Original subtitles

traveling at over 300 kilometres an hour

traveling at over 300 kilometres an hour

traveling at over 300 kilometres an hour the TGV is the pride of france's

the TGV is the pride of france's

the TGV is the pride of france's high-speed railway now to create the

high-speed railway now to create the

high-speed railway now to create the next generation of trains engineers are

next generation of trains engineers are

next generation of trains engineers are planning a daring experiment they want

planning a daring experiment they want

planning a daring experiment they want to build the fastest train in the world

to build the fastest train in the world

to build the fastest train in the world a bullet on wheels that will travel at

a bullet on wheels that will travel at

a bullet on wheels that will travel at over 500 kilometres an hour

over 500 kilometres an hour

over 500 kilometres an hour when it comes to big speeds nothing on

when it comes to big speeds nothing on

when it comes to big speeds nothing on Rails will come close

the TGV owes its success to four key

the TGV owes its success to four key

the TGV owes its success to four key inventions found in a series of landmark

inventions found in a series of landmark

inventions found in a series of landmark trains each one carries a major

trains each one carries a major

trains each one carries a major technical innovation that allowed

technical innovation that allowed

technical innovation that allowed engineers to push the speed limit

engineers to push the speed limit

engineers to push the speed limit further and further

one-by-one traveling up the scale will

one-by-one traveling up the scale will

one-by-one traveling up the scale will reveal the incredible stories behind

reveal the incredible stories behind

reveal the incredible stories behind these machines and the inventions that

these machines and the inventions that

these machines and the inventions that allowed them to go ever faster

allowed them to go ever faster

allowed them to go ever faster for ingenious leaps forward from the

for ingenious leaps forward from the

for ingenious leaps forward from the first intercity railway to the fastest

first intercity railway to the fastest

first intercity railway to the fastest train on the planet

[Applause]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] in France nothing beats the TGV for most

in France nothing beats the TGV for most

in France nothing beats the TGV for most journeys that are gone detests is the

journeys that are gone detests is the

journeys that are gone detests is the quickest way to travel

for engineer and train enthusiasts gem

for engineer and train enthusiasts gem

for engineer and train enthusiasts gem Stansfield this machine is nothing less

Stansfield this machine is nothing less

Stansfield this machine is nothing less than revolutionary I've gotta say I'm a

than revolutionary I've gotta say I'm a

than revolutionary I've gotta say I'm a fan of the TGV I I like the look of them

fan of the TGV I I like the look of them

fan of the TGV I I like the look of them I think the kind of classic streamlining

I think the kind of classic streamlining

I think the kind of classic streamlining along them you can't help that the

along them you can't help that the

along them you can't help that the gobsmacked by the power

gobsmacked by the power

gobsmacked by the power when you realize that through those

when you realize that through those

when you realize that through those overhead wires they're sucking the power

overhead wires they're sucking the power

overhead wires they're sucking the power of maybe a small town and you look here

of maybe a small town and you look here

of maybe a small town and you look here at all the people just sat in comfort

at all the people just sat in comfort

at all the people just sat in comfort chatting yet traveling at 300 kilometres

chatting yet traveling at 300 kilometres

chatting yet traveling at 300 kilometres an hour no one bats an eyelid at the ggv

an hour no one bats an eyelid at the ggv

an hour no one bats an eyelid at the ggv control center in northern France

control center in northern France

control center in northern France operators guide nearly 500 high-speed

operators guide nearly 500 high-speed

operators guide nearly 500 high-speed trains across the network France has

trains across the network France has

trains across the network France has almost two thousand kilometers of

almost two thousand kilometers of

almost two thousand kilometers of high-speed track the biggest network in

high-speed track the biggest network in

high-speed track the biggest network in Europe but now the French are going to

Europe but now the French are going to

Europe but now the French are going to make it even bigger an ambitious

make it even bigger an ambitious

make it even bigger an ambitious expansion project will triple the size

expansion project will triple the size

expansion project will triple the size of their network and extend it even

of their network and extend it even

of their network and extend it even further into seven European countries

they'll build new tracks drill tunnels

they'll build new tracks drill tunnels

they'll build new tracks drill tunnels through mountains and to slash journey

through mountains and to slash journey

through mountains and to slash journey times they'll introduce a new faster

times they'll introduce a new faster

times they'll introduce a new faster model of the TGV called the AG

the AGV will use 30% less energy but

the AGV will use 30% less energy but

the AGV will use 30% less energy but will carry more passengers at a greater

will carry more passengers at a greater

will carry more passengers at a greater speed and to test this new technology

speed and to test this new technology

speed and to test this new technology French engineers are building a unique

French engineers are building a unique

French engineers are building a unique experimental train that will push their

experimental train that will push their

experimental train that will push their new components to the limit in three

new components to the limit in three

new components to the limit in three days time this supercharged version of a

days time this supercharged version of a

days time this supercharged version of a TGV will attempt to break the world

TGV will attempt to break the world

TGV will attempt to break the world speed record for trains of five hundred

speed record for trains of five hundred

speed record for trains of five hundred and fifteen kilometers an hour

to understand how the TGV can travel at

to understand how the TGV can travel at

to understand how the TGV can travel at such speed we need to go back in time in

such speed we need to go back in time in

such speed we need to go back in time in early 19th century Britain a group of

early 19th century Britain a group of

early 19th century Britain a group of businessmen want to build the world's

businessmen want to build the world's

businessmen want to build the world's first intercity rail line but they

first intercity rail line but they

first intercity rail line but they haven't quite worked out how to power

haven't quite worked out how to power

haven't quite worked out how to power its

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] in the 1820s Northwest England is

in the 1820s Northwest England is

in the 1820s Northwest England is booming the mills of Manchester are

booming the mills of Manchester are

booming the mills of Manchester are working flat-out to supply textiles and

working flat-out to supply textiles and

working flat-out to supply textiles and other goods to the world but

other goods to the world but

other goods to the world but transporting them from the factories to

transporting them from the factories to

transporting them from the factories to the Port of Liverpool is a painfully

the Port of Liverpool is a painfully

the Port of Liverpool is a painfully slow business by canal the 50 kilometer

slow business by canal the 50 kilometer

slow business by canal the 50 kilometer trip can take up to a month to speed

trip can take up to a month to speed

trip can take up to a month to speed things up

things up

things up the businessmen of Manchester and

the businessmen of Manchester and

the businessmen of Manchester and Liverpool take a gamble on a new

Liverpool take a gamble on a new

Liverpool take a gamble on a new technology they plan to build a railway

technology they plan to build a railway

technology they plan to build a railway and power it with steam their first idea

and power it with steam their first idea

and power it with steam their first idea is to attach a roof to a train of wagons

is to attach a roof to a train of wagons

is to attach a roof to a train of wagons and hook it up to a steam engine sitting

and hook it up to a steam engine sitting

and hook it up to a steam engine sitting beside the track

beside the track

beside the track [Music]

