Class ICM-3/Plan Z "Koploper"

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Number series: 4001-4007, 4011-4097
UIC Class: 94 84 4384-89 xxx-x
Number built: 94
Number in service: 87 (January 2009)
Introduced: 1977, 1984-1989
Axle arrangement: Bo'Bo'+2'2'+2'2'
Continuous power rating: 4x315 = 1260kW
Maximum speed: 160km/h
Weight in working order: 144 tonnes
Length: 80.600m
Wheel diameter (new): 950mm
Motors: Oerlikon
Builder mechanical part: Talbot (Germany)
Builder electrical part: Holec
Passenger seating: 35 first, 152 second class (rebuilt 35/163 seats)

When the InterCity train network was introduced in 1970, Plan F/G/M/P/Q "Hondekop" trainsets were used for the InterCity trains. As an extension, and to replace these units a test class of 7 trainsets was ordered from Talbot in Aachen(D). These trainsets needed to have a fast accelleration and a maximum speed of 160km/h.
The trainsets consist of one motor coach, a middle coach and a driving trailer. In the front and back of the trainsets there are doors underneath the driver's cabin, through which a passageway can be created when trainsets are coupled. This allows passengers, conductors and the "Railtender" trolley service to go from one trainset to the other.
After extensive testing of the prototype class 40 more trainsets were ordered. After delivery of those 47 more 3-car trainsets and 50 4-car trainsets were ordered. Apart from some other services, these trainsets now operate all InterCity trains on the Amsterdam/Schiphol/Rotterdam/The Hague - Amersfoort - Leeuwarden/Groningen/Enschede routes. On their way different trainsets couple and split up again in just a few minutes at the stations of Amersfoort, Utrecht and Zwolle, allowing as many direct connections (changing trains within the train itself only) as possible.
In the spring of 2003 the first trainset of the prototype class 4001-4007 was withdrawn. In December 2003 the last ones followed. In October 2005 it was decided to no longer use the front end doors under the cabs to make connections for passengers and personnel between trainsets, therefore withdrawing their distictive feature.
In spring 2007 the first refurbished trainset (with new interior and air conditioning) entered service, and from August 2007 series delivery of rebuilt trainsets started. All are expected to stay in service for another 20 years or so.