File:21.06.86 Bad Bentheim NS 1202 (6902473962).jpg

English: In terms of motive power, this international journey from Denmark to the Netherlands in June 1986 saw a total of 9 locomotives. These included a DSB shunter plus a double headed class 218 from Puttgarden to Hamburg.

Seen here on 21 June 1986 at the German border station of Bad Bentheim, NS locomotive no. 1202 has just coupled up to train D344, 10:10 København H to Hoek van Holland. As often was the case for these long haul runs, the train would have portion workings. At this point portions from Berlin, Bad Harzburg would be part of the consist going through to the Hoek. In addition, coaches going through to Amsterdam were split off here and had already left. Confusing, but it all worked pretty much like clockwork as the concept of portion working allowed some long runs to be carried out. As a result, passengers didn't need to change trains, or at least just swap cars en-route and be "guaranteed" a connection.

As it happened, 1202 failed at Hengelo and was replaced by no. 1633 as far as Utrecht. Following a reversal, no. 1647 hauled the train through to the Hoek. Here passengers transferred to the night ferry to Harwich.

Note the catering trolley and attendant to left of the loco. According to the Thomas Cooks timetable for the working, the trolley worked between Hamburg and Bad Bentheim. The operation was carried out by Deutsche Schlafwagen- und Speisewagengesellschaft (later the Deutsche Service-Gesellschaft der Bahn or DSG), a subsidiary company of Deutsche Bundesbahn to operate sleeping car and on-train catering. So presumably after a long run on a lengthy, crowded train serving drinks and refreshments to the passengers he was enjoying a well earned rest!