GB2449871A

GB2449871A - Track assembly and magnetic levitating train

Info

Publication number: GB2449871A
Application number: GB0710750A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Stuart Hyslop
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-05
Filing date: 2007-06-05
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Also published as: GB0710750D0

Abstract

The track assembly comprises at least one track member having at least one upwards facing surface laterally inclined at an acute angle to the vertical, whereby, in use, the inclined upwards facing surface provides both lift and lateral stability for the train. The track member can comprise two laterally spaced sections 304, 306, each with such an inclined surface 308, 310, the inclinations sloping towards each other or a single member with two such surfaces sloping away from each other. The surfaces accept one or more guide wheels 312 of the train 302 rotatable about an horizontal axis/axes or an axis/axes inclined to the vertical. Each surface can have an upwardly extending member providing a guide surface with an upper lip. The train can be provided with a forwardly extending brush to remove debris.

Description

Track assembly The present invention relates to a track assembly for a

train and or magnetic levitating (maglev) train and to a magnetic levitating train itself, in particular for operating with the track assembly of the present invention.

Magnetic levitating trains are still largely under development. The only current commercially operating magnetic levitating train is in China. Magnetic levitating trains, or maglev trains as they have become widely known, are trains that are lifted, guided and propelled by means of electromagnetic forces. Maglev trains can travel up to 580km/h, similar to that of an airplane, and burn no fuel, making them an environmentally friendly option. The only power required is electricity to power the electromagnets. There are currently three types of maglev train under development. These are electromagnetic suspension (EMS), electrodynamic suspension (EDS), and the Inductrack system (permanent magnet EDS). EMS uses the attractive forces between magnets situated beneath the steel rail to lift the train up. EDS uses the repulsive forces between two magnets to push the train away from the rail. The Inductrack system uses the same repulsive forces as EDS but uses permanent magnets. The present invention is suitable to work with all three current technologies, depending on which are developed into widespread use.

The current maglev train system operating in China, although relatively safe and reliable can be improved upon. Although it is impossible for a maglev train to collide with another train on the tracks, due to the way the electromagnets S...

operate, it is still thought possible for a maglev train to be caused to derail by * ** means of collision with a foreign object on the tracks. As the trains are travelling at such a high speed, collision with even a relatively small foreign object could S..

* 30 deliver enough momentum to remove the train from the rails on which it is travelling. At such high speeds, any derailment could have catastrophic * *.* consequences.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved magnetic levitating track assembly that is able to operate in extreme weather conditions, making it more reliable.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track assembly for a magnetic levitating train comprising at least one track member, wherein the track member comprises at least one upwards facing surface, the surface being inclined at an acute angle to the vertical, whereby, in use, the inclined upwards facing surface may provide both lift and lateral stability for the train.

The track assembly comprises one or more surfaces that are upwards facing or have an upwards facing component. These surfaces cooperate with the magnetic levitating system of the train passing along the track, to provide the train with lift and motion. In the track assembly of the present invention, the components of the track are formed to provide at least one track member with an upwards facing surface, with the surface being inclined at an acute angle to the vertical. In this respect, the term upwards' is used herein to refer to the perpendicular direction extending from the track assembly to a train on or passing along the track, in normal operation. In general, the upwards direction will be vertically upwards, with the track assembly being installed on or above level ground.

The track assembly comprises at least one upwards facing surface inclined at an * 25 acute angle to the vertical, in this respect, this is to be understood to be a :.: reference to the surface subtendirig an angle of less then 90 in the upwards direction. * ** * * S ** **

s The track assembly may comprise a single track member, the single track member having one or more inclined upwards facing surfaces. For example, the single track member may be generally triangular in cross-section and comprise 55.

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one or, more preferably, two upwards facing inclined surfaces. In an alternative arrangement, the single track member may comprise an upper surface comprising one or more Inclined upwards facing surface portions, such as to give a generally inclined inverted V' or Y'-shaped cross-sectional profile.