this will pull the train along the rails

this will pull the train along the rails

this will pull the train along the rails like a cable car there has to be one

like a cable car there has to be one

like a cable car there has to be one engine almost every kilometer or the

engine almost every kilometer or the

engine almost every kilometer or the cable in between becomes too heavy to

cable in between becomes too heavy to

cable in between becomes too heavy to pull

pull

pull get from Liverpool to Manchester they'll

get from Liverpool to Manchester they'll

get from Liverpool to Manchester they'll need 54 engines and if just one of them

need 54 engines and if just one of them

need 54 engines and if just one of them breaks down the whole railway grinds to

breaks down the whole railway grinds to

breaks down the whole railway grinds to a halt

a halt

a halt the railways chief engineer George

the railways chief engineer George

the railways chief engineer George Stephenson believes a better place for

Stephenson believes a better place for

Stephenson believes a better place for the engine is right at the front of the

the engine is right at the front of the

the engine is right at the front of the Train in a locomotive railway historian

Train in a locomotive railway historian

Train in a locomotive railway historian Anthony cools explains he was itching to

Anthony cools explains he was itching to

Anthony cools explains he was itching to be given the chance to show that steam

be given the chance to show that steam

be given the chance to show that steam locomotives could pull trains long

locomotives could pull trains long

locomotives could pull trains long distances with a large amount behind

distances with a large amount behind

distances with a large amount behind them to prove that locomotives are the

them to prove that locomotives are the

them to prove that locomotives are the way forward Stephenson and his son

way forward Stephenson and his son

way forward Stephenson and his son Robert planned to build their own called

Robert planned to build their own called

Robert planned to build their own called the rocket

to do this they must overcome a major

to do this they must overcome a major

to do this they must overcome a major challenge early steam engines don't

challenge early steam engines don't

challenge early steam engines don't produce enough power to pull a train

produce enough power to pull a train

produce enough power to pull a train laden with heavy goods at any decent

laden with heavy goods at any decent

laden with heavy goods at any decent speed to solve this problem

speed to solve this problem

speed to solve this problem Stephenson needs to get more steam out

Stephenson needs to get more steam out

Stephenson needs to get more steam out of the boiler to show how he does it gem

of the boiler to show how he does it gem

of the boiler to show how he does it gem Stansfield has gone back to the workshop

Stansfield has gone back to the workshop

Stansfield has gone back to the workshop obviously to produce steam you need to

obviously to produce steam you need to

obviously to produce steam you need to heat water but what's the most efficient

heat water but what's the most efficient

heat water but what's the most efficient way of getting the heat from your fire

way of getting the heat from your fire

way of getting the heat from your fire to the water in your boiler well here

to the water in your boiler well here

to the water in your boiler well here I've got two almost identical pans

I've got two almost identical pans

I've got two almost identical pans except in this one I've welded 14 tubes

except in this one I've welded 14 tubes

except in this one I've welded 14 tubes into the base of it now and put half a

into the base of it now and put half a

into the base of it now and put half a pint of water in each turn a gas on fall

pint of water in each turn a gas on fall

pint of water in each turn a gas on fall for each one

and when they boil the steam is gonna

and when they boil the steam is gonna

and when they boil the steam is gonna come up through these hulls and turn

come up through these hulls and turn

come up through these hulls and turn these turbines so whichever turbine we

these turbines so whichever turbine we

these turbines so whichever turbine we see go first is the pan that's been

see go first is the pan that's been

see go first is the pan that's been heated most efficiently now already the

heated most efficiently now already the

heated most efficiently now already the top of this one is misting up quicker

top of this one is misting up quicker

top of this one is misting up quicker than the top of that one which makes me

than the top of that one which makes me

than the top of that one which makes me think the water in here is heating up

think the water in here is heating up

think the water in here is heating up more quickly the steam coming up through

more quickly the steam coming up through

more quickly the steam coming up through here now there's absolutely no steam

here now there's absolutely no steam

here now there's absolutely no steam here at all it's actually safe to the

here at all it's actually safe to the

here at all it's actually safe to the touch how very satisfying this little

touch how very satisfying this little

touch how very satisfying this little steam engines up and running nicely

steam engines up and running nicely

steam engines up and running nicely where is that one hasn't gone up the

where is that one hasn't gone up the

where is that one hasn't gone up the starting line yet and the reason for

starting line yet and the reason for

starting line yet and the reason for this difference is the efficiency of

this difference is the efficiency of

this difference is the efficiency of that heat transfer from the fire to the

that heat transfer from the fire to the

that heat transfer from the fire to the water inside the boiler by running pipes

water inside the boiler by running pipes

water inside the boiler by running pipes through the pan jem has increased the

through the pan jem has increased the

through the pan jem has increased the amount of hot metal touching the water

amount of hot metal touching the water

amount of hot metal touching the water so it boils faster and produces more

so it boils faster and produces more

so it boils faster and produces more steam so the water's being heated around

steam so the water's being heated around

steam so the water's being heated around the pipes as well as around the edges

the pipes as well as around the edges

the pipes as well as around the edges and as you can see it's pretty nifty way

and as you can see it's pretty nifty way

and as you can see it's pretty nifty way of doing it

of doing it

of doing it [Music]

[Music]

[Music] Stephenson uses this idea on the Rockets

Stephenson uses this idea on the Rockets

Stephenson uses this idea on the Rockets boiler instead of a single pipe this

boiler instead of a single pipe this

boiler instead of a single pipe this boiler has 25 pipes carrying the hot

boiler has 25 pipes carrying the hot

boiler has 25 pipes carrying the hot gases from the furnace these vastly

gases from the furnace these vastly

gases from the furnace these vastly increased that contact area with the

increased that contact area with the

increased that contact area with the water now the same fire generates much

water now the same fire generates much

water now the same fire generates much more steam to power the Pistons in the

more steam to power the Pistons in the

more steam to power the Pistons in the wheels to get even more power out of his

wheels to get even more power out of his

wheels to get even more power out of his engine

engine

engine Stephenson recycles the steam instead of

Stephenson recycles the steam instead of

Stephenson recycles the steam instead of releasing it from the Pistons into the

releasing it from the Pistons into the

releasing it from the Pistons into the air he feeds it through a pipe back into

air he feeds it through a pipe back into

air he feeds it through a pipe back into the rocket as the steam blasts up the

the rocket as the steam blasts up the

the rocket as the steam blasts up the chimney

chimney

chimney it sucks more air into the fire this

it sucks more air into the fire this

it sucks more air into the fire this makes it burn hotter and generate even

makes it burn hotter and generate even

makes it burn hotter and generate even more steam

more steam

more steam with its blast pipe and multi tubular

with its blast pipe and multi tubular

with its blast pipe and multi tubular boiler the Rockets is a turbocharged

boiler the Rockets is a turbocharged

boiler the Rockets is a turbocharged powerhouse

powerhouse

powerhouse [Music]

