NL-2569731 A Dutch DD-VIRM Intercity train

This postcard shows a Dutch train. Trains in Netherland are operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen.  Most Dutch trains are DD-VIRM, full name DubbeldeksInterregiomaterieel or Verlengd InterRegio Matrieel, Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) trains.

The VIRM is now the main intercity train and can be seen across most of the NS network.

There have been three generations:

The first generation of DD-IRM were delivered from 1994 to 1996 as three and four car units. The first 47 were built by De Dietrich and from then on by Talbot.

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).

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 sets featured different seats, which were also in the new coaches placed inside the first generation sets.

The third generation sets were delivered from June 2008 and these are all 4 car units.

This postcard came from Bart & Marion (16 July 2014) Postcrossing.