683 series

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The 683 series (683系) is a dual-voltage electric multiple unit (EMU) used by JR-West on limited-express services in Japan since 2001. It was built by Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Kinki Sharyo as part of the A-train family, replacing the 485 series on some routes.

Key facts
- Fleet and uses: 270 cars were built between 2001 and 2011. About 189 cars remain in service; the remaining 79 cars were converted to the 289 series. Two cars have been scrapped.
- Formations: Trainsets run in 3-, 5-, 6-, and 9-car formations.
- Operators and lines: Primarily operated by JR-West. Some 683 series cars were formerly used by Hokuetsu Express from 2005–2015 on Hakutaka services; these were transferred to JR-West in 2015 after the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension.
- Speed and construction: Maximum speed varies by subseries—up to 160 km/h for the 683-4000/5000/8000 series and 130 km/h for the 683-0/1000/2000/3000 series. The body is aluminum alloy with a double-skin construction.
- Power and pantographs: Dual power supply—20 kV AC 60 Hz and 1,500 V DC overhead. Pantographs include WPS27C scissors-type (most cars) and WPS28D single-arm on the 683-4000/5000 series.
- Refurbishment: Beginning in mid-2015 and continuing through the fiscal year 2018, many sets were refurbished. The first refurbished set, 683-4000 series T51, returned to service in September 2015.
- Conversion to 289 series: From 2015, 85 former Shirasagi 683 series vehicles were converted to the 289 series EMUs for use on Hashidate, Kinosaki, Kounotori, and Kurioshio services in the Kyoto/Osaka area.

Notes
- The Hokuhoku Line services on the Hokuhoku Line were discontinued after the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened, leading to the reorganization of some 683 series cars into the 289 series.
- Some 683 series cars built for Hakutaka on the Hokutetsu Express were later brought into JR-West operation.