Hondekop (Mat '54)

A train with the snout and droopy eyes of a loyal dog. When the Mat ’54 was introduced in the late 1950s, it caused quite a stir. Its robust form made it look very different than the older streamlined models. The shape of the driver’s cab quickly earned it the nickname Hondekop (Dog nose). The new design was intended to better protect the engine driver in case of a collision, as they would now be sitting higher up and further to the rear of the cab. The slanted side windows allow the engine driver to make eye contact with the conductor on the platform. The Hondekop is a rather heavy engine and therefore offers a smooth, although its weight does give it trouble when trying to accelerate quickly. During the 1970s, the Hondekop was the most important train in the intercity rail network. Intercity trains with 14 cars were not unusual. While the NS386 was decommissioned in 1996, it continues to operate for the Railway Museum to this very day.