Akkrum NS 1768

The new locomotives of the 1700 series entered service between February 1992 and April 1994. In terms of appearance, the locomotive is virtually identical to its predecessor, the 1600. However, technically they do differ. This difference lies primarily in the control of the high-voltage installation. Initially, the locomotives were intended to run with the new double-decker carriages. To this end, they were equipped with an automatic coupling on one side.

After the double-deckers received their own motor cars after 5 years, the locomotives of the 1700 series were converted back into ‘standalone’ locomotives. They were deployed in regular passenger service with hauled carriages, replacing the older locomotives of the 1100, 1200, and 1300 series. As a result, they could be seen throughout the country. Starting in 2009, the first locomotives of the 1700 series were taken out of service. In 2021, eight locomotives could be seen in passenger service: they are deployed to pull the Intercity to Berlin, relieved in Bad Bentheim by a German locomotive.

The locomotives from the 1700 series were given a city coat of arms, while the 1768 received that of Akkrum.