NS VIRM
NS Class 8600/8700/9400/9500 | |
---|---|
Two coupled VIRM units at Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA | |
The interior of a VIRM train. | |
In service | 1994 - present |
Manufacturer | De Dietrich Ferroviaire |
Number built | 178 |
Formation | 6 cars (8600/8700) 4 cars (9400/9500) |
Capacity | 8600/8700 - 129 (1st), 442 (2nd) 9400/9500 - 61 (1st), 330 (2nd) |
Operators | NS Reizigers |
Specifications | |
Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99 mph) |
Power output | 2388 kW (8600/8700) 1592 kW (9400/9500) |
Electric system(s) | 1.5 kV DC; all units have extra space for equipment to operate on 25 kV AC |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The NS DD-IRM, full name Dubbeldeksinterregiomaterieel, Electric Multiple Units (EMU's) trains were built by De Dietrich or Talbot between 1994 and 2009. They operate in the Netherlands and are operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen.
Names
- VIRM
- DD-IRM
- Regiorunner
- Dubbeldeksinterregiomaterieel
First generation
The first generation of DD-IRM were delivered from 1994 to 1996 as three and four car units. The three car units were delivered in the 82xx class and the four car units delivered as 84xx. The first batch of 290 double deck coaches (individual) were delivered. The first 47 were built by De Dietrich and from then on by Talbot.
As the coaches were individual but would run as a unit, they are individually numbered. Collectively they have a set number e.g. 8201, having coach number 380 8001. However there are no double numbers, for example there can not be an 8201 and 8401 at the same time.
In 2000 an order was placed for new coaches. The 3 car sets were to be upgraded to 4 car sets, and the four car sets upgraded to 6 car sets. This is why they are now called VIRM (V = verlengd - extended). These were renumbered into the 94xx series and the 86xx series. These sets were formed between 2001 and 2005.
Second generation
The second generation of VIRM were new sets built to the 4 and 6 coach formations, at the same time as the first generation were rebuilt. These were numbered 95xx (4 car units) and 87xx (6 car units). These sets featured different seats, which were also in the new coaches placed inside the first generation sets.
Third generation
These sets were delivered from June 2008 and these are all 4 car units. They are numbered 9547 - 9596. These sets differ in that they do not feature the catering lift, meaning the stairs could be wider and the destination screens inside the coaches have disappeared, where in the future screens with more information will be put in place.
Numbering
vehicle type | DD-IRM 1994–96 |
VIRM-1 2002– |
VIRM-2 2002– |
VIRM-3 –2005 |
VIRM-4 2008–09 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Short Trainsets Long Trainsets |
8201...8281 (34) 8401...8481 (47) |
9401...9481 (34) 8601...8681 (47) |
9502...9525 (13) 8701...8723 (12) |
- 8726–8746 (21) |
9547–9597 (51) - |
mBvk1/2 290 | 8501–8662 (162) | 8663–8712 (50) | 8713–8754 (42) | 8759–8861 (103) | |
ABv3/4 380 | 8001–8081 (81) | 8101–8125 (25) | 8126–8146 (21) | 8147–8197 (51) | |
ABv5 380 | 8201–8247 (47) | 8248–8259 (12) | 8260–8280 (21) | ||
ABv6 380 | 8301–8381 (81) | 8382–8406 (25) | 8407–8427 (21) | 8428–8478 (51) | |
mBv7 260 | 8801–8847 (47) | 8848–8859 (12) | 8860–8880 (21) |
- 34 trainsets in 9401–9481, no double numbering with 47 trainsets in 8601–8681
- 12 trainsets 8701...8723 only odd numbers[1] plus 13 trainsets 9502...9525 remaining numbers
- mBvk1/2 8755–8758 are reserve carbodies, 8755 has become replacement 8718
- mBvk1/2 8829 was built as a replacement vehicle for an older trainset
Differt liveries
- 8733 - This featured adverts between the two decks, advertising that it was the 300th VIRM set built. Livery no longer carried.
- 9514 - This carries adverts for Lekker lezen in de trein, it's nice to read in the train.
- 9520 and 9525 - These wear the adverts for the NS/Olympic partnership.
- 9522 - This carries a white/magenta livery advertising the OV-Chipkaart.
- 9524 - This were advertising liveries for Mamma Mia and The Lion King. Nowadays carries a completely white/magenta livery, advertising the OV-chipkaart.
Services operated
The VIRM is now the main intercity train and can bee seen across most of the NS network.
Gallery
-
An original VIRM at Amsterdam Centraal
-
9553 at Eindhoven
-
9520 and 9525 in the Olympic livery
-
Interior of original VIRM's (2nd Class)
-
Interior of original VIRM's (1st Class)
-
Interior of Third Generation VIRM's (2nd Class)
-
Interior of Third Generation VIRM's (1st Class)
-
Balcony area of First and Second Generation VIRM's (Note Catering Lift in the middle)
-
Balcony area of Third Generation VIRM's (Note wider stairs)
-
Map showing where VIRM can be seen most commonly in the 2009/10 timetable.