in October 1829 at rain Hill near

in October 1829 at rain Hill near

in October 1829 at rain Hill near Liverpool rocket goes head-to-head with

Liverpool rocket goes head-to-head with

Liverpool rocket goes head-to-head with four other engines in a bid to prove

four other engines in a bid to prove

four other engines in a bid to prove that locomotives are better than

that locomotives are better than

that locomotives are better than stationary steam engines the rain Hill

stationary steam engines the rain Hill

stationary steam engines the rain Hill trials draw thousands of spectators from

trials draw thousands of spectators from

trials draw thousands of spectators from all over there was a high sense of

all over there was a high sense of

all over there was a high sense of anticipation and excitement it was

anticipation and excitement it was

anticipation and excitement it was almost like race day people put bets on

almost like race day people put bets on

almost like race day people put bets on which locomotives would be the best one

which locomotives would be the best one

which locomotives would be the best one than the the form of the runners was

than the the form of the runners was

than the the form of the runners was studied keenly there were two main

studied keenly there were two main

studied keenly there were two main runners really there was one called

runners really there was one called

runners really there was one called novelty built by Braithwaite Ericson of

novelty built by Braithwaite Ericson of

novelty built by Braithwaite Ericson of London it was the crowd favourite they

London it was the crowd favourite they

London it was the crowd favourite they put it as the London engine it was light

put it as the London engine it was light

put it as the London engine it was light it was fast but it didn't really have

it was fast but it didn't really have

it was fast but it didn't really have the guts to pull the skin off a rice

the guts to pull the skin off a rice

the guts to pull the skin off a rice pudding

pudding

pudding when novelty retires with a boiler leak

when novelty retires with a boiler leak

when novelty retires with a boiler leak it leaves only one contender for the 500

it leaves only one contender for the 500

it leaves only one contender for the 500 pound prize

George Stephenson and Robert came on

George Stephenson and Robert came on

George Stephenson and Robert came on with rocket absolutely told the field

with rocket absolutely told the field

with rocket absolutely told the field apart it dashed a lot running at nearly

apart it dashed a lot running at nearly

apart it dashed a lot running at nearly 30 miles now

rocket reaches an astonishing 46

rocket reaches an astonishing 46

rocket reaches an astonishing 46 kilometres an hour the fastest machine

kilometres an hour the fastest machine

kilometres an hour the fastest machine on the planet and it can pull three

on the planet and it can pull three

on the planet and it can pull three times its own weight with ease

this is a cattle on steroids the

this is a cattle on steroids the

this is a cattle on steroids the combination of the multitude of the

combination of the multitude of the

combination of the multitude of the boiler the last pipe is you can hear

boiler the last pipe is you can hear

boiler the last pipe is you can hear chopping away those were enough to make

chopping away those were enough to make

chopping away those were enough to make the locomotive the the absolute winner

the locomotive the the absolute winner

the locomotive the the absolute winner and play that bounty prize for Georgia

and play that bounty prize for Georgia

and play that bounty prize for Georgia Robert Stevenson Rockets victory is the

Robert Stevenson Rockets victory is the

Robert Stevenson Rockets victory is the starting gun for a new age of speed when

starting gun for a new age of speed when

starting gun for a new age of speed when the railway opens rocket carries goods

the railway opens rocket carries goods

the railway opens rocket carries goods between Manchester and Liverpool ten

between Manchester and Liverpool ten

between Manchester and Liverpool ten times faster than a canal barge and a

times faster than a canal barge and a

times faster than a canal barge and a few months later it powers the first

few months later it powers the first

few months later it powers the first scheduled passenger railway in the world

every steam locomotive built in the last

every steam locomotive built in the last

every steam locomotive built in the last 180 years throughout the world owes its

180 years throughout the world owes its

180 years throughout the world owes its origins to the combination of the multi

origins to the combination of the multi

origins to the combination of the multi tubular boiler and the blast point

tubular boiler and the blast point

tubular boiler and the blast point really that lays the foundation for the

really that lays the foundation for the

really that lays the foundation for the steam locomotive as we know it the

steam locomotive as we know it the

steam locomotive as we know it the genius of the Stevenson's starts a

genius of the Stevenson's starts a

genius of the Stevenson's starts a transport revolution powered by steam

transport revolution powered by steam

transport revolution powered by steam [Music]

like Stephenson's rocket the

like Stephenson's rocket the

like Stephenson's rocket the experimental TGV in France is in a race

experimental TGV in France is in a race

experimental TGV in France is in a race to become the fastest train on the

to become the fastest train on the

to become the fastest train on the planet to beat the world record it will

planet to beat the world record it will

planet to beat the world record it will have to travel at over five hundred and

have to travel at over five hundred and

have to travel at over five hundred and fifteen kilometers an hour as our rocket

fifteen kilometers an hour as our rocket

fifteen kilometers an hour as our rocket the engines hold the key to success the

the engines hold the key to success the

the engines hold the key to success the experimental TGV is the most powerful

experimental TGV is the most powerful

experimental TGV is the most powerful train ever built

train ever built

train ever built at the front of it sits a souped-up TGV

at the front of it sits a souped-up TGV

at the front of it sits a souped-up TGV locomotive behind it

locomotive behind it

locomotive behind it three double-decker carriages each

three double-decker carriages each

three double-decker carriages each fitted with advanced motors from the

fitted with advanced motors from the

fitted with advanced motors from the next generation train ages to give extra

next generation train ages to give extra

next generation train ages to give extra speed a second TGV locomotive is hooked

speed a second TGV locomotive is hooked

speed a second TGV locomotive is hooked up to the rear all-in-all this train has

up to the rear all-in-all this train has

up to the rear all-in-all this train has more engine power than all the cars in a

more engine power than all the cars in a

more engine power than all the cars in a Formula One Grand Prix put together

feeding electricity to these engines is

feeding electricity to these engines is

feeding electricity to these engines is a real challenge

Engineers rely on a metal contact

Engineers rely on a metal contact

Engineers rely on a metal contact extending up from the Train it's called

extending up from the Train it's called

extending up from the Train it's called a pantograph

a pantograph

a pantograph it's the unsung hero on the TGV as gem

it's the unsung hero on the TGV as gem

it's the unsung hero on the TGV as gem Stansfield discovers at the TGV service

Stansfield discovers at the TGV service

Stansfield discovers at the TGV service center in Paris these are the boughs of

center in Paris these are the boughs of

center in Paris these are the boughs of the pantograph now they have the

the pantograph now they have the

the pantograph now they have the absolutely pivotal role of taking the

absolutely pivotal role of taking the

absolutely pivotal role of taking the electricity from the overhead catenary

electricity from the overhead catenary

electricity from the overhead catenary line down to the motors that drive the

line down to the motors that drive the

line down to the motors that drive the train they have an extremely difficult

train they have an extremely difficult

train they have an extremely difficult job to do because they have to cope with

job to do because they have to cope with

job to do because they have to cope with both the frictional rubbing of the wire

both the frictional rubbing of the wire

both the frictional rubbing of the wire on the top of them but also the vast

on the top of them but also the vast

on the top of them but also the vast amounts of current it's transferring

amounts of current it's transferring

amounts of current it's transferring mean that there's electrical arcing and

mean that there's electrical arcing and

mean that there's electrical arcing and Waring's do that from that reason

Waring's do that from that reason

Waring's do that from that reason graphite is the optimal material to use

graphite is the optimal material to use

graphite is the optimal material to use it's both low friction with regard to

it's both low friction with regard to

it's both low friction with regard to rubbing and is very good at transmitting

rubbing and is very good at transmitting

rubbing and is very good at transmitting electricity graphite is an excellent

electricity graphite is an excellent

electricity graphite is an excellent conductor but it is also quite soft

conductor but it is also quite soft

conductor but it is also quite soft which creates a problem with the power

which creates a problem with the power

which creates a problem with the power lines

a straight powerline would wear a groove

a straight powerline would wear a groove

a straight powerline would wear a groove into the soft graphite strip so on the

into the soft graphite strip so on the

into the soft graphite strip so on the TGV the line crosses from one side on

TGV the line crosses from one side on

TGV the line crosses from one side on the other to wear down the strip even

the other to wear down the strip even

the other to wear down the strip even but if the graphite gets damaged the

but if the graphite gets damaged the

but if the graphite gets damaged the wire can snag on the pantograph and rip

wire can snag on the pantograph and rip

wire can snag on the pantograph and rip it to shreds to stop this from happening

it to shreds to stop this from happening

it to shreds to stop this from happening the pantograph when the TGV is pushed up

