In the series &ldquo;The Train,&rdquo; we look at a particular type of train or class type each episode. Credits: KoploperMau

The Train: ICM | KoploperMau-cover.jpg

The Train - A series about Dutch trains

Electric trainsets - Part 1

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the ICM, 'Intercity Materieel', nicknamed Koplopers. The first train entered service in 1977. The first batch of trains, the ICM-0 series, were a prototype, and based on their performance, more batches of trains were built between 1983 and 1990. The trains were meant for long haul services. They earned the nickname 'Koploper' (literally translated: head walker) because passengers could enter other train sets through the connecting tunnel under the driver cabine. Due to high maintenance cost and many defects, the connections were put out of order in 2003 and removed completely in 2007 when the trains were completely overhauled. Even though passengers could no longer switch train set, the trains always kept their nickname 'Koploper'.
Credits: KoploperMau

ICM (Koploper)

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to VIRM. The trains of the type IRM entered service in 1994. IRM stands for Interregio Materieel (Interregio Trains). In the year 2000 the trains were extended, IRM-III became VIRM-IV and IRM-IV became VIRM-VI. In 2007 the Dutch Railways ordered an additional 50 trains which entered service in 2008. VIRM is used throughout The Netherlands where it serves as intercity train between most major cities and are seen everywhere. Starting 2014 the trains are refurbished to VIRMm, slightly changing the outside of the train and making the interior equal to the DDZ trains. In 2020, the overhaul of the first and second series of VIRM is expected to be completed and the overhaul of the other series will begin.
Credits: KoploperMau

VIRM

Electric trainsets - Part 2

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the SGM Sprinter trains from the Dutch Railways (NS). The trains entered service in 1975 and were meant for short distance stops. They had to be able to stop every 1500m, halt 20 seconds, and reach 120 km/h in 80 seconds. The trains were refurbished in the Danish 'Randers' between 2003 to 2006 where they got their new 'Sprinter' outfit.
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Credits: KoploperMau

SGM (Sprinter)

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the Stadler FLIRT from the Dutch Railways, NS. In 2015 NS signed the contract for the FLIRT trains as an emergency and quick order, evading the European rules for public tender because they needed the trains for an urgent train shortage. The first train entered service in 2016. Most FLIRT trains drive in the south of the country and are used in the local services.
Credits: KoploperMau

FLIRT

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the SNG, or Sprinter New Generation. The trains, ordered at the Spanish Construcciones y Auxilair de Ferrocarriles, or CAF for short, are based on the Civity-platform. The trains were ordered to replace the SGM, DDAR and DDM trains. The Dutch Railways ordered 118 trains and an additional 88 trains in a later order. The first train entered service in 2018 and after an extensive period of testing and training, the trains entered service between Haarlem and The Hague. At first, many delays occured, but as time passed the trains got more and more reliable. After that, the trains gradually entered service throughout The Netherlands.
Credits: KoploperMau

SNG (Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie)

Locomotives

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the electric locomotives 'series 1700'. The 1700 entered service for the Dutch Railways (NS) in 1991. They pulled national and international services, but most famously the double-decker trains of the type 'DDAR'.
&nbsp;In 2018 the company 'Railpromo' bought three of the machines. This was the first time that this type of locomotive got another owner, much unlike the '1600' series which were sold to DB. The last years of their active life they pulled the remaining DDAR and DDM trains and they took care of the international intercity between Amsterdam and Berlin, pulling the trains from Amsterdam to Bad Bentheim.
Credits: KoploperMau

Electric locomotive 1700

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the BR189 freight locomotive. The BR189 is an electric locomotive of Siemens and is a much seen electric locomotive in the European freight transport, pulling many types of trains all across Europe. In this video we will see the machines in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria.
Credits: KoploperMau

Electric locomotive BR189

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the BR186, focusing on the service of the machines at the Dutch Railways NS and NS HiSpeed, now NS International. The locomotives entered service as replacement for the failed Fyra V250 trains. They started as red machines with 'Fyra' on the sides, but were later painted in the Dutch intercity scheme, blue and yellow. They also entered service to Brussels together with locomotives of the NMBS, the Belgium railway operator.
Credits: KoploperMau

Electric locomotive BR186

Other types

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the DM'90 Buffel. The Buffel, or 'Buffalo', was created as a replacement for the old Plan U diesel trains. It entered service in 1996 for the Dutch Railways (NS) on the non-electric lines but was removed several years later as local lines were privatized and other companies started trains services on the non-electrified lines in The Netherlands.
Many DM'90 trains have served under other companies temporarily but were replaced by the new trains from other companies. The last years of their active services were on Kampen - Zwolle and Zwolle - Enschede, where they left service in 2017 and were replaced by FLIRTs from Keolis.
Credits: KoploperMau

DM'90 (Buffel)

In 'The Train' series, we look at a different type of train in each episode. This episode is dedicated to the TGV Thalys. The Thalys is a train service between Paris via Brussels to Amsterdam and Cologne. The trains originate from the TGV Reseau and are fitted to drive in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Thalys started in 1996 using the classic railways to get to Brussels and Paris. Starting in 2009, they utilized the High Speed Line South from Hoofddorp to Rotterdam and Rotterdam to Antwerpen, which significantly dropped the traveltime of the service.
Credits: KoploperMau

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