Class 1700

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Number series: 1701-1781
UIC Class: 91 84 1117 xxx-x
Number built: 81
Number in service: 78 (December 2009)
Introduced: 1992-1994
Axle arrangement: B'B'
Hourly power rating: 5100kW
Continuous power rating: 2x2270 = 4540kW
Maximum speed: 160km/h (180km/h possible)
Maximum tractive effort: 259kN
Weight in working order: 86 tonnes
Length: 17.640m
Wheel diameter (new): 1260mm
Motors: GEC-Alsthom TAB 674 C4
Builder mechanical part: GEC-Alsthom (France)
Builder electrical part: GEC-Alsthom (France)

In the beginning of the 1990s the Dutch Railways were faced with a decifit in the number of passenger seats, as "almost-free" travel passes for students and military people had largely increased the number of passengers. It was decided to buy many double-deck coaches based on class DDM that would be pushed/pulled by locomotives similar to class 1700 (together: DD-AR). These locomotives would then later be replaced by motor cars, such that they could replace older locomotives in their turn.
The locomotives of class 1700 are indeed very similar to class 1600, but have several technical improvements. The locomotives have monomotor bogies and are chopper-controlled (frequency 300Hz). They are capable of 180km/h, but restricted to 160km/h by line speed limits. Multiple traction is possible with two locomotives (and is allowed), but the maximum power is limited to the maximum power of one locomotive. The overhead wire would not be able to transport enough current for two locomotives at full power!
The locomotives of class 1700 operate as EMUs together with 4 double deck coaches. Two of these "trainsets" can be coupled with an automatic coupler. Since 1998 50 locomotives have been replaced by new motors cars class mDDM. All sets with 3 coaches got such a motor car, the 4-car sets will keep on using locomotives class 1700 (1701-1728). The remaining locomotives (1729-1781) have replaced most of class 1600 in passenger service for InterCity and EuroCity trains. Locomotives 1729-1734 can relatively simply be adapted for use with double deck trailers or for use as "Intercity" locomotives.
Class 1600 is now only used on freight duties, the "passenger" 1600s have been renumbered to class 1800 and operate double deck trains with coaches class DDM and some international and InterCity trains.
In November 2009 the first two of the class were stored: nrs. 1748 and 1771. One other has been withdrawn after an accident.