the pantograph when the TGV is pushed up

the pantograph when the TGV is pushed up to the wire with compressed air if any

to the wire with compressed air if any

to the wire with compressed air if any part of the pantograph is damaged the

part of the pantograph is damaged the

part of the pantograph is damaged the air escapes and the contact drops down

air escapes and the contact drops down

air escapes and the contact drops down before the wire can snag the pantograph

before the wire can snag the pantograph

before the wire can snag the pantograph on the experimental train has to draw

on the experimental train has to draw

on the experimental train has to draw twice as much power as a traditional TGV

twice as much power as a traditional TGV

twice as much power as a traditional TGV through a contact the size of a

through a contact the size of a

through a contact the size of a fingernail it will race along the

fingernail it will race along the

fingernail it will race along the overhead wires at over 500 kilometres an

overhead wires at over 500 kilometres an

overhead wires at over 500 kilometres an hour which creates another problem

now you can see if that train went

now you can see if that train went

now you can see if that train went through it's it's wobbled the the

through it's it's wobbled the the

through it's it's wobbled the the overhead catenary power lines and that's

overhead catenary power lines and that's

overhead catenary power lines and that's because that's where it picks up the

because that's where it picks up the

because that's where it picks up the electricity the pantograph runs along it

electricity the pantograph runs along it

electricity the pantograph runs along it and disturbs it those hanging weights

and disturbs it those hanging weights

and disturbs it those hanging weights their form the vital task of tensioning

their form the vital task of tensioning

their form the vital task of tensioning the overhead power lines without them

the overhead power lines without them

the overhead power lines without them those lines would sag too deeply for the

those lines would sag too deeply for the

those lines would sag too deeply for the pantograph on the top of the train to

pantograph on the top of the train to

pantograph on the top of the train to accommodate the difference in height on

accommodate the difference in height on

accommodate the difference in height on a regular line the weights stretched the

a regular line the weights stretched the

a regular line the weights stretched the overhead wire to attention of two and a

overhead wire to attention of two and a

overhead wire to attention of two and a half tons now they'd form a vital

half tons now they'd form a vital

half tons now they'd form a vital day-to-day function here but for a world

day-to-day function here but for a world

day-to-day function here but for a world record-breaking run you're gonna need

record-breaking run you're gonna need

record-breaking run you're gonna need more tension than that you need to keep

more tension than that you need to keep

more tension than that you need to keep the wire very taut indeed to prevent

the wire very taut indeed to prevent

the wire very taut indeed to prevent wobble four tons of tension is what they

wobble four tons of tension is what they

wobble four tons of tension is what they would require

would require

would require [Music]

[Music]

[Music] the experimental TGV is finally ready

the experimental TGV is finally ready

the experimental TGV is finally ready [Music]

[Music]

[Music] in two days time it will attempt to

in two days time it will attempt to

in two days time it will attempt to break the world speed record back in

break the world speed record back in

break the world speed record back in 1829 rocket proves that steam

1829 rocket proves that steam

1829 rocket proves that steam locomotives are the future of railroads

locomotives are the future of railroads

locomotives are the future of railroads but as trains get ever faster they face

but as trains get ever faster they face

but as trains get ever faster they face an invisible obstacle the air

to help trains out with this enemy

to help trains out with this enemy

to help trains out with this enemy engineers must reinvent their shape at

engineers must reinvent their shape at

engineers must reinvent their shape at the start of the 20th century there's

the start of the 20th century there's

the start of the 20th century there's nearly a million kilometres of railways

nearly a million kilometres of railways

nearly a million kilometres of railways around the world

but in the 1930s rail travel faces

but in the 1930s rail travel faces

but in the 1930s rail travel faces serious competition motor cars become

serious competition motor cars become

serious competition motor cars become more affordable and draw customers away

more affordable and draw customers away

more affordable and draw customers away from the Train in Britain the London and

from the Train in Britain the London and

from the Train in Britain the London and North Eastern Railway decides to fight

North Eastern Railway decides to fight

North Eastern Railway decides to fight back they want to build a new faster

back they want to build a new faster

back they want to build a new faster train that can whisk passengers from

train that can whisk passengers from

train that can whisk passengers from London to Edinburgh in less than eight

London to Edinburgh in less than eight

London to Edinburgh in less than eight hours two hours faster than a car they

hours two hours faster than a car they

hours two hours faster than a car they hand the job to their top engineer Nigel

hand the job to their top engineer Nigel

hand the job to their top engineer Nigel Gresley no joke Roger was a real

Gresley no joke Roger was a real

Gresley no joke Roger was a real character he was a big bear of a man

character he was a big bear of a man

character he was a big bear of a man he's well over six foot he's really

he's well over six foot he's really

he's well over six foot he's really called the gentle giant he was a very

called the gentle giant he was a very

called the gentle giant he was a very much hands-on type of person he'd

much hands-on type of person he'd

much hands-on type of person he'd started from the very bottom he worked

started from the very bottom he worked

started from the very bottom he worked his way up through the engine workshops

his way up through the engine workshops

his way up through the engine workshops so he knew the trade inside out to make

so he knew the trade inside out to make

so he knew the trade inside out to make his trains faster grizzly could simply

his trains faster grizzly could simply

his trains faster grizzly could simply use more powerful engines but bigger

use more powerful engines but bigger

use more powerful engines but bigger engines burn more coal without the price

engines burn more coal without the price

engines burn more coal without the price of tickets grizzly has to find a better

of tickets grizzly has to find a better

of tickets grizzly has to find a better way to speed up a train he realizes that

way to speed up a train he realizes that

way to speed up a train he realizes that wind is the key

wind is the key

wind is the key what they found was that the wind was

what they found was that the wind was

what they found was that the wind was hitting the front of the train basically

hitting the front of the train basically

hitting the front of the train basically and been pushed down the side of the

and been pushed down the side of the

and been pushed down the side of the train and this was restricting the speed

train and this was restricting the speed

train and this was restricting the speed of the locomotive and the horse of the

of the locomotive and the horse of the

of the locomotive and the horse of the train could go very fast probably about

train could go very fast probably about

train could go very fast probably about 50 60 miles and I was that was a top

50 60 miles and I was that was a top

50 60 miles and I was that was a top speed for these to beat the wind grizzly

speed for these to beat the wind grizzly

speed for these to beat the wind grizzly Steel's an idea from the competition he

Steel's an idea from the competition he

Steel's an idea from the competition he went to see his friend

went to see his friend

went to see his friend Ettore Bugatti he was a racing car

Ettore Bugatti he was a racing car

Ettore Bugatti he was a racing car designer who was an expert at

designer who was an expert at

designer who was an expert at streamlining Bugatti designs cars with

streamlining Bugatti designs cars with

streamlining Bugatti designs cars with wedge-shaped noses that make them slip

wedge-shaped noses that make them slip

wedge-shaped noses that make them slip through the air and go faster

inspired by Bugattis ideas grizzly draws

inspired by Bugattis ideas grizzly draws

inspired by Bugattis ideas grizzly draws up plans for a sleek new train the a for

