NS Class 1100
| Company type | Electric locomotive series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transport |
| Founded | 1950–1956 |
| Successor | Class 1600 |
Area served | Netherlands |
| Products | Electric locomotives |
| Parent | Nederlandse Spoorwegen |
The Class 1100 series consisted of Nederlandse Spoorwegen electric locomotives operating on 1,500 V DC with a Bo′Bo′ wheel arrangement, introduced during the period from 1950 to 1956. Manufactured by Alsthom and modeled after the French BB 8100 type, these locomotives functioned as NS's main traction units for both freight and passenger operations until superseded by the Class 1600 models. A significant refurbishment initiative took place between 1978 and 1982.
Several locomotives were involved in serious incidents: unit 1156 near Tilburg in 1961, unit 1131 in the Harmelen disaster—the most severe rail accident in Dutch history—and unit 1129 at Westervoort in 1978. The latter was repaired and reinstated into active duty. Post-1978, the fleet underwent safety enhancements which included installing crash-resistant noses inspired by the French 'Nez Cassé' style.
With the arrival of DD-AR double-decker coaches and Class 1700 locomotives, many Class 1100 units were withdrawn by 1991. The entire class was retired completely by 1999.
The Class 1100 locomotives were not favored by NS drivers due to their atypical design: buffers were attached directly to the bogies rather than the main chassis, causing a less stable and more oscillatory ride compared to conventional engines. The cab layout, originally designed for French operators in the early 1950s, was cramped for taller crew members and lacked adjustable seats. Furthermore, noisy cooling fans contributed to operator discomfort. These issues led to a poor reputation among crews, resulting in a special compensation bonus for drivers handling these difficult locomotives until approximately 1980.
Preservation
| Number | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1107 | Blerick, owned by Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum | |
| 1122 | Watergraafsmeer, owned by SKLOK | |
| 1125 | Utrecht, Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum | Recently refurbished and restored to its original state |
| 1136 | Goes, SGB | |
| 1145 | Goes, SGB |