In one preferred arrangement, the track assembly preferably comprises a plurality of track members. In a preferred embodiment, the track assembly comprises two track members. Either one or, more preferably, some or all of the track members may comprise upwardly facing inclined surfaces. Most preferably, each of the plurality of track members comprises at least one upwardly facing inclined surface. Thus, in the embodiment of the track assembly comprising two track members, each track member comprises at least one upwardly facing inclined surface.

In embodiments where the track assembly comprises a plurality of track members, the track members may be positioned adjacent one another..

However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of track members are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The distance between the track members is preferably large enough so as to allow any debris and objects that may fall onto the track, such as leaves, braches, snow and the like, to fall between the track members. The area between the spaced apart track members will preferably be deep enough below the train so as such debris will not impact the train or cause an obstruction to the passage of the train along the track assembly. Portions of the track assembly may be elevated above ground level, in which case debris and objects may be allowed to fall between the :.::: spaced apart track members and collect on ground beneath the track assembly or in other suitable colIction means. Alternatively, portions of the track assembly : *. may be installed at or below ground level, for example in cuttings or the like. In S...

this case, it may be necessary to excavate the ground beneath and between the track members, in order to allow debris and objects falling between the track members to be collected and retained away from the train.

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The gap for collecting and removing such debris and objects from the track assembly will make maglev trains safer, as accidents caused by large objects and the like will be reduced. The maglev trains will also be able to continue running during bad weather, when wind may deposit branches and leaves onto the track, or when snow and hail stones may fall onto the track. This will make the maglev train service reliable without debris collecting on the tracks.

The or each track member of the track assembly preferably has at least two upwards facing surfaces displaced from each other in a lateral direction. In this respect, the term lateral' is a reference to a direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the longitudinal axis of the track assembly.

In one embodiment, the or each track member comprises a laterally innermost IS surface and a laterally outermost surface wherein the upwards facing inclined surface is the innermost surface. In an alternative embodiment, the upwards facing inclined surface is a laterally outermost surface. In one preferred arrangement, both a laterally innermost surface is an upwards facing inclined surface and a laterally outermost surface is an upwards facing inclined surface.

In one particularly preferred arrangement, the track assembly comprises one or more track members, wherein there are at least two upwards facing inclined surfaces, the two surfaces facing each other laterally, so as to form opposing sides of a longitudinal channel in the track assembly. In use, the maglev train operates with at least a portion extending within the longitudinal channel, with the :.: opposing upwards facing inclined surfaces providing both lift and lateral stability for the train when in motion. * ** * S S **SS

In use, the upwards facing inclined surface or surfaces provide lift for the maglev train. In addition, as described hereinbefore, the or each surface also provides lateral stability for the train. In this respect, the or each surface acts to retain the *** * train on the track and prevent lateral movement of the train which may result in the train leaving the track and being derailed'. Each upward facing surface of the at least one track member preferably provides a bearing surface for a guide mounted on the underside of the train. In this respect, the term bearing' is a reference to a surface that may be contacted by a guide while the train is in motion along the track assembly. The contact may be constant. However, in order to provide the train with maximum efficiency, it is preferred that the contact between the guide and the respective surface is temporary and only occurs when the train is moved out of its normal operating position with respect to the track.

The bearing surface provides stability for the guide as described. The guide mounted on the train that contacts the bearing surface may be of any suitable form, for example a rigid guide surface or skid that may contact the upwards facing inclined surface. The guide may be rigid. More preferably, the guide is provided with means to cushion any contact or impact between the guide and the upwards facing inclined surface. The guide may be fixed with respect to the train.

