By ROGER FORD
Informed Sources
■ Train weight and seating claims confused
■ UK gauge ETR1000 likely
■ Mystery pantograph highlighted
What is it about Japanese ‘bullet’ trains that gets everyone so excited? Sure, they are the world leaders in Sexy Front Ends (SFE), although the Chinese high-speed designs now push them close. But that hasn’t helped them achieve the export success of European designs, notably the French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV).
