Cryogenics is not an issue with the Japanese Maglev project. The figure-8 design provides stability to the train motion by balancing against both up and down motion. At equilibrium, the superconducting coils pass the figure-8 coils at the midpoint or crossover of the figure 8. No net circulating current is induced in the figure-8 coils in this case. For lower speeds, wheels are used.
Guidance is provided by the same magnetic forces that repel the train from the track coils.
Since the track coils are located on the sides of the track, induced currents from sideways motion repel the train if the train moves closer to that side. To reduce the weight on the train as much as possible, the cars have aluminum alloy bodies, and even the seats are constructed of a lightweight composite structure. A decision on which design is better will be made after test runs on the Yamanashi test line. The cars carry almost the same number of passengers as the present Shinkansen train. The superconducting coils are located between cars so as to reduce passengers' exposure to the magnetic field.