Traveling in France on the TGV train- one of the fastest trains in the world
In these days of supersonic flight and space shuttles, why would anyone bother to develop a super fast rail train? In France, it was purely to met the demand of it's passengers. The link between Paris and Lyons has always been one of France's busiest. The existing train system, despite being four tracked over half it's distance, was simply not adequate to meet the passenger numbers. So the French National Railways decided to totally transform the rail link. Looking around at recent developments around the world - especially in Japan with their impressive Bullet train on the Tokaido line - the French decided to build a completely different system. The result was the TGV - the Train a Grande Vitesse or High Speed Train.
It was decided from the outset that the train would be exclusively for passenger transport. It was also to be without any tunnels, despite the fact that it was to traverse hills on it's journey. This would be achieved by way of the train's extremely lightweight design. Each group of eight cars was to have very powerful electronic engines. This would allow the train to travel up much steeper grades than a conventional train. In fact gradients on the TGV line reach 3.5 percent as opposed to 1 percent on conventional rail lines. The high speed of the TGV means that it is carried most of the way up hills by it's own momentum.
The TGV is a prominent looking orange and charcoal with a long sleek nose. It is much lower down than a conventional train as a result of the bogies being paced between the cars as opposed to under the cars on conventional trains. Another benefit of this is that no passengers are seated above the wheels. This equates to a much smoother ride.
The construction of the track also contributes to the speed and efficiency of the TGV line. Rails are welded into very long sections and sit on thick rubber cushions in the clips that are anchored to the cross ties, or sleepers. The ballast is also set considerably deeper than is the case with conventional rails.
Inside the TGV you would be forgiven for thinking you were aboard a plane. With individual lighting, separate seats and spacious aisles the result is a very comfortable ride. The compartments are also separated into first and second class. In first class hot meals may be ordered from stewardesses and hostesses. The second class compartments have a snack bar in the middle of each of their eight cars.
A computer system oversees the running of the TGV line. A switching and controlling system regulates the spacing of trains and transmits instructions to the engineer, either by automatic remote controlled transmission or telephone and radio. The entire line is protected by wire fencing on each side. Also, every time a highway crosses overhead, there is a wire netting safety device that can detect any heavy object that may fall on the line. If an object did fall, an alarm would sound and halt all approaching traffic.
Travelling on the TGV line is no more expensive than on conventional rail systems. The distance between Paris and Lyons ( some 426 kilometers or 265 miles) can be covered in a little under two hours. This is often faster than going by air. The TGV will get you there at a speed of approximately 250 kilometers per hours.
So, if you want to experience the sensation of flying on wheels, seek out the TGV line when you're next travelling in France. It'll definitely get you where you're going faster.
