| Dutch State Railways (NS) class ICM-1 three-part Koploper Intercity electric rail car train. Yellow/blue basic paint scheme in the standard version. 1 motor car as a type mBk end car, 2nd class, 1 type AB intermediate car, 1st/2nd class, 1 type sBk cab control car as an end car, 2nd class. Train destination sign: Hoek van Holland. Train road number 4237. The train looks as it did in Era IV, as delivered from 1984 to 1988.
Source: www.maerklin.de
The ICM came out of the desire of the NS to purchase new units for its fast intercity services. These trains had to have flexible utilization, faster and easier coupling and uncoupling at junction stations, as well as the possibility for passengers to change from one unit to another during a trip. These stipulations caused engineers cabs to be quickly raised up one level and these powered rail cars were equipped with crossovers at the ends, which gave the Koplopers (= Kopfläufer = Head Runner) a brawny, unusual look and their nickname. The NS initially purchased an advance series of seven three-part units in 1977 from Talbot in Aachen (road numbers 4001-4007) as the class IC3 (later the class ICM-0). Regular production as the class ICM-1 began in 1983 with numerous improvements. Chopper control was added starting with road number 4051 and the class changed to ICM-2. Between 1990 and 1994, 50 four-part units were built as the class ICM-3 (4201-4230) and ICM-4 (4231-4250). In contrast to the three-part units with only one powered end car, these trains also featured powered wheelsets on the truck of the intermediate car just behind powered end car. The mechanical part of the Koplopers came from Talbot, while CEM Oerlikon and Holec were responsible for the electrical part. The ICM regular production trains, road numbers 4011–4097 and 4201–4250, were gradually updated from 2006 to 2011 as the class ICMm: Due to low usage, the characteristic corridor connections were discontinued. The interior space of these trains was completely renovated, handicapped restrooms were installed, air conditioning and passenger information displays were put in, and the number of seats was increased by 13%. |