More preferably, the guide comprises one or more wheels. The or each wheel may be free to rotate about an axle or shaft. The wheel may be solid or may be provided with a tyre, for example of conventional design. The wheel may be disposed to rotate in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis. Alternatively, the wheel may be disposed to rotate at an angle to the horizontal about an axis that is at an angle to the vertical. In such a case, the wheel will typically be arranged to contact a bearing surface on the track assembly to one side of the train only. In addition, if the wheel is angled, the train preferably comprises two or more such wheels, with one or more wheels oriented at an angle on each side of the vertical, so as to provide contact between the guide and the track assembly on either side of the train. * . ***I

: ,** The or each guide wheel is preferably mounted on the underside of the train so **** as to be in contact with the at least one bearing surface of the at least one track member. * * * ***

The upwards facing surface of the at least one track member is inclined at an acute angle to the vertical, as hereinbefore described. The angle of the inclined surface may be selected according to several parameters. First, the upwards facing surface should provide lift for the mag!ev train, as hereinbefore described.

In addition, the angle of the surface should be such that debris and objects falling on the track assembly are caused to roll or fall off the track, rather than remain on the track, also as already described. The surface is preferably inclined at an angle of from 0 to 700 to the vertical, preferably from 20 to 70 to the vertical.

Even more preferably, the angle of the inclined surface is from 40 to 50 to the vertical, preferably being substantially 450 to the vertical.

The or each track member may comprise a simple form in cross-section. For example, the or each track member may be triangular or trapezoidal in cross-section. In one embodiment, the at least one track member preferably comprises an upwardly extending member, whereby, in use, the upwardly extending member provides lateral support and guidance for the train. The upwardly extending member may provide lateral guidance to the train by interacting with a guide mounted on the train, as hereinbefore described. If a single upwardly extending member is provided, this is preferably disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the track assembly. In such a case, the train may be provided with a plurality of guides, with one or more guides disposed to contact opposite sides of the upwardly extending member. Alternatively, the track assembly may comprise a plurality of upwardly extending members.

* 25 The or each upwardly extending member may comprise an upwardly facing :.::: inclined surface or a portion thereof, in which case the upwardly extending member will also provide lift to the maglev train, as hereinbefore described.

: ,* The track assembly preferably comprises a plurality of track members, most preferably two track members, each track member preferably comprising an upwardly extending member, so as to allow one upwardly extending member to be on either side of the train or portion of the train. In such a case, the upwardly extending members define a cavity or channel there between. The upwardly extending members may extend laterally inwards, so as to partially enclose the cavity or channel therebetween. Alternatively, the upwardly extending members extend laterally outwards.

The at least one upwardly extending member preferably further comprises a retaining member at its distal edge, that is the edge furthest from the track member from which it extends. The retaining member provides further support and guidance for the maglev train. The retaining member acts to further retain the guide of the train, if so provided. The retaining member may extend either inwards, towards the central axis of the track assembly or outwards, away from the central axis. The retaining member may have any suitable form so as to guide and retain the train on the track and is preferably a flange or the like. Other such retaining members will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

As noted, the at least one track member preferably does not comprise any substantially horizontal surfaces. This prevents any debris from settling on the track and causing a collision or derailment of the train. The track assembly preferably provides lift for the maglev train by means of the or each upwardly facing inclined surface.

As noted, a particularly advantageous arrangement of the track assembly for the present invention is one in which two or more track members are provided, being spaced apart, so as to allow objects and debris to fall between them and not * 25 obstruct the track and the passage of a train there over. According to a second :.:: aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track assembly for a magnetic levitating train, comprising a plurality of track members, the track members being : ** spaced apart.

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As hereinbefore described, the track assembly preferably comprises two track members, spaced apart so as to allow debris to fall into the opening or space S..

between them. The debris is guided into the opening between the track members by means of one or more inclined surfaces on the track members.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track assembly for a magnetic levitating train, comprising one or more track members, the or each track member having one or more inclined surfaces to provide lift for the train, the or each track member being substantially free of horizontal surfaces on which debris can collect.

JO As hereinbefore described, the inclined surfaces guide debris into an area away from the area of the track contacted by the train, preventing collisions and possible derailment of the train. The track members provide lift by means of electromagnets, as is commonly known in the art. The track members are free of horizontal surfaces so as to prevent any debris settling on the track members, causing a collision or possible derailment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic levitating train for running on a track assembly, the train comprising a guide member for contacting an inclined surface of the track to provide lateral stability to the train.

