ZHESM 6

In 1908, the Hofplein line between Scheveningen and Rotterdam became the first electrified rail line in the Netherlands. The coaches used on this line were chicly furnished in an Art Nouveau style. They were intended for wealthy passengers travelling from Rotterdam, The Hague and Wassenaar to Scheveningen. The city crests of the intermediate stations were incorporated into the decoration on the train. Although the luxurious 2nd-class coaches boasted velvet upholstery, they were virtually empty in the summer months. This was because in warm periods the horsehair stuffing of the seats was full of fleas. In summertime, the train was also packed with people on their way to the beach. The revealing clothing worn by these passengers raised quite a few eyebrows in society. The Hofplein line sustained heavy damage during World War II. Only a handful of coaches survived the conflict. Several of them were used as emergency housing after the war as well.