Trains in the Netherlands

   

Trains in the Netherlands

There are two types of double decker trains:

  • the DDM (Dubbeldeks Materieel, see picture (http://members.lycos.nl/timgoorman/ddmzeehond-ut1.jpg)) train, consisting of one or more combinations of 3 or 4 coaches; there are two varieties:
    • without motors, coupled to an electric locomotive;
    • the mDDM: one of the coaches in the combination has electric motors and a single passenger deck on top; the level of this deck is higher than that of a regular single deck rail car, but lower than the upper deck of the other coaches of the mDDM.
  • the DD-IRM (Dubbeldeks Interregio Materieel, see picture (http://www.railserver.net/actueel/henk11.jpg)), also called Regiorunner; a train consists of one or more combinations of 3, 4 or 6 coaches; each combination (multiple unit) has electric motors; an electronic display in the cars which is supposed to show the final destination of the train is often not set properly, showing the starting station instead; occasionally a moving text is shown; interestingly, moving texts are in italics, though the display resolution is too low to show static italics (an apparent shift of a fraction of a pixel is obtained by a corresponding time delay).
ICM train in Zwolle station; the doors in front are opened when two trains are combined
Enlarge
ICM train in Zwolle station; the doors in front are opened when two trains are combined

The Koploper (ICM) (Intercity Materieel) is a 3- or 4-car multiple unit that when coupled with another one, allows passengers to walk through (Koploper is literally "head walker").

The railroad cars ICR (Intercity Rijtuig = intercity carriage) are pulled by an electric locomotive. For the basic variety, unlike for the other trains, reversing direction requires moving the locomotive to the other side. At the back end passengers can have a view on the track, though not when seated.

The older variety has windows that can be opened and seats facing seats (picture: [1] (http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/pix/nl/car/ICR/ICR-3.jpg)), the newer variety ICRm has air-conditioning and mainly seats facing backs of seats (picture: [2] (http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/pix/nl/car/ICR/ICRm_B_int.jpg)).

  • The Benelux train running between Amsterdam Centraal and Brussels-South consists of an electric locomotive and six carriages similar to the ICR, except that the last one has a driver's cabin, for controlling the locomotive when it pushes the train (it is a push-pull train). See also Train routes in the Netherlands#Train number series (series 600) and [3] (http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/ns/nsi_benelux.html).
  • the ICRm now also has a push-pull variety, with ICRm and a BDs car with driver's cabin.

One of the older train types still in use is the Mat '64 multiple unit:

Train_Mat_64.jpg - click for image info
triple Mat '64 (Plan V)

There are two varieties:

  • Mat '64 (Plan V), a 2-car electric multiple unit (the picture shows a train consisting of three of these);
  • Mat '64 (Plan T), a 4-car electric multiple unit; with respect to seating arrangement and lighting there are three varieties; in one variety the lighting is rather meagre for reading;


The ICE3 runs between Amsterdam Centraal and Germany.

The Thalys runs between Amsterdam Centraal and Paris-North.

Before 2004 there was in the summer a night train between Amsterdam Centraal and Paris-North. Although much slower than the Thalys, it was popular with budget tourists: some rail passes are not valid in the Thalys, and sleeping in the train saved the cost of a hotel. There were sleeping cars at a supplemental fee, but many people spent the night sitting in a seat, or, if it was not crowded, lying on seats. Although not permitted, some people smoked cannabis.

Train accidents in the Netherlands with passengers or crew killed or injured (not complete)

  • 20 March 2003 Roermond - NS passenger train collides head-on with freight train - NS driver killed, 6 passengers seriously injured.
  • 8 January 1962 - Harmelen train disaster: two passenger trains collide head-on, 89 passengers and both drivers killed [4] (http://danger-ahead.railfan.net/accidents/harmelen/home.html).

Train surfing accidents in the Netherlands

  • Feb 2004: 15-year old boy killed in Maassluis, had been hanging on the outside of a window.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has multimedia related to train.

External links



nl:Lijst van Nederlands rollend materieel

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