E493 series

The E493 series is a Japanese non-revenue dual-voltage electric multiple unit operated by the East Japan Railway Company since April 2021 for shunting and other similar operations.
==History==
The E493 series was developed to replace older locomotives operated by JR East for shunting operations and pulling empty locomotives out of service. A pre-series set, Oku01, was produced by Niigata Transys in February 2021 and assigned to Oku Depot on 27 March 2021; operation began in April 2021 on the Jōban Line. Performance tests were held between 17 and 20 May between Tabata Depot and the Nagano General Rolling Stock Center. Oku01 was later moved from Oku Depot to the Nagano General Rolling Stock Center for test running on the Shinonoi Line from 5 to 8 September 2022; it would be moved back to Oku Depot on 9 September.
A second set was constructed by Niigata Transys in 2023 and put into service the same year. Both sets are based at Oku Depot. They are planned to be operated on all of JR East's electrified lines in the future, with the exception of sections with automated train control, and are intended to be used as maintenance-of-way and shunting locomotives.
==Design==
The E493 series sets feature a squared-off design with dual LED headlights. They feature yellow cab fronts, similar to many of JR's inspection trains.
==Specifications==
Construction is of stainless steel. The sets are intended to be used to tow and shunt non-operational trains as well as do other similar tasks.
==See also==
*GV-E197 series, non-revenue diesel multiple unit that is similar in appearance and is used for a very similar purpose
==References==
Category:Electric trainsets
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Niigata Transys locomotives