up plans for a sleek new train the a for

up plans for a sleek new train the a for Pacific it's a steam train with totally

Pacific it's a steam train with totally

Pacific it's a steam train with totally new clothes

to slip through the air hitting the

to slip through the air hitting the

to slip through the air hitting the front of the Train grizzly gives his

front of the Train grizzly gives his

front of the Train grizzly gives his loco a wedge-shaped nose just like

loco a wedge-shaped nose just like

loco a wedge-shaped nose just like Bugattis cars to prevent the wheels from

Bugattis cars to prevent the wheels from

Bugattis cars to prevent the wheels from stirring up the airflow he covers their

stirring up the airflow he covers their

stirring up the airflow he covers their top edges with elegantly streamlined

top edges with elegantly streamlined

top edges with elegantly streamlined panels and to stop turbulence forming in

panels and to stop turbulence forming in

panels and to stop turbulence forming in the gaps between the carriages he covers

the gaps between the carriages he covers

the gaps between the carriages he covers them up with sheets of rubber

now grizzly has a train that's not just

now grizzly has a train that's not just

now grizzly has a train that's not just powerful but also aerodynamic

the streamlined a for Pacific looks

the streamlined a for Pacific looks

the streamlined a for Pacific looks unlike any train that's gone before

unlike any train that's gone before

unlike any train that's gone before [Music]

this is part of Jessie's great idea for

this is part of Jessie's great idea for

this is part of Jessie's great idea for streamlining it's a wedge-shaped

streamlining it's a wedge-shaped

streamlining it's a wedge-shaped front end as you see see where it

front end as you see see where it

front end as you see see where it deflects the wind over the top of the

deflects the wind over the top of the

deflects the wind over the top of the engine and away from the side of the

engine and away from the side of the

engine and away from the side of the carriages also we've got this beautiful

carriages also we've got this beautiful

carriages also we've got this beautiful curvature here which again takes the

curvature here which again takes the

curvature here which again takes the wind away

wind away

wind away [Applause]

[Applause]

[Applause] [Music]

graslie bills 35 a4 Pacific's and rolls

graslie bills 35 a4 Pacific's and rolls

graslie bills 35 a4 Pacific's and rolls them out between London and Edinburgh

them out between London and Edinburgh

them out between London and Edinburgh they reach speeds of a hundred and forty

they reach speeds of a hundred and forty

they reach speeds of a hundred and forty five kilometres an hour

much faster than the cars today

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] in July 1938 an a for Pacific called

in July 1938 an a for Pacific called

in July 1938 an a for Pacific called mallard steams out of Grantham in an

mallard steams out of Grantham in an

mallard steams out of Grantham in an attempt to break the world speed record

our graduating class of London 309

[Music]

five miles an hour

when they check these figures up to it

when they check these figures up to it

when they check these figures up to it you tucked a one 26.1

thanks to its streamlining the maillard

thanks to its streamlining the maillard

thanks to its streamlining the maillard reaches 202 kilometers an hour and beats

reaches 202 kilometers an hour and beats

reaches 202 kilometers an hour and beats the world record

the world record

the world record [Applause]

[Applause]

[Applause] [Music]

[Music]

[Music] four steam trains it's a record it holds

four steam trains it's a record it holds

four steam trains it's a record it holds to this day

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] in France experimental TGV attempting

in France experimental TGV attempting

in France experimental TGV attempting the world record is thoroughly

the world record is thoroughly

the world record is thoroughly streamlined

streamlined

streamlined the windscreen is completely flush with

the windscreen is completely flush with

the windscreen is completely flush with the sloping nose a spoiler diverts air

the sloping nose a spoiler diverts air

the sloping nose a spoiler diverts air around the wheels and just like on the

around the wheels and just like on the

around the wheels and just like on the a4 Pacific rubber seals cover the gaps

a4 Pacific rubber seals cover the gaps

a4 Pacific rubber seals cover the gaps between the carriages it needs to be so

between the carriages it needs to be so

between the carriages it needs to be so slick for a high-speed attempt because

slick for a high-speed attempt because

slick for a high-speed attempt because air doesn't seem very heavy but it

air doesn't seem very heavy but it

air doesn't seem very heavy but it actually weighs over a kilo per cubic

actually weighs over a kilo per cubic

actually weighs over a kilo per cubic metre and if you look at the size of

metre and if you look at the size of

metre and if you look at the size of this train and the speed it's going it

this train and the speed it's going it

this train and the speed it's going it has to shift getting on for a couple of

has to shift getting on for a couple of

has to shift getting on for a couple of tons of air every single second of its

tons of air every single second of its

tons of air every single second of its journey

the air in front of high-speed trains

the air in front of high-speed trains

the air in front of high-speed trains creates an unusual challenge for the

creates an unusual challenge for the

creates an unusual challenge for the engineers expanding the French network

engineers expanding the French network

engineers expanding the French network to reach countries like Spain they have

to reach countries like Spain they have

to reach countries like Spain they have to build tunnels through the

to build tunnels through the

to build tunnels through the Mountains but tunnels create problems

Mountains but tunnels create problems

Mountains but tunnels create problems for high speed trains

on a well-designed train most of the air

on a well-designed train most of the air

on a well-designed train most of the air rushes over the top and the sides but in

rushes over the top and the sides but in

rushes over the top and the sides but in a tight tunnel the air can't escape and

a tight tunnel the air can't escape and

a tight tunnel the air can't escape and get squashed it turns into a shop one

get squashed it turns into a shop one

get squashed it turns into a shop one that shoots ahead of the train at the

that shoots ahead of the train at the

that shoots ahead of the train at the speed of sound like a bullet from a

speed of sound like a bullet from a

speed of sound like a bullet from a barrel it exits the tunnel with a sonic

barrel it exits the tunnel with a sonic

barrel it exits the tunnel with a sonic boom that rattles the neighborhood

this is a rare recording of tunnel boom

it takes over a minute before the train

it takes over a minute before the train

it takes over a minute before the train itself emerges from the tunnel

itself emerges from the tunnel

itself emerges from the tunnel [Music]

two dead in the boom engineers install a

two dead in the boom engineers install a

two dead in the boom engineers install a canopy over the tunnel entrance that has

canopy over the tunnel entrance that has

canopy over the tunnel entrance that has slots cut into its roof

the holes dispersed the energy of the

the holes dispersed the energy of the

the holes dispersed the energy of the blast so it leaves the tunnel with a

blast so it leaves the tunnel with a

blast so it leaves the tunnel with a whimper

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] here in the pyrenees engineers have

here in the pyrenees engineers have

here in the pyrenees engineers have already installed the slotted canopies

soon the AGV trains will whisk through

soon the AGV trains will whisk through

soon the AGV trains will whisk through them at up to 350 kilometres an hour and

them at up to 350 kilometres an hour and

them at up to 350 kilometres an hour and emerge without a boom

emerge without a boom

emerge without a boom [Music]

[Music]

