Blue Angel (train)
| NS DE-1/DE-2 | |
|---|---|
Preserved DE-1 41 near Groot Dochteren | |
Interior of refurbished DE-2 186 | |
| In service | DE-1: 1953-1985 DE-2: 1953-2002 |
| Manufacturer | Allan of Rotterdam, Werkspoor, AEC, Cummins |
| Constructed | DE-1: 1953-1955 DE-2: 1953-1954 |
| Entered service | 1953 |
| Refurbished | DE-2: 1975-1981 |
| Scrapped | 1979-2002 |
| Number built | DE-1: 30 DE-2: 46 |
| Number preserved | DE-1: 1 DE-2: 4 |
| Successor | Wadloper DMU NS DM 90 |
| Formation | DE-1: 1 car per set ABD DE-2: 2 cars per set ABk + BDk |
| Fleet numbers | DE-1: 21-50 DE-2: 61-106 Refurbished DE-2: 161-186 |
| Capacity | DE-1: 1st class: 8 2nd class: 65 DE-2: 1st class: 28 2nd class: 105 |
| Operators | Nederlandse Spoorwegen Oostnet Syntus |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | DE-1: 27.05 m (88 ft 9 in) DE-2: 45.40 m (148 ft 11+1⁄2 in) |
| Width | 2.78 m (9 ft 1+1⁄2 in) |
| Height | 3.45 m (11 ft 3+3⁄4 in) |
| Wheelbase | Bogie: 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) Bogie centers: 18.35 m (60 ft 2+1⁄2 in) |
| Maximum speed | 105 km/h (65 mph) |
| Weight | DE-1: 57 t (56 long tons; 63 short tons) DE-2: 85 t (84 long tons; 94 short tons) |
| UIC classification | DE-1: Bo'Bo' DE-2: Bo'2'Bo' |
| Coupling system | Scharfenberg |
| Multiple working | Up to three units of same class |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The Blue Angel (in Dutch: Blauwe Engel) was the name given to the Plan X class DE-1 and DE-2 diesel railcars formerly used by Nederlandse Spoorwegen. There have been rumours that the name has a connection to the German movie Der blaue Engel, but this has never been confirmed.
The class DE-1 DMUs were single car DMUs, while the DE-2s had two (articulated) carriages. They were extensively used on branch lines in Friesland as well as on other non-electrified secondary routes. They also operated the Maastricht-Liège shuttle. Originally painted blue (hence the nickname), they were later repainted dark red. They were largely replaced by new Wadloper DMUs in the 1980s. 26 DE-2s were refurbished from 1975 to 1981 and repainted into yellow NS livery, but the DE-1s retained the dark red livery until withdrawal.