581 SERIES
Prototype Information
It is the express electric train which made its debut in 1967 as the world first train ever designed convertible between sleeper train furnished with beds and express train with passenger seats. Making the best use of this advantage, this train was operated day and night and was well known by many people. The express train used to travel under the nickname of “Gekko” (Moonlight) in the west Japan between Shin-osaka and Hakata by night and under the nickname of “Midori” (Green) in west Japan Proper and Kyushu by day. Series 581 is the original model for Series 583 which is still operated in Japan.
●Series 581 (Slit Type Typhon)
The Series 581 enjoys lasting popularity due to its implementation of the revolutionary concept to employ a vehicle for both daytime and overnight operations. From this series, the 7-Car Basic Set including the Kuhane 581 with "slit typhons" (grit-shaped whistles) is here now!
During the golden age of limited expresses in the 1960s and 1970s, it was primarily used on conventional lines as a sleeper express between Kansai and Kyushu, and as a daytime express between Hokuriku and Kyushu.
・The removable middle bunk bed parts are in place by default. The special features of vehicles used for both overnight and daytime operations have now been recreated in N gauge. A sleeper express can be recreated by leaving the parts in place, or the sleeper parts can be removed so the train functions as a daytime express.
・Even smoother and quieter train operations are realized through the implementation of the slotless motor.
・Equipped with a train mark converter.