As previously described, the guide member may be any suitable shape and configuration that provides lateral stability to the train when travelling along the track assembly, in particular at high speeds. The guide member for bearing on the inclined surface of the track member is preferably a wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel is preferably disposed so as to rotate about a vertical axis, Alternatively, the wheel is disposed to rotate about an inclined axis. In either case, the wheel will be caused to bear and run along an inclined surface of the track assembly. The train may be provided with one or a plurality of wheels, in order to provide the required degree of lateral stability.

In one arrangement as noted, the or each wheel is rotatable about a vertical ads, with the wheel being disposed in a substantially horizontal plane. A further advantage offered by this arrangement is that the stability of the maglev train is improved by the gyroscopic effect of a wheel rotating in a horizontal plane.

Accordingly, in addition to acting as a guide for contacting one or more surfaces of the track assembly, the or each wheel may be sufficiently massive as to provide gyroscopic stability to the train when in motion.

The guide wheel is preferably disposed on the surface of the train opposing the track assembly. The or each wheel may be positioned so as to be in constant contact with the track assembly or may be disposed so as to be spaced from the surface of the track assembly, when the train is in normal motion and operation.

The or each wheel will allow the train to continue moving by means of rolling on the wheel, should the magnetic levitation be lost, either through power failure or at low speeds where levitation may not be possible.

In a further advantage, the track assembly of the present invention and the corresponding train allow the centre of gravity of the train to be lower than in conventional maglev trains. In particular, it is possible to have the centre of gravity of the train below the uppermost portions and surfaces of the track assembly. As the centre of gravity is below the track assembly on which the train runs, the risk of derailment is further reduced.-In still a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic levitating train for running on a track assembly, the train comprising a cleaning assembly for removing debris on the track assembly while the train is in motion. * *Ss

: *** The cleaning assembly may comprise any suitable means for removing debris from the track assembly as the train passes over the track. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly preferably comprises a brush of common design. The brush preferably contacts one or more surfaces of the track where debris is likely to fall and settle and that may interfere with the motion of the train.

The cleaning assembly preferably comprises one or more sensors. The sensors will preferably provide information on the removal of debris from the track. Such information may comprise the amount of debris, the weight of debris and the like.

The one or more sensors are preferably force sensors. The sensors preferably measure the force of collision between the cleaning assembly and any debris present on the track. In this way, information may be gathered regarding the nature of debris falling onto the track, to assist with remedial action to prevent the same. Suitable force sensors will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures la and lb show a cross-sectional view of a track assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b show a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the track assembly according to the present invention; Figures 3a and 3b show a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the track assembly of the present invention; Figures 4a and 4b show a cross-sectional view of the track assembly as shown in figures la and ib, further showing the train in use with the track assembly; :..: Figures 5a and 5b show a crosssectional view of the track assembly as shown in figures 2a and 2b, further showing the train in use with the track assembly; * ** * * S **** :. 30 Figure 6 shows a plan view of the magnetic levitating train comprising the brushes to sweep the track clear of debris; and *S*

I

II

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the track assembly of the present invention.

Referring to Figures la and ib, there is shown a first embodiment of the track assembly, generally indicated as 2, comprising two track members 4 and 6.

Track members 4 and 6 are generally triangular in cross-section and comprise upward facing surfaces 8 and 10. Referring to Figure la, upwardly facing surfaces 8 and 10 are shown to be innermost surfaces. Referring to Figure ib, upwardly facing surfaces 8 and 10 are shown to be outermost surfaces.

The embodiment shown in Figure Ia has the two track members 4 and 6 spaced apart to leave an aperture or opening 22 therebetween. The opening 22 between track members 4 and 6 in Figure la is where debris that collects on the tracks will fall, so as to be kept clear of the path of the train. Referring to Figure 1 b, the two track members 4 and 6 are spaced apart to leave an aperture or opening 24 therebetween. Debris falling onto the track assembly 2 can be collected in either opening 24 between the track members 4 and 6 or can fall to the side of each track member, indicated by reference numerals 26 and 28.

