[Willie Green]

It's basicly a linear induction motor.
The track functions as the motor stator, and the vehicle is the motor rotor.

[stripes1776]

That was a good link to a linear induction motor. I have a better idea of how this works. My knowledge of physics is not very deep, so I am trying to understand with what I know about vector forces.

Obviously there is a horizontal component of the electromagnetic force acting on the train. But is the angle of the force vector 0 degrees, i.e. the magnitude of the force is completely in the horizontal direction? Or is the force vector at an angle to the horizontal, e.g. 12 degrees? Since the magnets are turned on when they are just off center, doesn't that mean the angle is greater than 0, but obviusly less than 90 degrees to the horizontal?

A force diagram for just the train would be helpful if you have a link. Thanks.