[Music] to break the world record the

to break the world record the

to break the world record the experimental TGV will have to run much

experimental TGV will have to run much

experimental TGV will have to run much faster than this engineers aren't taking

faster than this engineers aren't taking

faster than this engineers aren't taking any chances when the TGV makes its

any chances when the TGV makes its

any chances when the TGV makes its attempt on the world record tomorrow

attempt on the world record tomorrow

attempt on the world record tomorrow there won't be a tunnel in sight

back in the 1930s the maillard

back in the 1930s the maillard

back in the 1930s the maillard streamlined shape nudges train speeds

streamlined shape nudges train speeds

streamlined shape nudges train speeds past 200 kilometers an hour but when

past 200 kilometers an hour but when

past 200 kilometers an hour but when Japanese engineers try to push trains

Japanese engineers try to push trains

Japanese engineers try to push trains even faster they face a fundamental

even faster they face a fundamental

even faster they face a fundamental problem

problem

problem at high speeds train wheels behave

at high speeds train wheels behave

at high speeds train wheels behave erratically and the Japanese have to get

erratically and the Japanese have to get

erratically and the Japanese have to get them back on track

in the 1950s jet planes revolutionized

in the 1950s jet planes revolutionized

in the 1950s jet planes revolutionized long-distance travel in Japan they whisk

long-distance travel in Japan they whisk

long-distance travel in Japan they whisk travelers 400 kilometers from Osaka to

travelers 400 kilometers from Osaka to

travelers 400 kilometers from Osaka to Tokyo in less than two hours

Tokyo in less than two hours

Tokyo in less than two hours [Music]

to compete with the Jets Japanese

to compete with the Jets Japanese

to compete with the Jets Japanese railway engineers designed the

railway engineers designed the

railway engineers designed the Shinkansen also known as the bullet

Shinkansen also known as the bullet

Shinkansen also known as the bullet train but their prototypes have a

train but their prototypes have a

train but their prototypes have a serious problem

serious problem

serious problem at certain speeds the carriages start

at certain speeds the carriages start

at certain speeds the carriages start moving from side to side inducing a

moving from side to side inducing a

moving from side to side inducing a snake-like motion this vibration can

snake-like motion this vibration can

snake-like motion this vibration can become so violent it derails the train

become so violent it derails the train

become so violent it derails the train this phenomenon is called hunting and

this phenomenon is called hunting and

this phenomenon is called hunting and the Japanese have dissolvent

the Japanese have dissolvent

the Japanese have dissolvent they give the job to Tadashi Matsudaira

they give the job to Tadashi Matsudaira

they give the job to Tadashi Matsudaira an engineer who solved similar vibration

an engineer who solved similar vibration

an engineer who solved similar vibration problems in fighter planes Matsudaira

problems in fighter planes Matsudaira

problems in fighter planes Matsudaira has a hunch that the shape of the train

has a hunch that the shape of the train

has a hunch that the shape of the train wheels is to blame for the hunting now

wheels is to blame for the hunting now

wheels is to blame for the hunting now it's alright building yourself a railway

it's alright building yourself a railway

it's alright building yourself a railway but unless you're confident that the

but unless you're confident that the

but unless you're confident that the trains are gonna stay on the tracks it's

trains are gonna stay on the tracks it's

trains are gonna stay on the tracks it's not much use and railway wheel design is

not much use and railway wheel design is

not much use and railway wheel design is a bit more cunning than you might think

a bit more cunning than you might think

a bit more cunning than you might think if you imagine if you were to use just a

if you imagine if you were to use just a

if you imagine if you were to use just a car type wheels flat ready to go put

car type wheels flat ready to go put

car type wheels flat ready to go put them on the track and they do just what

them on the track and they do just what

them on the track and they do just what you'd expect they stay on there for a

you'd expect they stay on there for a

you'd expect they stay on there for a little bit but then they come up so what

little bit but then they come up so what

little bit but then they come up so what about making wheels with a bit of a cone

about making wheels with a bit of a cone

about making wheels with a bit of a cone on them rubbish but if you turn the

on them rubbish but if you turn the

on them rubbish but if you turn the cones round and have them sat like this

cones round and have them sat like this

cones round and have them sat like this it's spookily good have a look at this

it looks almost magic obviously it's not

it looks almost magic obviously it's not

it looks almost magic obviously it's not magic just kind of looks like it the

magic just kind of looks like it the

magic just kind of looks like it the subtle conical shape of the wheels is

subtle conical shape of the wheels is

subtle conical shape of the wheels is the key to keeping a train on its track

but on scale-model tests Japanese

but on scale-model tests Japanese

but on scale-model tests Japanese engineers find that at high speeds

engineers find that at high speeds

engineers find that at high speeds these wheels start swinging from side to

these wheels start swinging from side to

these wheels start swinging from side to side and slide off the Rams Matsudaira

side and slide off the Rams Matsudaira

side and slide off the Rams Matsudaira realizes that the key to the problem

realizes that the key to the problem

realizes that the key to the problem lies in the train suspension with

lies in the train suspension with

lies in the train suspension with nothing to absorb the sideways motion of

nothing to absorb the sideways motion of

nothing to absorb the sideways motion of the wheels the problem just gets worse

Masoud iris plan is to attach

Masoud iris plan is to attach

Masoud iris plan is to attach finely-tuned

finely-tuned

finely-tuned steel springs to the axles this should

steel springs to the axles this should

steel springs to the axles this should keep a train on track in theory in March

keep a train on track in theory in March

keep a train on track in theory in March 1963

1963

1963 matsudaira puts his Springs to the test

matsudaira puts his Springs to the test

matsudaira puts his Springs to the test in a high-speed run with a real

in a high-speed run with a real

in a high-speed run with a real Shinkansen an army of technicians can

Shinkansen an army of technicians can

Shinkansen an army of technicians can watch as the Train heads out onto the

watch as the Train heads out onto the

watch as the Train heads out onto the track

track

track [Music]

[Music]

[Music] as the train accelerates the instruments

as the train accelerates the instruments

as the train accelerates the instruments pick up vibration building up in the

pick up vibration building up in the

pick up vibration building up in the wheels

wheels

wheels [Music]

Matsudaira himself as his hand on the

Matsudaira himself as his hand on the

Matsudaira himself as his hand on the emergency stop button but decides to

emergency stop button but decides to

emergency stop button but decides to keep going

keep going

keep going and sure enough the train settles down

and sure enough the train settles down

and sure enough the train settles down and delivers a flawless run reaching a

and delivers a flawless run reaching a

and delivers a flawless run reaching a record speed of 256 kilometers an hour

record speed of 256 kilometers an hour

record speed of 256 kilometers an hour the new suspension is an outstanding

the new suspension is an outstanding

the new suspension is an outstanding success and keeps the Shinkansen firmly

success and keeps the Shinkansen firmly

success and keeps the Shinkansen firmly on the track over the next decades Japan

on the track over the next decades Japan

on the track over the next decades Japan railways rolls out the high-speed

railways rolls out the high-speed

railways rolls out the high-speed service across the country

safe and nearly always spot on time the

safe and nearly always spot on time the

safe and nearly always spot on time the trains between Tokyo and Osaka carry

trains between Tokyo and Osaka carry

trains between Tokyo and Osaka carry eighty thousand passengers a day four

eighty thousand passengers a day four

eighty thousand passengers a day four times more than the planes

the legacy of the Shinkansen is still

the legacy of the Shinkansen is still

the legacy of the Shinkansen is still visible on the TGV today at the

visible on the TGV today at the

visible on the TGV today at the Technical Centre on the outskirts of

Technical Centre on the outskirts of

Technical Centre on the outskirts of Paris a TGV is about to have its wheels

Paris a TGV is about to have its wheels

Paris a TGV is about to have its wheels replaced

[Music]

the French have built a jacking system

the French have built a jacking system

the French have built a jacking system that can lift the whole train up at the

that can lift the whole train up at the

that can lift the whole train up at the touch of a button

it takes just 10 minutes to raise the

it takes just 10 minutes to raise the

it takes just 10 minutes to raise the trains two engines and eight carriages

trains two engines and eight carriages

trains two engines and eight carriages two meters into the air

two meters into the air

two meters into the air [Music]

