This article was first published on 14.12.2025 and updated on 04.01.2026 – scroll down for the update.
On Friday, 12 December 2025, NVBS ‘1931’ was unveiled in Rotterdam, an eye-catching locomotive created through close collaboration with Rail Force One and Railcolor Design. The project is based on Rail Force One locomotive 1831 from 1982, which has been completely redesigned and now serves as a rolling ambassador for railway enthusiasm, history, and culture in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Dutch association of Railway and Tramway Enthusiasts in 2026.
A unique showpiece featuring iconic Dutch trains
The NVBS 1931 stands out thanks to a distinctive design that brings the past and present of Dutch railways to life. Spanning the entire side of the locomotive is a carefully curated series of iconic Dutch trains. From historic steam engines such as De Arend and Jumbo 3700 to the most modern rolling stock currently operating in the Netherlands, together they tell the story of nearly two centuries of railway history.
The livery designed by Railcolor Design, combined with the prominent placement of the updated NVBS logo, reinforces the association’s mission: connecting rail and tram enthusiasts, preserving knowledge, and sharing it with a wide audience.
Successful collaboration with Rail Force One
The transformation of locomotive 1831 into the NVBS 1931 was made possible through the commitment, goodwill, and expertise of Rail Force One. Their locomotive provided a solid foundation for a new chapter in Dutch railway history—a hard-working machine that now also serves as an ambassador for railways in the Netherlands.
About NVBS
The ‘Nederlandse Vereniging van Belangstellenden in het Spoor- en tramwegwezen’ (or Dutch Association of Railway and Tramway Enthusiasts / NVBS) was founced in 1931 and has around twenty local chapters spread across the Netherlands. These chapters regularly organize meetings. In Amersfoort, NVBS Centraal is located, home to the associations shop, library, and archive; meetings are also held there. In addition, the NVBS regularly organizes excursions and longer trips. Furthermore, NVBS publishes the well-known magazine “Op de Rails”.
Update 04.01.2026 – Oliebollenrit!
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, NVBS organized a special “Oliebollenrit” (New Year’s Donut Ride). It marked the debute of 1931 in passenger service. The occasion for this journey was a double milestone: the 95th anniversary of the NVBS and the 30th anniversary of the SNE (Stichting NVBS Excursies). During the ride, a New Year’s reception was also held aboard the train.
The composition of the train was remarkable: six Happytrain restaurant carriages from the former Dinner Train, complemented by three first class I11 coaches of NMBS. On the section between Amersfoort and Zwolle, the TCS 101002 was additionally deployed.
The route started in Amersfoort and ran via Zwolle over the Hanzelijn and Flevolijn towards Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena (with a stop at the football stadium supporters platform). It continued its journey via Alphan a/d Rijn to Leiden, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Hilversum back to Amersfoort. The trip concluded with a line with TCS 101002.
About the nez cassé family of locomotives
The CC 40100 was a prototype French electric locomotive developed in 1964 by Alsthom for SNCF, designed for high-speed international Trans Europ Express services. Styled by Paul Arzens, it introduced the distinctive forward-leaning “Nez Cassé” (broken-nose) design.
CC 40100 became the basis for a large family of Nez Cassé locomotives, built for different voltage systems and also in diesel form. From the late 1960s through the 1970s, SNCF introduced several classes, including Bo’Bo’ and Co’Co’ locomotives. Derivates were sold all over the world.
The Dutch state railways (NS) had :
- NS Class 1600 – Derived from the SNCF BB 7200, adapted for Dutch railways – 1601-1658
- Later on: part of the class was renumbered to 1826-1858;
- NS Class 1700 – Further development of the NS 1600 series from the early 90s – 1701-1781.
