The Gauge Change Train (GCT) or Free Gauge Train (フリーゲージトレイン?, "FGT") is the name given to a Japanese project started in 1994 to develop a high-speed train with variable gauge axles to allow inter-running between the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge Shinkansen network, and the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow gauge regional rail network.
Two three-car "GCT" electric multiple unit (EMU) trains have been built for testing. The first train was built in 1998 and withdrawn in 2006. A second train was built in 2006, and, as of March 2012, is still undergoing testing.
Read more about Gauge Change Train: First-generation Train (1998–2006), Second-generation Train (1998–2007), See Also, Further Reading
Famous quotes containing the words change and/or train:
“Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,
Which I gaze on so fondly today,
Were to change by tomorrow, and fleet in my arms,
Like fairy-gifts fading away.”
—Thomas Moore (1779–1852)
“The train rounds, bending to a scream,
Taking the final level for the dive
Under the river—”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)