now the mechanics can get it the four

now the mechanics can get it the four

now the mechanics can get it the four wheeled trolleys that support the

wheeled trolleys that support the

wheeled trolleys that support the carriages called bogies their Springs

carriages called bogies their Springs

carriages called bogies their Springs still use Matsudaira as design but

still use Matsudaira as design but

still use Matsudaira as design but there's one big difference in the way

there's one big difference in the way

there's one big difference in the way the bogies are arranged under the Train

the bogies are arranged under the Train

the bogies are arranged under the Train conventionally you have a bogie at the

conventionally you have a bogie at the

conventionally you have a bogie at the front and back of each carriage and they

front and back of each carriage and they

front and back of each carriage and they get linked together to form a train

get linked together to form a train

get linked together to form a train they're here

they're here

they're here each bogie has two carriages on it then

each bogie has two carriages on it then

each bogie has two carriages on it then the bogie is shared by the front and

the bogie is shared by the front and

the bogie is shared by the front and back of adjacent carriages and they're

back of adjacent carriages and they're

back of adjacent carriages and they're linked together

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] traditional trains have one bogey at the

traditional trains have one bogey at the

traditional trains have one bogey at the end of each carriage

this is a disadvantage in a crash the

this is a disadvantage in a crash the

this is a disadvantage in a crash the carriages can jackknife against each

carriages can jackknife against each

carriages can jackknife against each other and derail the Train but on the

other and derail the Train but on the

other and derail the Train but on the TGV the bogies sit between the carriages

TGV the bogies sit between the carriages

TGV the bogies sit between the carriages which makes for a stronger connection

the Train is more rigid so in a crash

the Train is more rigid so in a crash

the Train is more rigid so in a crash it's more likely to stay straight and on

it's more likely to stay straight and on

it's more likely to stay straight and on the tracks

the tracks

the tracks keeping the passengers safe inside the

bogies on the experimental TGV also sit

bogies on the experimental TGV also sit

bogies on the experimental TGV also sit between the carriages but as well as

between the carriages but as well as

between the carriages but as well as holding the carriages together the two

holding the carriages together the two

holding the carriages together the two main bogies are fitted with a secret

main bogies are fitted with a secret

main bogies are fitted with a secret weapon

weapon

weapon for 1,300 horsepower motors from the

for 1,300 horsepower motors from the

for 1,300 horsepower motors from the next generation train the AGV

the engineers hope that these will give

the engineers hope that these will give

the engineers hope that these will give this TGV the extra power it needs to

this TGV the extra power it needs to

this TGV the extra power it needs to break the world speed record back in

break the world speed record back in

break the world speed record back in 1963 the Shinkansen proves the trains

1963 the Shinkansen proves the trains

1963 the Shinkansen proves the trains can be super fast and stable

but as French engineers expand their

but as French engineers expand their

but as French engineers expand their network to run faster trains they face a

network to run faster trains they face a

network to run faster trains they face a new problem

they must design a foolproof signalling

they must design a foolproof signalling

they must design a foolproof signalling system to make sure their trains don't

system to make sure their trains don't

system to make sure their trains don't crash

crash

crash [Music]

on a foggy day in December 1933 France

on a foggy day in December 1933 France

on a foggy day in December 1933 France suffers the worst train disaster in its

suffers the worst train disaster in its

suffers the worst train disaster in its history an express train plows into the

history an express train plows into the

history an express train plows into the back of a train stopped near the village

back of a train stopped near the village

back of a train stopped near the village of Lanie 200 passengers lose their lives

of Lanie 200 passengers lose their lives

of Lanie 200 passengers lose their lives an investigation reveals that the

an investigation reveals that the

an investigation reveals that the signalling system is to blame for the

signalling system is to blame for the

signalling system is to blame for the disaster

disaster

disaster the French used a simple electrical

the French used a simple electrical

the French used a simple electrical system when they wanted to alert the

system when they wanted to alert the

system when they wanted to alert the driver of a train when the signal was

driver of a train when the signal was

driver of a train when the signal was down and they needed to attract the

down and they needed to attract the

down and they needed to attract the driver's attention a metal strip down

driver's attention a metal strip down

driver's attention a metal strip down the center of a section of track was

the center of a section of track was

the center of a section of track was electrified and on the underside of the

electrified and on the underside of the

electrified and on the underside of the train would be a metal brush like this

train would be a metal brush like this

train would be a metal brush like this when the brush makes contact with the

when the brush makes contact with the

when the brush makes contact with the strip it triggers an alarm in the

strip it triggers an alarm in the

strip it triggers an alarm in the driver's cab sir see how this one goes

driver's cab sir see how this one goes

driver's cab sir see how this one goes so there's the train off round the track

so there's the train off round the track

so there's the train off round the track it's got its pickup underneath waiting

it's got its pickup underneath waiting

it's got its pickup underneath waiting to collect its pulse of electricity well

to collect its pulse of electricity well

to collect its pulse of electricity well certainly if I was driving the train

certainly if I was driving the train

certainly if I was driving the train there's no way I'd have missed that kind

there's no way I'd have missed that kind

there's no way I'd have missed that kind of signal but as the investigation into

of signal but as the investigation into

of signal but as the investigation into the Lonny crash reveals the system has a

the Lonny crash reveals the system has a

the Lonny crash reveals the system has a simple floor it's not weatherproof

simple floor it's not weatherproof

simple floor it's not weatherproof as the Express steams towards Lenny

as the Express steams towards Lenny

as the Express steams towards Lenny central control activates a stop signal

central control activates a stop signal

central control activates a stop signal but thick fog hangs over the tracks to

but thick fog hangs over the tracks to

but thick fog hangs over the tracks to the driver can't see the signal

he now relies entirely on the safety

he now relies entirely on the safety

he now relies entirely on the safety switch but moisture in the air has

switch but moisture in the air has

switch but moisture in the air has frozen over it in a thick layer of ice

frozen over it in a thick layer of ice

frozen over it in a thick layer of ice as the train passes the brush can't make

as the train passes the brush can't make

as the train passes the brush can't make contact with the metal and pick up the

contact with the metal and pick up the

contact with the metal and pick up the warning signal

warning signal

warning signal the steam whistle inside the cab stays

the steam whistle inside the cab stays

the steam whistle inside the cab stays silent the last thing the driver sees is

silent the last thing the driver sees is

silent the last thing the driver sees is the back of the other train the next

the back of the other train the next

the back of the other train the next generation of TGV trains will travel

generation of TGV trains will travel

generation of TGV trains will travel three times faster than those that

three times faster than those that

three times faster than those that crashed at lanny stopping them is a

crashed at lanny stopping them is a

crashed at lanny stopping them is a phenomenal challenge

if you want to stop a train like the TGV

if you want to stop a train like the TGV

if you want to stop a train like the TGV you need enormous brakes and lot of them

