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As some states inch toward launching construction on proposed high-speed rail systems — California and Florida, in particular — high-speed rail players are actively promoting their products and expertise.

For example, Japan transport ministry officials have said they’re prepared to offer loans to California to help the state fund its high-speed rail system if the state adopts the Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train system, according to various newspaper reports. On Monday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the state would seek China’s help in financing its high-speed rail system and welcome bids from Chinese firms to help build it.

Meanwhile, Siemens announced yesterday that it will present a “Future of Florida High-Speed Rail Tour,” a traveling exhibit featuring a full-sized model of the Siemens Velaro high-speed train. The tour will kick off on Oct. 7 at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, then continue to other cities, including Orlando, Miami and Tallahassee.

Participants will be able to see the train and ask questions of Siemens officials, who also will discuss how high-speed rail is impacting other parts of the world, according to Siemens.

“We want to give Floridians a taste of what a true high-speed rail train looks like and feels like,” said Oliver Hauck, president of Siemens Mobility in the United States, in a prepared statement.

The Velaro currently operates at “high speeds” in Germany, Spain, China, Russia, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria, according to Siemens.