Train des Pignes

The Train des Pignes on 10th.September 2017

 

Interesting to see, I haven't been there for a few years and haven't seen the Mallet in action. It should perhaps be mentioned for those not in the know that this is not a heritage line and the normal service is worked by railcars with steam normally on the centre section duting the summer. It's good that all the steam age infrastructure has beeen kept including the goods yards when freight finished in the 60s Here are a couple of shots from 2008. It was French National Day, hence the flags on the front

 

Fine set of photos John. The G.E.C.P are currently appealing for funds in order to restore E327 as the boiler certificate on the Mallet must expire within the next year or two

 

Last time I was there I had a chat with the GECP chairman and he had just come back from the UK very envious of what we have, he'd visited the SVR and seen Tornado at Darlington. The commitment in France is nowhere near what we have so I do hope they manage to raise the funds.

 

Don't overlook though,the Baie de Somme system which has a very substantial business and a proportion of re-boilered locomotives which most British lines ought to be envious of.

PH

 

Been there a couple of times and a great railway, probably the best in France and if you live in Kent or Sussex it's nearer to you than most British preserved lines