Train Cab Ride NL / ICNG Detour / Watergraafsmeer - Amsterdam ArenA - Rotterdam / ICNG / March 2025

Hi everyone! Welcome on board a brand new special video! This time a missing link on my channel. The route from Watergraafsmeer via the special platform of Amsterdam ArenA (not Bijlmer ArenA) and further to Rotterdam via Breukelen! We get to take the ride with an empty ICNG that will start doing services with passengers in Rotterdam.

Another holiday is coming up for me. So the next video is schedules for over four weeks! Enjoy this one extra and don’t forget to like, comment and share. Have good one!

0:00 Watergraafsmeer
We start at the shunting yard Watergraafsmeer. We get permission for departure by phone from the train dispatcher Watergraafsmeer. After this we can drive up to the stop sign for which we must still make a stop (it’s not optional). The permission to pass by the sign was already granted. So we can continue directly after we stopped.

The maximum speed here is set to 10km/h because of the environment. Shunting at higher speeds would cause much more noise and disturbance for the people living nearby. Also we must drive on sight because all junctions are still hand operated. A colleague has already set them for us, but we are responsible for driving over them in the correct position.

7:55 Leaving Watergraafsmeer
After we fully passed this light signal we are allowed to travel on higher speeds again. Also all switches are computer operated by the train dispatcher from here.

9:53 Watergraafsmeer Ringbaan Connection
Track towards Weesp splitting up on the left.

14:01 Muiderstraatweg Connection
On the left the tracks coming from Weesp are joining in.

15:48 Diemen Zuid

16:25 Venserpolder Connection
This is the point where we take a left turn towards Amsterdam ArenA.

17:49 Amsterdam ArenA
Arriving at Amsterdam ArenA: home of Ajax (local football club). This platform not used often anymore. But when in service it’s used to get Ajax supporters to the ArenA by train. A train specially reserved for them. Often trains get vandalized when this is done. Of course Ajax has to pay for the damages done by them.

After a six minute stopover we continue our journey to Rotterdam. Home of Feyenoord (rival of Ajax).

25:55 Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA
This is now the station where supporters go for their matches. Short walk to the stadium.

27:15 Amsterdam Holendrecht
28:26 Province Border
28:42 Abcoude

28:56 Rien Nouwen Aquaduct
Diving under 'Gein'.

29:20 Abcoude Switches

33:37 Breukelen
Just before Breukelen we go back in speed because of the junction ahead. We head right after Breukelen.

40:25 Harmelen-Breukelen Connection

41:20 Harmelen Connection
The place where a terrible accident had taken place in the past. After this the ATB-system was implemented on the tracks and in the trains.

43:31 Woerden
After Woerden we make a short stop because a passenger train just passed us and we're still a little early. We wait for the light signal to show a higher speed than 40km/h before we depart. This so we can speed up earlier. :)

51:01 Oudewater

51:53 Camera Inspection
Say hi to the camera! The outside of the train is getting inspected at this point to see if early repairs are needed.

54:30 Gouda Goverwelle

57:01 Gouda
Time to pickup a colleague. The waits for us at the start of the platform. I decide to let him in via my cabin because I can't see the back of the train when I stop next to the tracks. This is a quicker and safer way. Right after boarding we continue.

1:00:21 Hoge Gouwebrug
Bridge with overhead wires. No need to shut off the traction when delayed for example. When on time I do always shut off traction. Better for the trains and the bridge installation.

1:01:35 Moordrecht Switches
1:04:16 Nieuwerkerk a/d IJssel
1:05:55 Capelle Schollevaar
1:07:08 Rotterdam Alexander

1:08:29 Rotterdam Noord Goederen (Stoomstichting Nederland)
On the left you can see a huge yard mostly used for freight trains. Also a bit further on the right the steam location for Rotterdam. From this location often steam locomotives depart for a ride to Gouda or further. :)

1:10:22 Rotterdam Noord
1:10:43 Hillegersberg Connection
1:12:40 Rotterdam Westelijke Connection

1:14:01 Train Dispatcher Calling
Dispatcher is calling for some info just as we entered a 40km/h section. We are not allowed to call when driving in those sections. Therefor I stop for a moment. After the call we continue to make the final approach in Rotterdam Centraal.

1:15:35 Rotterdam Centraal
Many passengers waiting on the train as you can see. I hope you enjoyed the ride. Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to share and like the video. Thank you all so much for your support! See you back after my holiday! Cheers!

The Meaning of Signals
https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017707

More Ride Info
No online info available for empty train rides!

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