Thanks Monahos..... I never thought of this from an engineering standpoint -- I only relate as a passenger. In Japan, the shinkansen are, on the whole, a lot quieter and smoother, and when the tracks bank fairly sharply, most trains stabilize to minimise the effect of having whatever is on the tray tables to fly across the train. It should be noted that the Japanese trains are wider too; in Standard class on the TGV, the seats are 2x2 and in First class, 1x2. In Japan, in Standard class is 2x3 and in First Class, 2x2, unless it is a special trainset (double decker, etc etc etc).

In Japan, all I hear is the hum of the electric engines and the rhythmic clackety clack on the wheels. In France, I hear not only the hum of the electricity but also the rumble of the engines, the rattles, the creaks, bumps, etc so I just feel the ride quality is not as nice. Finally, why cannot the French engineer the trains AND the station so that the train is level with the station upon arrival, thereby not needing steps to climb up and down!!??

I think it is important to consider that most shinkansen are 16 cars long and there are about 400 departures and arrivals a day from Tokyo Central station.

However, there is a certain thrill of travelling 300km per hour, both on the Nozomi 500 in Japan as you past Himeji and on the TGV on the straightaway coming up from Marseilles past Valence into Lyon. A great feeling!!

Again, thanks Monahos!! One certainly learns something new everyday!! Cheers,