User:XtraJovial/sandbox6

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Overview

As JR-West's first new limited-express train type,[1]: 51  the 681 series was developed to allow for faster limited-express services on the Hokuriku Main Line.[2]: 1  Overall, the train type was designed around several concepts, which include advanced technology and design, and improved comfort. The exterior incorporates an aerodynamic design,[3]: 54  with slanted front ends.[3]: 51 

When the maximum speed of the Kosei Line and Hokuriku Tunnel was raised from 120 to 130 kilometres per hour (75 to 81 mph), the 485 series trains used on these services were unable to stop completely from the increased speed within 600 metres (2,000 ft), the farthest allowable distance for emergency stops on the line. The 681 series was therefore fitted with improved braking over its predecessors to address this.[2]: 1 

Variants

Pre-production cars

Nine pre-production 681 series cars were built in mid-1992,[2]: 1  entering service in December of that year.[1]: 51  Upon the introduction of the production-standard fleet in 1995, the pre-production cars were upgraded to match the full-production standard; they were also re-classified as 681-1000 series (681系1000番台).[2]: 2  Originally formed as a nine-car set,[3] the set was split to form a six-car set and a three-car set in 2001.[2]: 2 

Disposal

Five of the pre-production cars were scrapped in October 2019.[2]: 3  The remaining car, lead car KuRo 681-1001, has since been stored at Suita General Railway Depot,[4] but it was due to be scrapped by the end of 2022.[2]: 1 


JR-West production sets

681-0 series (681系0番台), Filler text

Hokuetsu Express production sets

A Hokuetsu Express 681 series, February 2015

In the late 1990s... Filler text

References

  1. ^ a b JR世代の 特急形電車・気動車 [Limited-express and diesel rolling stock of the JR Generation]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 45, no. 535. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. November 2005. pp. 8–82 – via railf-library.jp.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Matsunuma, Takeshi (20 July 2022). "在来線で時速160km運転を実現「681系」の功績 | 特急・観光列車" ["681 series", accomplished train capable of 160 km/h operation on conventional lines]. Toyo Keizai Online (in Japanese). Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Matsuoka, Nariyasu (October 1992) [segment written August 1992]. JR西日本 681系特急形交直流電車 [JR West 681 series dual-voltage limited express train]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 32, no. 378. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. pp. 51–57 – via railf-library.jp.
  4. ^ "ポツンと先頭1両残された「サンダーバード」681系、廃車へ 基地見学で最後のお披露目" [The first 681 series "Thunderbird" car left to be scrapped]. Traffic News (in Japanese). Retrieved 24 July 2022.