Video of JR Hokkaido "Train on Train" concept

[bikkuri bahn]

Clearly shows how the system will work.  New(?) revelation is that dual locomotives will be coupled on both ends of the train.  From the Hokkaido Shinbun website:

 

http://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/cont/video/?c=special&v=75929401001

[Tecchan]

They plan to use the Shinkansen lines for cargo?!

 

Anyway this is an interesting way to transport containers without having to switch them on another train.

[CaptOblivious]

Awesome find, Bikkuri!

 

Kumo, there's another thread here somewhere where this discussion started. The Seikan Tunnel between Aomori and Hachinoe (is that right? Anyway, connecting Honshu and Hokkaido) is being upgraded to shinkansen standards so the E5 shinkansen can eventually make complete Tokyo-Sapporo runs. Right now, though, JRF uses the tunnel quite extensively---indeed, the EH500 (in the video) was designed in part for Seikan Tunnel use. So, they needed a new way to get the narrow-gauge freight down what will soon be standard-gauge lines, and with a quickness to avoid holding up shinkansen (there are no passing sidings in the tunnel, as I recall). So they came up with the "train on train" freight bullet train! And this is the first real demonstration of the technology we've seen here.