This book reveals the fundamental principles of how railways work, enabling safe, comfortable, accurate, high-speed, and energy-efficient operation. It utilizes figures and photographs to systematically and clearly explain the basic technical elements of building a railway system, including not only rolling stock but also tracks and electrical equipment.

Readers may have questions such as what is the real reason why trains run and stop? What is the difference in the air resistance between trains and automobiles? Why can a train curve without a steering wheel? How did we come to be able to use AC motors on railways? What is the idea of vibration-free and quiet vehicles? What are the technologies to achieve energy conservation and low noise?

This book answers simple questions from readers who are involved in or interested in high-speed and urban rail technology, allowing them to discover the secrets behind the development of advanced and innovative technologies. These eye-opening stories will inspire and energize you for the next advancements in railway technology.

In preparing the English edition, all chapters are reviewed. In particular, the latest information on safety measures for major earthquakes, which was not included in the Japanese edition, is added. This includes the early detection of earthquakes to stop trains before a major earthquake strikes, as well as measures to mitigate damage in the event of a major earthquake.

Autorentext
Dr. Masayuki Miyamoto received a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Tokyo. He joined the Railway Technical Research Institute of Japanese National Railways and its successor organization, where he served as the Head of the Rolling Stock Research Laboratory. After that, he was a professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Meisei University from 1997 to 2013. His activities in Japanese government ministries and academic societies are notable, including his service as a member of the Aircraft and Railway Accidents Investigation Committee under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, his status as a Fellow of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, and his membership in the Advanced Materials Technology Association. He received the Advanced Materials Technology Association Achievement Award.

Inhalt
Advantages and Disadvantages of Steelwheel.- Rail Car Structure Against Vibration.- Structure of Convenient and Comfortable Railcar.- Train Curving Mechanism.- Catenaries and Pantograph.- Train Running System.- Brake for Effective-utilization of Energy.- Safety System.- Orienting Eco-friendly Railways.