In service 1977 – present Number built 144 | Manufacturer Talbot Operator(s) NS Reizigers | |
 | ||
Formation 3 cars (4000)
4 cars (4200) Capacity 4000 – 35 (1st), 163 (2nd)
4200 – 59 (1st), 198 (2nd) | ||
The Intercity Materieel or ICM (English – Intercity Material) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen in the Netherlands. The prototypes were built in 1977, and production lasted from 1983 to 1994 by Talbot.
Contents
Names
General information
The trains are designed for long-distance Intercity services. Their maximum speed is 160 km/h. Their cabs are on the roof, which initially allowed through gangways between sets when coupled together, though the gangways were sealed during their refurbishment. Refurbishment of sets began in late 2006 and completed in 2011. The trains have compartments in the 1st class accommodation.
ICM-0
In 1977, a prototype batch numbered 4001–4007 were delivered. They first operated between Eindhoven and Venlo and then later between Amsterdam and Nijmegen. These were taken out of service in 2003, as NS considered them to be too expensive to keep running.
ICM-1 and ICM-2
These were numbered 4011–4097 and were first introduced into service in 1983. All were delivered by 1990. These had been adjusted to remove the faults of the ICM-0. 4051–4097 are Thyristor controlled.
ICM-3 and ICM-4
Between 1990 and 1994, 50 4-car units were delivered, numbered 4201 – 4250. These have track brakes. Between 1996 and 2007, unit 4231 had a full coach converted to 1st class and was renumbered 4444. This unit only operated one train a day between Groningen and The Hague. It has since been converted back to a regular carriage, but it still carries number 4444. After its revision in 2011, this unit was given its original number (4231) back.
Through gangway
The train's name of Koploper translates as head walker (i.e. walking through the head). When ICM units joined, the doors at the end of the train would come out, and a walkway would emerge, coupling with the other set and allowing passengers to walk through to the next set. However, since 31 October 2005, these were put out of use. The reason given was that they were not used, but they also had many technical problems that made the trains late on a regular basis. During their refurbishment from 2006 onwards, these hallways were sealed shut, saving the NS €200,000 p.a.
Refurbishment and renewal
From November 2006, the Koploper went through a process of refurbishment. The 4011–4097 series first went into a renovation. The first train left NedTrain's workshop in Haarlem in April 2007 and then put into the regular service. These sets feature new interiors with 13% more seats. One could distinguish apparent differences between 1st and 2nd Class. First class consists of red seats and second class consists of blue seats, equal to SGMm units. Meanwhile, one improved the wheelchair toilet, installed air conditioning and digital travel information. On the exterior, the train sets were repainted showing blue window surrounds curving at the ends of units. Numbers are now nearer the front of the train. The connectors diverting the train compartments were revealed and digital destination screens were put at the trains ends. The renewal of the series 4011–4097 completed in June 2010. Refurbishing and renewing of the 4-car units took place between February 2010 and July 2011.
Adverts
Between 1986 and 2002 many sets featured adverts.