Moves at Limoges and other French Photos

[jamie92208]

Good evening again from a warm and sunny Charente.   We are still in Chambery on the evening of the 22nd May 2022.  A TGV set came in from Annecy to join another one that had come from Modane before setting off to Paris.  This always looks a tad unnatural to me.

22257 followed the TGV with a push pull set.

26123 headed south with a train of cement tankers for a plant on the way to Modane.

The resident shunter, Y8186 was busy  shuffling coaches around in the yard. I was quite pleased with how these two night shots came out.

Next morning I was on the station after breakfast before catching a TGV to Modane.  There was plenty happening  with trains being shunted As a 2222XX came north with a push pull set.

Then on to our TGV along with a Great Rail Journeys party who were not being helped to find their seats by their rep.  Then quickly up to Modane.

Jamie

 

 

 

[jamie92208]

Good moaning from the Charente.  Just chance for a quick update today.   We are still at Modane on 23rf May 2022. We were expecting to see a load of freight but the only cargo we saw was a group of illegal immigrants being loaded onto our TGV by various police officers.

There were some locos around.  Here a German on that runs in France, the 186, a British one, the 66 and behind me an Italian one.  There was a French loco near the 66.

A general view of the station area.

There is still a partial roundhouse and it was in use with at least 5 363XX's inside. Here are 3 of them.  We wondered how to get there but a French enthusiast got talking to us and took us round in his car.  The place was deserted and we just bunked the shed.

A view of the exit area from the turntable.

And a view along the valley.  The line to Milan curves round to the right and climbs into the tunnel which is roughly at 90 degrees to the line through the station. 

All in all the station looked rather rundown, with large customs halls standing empty.  A base tunnel with a high speed connection from Lyon to St Jean de Maurienne is being built at last with completion promised for 2030.  When that opens St Jean will be the obvious place to go as the main lines will come right through the middle of the station.

 

Jamie

 

 

[eastwestdivide]

There was a similar 66 at Modane when I passed through in 2016, 66211.

My pic eventually might come back at:

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/111836-eastwestdivides-italian-escape-via-the-black-forest/?do=findComment&comment=2332911

 

[JeffP]

On 07/06/2022 at 23:09, Re6/6 said:

Good stuff as ever Jamie!

 

Interesting to see all that platform edge (Buddleia?) vegetation!

You can just see it dislodging platform edging stones in a couple of years.

I've got photos from Chambery and Modane dating back 25 years, it's so much more run down now. Unbelievable how dirty the 363xx locos are.

Edited June 10, 2022 by JeffP

[jamie92208]

Good morning from a sunny Dorset, were we are for the next week.   In tardis land we are still in Modane and it's still 23rd May 2022. Despite a nice lunch there was none of the expected freight activity.  An SNCF official did say that Monday was usually a quiet day.  We had to wait till nearly 4pm for our train back to Chambery.  This push pull set hauled by 22362 was to be our transport of delight.

Boredom had obviously set in as I tried a 'composed' shot.

Then we set off and at St Jean de Maurienne passed this Colas G1206 that was in the yard.  I could even read the numbers without my glasses.

Then we carried on down to Chambery and rather frustratingly passed 5 freights.   Then we collected the car and headed for Bellegarde near the Swiss border.  However our first port of call was Annemasse on the line from Evian.  A very new and large station and lot of trains about including both Swiss and French Leman express units.

These were 30XXX class regiolis units.  Presumably tri voltage.

We were rewarded though with the sight of 27151 with a long train , presumably of mineral water from Evian. Ths headed east.

Jamie

 

PS, there a photos of the Swiss units on my European and ROW thread.

 

[jamie92208]

Good moaning from a sunny Bournemouth.  In this world it's now the 27th May 2022 and after nearly 4 days of Swiss railways we are heading back towards Geneva.  Our last major stop was Basle and this crept into the station from Strasbourg,

Then it was back to Geneva and a an SNCF train to Bellegarde. The line follows the Rhone and this rather nic viaduct brings the lines from Evian and Annemasse to join the line to Bellegarde.

At Bellegarde the car started first time, which was a relief and as I was getting to the restaurant to join Andy a long train of bottled water crept in from the east with Akiem 27XXX's topping and tailing it.  I'd left my camera in the car though.  Anyway the next day we headed back towards home and our first stop was Macon on the main north south line.  This TGV set was heading north.

Some push pull sets were parked up and I was able to get a shot of the two different styles of DVT's.  The far on was described as rather brutalist by Andy.

