Uh, ugly doesn't begin to describe this abomination.
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What the Japanese do best... imaginative design with a purpose!
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I agree. The Japanese definitely follow function over form but at the same time still manage to make things look good. In this case the front of the engine has doors that open to make it easier to load and unload passengers and luggage at the airport, hence the reason that the engineer sits above the ceiling.
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I've enjoyed Japan Railways, and I'm sure I never saw the same design twice!
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If only grade crossing in the USA were like this; blocking the entire roadway so no one can race the train.
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Those grey devices (1 in front of the train and 3 beside it, as well as those to the right of the other track) are all cameras which detect if the space is violated, and will drop the signals to red. I saw a front-view video in which the train came to a stop as a result of a motorist being stuck on the crossing. There are also obstruction indicators which will flash red when necessary along the line at points where there is sight restriction to the crossing. Every crossing also has it's own confirmation signal that the crossing is functioning and not obstructed (if obstructed it goes red).
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Looks like a design that was meant to be running in tunnels - but in daylight, it's interesting no less and apparently quite functional. And still much more appealing in looks and design than the American Talgo cab car - by far! Thanks for sharing!
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