In service 1992–Present Scrapped 2015– | Constructed 1992–1997 Number built 102 vehicles | |
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Manufacturer Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Niigata Tekkō Family name Thunderbird (JR-West)
Hakutaka White Wing (JR-West)
Snow Rabbit Express (Hokuetsu Express) | ||
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.
Contents
681-0 series
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.
681-1000 series
The pre-series 6-car set (T18) and one 3-car set (T07) are used on Thunderbird services.
681-2000 series
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.
Future developments
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.