A bit of Dutch train driver trivia to start today's video off with;
No this isn't a semi-broken down ICMm or any other fault for that matter. Driving a 10-car ICMm means it's mandatory for us to apply limited traction as the train would demand too much power from the overhead wires. This isn't a problem when we're the only one in that specific section, but when multiple trains of longer lengths with high power demand all apply full traction, the overhead wires might get overloaded and shut down!
For the ICMm this means that as soon as we have three pantographs against the wires, or starting from 9-car sets or more, we need to apply limited power. We can do this either by just not over-applying power by ourselves, or as is the case in this video; pull a switch that limits the maximum traction output. This is also very useful when the tracks are slippery, as the ICMms put out quite a bit of power at even the lower notches of traction. If that doesn't suffice, we can additionally press a button that even halves that power as well!
From a spotter or enthusiast point of view, this makes for a very elongated Chopper sound when the sets depart; still the most iconic of electric traction sounds in my opinion! 🥰
I hope you enjoy! 🍀
- Saturday, the 15th of July, 2023