In operation, the surfaces 8 and 10 of the track members 4 and 6 cooperate with the magnetic levitating means in the maglev train to provide the train with lift and motion, in conventional manner. In this respect, the horizontal component of the surfaces 8 and 10 are responsible for providing the requisite lift and the track members 4 and 6 will be sized accordingly.

Also shown in Figures la and lb are guide means mounted on the underside of a maglev train. The guide means shown in Figure la comprises a freely rotating wheel 12 mounted on and rotatable about an inclined axis 14. In operation, the : .. wheel 12 is caused to contact the surfaces 8 and 10, as the train is deflected **..

:. 30 from a central path along the track assembly, and acts to retain the train on the track. An alternative arrangement of guide wheels is shown in Figure lb, where e..

two wheels 16 and 18 are provided on the train, each rotatable about vertical axis 20a and 20b respectively.. The wheels 16 and 18 are spaced equidistant from the central longitudinal axis of the track assembly and train and bear upon the surfaces 8 and 10 of track members 4 and 6 as the train is deflected from a central path along the track.

Referring to Figure 2a, there is shown a further embodiment of the track assembly, generally indicated as 102, comprising track members 104 and 106.

The track members 104 and 106 are generally triangular in cross-section and each comprise two upwardly facing inclined surfaces, 11 6a, 11 6b, and 11 8a and 11 8b respectively, some or all of which may be employed to provide lift to the train by cooperating with the magnetic levitating means of the train. Each track member 104 and 106 comprises an upwardly extending member 112, 114 respectively, projecting upwards from the upper portion of each track member so as to be inclined laterally inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the track assembly. The upwardly extending members 112 and 114 provide a retaining means for a guide assembly mounted on the train. As shown in Figure 2a, the guide assembly comprises an inclined wheel 108 freely rotating about an inclined axis 110. In operation, the wheel 108 will contact the inner surface of one or the other of the upwardly extending members 112 and 114, thus acting to retain the train on the track. As shown in Figure 2b, the guide assembly is of the same general configuration as that of Figure lb and comprises two wheels 128 and rotating about vertical axes 132 and 134. In operation, the wheels 128 and contact the laterally outer surfaces of the upwardly extending members 112 and 114 of the track members, again to prevent lateral displacement of the train from the track. S...

As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the track members 104 and 106 are spaced : .. apart to form an aperture or opening 120, through which debris and objects S...

:. 30 falling onto the track assembly pass, or as in figure Ib, debris can fall to the side of each track member, indicated by reference numerals 124 and 126, *1S

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so as not to obstruct the train.

Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, there is shown a further embodiment of the track assembly, generally indicated as 202, comprising track members 204 and 206.

The track assembly 202 and components are of the same general form and configuration as those of Figures 2a and 2b. Accordingly, components common to the assemblies of Figures 2 and 3 are indicated using the same reference numerals, with those in Figures 3a and 3b beginning with 2'. Reference is made to the preceding description for details of their form and function.

The embodiments of Figures 3a and 3b are provided with retaining members 236 and 238 in the form of flanges extending from the distal edge of the upwardly extending members 212 and 214. In Figure 3a the retaining members 236 and 238 are shown to be extending inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the track assembly. In Figure 3b retaining members 236 and 238 are shown to be facing outwards. In use, the retaining members 236 and 238 act to further retain the guide wheels of the train. This provides the maglev train with increased stability and adds to the safety of the train as the train is less likely to derail as retaining members 236 and 238 will hold the base of the train on the track members 204 and 206.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the track assembly as shown in Figures la and ib, further showing the train in use with the track assembly, generally indicated as 302. Accordingly, components common to the assemblies of Figures 1 and 4 are indicated using the same :. reference numerals, with those in Figures 4a and 4b beginning with 3'.

