
Maglev trains
| Speed | Date | Line | Country | Train | Arr | Power | State | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2015-04-21 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | L0 Series | Multi | AC | Proto. | Seven-car train set, manned[2] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2015-04-16 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | L0 Series | Multi | AC | Proto. | Seven-car train set, manned[5] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2003-12-02 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | MLX01 | Multi | AC | Proto. | Three-car train set. Guinness Book of Records authenticated.[6] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1999-04-14 | Yamanashi Test Track | Japan | MLX01 | Multi | AC | Proto. | Five-car train set. Guinness Book of Records authenticated.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 2003-11-12 | Shanghai Maglev Train | China | Transrapid SMT | Multi | AC | Unmod. | Recorded in 2003 at a test run before the commercial operation in 2004[10] |
| Template:HsTemplate:Convert | 1974-08-14 | High Speed Ground Test Center | United States | LIMRV[16] | Single | Cable | Proto |
World fastest point-to-point average speeds in commercial operations
The following are the lists of world record average operating speeds between two stations. The average speeds are measured by the total time and the distance between the two stations.
All commercially operated trains
See also
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- Land speed record
- List of vehicle speed records
- List of high-speed trains
- High-speed rail
- Script error: No such module "Lang"., experimental car, driven by propeller, speed record for rail vehicles on 21 June 1931, Template:Cvt on the Berlin–Hamburg Railway
- An unknown R44 set, which reached 141.22 km/h (87.75 mph) while testing on Long Island Railroad trackage
References
External links
- TGV 2007 record
- TGV 2007 record - SNCF Press release Template:Webarchive, SNCF Press release 2 Template:Webarchive
- Alstom V 150, Alstom Press release
- Reuters TGV record, Reuters TGV record video
- Fastest steam locomotive
- RDECOM magazine 'Super Roadrunner' breaks land speed record
- 846 TS HYPERSONIC UPGRADE PROGRAM (contains World Speed Record video)
- World Speed Survey 1997
- Template:In lang Retrouvez sur cette page les chiffres clés des records sur rail dans le monde
- Railway developments worldwide
- World Speed Survey 2007 Template:Webarchive Railway Gazette International September 2007
- Photos of the fastest trains
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- ↑ a b Jürgen Hörstel, Marcus Niedt: ICE – Neue Züge für neue Strecken. Orell-Füssli-Verlag, Zürich/ Wiesbaden 1991, ISBN 3-280-01994-X, p. 105–107.
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- ↑ a b c Der SVT "Leipzig" 137 234 / 183 251-8" retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ↑ a b c Ralf Roman Rossberg: Deutsche Eisenbahnfahrzeuge von 1838 bis Heute, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1988, Template:ISBN Seite 128
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