A new bullet train model, the Hikari Rail Star, suffered a technical problem with the acceleration system on its debut run on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, arriving at its destination 45 minutes behind schedule.
West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) introduced the next generation train with a faster operating speed to compete with airline flights along the route.
Hikari 359, the new Rail Star, bound for Hakata left Shin-Osaka at 8:40 a.m. But the celebratory mood soon disappeared as trouble emerged at around 9:15 a.m. between Nishi Akashi and Aioi stations.
The train, which boasts a maximum speed of 285 kph, could run only at 70 kph and was stopped for about 35 minutes at Aioi Station before resuming operation at 9:50 a.m.
JR West later said inspection of the train showed that the trouble was caused by adhesive within the speed control equipment that interfered with the electrical current.
The adhesive was apparently applied to a 27-cm long section while railway workers were trying to strengthen nearby springs, JR West said.
The trouble affected some 4,000 passengers as seven other trains were also delayed. Hikari 359 reached Hakata Station at around 12:12 p.m., 45 minutes behind schedule.
The eight-car Rail Star runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata in 165 minutes, or 32 minutes shorter than the conventional Hikari trains. It makes 18 round trips a day.
For reserved cars, the seats are larger with two seats, instead of three, on each side to make the car more spacious. Each seat has a table and electric plug for computer use.
The Rail Star has had technical troubles during its test runs. On Dec. 16, trouble with the electric system obliged the firm to suspend its test run, while another test run on Feb. 21 -- with guest passengers aboard -- was marred when a window of the driver's seat had a crack.