681 series
| 681 series | |
|---|---|
A JR-West 681 series train on a Hakutaka service, September 2014
|
|
| In service | 1992–Present |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Niigata Tekkō |
| Family name | Thunderbird (JR-West) Hakutaka White Wing (JR-West) Snow Rabbit Express (Hokuetsu Express) |
| Constructed | 1992–1997 |
| Scrapped | 2015– |
| Number built | 102 vehicles |
| Number in service | 99 vehicles (as of 1 October 2015[update]) |
| Number scrapped | 3 vehicles |
| Formation | 3/6 cars per trainset |
| Operator(s) |
JR-West (1992–) Hokuetsu Express (1997–2015) |
| Depot(s) | Kyoto, Kanazawa |
| Line(s) served | Tokaido Main Line, Kosei Line, Hokuriku Main Line, Nanao Line, Shinetsu Main Line, Joetsu Line, Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Steel |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (100 mph) (Hokuhoku Line) 130 km/h (80 mph) (JR lines) |
| Traction system | Thyristor drive + Variable frequency (GTO) |
| Electric system(s) | 20 kV AC 60 Hz / 1,500 V DC overhead |
| Current collection method | WPS27C scissors-type pantograph |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative brake, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, snow-resistant brake |
| Safety system(s) | ATS-SW, ATS-P |
| Multiple working | 683 series |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
The 681 series (681系 Roppyaku-hachijūichi-kei?) is a dual-voltage electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) and Hokuetsu Express on limited express services in Japan.
Four 6-car sets (T01–T03, T06) and five 3-car sets (T11–T13, T15, T17) are used on Thunderbird services. These trains feature "Thunderbird" branding. Also four 6-car sets (W01–W04) and four 3-car sets (W11–W14) are used on Hakutaka services. These trains feature "White Wing" logos.
From February 2015, Hakutaka W sets began being repainted into the same livery as 683 series trainsets used on Shirasagi services, with thin blue and orange lines below the window band.
The pre-series 6-car set (T18) and one 3-car set (T07) are used on Thunderbird services.
Two 6-car sets (N01–N02) and two 3-car sets (N11–N12) are used on Hokuetsu Express Hakutaka services. These trains feature "Snow Rabbit Express" logos.
JR-West livery (681-0 series)
Hokuetsu Express livery (681-2000 series)
Gangwayed cab car
681-1000 series Standard-class saloon
681-0 series odd number car Standard-class saloon
681-0 series even number car Standard-class saloon
681-0 series Green car saloon
All of the 681 series trainsets used on Thunderbird limited express services are scheduled to undergo a programme of refurbishment from autumn 2015 until the end of fiscal 2018.
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Wikipedia