Class 500/Plan T

Number series: 501-531
UIC Class: 94 84 4348-51 xxx-x
Number built: 31
Number in service: 15 (January 2010)
Introduced: 1961, 1964-1965
Axle arrangement: 2'2'+Bo'Bo'+Bo'Bo'+2'2'
Continuous power rating: 8x175 = 1400kW
Maximum speed: 140km/h
Weight in working order: 167 tonnes
Length: 102.000m
Wheel diameter (new): 950mm
Builder mechanical part: Werkspoor
Builder electrical part: Smit
Passenger seating: 42 first and 260 second class

Because of the opening of many stations close to big cities the Dutch Railways needed a new light electric trainset with fast accelleration. In 1961 the prototype Plan TT ("Treinstel Toekomst" = Trainset Future) was delivered, and 30 more trainsets followed in 1964-1965. Apart from these 4-car trainsets a lot of similar 2-car trainsets Plan V were delivered up to 1976.
The 4-car trainsets Plan T are normally used for express trains, but can also be found in local/regional trains. They can be coupled with other members of the same class and with Plan V, up to a total of 10 coaches. From winter 1998/1999 the remaining trainsets are being rebuilt, because they are still needed for the additional express trains that NS introduced in May 1998. Internally they get the same style as the new DMUs class 3400, with the restaurant area rebuilt to standard seating. This rebuilding was finished in spring 2002. Trainset 501 was not modernized as its construction was quite different from the rest of the class. It was scrapped during 2002.
In 2008 many trainsets Plan T need a revision again. This will not be given but the trainsets will be withdrawn. In December 2010 the remaining trainsets were transferred to the workshop in Maastricht. They now normally only operate in the south of the country.