[note 2] The design is based upon the MaK DE 1002 with modifications;[1] the locomotives are 1.4 m (4 ft 7+1⁄8 in) longer to incorporate additional equipment, in particular an auxiliary diesel generator, as well as ATB equipment; the bogies are longer than on the DE 1002 to incorporate tread brakes instead of disc brakes.

Some locomotives have had PZB (Indusi) or Memor safety systems installed to allow operations in Germany or Belgium.

[2] The class can be seen over the whole country, with many to be found at Amsterdam Westhaven, Kijfhoek Yard, Roosendaal, Tilburg, Emmerich am Rhein (Germany), Amersfoort, Venlo, Zwolle and many other places.

[2] In November 2010 two units were sold to Eurotunnel in 2010 to operate alongside the existing Class 0001 locomotives.

[2] The locomotives were originally in NS grey and yellow, except the last 10 units (6511–6520) which were in a red livery with diagonal white stripe on the front surface.