Description

The 683 Series 4000 is a nine-car fixed-formation limited express train used on JR West 'Thunderbird' services. Built between 2009 and 2011, the 683-4000 differs from earlier 681 and 683-0 series trains with front through doors on both leading cars, single-arm pantographs and visible offset-collision-prevention structures on the car ends.

The real trains were renewed from 2015, changing from the earlier grey-based scheme to the current black and blue style. The updated seat markings reflect the current all-reserved-seat operation, while the destination stickers allow modelling around the period before and after the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga.

This is the 4-car basic set. Combine it with the matching add-on sets to build up a longer Thunderbird formation.

Features

• Based on B35 formation from the Kyoto branch of Suita General Rolling Stock Center.
• Renewed black and blue 'Thunderbird' livery with window-band stripes, front and side blue stripes and symbol marks across the coupling faces.
• Mechanical pantograph area unique to AC/DC trains reproduced, with separate white insulator parts.
• Underfloor equipment differences from the 0/2000 series reproduced.
• Recent JR West lightning-arrester style reproduced.
• Parts for the open-position front through door are included.
• Car-end offset-collision-prevention structure reproduced.
• Slotless motor for smooth, quiet running where the powered vehicle is included.
• Kuro 683-4500 cab end uses a dummy coupler representing the coupler cover, including the recent JR-marked electric coupler cover.
• KuMoHa 683-5500 cab end and intermediate couplings use body-mounted close couplers without hooks.
• Headlights and taillights light up; KuMoHa 683 has a light-off switch.
• Destination display stickers included, with options for the period before the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga.
• DCC friendly.