Class ICM-4/Plan Z "Koploper"

Number series: 4201 - 4250
UIC Class: 94 84 4390-93 xxx-x
Number built: 50
Number in service: 50 (January 2009)
Introduced: 1990-1991, 1993
Axle arrangement: Bo'Bo'+Bo'2'+2'2'+2'2'
Continuous power rating: 6x315 = 1890kW
Maximum speed: 160km/h
Weight in working order: 192 tonnes
Length: 107.100m
Wheel diameter (new): 950mm
Motors: Oerlikon
Builder mechanical part: Talbot (Germany)
Builder electrical part: Holec
Passenger seating: 59 first, 197 second class

When the InterCity train network was introduced in 1970, Plan F/G/M/P/Q trainsets were used for the InterCity trains. As an extension, and to replace these units a test class of 7 3-car trainsets was ordered. These trainsets needed to have a fast accelleration and a maximum speed of 160km/h.
These trainsets consist of one motor coach, a middle coach and a driving trailer. In the front and back of the trainsets there are doors underneath the driver's cabin, through which a passageway can be created when trainsets are coupled. This allows passengers, conductors and the "Railtender" trolley service to go from one trainset to the other.
After extensive testing of the prototype class 87 more 3-car and 50 4-car trainsets were ordered. The 4-car trainsets have an extra coach with one motor bogie. One complete coach is now first class, the other 3 second class only.
Together with the 3-car trainsets these trainsets operate all InterCity trains on the Amsterdam/Schiphol/Rotterdam/The Hague - Amersfoort - Leeuwarden/Groningen/Enschede routes. On their way different trainsets couple and split up again in just a few minutes at the stations of Amersfoort, Utrecht and Zwolle, allowing as many direct connections (changing trains within the train itself) as possible. Apart from this service the 4-car units are often used for the new express trains introduced with the 1998/1999 timetable: Rotterdam/The Hague - Utrecht - Arnhem and Eindhoven - Utrecht (- Amsterdam)
In March 1996 one trainset has been rebuilt with more first class seating (now 117 first class and 117 second class) especially for train 501/502 between Groningen and The Hague. This trainset (nr. 4231) got the new number 4444 and operated the trains mentioned together with 2 "standard" class 4200 trainsets. Since the new timetable of December 2006 these trains are operated by double-deck trainsets and 4444 has no longer a special duty and was rebuilt into its original configuration early 2008.
In October 2005 it was decided to no longer use the front end doors under the cabs to make connections for passengers and personnel between trainsets, therefore withdrawing their distictive feature. In 2009-2012 also this class will be modernised similar to class 4000 (the 3-car trainsets).