Reference is made to the preceding description for details of their form and function. * ** * * * **S.

*:. 30 Figures 4a and 4b further show the lower section of the train that interacts with the track assembly 330, and the upper part of the train for carrying passengers, *** * freight and the like 332. As wilt be seen in Figure 4a, the lower portion 330 of the train comprises a guide wheel 312 oriented to rotate at an angle to the horizontal and contact the upwards facing inclined surface 308 of the track member 308.

Contact between the guide wheel 312 and the surface 308 will only occur when the train is displaced from its normal running position with respect to the track, as shown in Figure 4a. A second guide wheel (not shown for clarity) is provided in the tower portion of the train 330 inclined at a corresponding angle to that of the guide wheel 312 so as to contact the upper surface 310 of the track member 304.

The train may comprise one or more such pairs of guide wheels along its length, as required to provide lateral stability to the train when in motion.

As shown in Figure 4b, the lower portion 330 of the train comprises an alternative arrangement of guide wheels. In this case, the guide wheels 316 and 318 are arranged vertically so as to rotate about horizontal axes, on either side of the centre line of the train 332. The guide wheels 316 and 318 bear upon the upper surfaces 308 and 310 of the track members 304 and 306. The guide wheels may be disposed to as to be clear of the track members when in normal operation and only to contact the respective surface in the event the train deviates from its central position (as shown).

In both embodiments shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the guide wheels will support the train on the track assembly in the event of a failure of the magnetic levitating system.

Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the track assembly as shown in figures 2a and 2b, further showing the train in use with the track assembly, generally indicated as 402.Accordingly, components common to the assemblies of Figures 2 and 4 are indicated using the same reference : .. numerals, with those in Figures 5a and 5b beginning with 4'. Reference is made *I..

:. 30 to the preceding description for details of their form and function. * * S *.S

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Figures 5a and 5b further show the lower section of the train that interacts with the track assembly 440, and the upper part of the train for carrying passengers, freight and the like 442. The train shown in Figure 5a has a guide wheel 408 analogous to that shown in Figure 4a and described above for bearing upon an inner surface 418a of the track member 406. Again, two or more wheels are provided, with the guide wheels angled so as to provide means for contacting either of the inner surfaces 416b and 41 8a.

The embodiment shown in Figure 5b comprises a train having a lower portion 440 with opposing guide wheels 428 and 430 on either side of the train. The guide wheels 428 and 430 are each arranged horizontally to rotate about a vertical axis and bear upon respective outer surfaces 416a and 418a of the track members 404 and 406.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a plan view of a magnetic levitating train generally indicated as 502. The magnetic levitating train comprises the upper section of the train for carry passengers, freight and the like 504 The lower section of the train further comprises a cleaning assembly 506a and 506b having cleaning members in the form of brush members 508a and 508b for sweeping debris away from the track so as to avoid collision with the train, or prevent the train from running should there be snow or ice or hailstones or the like on the track. The brush members are graduated so as to remove larger items first followed by smaller items. The brush members are congruent to the profile of the track. The brush members are inclined down and backwards, so as to sweep any debris down, below the train, in a clean sweep action.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the track assembly of the present invention 602, the track : ,. assembly comprising single track member 604. The single track member 604 is *.

:. 30 generally triangular in cross-section and comprises upwardly facing inclined surfaces 606a and 606b. The upwardly inclined surfaces 606a and 606b may be

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employed to provide lift to the train by cooperating with the magnetic levitating means of the train. The track assembly 604 comprises an upwardly extending member 608 projecting upwards from the upper portion of the track member. The upwardly extending member 608 provides a retaining means for a guide assembly mounted on the train. As shown in Figure 7, the track member 604 comprises two wheels 610 and 612. In operation, the wheels 610 and 612 contact the laterally outer surfaces of the upwardly extending member 608 of the track members, again to prevent lateral displacement of the train from the track I0 * * * .5* S... * S *Sl* * I, * I I Sill * I.

