Gauge Change Train

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.[1]

Two three-car and one four-car "GCT" electric multiple unit (EMU) trains have been built for testing. The first train operated from 1998 until 2006, the second train operated from 2006 until 2014 and the third-generation train commenced testing in 2014, although testing is currently suspended due to technical issues with the bogies.[2] The GCT was due to be introduced on the Nagasaki Shinkansen upon its scheduled opening in fiscal 2022, but JR Kyushu announced in June 2017 that it had abandoned plans to adopt the GCT for these services.[3]

  1. ^ "RTRI REPORT, Vol.14 No.10, October 2000". Japan: Railway Technical Research Institute. 2000. Archived from the original on 17 February 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  2. ^ "Nagasaki Shinkansen line project overhaul likely to prevent delays". Asia & Japan Watch (in Japanese). Japan: The Asahi Shimbun Company. 24 February 2016. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference nikkei20170613 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).