Dual Mode Vehicle
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17)
Wed 2007/01/17 21:52
This is a Dual Mode Vehicle or DMV for short which was announced a while back but has only recently started to do test runs around Hokkaido with town citizens onboard. The bus runs as normal on the ground and then transforms into a train when it reaches some rails. Nothing fancy like Transformers unfortunately - the tyres detract and a set of rail wheels detract to lock on to the rails. This process used to take 5 mins during development but now only takes 15 seconds. The DMV then uses the back tyres to propel itself forward at a speed of 40KPH. You can see more pics on this DMV fan site (?)
I like this idea as getting off a train and then waiting for a bus can be a pain unless you have some nice posters to look at.
Source: Nikkei (Japanese)
World Business Satellite
When I first came to Japan, I was shocked to see people wearing surgical masks in public...(more)
Fri 01/12 21:24 comments (73)
thats pretty cool, but it could look alot better. oh yeh , ITS FINALLY SNOWING IN GLASGOW!!! woooohoooooooo. just gotah tell everyone
(ID #43107) Posted on 2007/01/17 22:39
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Ah. Apparentely they have something similar to the Dual Mode Vehicle over in Australia. Just that I can't remember the site or link to such. It acts as both a tram and a bus.
(ID #43113) Posted on 2007/01/17 23:22
ColdFusion Developer
I've seen prototypes of DMVs somewhere but can't quite remember where. But one thing if they ever want this to work is to figure out when the bus is allowed on the tracks as you don't want it to interfere with the local train system.
(ID #43116) Posted on 2007/01/17 23:33
Red October in Elk Grove, CA USA
We have something like this in the state. It is a pick up track with train wheels mechanism connect to the front and rear bumper. The mechanism comes down from the bumper and get below the tires. It is power by the vehicle wheels. This kind of vehicle belong to the repair department of the train company. BTW why the japanese name their vehicle "DMV"? In the state, it mean Department of Motor Vehicle.
(ID #43117) Posted on 2007/01/17 23:49
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
This is interesting Danny. I have never seen this used for public transportation. Usually here in the U.S. you will see this use on railway support vehicles. Reminds me of Doctor Yellow. You left out the great American mode of transport -not- commute by car. I will not miss having to drive everywhere when I move to Japan.
(ID #43119) Posted on 2007/01/17 23:57
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Err... (^^;) Writing as Red October was posting. Hate when that happens...
(ID #43120) Posted on 2007/01/18 00:03
Interactive Media Design and Graphic Design
hahahha this sounds good. I have heard of similar things before. I've seen such vehicle in Europe, but they were more of a service vehicle rather then for public transportation.
(ID #43139) Posted on 2007/01/18 02:44
High School Graduate... Now what?
Wow, that's kinda cool, but something not as useful for some people. I finally can say there's a bus that looks like a bananaphone.
(ID #43142) Posted on 2007/01/18 04:06
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
another cool concept....now all they gotta work on is a cooler transformation!! .....hehehe...... Q: will you be trying it out soon Danny?
(ID #43146) Posted on 2007/01/18 04:57
Tired but Sci-fi hyperactive Soul...
Argh! This vehicle is featured by 皆川亮二 in his new series called D-LIVE!! (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-LIVE%21%21) If you are interested in various funky and dream vehicles, you should take a look in this particular comic series (now is at least up to volume 14) The main character 斑鳩悟（いかるが さとる） is a super driver which capable of operating virtually all form of vehicle. Pretty informative and entertaining. Enjoy~
(ID #43162) Posted on 2007/01/18 10:06
I still prefer the aqua car to this one.
(ID #43179) Posted on 2007/01/18 21:51
Eleutheria (Registered on 2006/12/30 10:06)
That must be what they call the short bus in American slang?
(ID #43217) Posted on 2007/01/19 15:19
daydreaming and planning to take over the world
Back at the facility where I work we have several trucks like that......a project from a few years ago which was intended for public transport but was aborted due to the time-consuming change of modus ( road-track ). The trucks are now only used for maintenance and emergency interventions on our public transport network... But quite interesting to know that you folks have managed to reduce the time of modus-shifting. I'll talk about that with my OH-SO-BELOVED-CHIEF. Jeeez' I'm talking about my job...must be ill........
(ID #43640) Posted on 2007/01/31 10:40
the idea of the dual mode car invention is cool! but.... they have to do something about the vehicle design first though...
(ID #48561) Posted on 2007/05/26 10:06
Part human, part student, 100% loser
We need those DMVs in Singapore!
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