Class 3000/mP

Number series: 3001-3035
Number built: 35
Number in service: 5 (January 2008)
Museum motor cars: 1 (NSM Utrecht)
Introduced: 1965-1966
Axle arrangement: Bo'Bo'
Continuous power rating: 448kW
Maximum speed: 140km/h
Weight in working order: 52 tonnes
Length: 26.400m
Wheel diameter (new): 950mm
Builder mechanical part: Werkspoor
Builder electrical part: Smit and Heemaf

In the beginning of the 1960s old EMUs Mat'24 ("Blokkendoos") were still used for mail transport. As a replacement 35 electric motor cars for mail transport were ordered. Their outline is similar to the Mat'64 stock put in service around the same time. These motor cars have been used for mail trains up to June 1997, when all mail traffic by rail was stopped.
The mail motor cars can move 15 tonnes of freight and pull several freight cars (there used to be mail freight cars suited for 140 km/h). In total they are allowed to haul 200 tonnes.
Nowadays the two remaining electric mail cars, owned by Railion Benelux, are used as "locomotives" for light freight trains between the different NS workshops. Their use seems to be cheaper than electric or diesel locomotives. One (3030) has even been repainted in NS-Cargo/Railion red livery! The remaining motor cars have been gathered in the former shunting yard of Zwolle, where they await their final destiny: probably they will be scrapped.

Unexpectedly, in 2000 four motor cars were reinstated again. 3024, 3029, 3033 and 3034 were overhauled and rebuilt to measuring cars. They are used by Bombardier and Alstom to test the new European railway signalling system ERTMS. They are hired to ProRail. The other two are still used on short freight trains between Nedtrain workshops or on "sandite" duties.
Two more motor cars of this class can be found on the Dutch network. One (3032) has been rebuilt to measuring motor car "Jules-2", and another (3031) has been preserved by the National Railway Museum in Utrecht.