Roaring like a jet plane, spitting sparks and trailing dust, a French train with a souped-up engine and special wheels broke the world speed record Tuesday for conventional rail trains, reaching 574.8 kph (357.2 mph).The black and chrome train with three double-decker cars, named the V150, bettered the previous record of 515.3 (320.2 mph), set in 1990 by another French train. However, it fell short of the ultimate record set by Japan's non-conventional magnetically levitated train, which sped to 581 kph (361 mph) in 2003.Tuesday's endeavour, some 200 km (125 miles) east of Paris on a new track linking Paris with Strasbourg, showcased technology France is trying to sell to multi-billion dollar overseas markets like China. Sparks flew from the power lines overhead and a long tail of dust kicked up behind the train as it whizzed through the French countryside. The train sped along far faster than a passenger jet taking off or a Formula One race car. On board, the sensation was comparable to that of an airplane at liftoff. The train kept up with planes flying overhead taking photos. People lined bridges clapping and cheering as the train zipped underneath them. ''There are about 10,000 engineers who would want to be in my place,'' train driver Eric Pieczac said. ''It makes me very happy, a mixed feeling of pride and honor to be able to reach this speed.'' Technicians on the train had ''French excellence'' emblazoned on the backs of their T-shirts. Some applauded when the top speed was attained. The train also carried journalists. On board, there were noticeable vibrations as the train hurtled along. The air pressure briefly caused a slight earache. Journalists were not buckled into their seats, but were told not to move around or stand up, so as not to interfere with live television broadcasts from the train.
Outside, the countryside zipped past too fast to appreciate. After setting the record, the train gradually slowed. By comparison to its top speed, its cruising speed of around 300 kph (190 mph) felt snail-paced.
