From Kingfishers to . . . Bullet Trains

Can biology teach us how to improve rail travel? This book covers an interesting episode in the bullet trains’ development for Japan’s Shinkansen line. In their earlier stages, these trains’ electrical contacts were too noisy, and the trains produced sonic booms when they went through tunnels. To solve the problem, engineer Eiji Nakatsu turned to a surprising source of inspiration: birds! An opening chapter on the history of rail travel provides context, and the final chapter, about other train-improving innovators, provides a starting point for further exploration. The back matter includes a glossary, additional resources, and an index.