Class DM'90 "Buffel"

Number series: 3401-3453
UIC Class: 95 84 5131/32 xxx-x
Number built: 53
Number in service: 36 (NS) + 12 (Syntus) (January 2010)
Introduced: 1996-1998
Axle arrangement: 2'B'+B'2'
Continuous power rating: 2x320 = 640kW
Maximum speed: 140km/h
Weight in working order: 93.8 tonnes
Length: 52.340m
Wheel diameter (new): 920mm
Motors: Cummins NTA 855 R4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: Hydraulic (Voith T211rzze)
Builder mechanical part: Talbot and DÜWAG (Germany)
Builder electrical part: DÜWAG (Germany)
Passenger seating: 12 first and 101 second class

As a replacement for the old (and rebuilt) diesel trainsets Plan X-v (class 161-186) it was chosen to order new quite luxerious trainsets with a high maximum speed - for diesel trains - of 140km/h. These new trainsets have replaced Plan U (class 121) trainsets that are now used for the services previously operated by the mentioned Plan X-v.
The new DMUs are based on the electric trainsets class 2100 (SM'90), but it was chosen to give them a dieselhydraulic transmission instead of dieselelectric. The body is still very similar to class 2100, except for the face which is a new design. Because of this face the train got its official name "Buffel" which means "Buffalo".
The trainsets were built by DÜWAG in Germany, the construction of the body and interior took place at the Talbot factories in Aachen (also Germany), the "main supplyer" of Dutch trainsets. The motors (two 6-cylinder per trainset) are from Cummins, they are an uprated version of the motors used in class 3100/3200 "Wadloper".
The first line on which DM'90 appeared was Arnhem-Winterswijk. After many problems, both with the trains and with the new signalling (needed because of the low weight and smooth ride of the trains) the trains are now used in regular service without too many disturbances. The same happened again when new trainsets were introduced on Nijmegen-Venlo-Roermond in June 1997, but the problems seem to be under control by now. Also the line Zwolle-Kampen is now operated by these units, and Zwolle-Enschede followed in spring 1999. Some units are used on Groningen-Leeuwarden for the new rush hour express trains introduced in spring 1998 (now operated by Noordned).
Three trainsets (3431-3433) got extra steps for operating the Heerlen-Aachen(D) service, in which they need to stop at low platforms. After a long period of debate and tests the trainsets finally got approved by the German authorities, and class 3400 replaced the last trainsets Plan X-v in service for NS. In the mean time these trains have been replaced by German "Talent" DMUs, the DM'90 trainsets are rebuilt to their original state.
During 2001 the last lines operated with old DMUs Plan U (Apeldoorn-Zutphen, Zutphen-Hengelo-Oldenzaal and Arnhem-Tiel) were equipped with new automated train protection, and class DM'90 replaced the last old trainsets.

From May 1999 new private operator Syntus has taken over the Doetinchem- Winterswijk part of the Arnhem-Winterswijk NS line. For this service they hire four trainsets of class DM'90 (3450-3453). Four more (3442-3445) were hired from NS when Syntus also took over the operation on Arnhem-Doetinchem in 2001, but these have now returned to NS after delivery of addtional "Lint" DMUs. In December 2003 two (3440-3441) were leased to Syntus to help with the expanded services. The Syntus trainsets have been renumbered 50-55. Three more followed in April 2005 when Syntus took over the passenger service on Arnhem-Tiel from NS, and another in June 2007 when Syntus LINT trainsets 44-45 were adapted for use on Almelo-Mariënberg only.
From May 1999 Noordned (now Arriva) operates the service Leeuwarden-Groningen on behalf of NS. One year later they took over the operation of the entire line. For this they also hired four trainsets of class DM'90 (3446-3449) from NS. Two of these were returned in August 2007, the other two returned at the end of 2007. These are now used by NSR for Leeuwarden-Wolvega rush hour trains.

In December 2006 Veolia took over the operation of the "Maaslijn" Nijmegen-Venlo-Roermond. However, no agreement could be reached over the transfer of the trainsets. NS decided to use these diesel trainsets "under the wire" on Zwolle-Groningen. Other lines currently operated with this class by NS are Zwolle-Kampen, Zwolle-Almelo-Enschede and Apeldoorn-Zutphen.

In Autumn 2008 Veolia hired two of the class from NS for rush hour trains on Nijmegen-Venray, until 4 of their GTW2/6 trainsets were enlarged to GTW2/8. Winter 2008/2009 Syntus hired additionally 3448 aand 3449 to cover for the heavy maintenance of their LINT trainsets. From December 2009 NS only used 25 of the class. The rest was stored (3409 with major accident damage). Due to very bad weather however, many were quickly returned to service in the beginning of 2010. Only 3409, 3435, 3435, 3446 and 3447 remained stored.