The Series 681 began commercial operation in 1995 as a limited express AC / DC train connecting Osaka and Hokuriku and is still known today as the “Thunderbird” (Super Raicho). It was JR West’s first limited express train, featuring a new and unique design and a number of features. The Thunderbird was also seen combined with its successor, the Series 683, in a 12 car composition. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, the Series 681 has changed areas of operation and some of the trains have had their design changed to the so-called “Shirasagi.”

However, many of them are still active as “Thunderbird.”

The original "Thunderbird" painting of the Series 681 now makes a comeback in N Scale. You can enjoy driving it in combination with various other trains, such as the Series 221, 223, or 521 that are active in the same area.

This is a reproduced model of the Series 681 with mostly unchanged specifications to its predecessor. However, the whistle accessory was changed to a whistle cover.

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