The 681 Series “Shirasagi” (“White Heron,” a traditional Japanese bird name) represents JR West’s elegant intercity express service linking Nagoya with the Hokuriku region. Transferred and refurbished from “Thunderbird” and “Hakutaka“ express service duties, these trains received various modifications that reflect their transitional role in the development of modern Japanese intercity rail transport.

◆ This model captures the “Shirasagi” both before and after the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga, making it ideal for recreating modern JR West mainline scenes together with Special Rapid and regional EMUs.

Composition of Trains

◆ Product Features

Details

• Accurately modeled W14 and V41 JR West formations.
• Newly tooled SaHa 681-300 with updated interior layout.
• Grey window framing (KuMoHa 681, KuHa 680), underfloor equipment, front-end detailing.
• Cars 3, 6, 8: disc brake–style wheelsets.
• Realistic interior seat coloring.
• Optional open-position front gangway door parts.
• Destination display stickers included.
• Expandable storage: basic set case fits the add-on set as well.

Specifications

Couplers: close-coupling system (through-type cars: hookless, intermediate cars: bogie-mounted, with hooks), basic set includes front-end jumper cables, coupler covers.

Other:

• Head-/taillights lit (warm-white LEDs, except car No. 7).
• GM-5 motor.

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