Famous Trains: Asia and Australia
by Mike Rozett
1883
In 1883, the Orient Express began service from Paris to Istanbul, crossing six
countries with the cooperation of ten different railroads. The train was
famous for its five course French meals and for its passengers, who were often
diplomats, royalty or government couriers.
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Japan's renowned Bullet Train is the fastest in the world
1964
The Japanese Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, runs at speeds of
more than 100 miles per hour over special tracks with minimal curves. In 1997,
a newer version of the Bullet Train became the fastest, scheduled train in the
world, regularly reaching speeds of up to 186 miles per hour.
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1970
Connecting the east and west coasts of Australia, the Indian
Pacific runs from Sydney to Perth in three days, over a distance of 2,461
miles. This route has the world's longest stretch of straight track, which
lasts for 297 miles.
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