THE world famous Japanese Bullet train, capable of speeds of more than 125mph is to go on display at the National Railway Museum this summer - the first rail vehicle built and run outside Britain to enter the National Collection.

The Japanese Series O will open the next chapter in the story of the train and herald a new international era for the world's biggest railway museum.

Joining icons like the Mallard, Duchess of Hamilton and City of Truro, the 82ft leading vehicle, built in 1976 and pulled out of service last year, will be on display in July.

"There is no doubt visitors to the NRM will be able to explore one of the most impressive and recognisable rail icons of all time," said Andrew Scott, head of museum.

"Instead of struggling within the confines of an essentially Victorian network like the rest of the world, the Japanese started from scratch and reinvented the railway."

The high-speed train used on the Shinkansen, "new main line", is leaving Japan this week for a 10,000-mile sea journey to Southampton.

In will then travel to York by road before a short journey on British tracks to the museum.

"The Shinkansen has now carried more than three-and-a-half billion people at speeds of up to 300km/hour with an unrivalled safety record," Mr Scott said.

"The concept of new special railways for high speed passenger transport has already spread across Europe and in to America, Australia and Korea, where similar networks are planned."

The train will star in a major new exhibition in July and visitors will have access inside.

Updated: 11:55 Monday, March 26, 2001