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Maglev is indeed a British invention (Liverpool University I think). It was realised here that for most purposes it was totally impractical. The track has to be a solid, above ground structure the width of the train with the top surface covered in aluminium sheet. The train "flies" a couple of centimetres above the track, so any debris landing on the track becomes a hazard. (Leaf fall season?). Junctions or track changing causes problems because a section of the track has to be moved to the new alignment, not as simple as points. The Japanese have built a couple of lines as a test bed and to satisfy their need for speed, but for the passenger numbers in Japan they will not be able to afford to build a workable system they need.
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