WIN350
"WIN350" was the name given to the 500-900 series 6-car experimental high-speed Shinkansen train developed in 1992 by the West [Japan Railway Company] in Japan to test technology to be incorporated in next-generation shinkansen trains expected to operate at speeds of from 1994. Initially given the designation "500X", the name "WIN350" stood for "West Japan's Innovation for operation at 350 km/h".
Design
Cars 500-901 to 500-903 were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Hyogo Prefecture. Cars 500-904 to 500-906 were built by Hitachi in Yamaguchi Prefecture.The front-end designs of the two driving vehicles were slightly different, with 500-906 featuring a "cockpit" style arrangement. The external livery was purple and light grey, with darker purple lining.
All axles were motored, using 300 kW three-phase motors, and cars were equipped with tilting and active suspension.
Internally, only car 4 was fitted with passenger seats, with 10 rows of 3+2 standard-class seating and 5 rows of 2+2 Green class seating.
Formation
The 6-car set, designated "W0", was formed as follows.| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Designation | M'1c | M'1p | M1 | M2 | M'2p | M2c |
| Numbering | 500-901 | 500-902 | 500-903 | 500-904 | 500-905 | 500-906 |
Initially, cars 1, 2, and 5 were fitted with pantographs.
History
The WIN350 train was delivered to Hakata Shinkansen Depot in April 1992.On 6 August 1992, the train recorded a Japanese national speed record of on the San'yō Shinkansen. Two days later, on 8 August 1992, the train recorded a Japanese national speed record of on the San'yō Shinkansen between Ogōri and Shin-Shimonoseki.
The WIN350 trainset was withdrawn on 31 May 1996, and a special farewell ceremony was held at Hakata Shinkansen Depot.