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Claims

1. A track assembly for a magnetic levitating train comprising at least one track member, wherein the track member comprises at least one upwards facing surface, the surface being inclined at an acute angle to the vertical, whereby in use, the inclined upwards facing surface provides both lift and lateral stability for the train.

2. The track assembly according to claim I, wherein the track assembly comprises a plurality of track members.

3. The track assembly according to claim 2, wherein the track assembly comprises two track members.

4. The track assembly according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of track members are spaced apart

5. The track assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each track member has a laterally innermost surface and a laterally outermost surface, the upwards facing surface being an innermost surface.

6. The track assembly according to any of claims I to 5, wherein each track member has a laterally innermost surface and a laterally outermost surface, the upwards facing surface being an outermost surface.

7. The track assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each upwards facing surface provides a bearing surface for a guide mounted on * . **** the train. *e **I.

*. 30

8. The track assembly according to claim 7, wherein the bearing surface is for a wheel mounted on the train. * S * I..

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9. The track assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the upwards facing surface is inclined at an angle of from 0 to 700 to the vertical.

10.The track assembly according to claim 9, wherein the upwards facing surface is inclined at an angle of from 40 to 500 to the vertical.

11.The track assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least JO one track member comprises an upwardly extending member, whereby, in use, the upwardly extending member provides lateral support and guidance for the train.

12.The track assembly according to claim 11, wherein the upwardly extending IS member provides a bearing surface for a guide mounted on the train.

13. The track assembly according to claim 12, wherein the upwardly extending member provides a bearing surface for a wheel mounted on the train.

14. The track assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the track assembly comprises two track members, each track member comprising an upwardly extending member.

15. The track assembly according to claim 14, wherein the upwardly extending members extend laterally inwards. * * * **.

16. The track assembly according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the or *S*.

each upwardly extending member comprises a retaining member at its :.:::. distal edge.

17.The track assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the track S..

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members do not comprise substantially horizontal surfaces and lift for the train is provided by the or each upwardly facing surface.

18. A track assembly for a magnetic levitating train, comprising a plurality of track members, the track member being spaced apart.

19. The track assembly according to claim 18, wherein the track members are formed so as to guide debris falling onto the track assembly into the space between the track members.

20.The track assembly according to claim 19, wherein debris is guided into the space between the track members by one or more inclined surfaces on the track members.

21.A track assembly for a magnetic levitating train, comprising one or more track members, each track member having a surface to provide lift for the train, the track assembly being substantially free of horizontal surfaces on which debris can collect.

22.A magnetic levitating train for running on a track assembly, the train comprising a guide member for bearing on an inclined surface of the track to provide lateral stability to the train.

23.The train according to claim 22, wherein the guide is a wheel.

24.The train according to claim 23, wherein the wheel is disposed to rotate about a vertical axis. ***

25. The train according to claim 23, wherein the wheel is disposed to rotate 30 about an inclined axis. *q * S * S..

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26. The train according to claim 25, wherein the wheel is disposed so as to contact the track assembly and allow the train to roll, in the event that magnetic lift is lost.

27.A magnetic levitating train for running on a track assembly, the train comprising a cleaning assembly for removing debris on the track assembly while the train is in motion,

28. The train according to claim 27, wherein the cleaning assembly comprises a brush for contacting one or more surfaces of the track assembly.

29. The train according to either of claims 27 or 28, wherein the cleaning assembly is provided with one or more sensors to indicate the removal of debris from the track assembly.

30. The train according to claim 29, wherein the one or more sensors are force sensors, disposed to monitor the force of collision between the cleaning assembly and debris on the track.

31. A track assembly for a magnetic levitating train substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures la, Ib, 2a, 2b, 3a or 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b or 6.

32. A magnetic levitating train substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures la, Ib, 2a, 2b, 3a or 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b or 6. *. * * * *** ***. S * * S. * . S *S*.

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