Japan still holds fastest train record, Frances attempt short by 8 mph
Japan used a mag lev, France used a special (of course) railroad of treated rails, higher voltage powerlines, and special train wheels... even though they didn't break the old record, bravo for doing 353 mph with A FREAKIN TRAIN! http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-04-03-france-train_N.htm