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Trains In The NetherlandsTrains in the Netherlands Types of trains There are two types of double decker trains: - the DDM (Dubbeldeks Materieel, see picture) 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), 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).
- 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 Sprinter (SGM, Stads Gewestelijk Materieel) is a two or three car electric, used on small distances. They are named Sprinter because they're able to accelerate and brake quite fast, making them very suitable for 'stoptrein' services. Two car versions have been revised and are now named Railhoppers. Three car versions can be seen in two versions: the old yellow version, and the very much revised white ones. These trains will mostly ride in the Randstad area.
- 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 Thalys runs between Amsterdam Centraal and Paris-North.
- High-speed shuttle trains will be bought for domestic high speed connections once the high-speed line between Amsterdam and Belgium is finished in 2007.
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 Train accidents in the Netherlands with passengers or crew killed or injured (not complete) 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 External links
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