Train Simulator Shanghai Maglev Available Now By Rebecca Smith, 23 Feb 2016 CommentsOne of the most unique, and uniquely fastest, trains comes to Train Simulator, courtesy of Union Workshop – the Shanghai Maglev.The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Transrapid, uses magnetic levitation to move without the need to touch the ground or use wheels on rails, giving it a much smoother and quieter ride than wheeled mass transit systems. The Transrapid is also the fastest commercial train currently in operation, with a top operating speed of 430 km/h (270mph), although the train recorded 501 km/h (311mph) during testing.Unhampered by intermediate station stops or any other kind of traffic on the line, Maglevs operate a regular service at 15 minute intervals from morning to night, with a capacity for 574 passengers in each consist. The built-in ATO system, which allows the driver to hand complete control over to the Maglev’s electronic control systems, allows the service to operate automatically over the entire journey, including switching lines at the end and returning on the opposite track. This all means that the Transrapid can manage without certain commonplace railway items such as colour light signals, a horn or even windscreen wipers.Despite years of development and many failed Maglev projects, only three commercial systems operate today. Shanghai’s Transrapid began operations in April 2004, with Japan’s introduction of a low-speed line coming less than a year later; most recently, in February 2016, South Korea introduced the Incheon Airport Maglev.The Shanghai Maglev for Train Simulator, developed by Union Workshop, recreates the 30km (19 mile) route from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road station, Pudong, complete with realistically recreated switching junctions. The train itself features a detailed cab and passenger view, and a simulation of the ATO system allowing automatic train control if required.More Train Simulator Classic stories: Arosa Line Out Now for Train Simulator: Steam Edition Train Simulator DB BR 420 Update is Available Now Train Simulator 2016 Union Pacific DD35 Update Released Train Simulator 2016 - USATC S160 Available Now Train Simulator 2016 - ÖBB 1044 Out Now WindowsDLC Written by Rebecca SmithRebecca is the Newshound Manager at TrueSteamAchievements, TrueAchievements and TrueTrophies. She has been contributing articles since 2010, especially those that involve intimidatingly long lists. When not writing news, she can usually be found sharpening her very, VERY, pointy grammar stick in anticipation of its imminent use. Outside of TSA, TA and TT, she works in an independent game shop so that she can spend all day talking about games too. At home, with a variety of PCs and consoles on hand from which to choose, starting with a ZX Spectrum, games are never far away there either. However, as you're not supposed to have an unhealthy obsession with just a single subject, she also likes to read and dream about owning her own tribe of minions. She'll occasionally go outside.