you need enormous brakes and lot of them

you need enormous brakes and lot of them which is where these huge brake discs

which is where these huge brake discs

which is where these huge brake discs come into play there are eight of them

come into play there are eight of them

come into play there are eight of them per bogie and they turn with the wheels

per bogie and they turn with the wheels

per bogie and they turn with the wheels and when you went to stop the train

and when you went to stop the train

and when you went to stop the train you have to clamp onto them these brake

you have to clamp onto them these brake

you have to clamp onto them these brake pads then the whole energy of the Train

pads then the whole energy of the Train

pads then the whole energy of the Train has to be absorbed as frictional heat on

has to be absorbed as frictional heat on

has to be absorbed as frictional heat on these discs now that is an awful lot of

these discs now that is an awful lot of

these discs now that is an awful lot of heat and these get extremely hot but

heat and these get extremely hot but

heat and these get extremely hot but even with all these brakes it takes

even with all these brakes it takes

even with all these brakes it takes three kilometres to bring a TGV to a

three kilometres to bring a TGV to a

three kilometres to bring a TGV to a halt this puts an enormous amount of

halt this puts an enormous amount of

halt this puts an enormous amount of pressure on the driver at this TGV

pressure on the driver at this TGV

pressure on the driver at this TGV training school in northern France

training school in northern France

training school in northern France drivers are learning how to handle the

drivers are learning how to handle the

drivers are learning how to handle the new faster AGV trains

in the simulator they'll find out that

in the simulator they'll find out that

in the simulator they'll find out that the speed of this train is simply too

the speed of this train is simply too

the speed of this train is simply too much for the human eye

we're heading downhill at the moment and

we're heading downhill at the moment and

we're heading downhill at the moment and it feels exactly like a real train we're

it feels exactly like a real train we're

it feels exactly like a real train we're approaching 300 kilometers an hour and

approaching 300 kilometers an hour and

approaching 300 kilometers an hour and his target speed is 320 now at that

his target speed is 320 now at that

his target speed is 320 now at that speed we're going at nearly a hundred

speed we're going at nearly a hundred

speed we're going at nearly a hundred meters a second which means you just

meters a second which means you just

meters a second which means you just don't have time to see trackside signals

don't have time to see trackside signals

don't have time to see trackside signals with over 800 passengers on board a new

with over 800 passengers on board a new

with over 800 passengers on board a new agey V train the signalling has to be a

agey V train the signalling has to be a

agey V train the signalling has to be a hundred percent reliable even in extreme

hundred percent reliable even in extreme

hundred percent reliable even in extreme weather engineers of the French

weather engineers of the French

weather engineers of the French high-speed expansion project are rolling

high-speed expansion project are rolling

high-speed expansion project are rolling out the latest in signalling technology

out the latest in signalling technology

out the latest in signalling technology it works without any physical contact

they install transmitters at regular

they install transmitters at regular

they install transmitters at regular intervals along the track these send

intervals along the track these send

intervals along the track these send electrical signals through the rails

electrical signals through the rails

electrical signals through the rails which creates a magnetic field around

which creates a magnetic field around

which creates a magnetic field around them as the train passes an onboard

them as the train passes an onboard

them as the train passes an onboard sensor picks up this magnetic field and

sensor picks up this magnetic field and

sensor picks up this magnetic field and relays the information to the driver in

relays the information to the driver in

relays the information to the driver in the car

and if this signal ever disappears the

and if this signal ever disappears the

and if this signal ever disappears the onboard computer automatically slams on

onboard computer automatically slams on

onboard computer automatically slams on the brakes the drivers at the training

the brakes the drivers at the training

the brakes the drivers at the training school must learn to completely trust

school must learn to completely trust

school must learn to completely trust the onboard signalling system if

the onboard signalling system if

the onboard signalling system if something happened 200 metres up ahead

something happened 200 metres up ahead

something happened 200 metres up ahead you have literally about two seconds to

you have literally about two seconds to

you have literally about two seconds to register it and do something about it

register it and do something about it

register it and do something about it that's simply not enough time which is

that's simply not enough time which is

that's simply not enough time which is why Christophe here is driving his train

why Christophe here is driving his train

why Christophe here is driving his train almost just completely from these

almost just completely from these

almost just completely from these control panels he could shut a blind on

control panels he could shut a blind on

control panels he could shut a blind on that window

that window

that window and he would still be as good a driver

and he would still be as good a driver

and he would still be as good a driver because there's very little he could do

because there's very little he could do

because there's very little he could do you see that corner of a head you're

you see that corner of a head you're

you see that corner of a head you're there before you can do anything about

there before you can do anything about

there before you can do anything about it

as the experimental TGV weights on the

as the experimental TGV weights on the

as the experimental TGV weights on the starting line closing the blinds is the

starting line closing the blinds is the

starting line closing the blinds is the last thing on driver eric PA Jack's mind

to break the world speed record

to break the world speed record

to break the world speed record he needs to power his train to over five

he needs to power his train to over five

he needs to power his train to over five hundred and fifteen kilometers and how

hundred and fifteen kilometers and how

hundred and fifteen kilometers and how absurd mopar dois aller very suitable

absurd mopar dois aller very suitable

absurd mopar dois aller very suitable for a cheese curd two more very familiar

for a cheese curd two more very familiar

for a cheese curd two more very familiar two more bad luck as Eric cranks up the

two more bad luck as Eric cranks up the

two more bad luck as Eric cranks up the speed engineers on board monitored 350

speed engineers on board monitored 350

speed engineers on board monitored 350 senses distributed throughout the Train

senses distributed throughout the Train

senses distributed throughout the Train [Music]

[Music]

[Music] what

what

what traveling at airline speed just inches

traveling at airline speed just inches

traveling at airline speed just inches from the ground the engineers are

from the ground the engineers are

from the ground the engineers are putting their lives in the hands of the

putting their lives in the hands of the

putting their lives in the hands of the components they have designed

components they have designed

components they have designed [Music]

[Applause]

[Applause]

[Applause] don't say kookaburra much less elicited

don't say kookaburra much less elicited

don't say kookaburra much less elicited amuse on you is about achievement of its

amuse on you is about achievement of its

amuse on you is about achievement of its of our David Dalton a seal across the

of our David Dalton a seal across the

of our David Dalton a seal across the bar on an agony over over MC removal

bar on an agony over over MC removal

bar on an agony over over MC removal fail

as the train hits 515 kilometers an hour

as the train hits 515 kilometers an hour

as the train hits 515 kilometers an hour it shatters the old record and keeps

it shatters the old record and keeps

it shatters the old record and keeps going

going

going [Music]

95% you bow

sustainable world

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] finally Eric eases off the power it is a

finally Eric eases off the power it is a

finally Eric eases off the power it is a software song get off so if you read of

software song get off so if you read of

software song get off so if you read of it well it's a staggering new world

it well it's a staggering new world

it well it's a staggering new world record and a triumph for the team

record and a triumph for the team

record and a triumph for the team the spectacular test has shown that the

the spectacular test has shown that the

the spectacular test has shown that the new AGV train will keep french railway

new AGV train will keep french railway

new AGV train will keep french railway engineers ahead of the curve

engineers ahead of the curve

engineers ahead of the curve today the TGV is already faster and

today the TGV is already faster and

today the TGV is already faster and safer than the aeroplane on most

safer than the aeroplane on most

safer than the aeroplane on most journeys as high-speed networks expand

journeys as high-speed networks expand

journeys as high-speed networks expand across europe even more people will put

across europe even more people will put

across europe even more people will put their lives in the hands of these

their lives in the hands of these

their lives in the hands of these amazing machines since the day of

amazing machines since the day of

amazing machines since the day of Stephenson's rocket trains have gone

Stephenson's rocket trains have gone

Stephenson's rocket trains have gone from fast to faster

from fast to faster

from fast to faster - now the world's fastest when it comes

- now the world's fastest when it comes

- now the world's fastest when it comes to big speeds nothing on Rails beats the

to big speeds nothing on Rails beats the

to big speeds nothing on Rails beats the Trigon Vitesse until someone builds an

Trigon Vitesse until someone builds an

Trigon Vitesse until someone builds an even faster one

[Music]

you