Current Phase in Construction of Yamanashi Test Line and First Train Set of Test Vehicles
Kiyoshi TAKAHASHI

Chief Engineer, Vehicle Engineer Div., Maglev System Development Dept.


   The construction of the priority Section of Yamanashi Test Line (Fig.1) has
expedited in order to make it possible for test runs to start in the spring of
1997. For example, installation of ground coils has been started on the
guideways. The train depot has been completed, where the first train set of
test vehicles is now undergoing final overall adjustments (Fig.2). In the 
power conversion station, adjustments of power supply equipment has begun.
   This train set is composed of 3 car units, i.e., two head-cars, one
middle-car and four articulated bogies. Fabrications of these cars and bogies
were started nearly two years ago at several companies. Most of them were
completed this March, except for one head-car whose completion had to be put
off until May, in the wake of a big earthquake which hit Kobe.
   After the completion of the train depot, these three cars and four bogies
were delivered by several factories in middle of July, and coupled into a
train set for the first time.
   This train set is 77.6mm in length and required adjustments and test 
operations are being carried out, in order to check every function in normal
conditions.
   At the end of this November, such test operations will finish and the train
set will be complete as a whole.
   There is still time before whole completion of the Test Line. In the same
meantime, test operations of on-board facilities such as on-board
refrigerators, aerodynamic brakes, landing gears, so on, are planned in order
to remove initial defects and assess their durability.
   Main features of the test vehicles are listed in Table 1.