A freight headed south with a Sybic hauling it.  Sadly the sub wouldn't move round for me,

Then the long drive home continued with a stop at Moulins, not far from Vichy.  Then not far from home I manged to get a shot of the now redundant viaduct on the former line from Ruffec to Confolens. I've seen it many times but never had chance to stop and take a photo.

All in all a brilliant week of trains.

 

Jamie

[Stephen Freeman]

Yes seen the viaduct between Civray and Confolens etc I think. I can still remember the line terminating at Civray (it branched off at  another of your haunts, St Saviol) with grain wagons in the station, closed to passengers of course before the line was truncated and the level crossing removed. Not been over for couple of years because of Covid and now other events look set to prevent a visit this year.

Edited June 13, 2022 by Stephen Freeman

[Mike Storey]

Your shots of Modane reminded me of a very pleasant day spent there when we were on our way to see Cathie's brother in Switzerland a few years ago - great cafe across the road. I took some splendid shots, including one of a memorial, in one of the walls, to the chap who, apparently, invented the OLE system they first used. But the station was pretty well empty, and movements far and few between. It was (is) a far cry from when I remember it in the 1970's and early 80's, when all life seemed to revolve in, through and around it.

[Fat Controller]

21 minutes ago, Mike Storey said:

Your shots of Modane reminded me of a very pleasant day spent there when we were on our way to see Cathie's brother in Switzerland a few years ago - great cafe across the road. I took some splendid shots, including one of a memorial, in one of the walls, to the chap who, apparently, invented the OLE system they first used. But the station was pretty well empty, and movements far and few between. It was (is) a far cry from when I remember it in the 1970's and early 80's, when all life seemed to revolve in, through and around it.

For at least ten years, traffic was diverted away whilst gauge enhancements took place; this was coupled with improvements to the route via Ventemiglia, Until the 1970s, SNCF used third rail for much of the route to Modane, whilst FS used three-phase catenary, 

[jamie92208]

3 hours ago, Stephen Freeman said:

Yes seen the viaduct between Civray and Confolens etc I think. I can still remember the line terminating at Civray (it branched off at  another of your haunts, St Saviol) with grain wagons in the station, closed to passengers of course before the line was truncated and the level crossing removed. Not been over for couple of years because of Covid and now other events look set to prevent a visit this year.

Yes, the rails are still there almost to Civray to my knowledge but therecareca set of bufferstops just betond the huge grain terminal at St Saviol, the level crossings beyond are still there at least as far as Civray.

1 hour ago, Fat Controller said:

For at least ten years, traffic was diverted away whilst gauge enhancements took place; this was coupled with improvements to the route via Ventemiglia, Until the 1970s, SNCF used third rail for much of the route to Modane, whilst FS used three-phase catenary, 

Yes it was 3rd rail from, Chambery or possibly Lyon.  One of the batches of the big 6500's had collector shoes.  At over 6000 hp they must have kept the conductor rail warm.

 

Jamie

[Fat Controller]

39 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

Yes, the rails are still there almost to Civray to my knowledge but therecareca set of bufferstops just betond the huge grain terminal at St Saviol, the level crossings beyond are still there at least as far as Civray.

Yes it was 3rd rail from, Chambery or possibly Lyon.  One of the batches of the big 6500's had collector shoes.  At over 6000 hp they must have kept the conductor rail warm.

 

Jamie

Especially as there'd be a brace of Bo-Bos banking as well.

[EddieB]

40 minutes ago, jamie92208 said:

Yes, the rails are still there almost to Civray to my knowledge but therecareca set of bufferstops just betond the huge grain terminal at St Saviol, the level crossings beyond are still there at least as far as Civray.

Yes it was 3rd rail from, Chambery or possibly Lyon.  One of the batches of the big 6500's had collector shoes.  At over 6000 hp they must have kept the conductor rail warm.

 

Jamie

Yes, the Maurienne line between Modane and Chambéry was first electrified 1.5kV dc third rail (1925), converted to overhead in 1976.   As (FC) Brian says, the ex-PO BB1 series were converted to run in pairs, their collector shoes fitted at outer ends to span any dead gaps in the supply.  Sadly they were all hors service by the time I first went to Chambéry.

[Fat Controller]

2 minutes ago, EddieB said:

Yes, the Maurienne line between Modane and Chambéry was first electrified 1.5kV dc third rail (1925), converted to overhead in 1976.   As (FC) Brian says, the ex-PO BB1 series were converted to run in pairs, their collector shoes fitted at outer ends to span any dead gaps in the supply.  Sadly they were all hors service by the time I first went to Chambéry.

Later, pairs of BB7200 were used for banking . a former colleague of my wife's used to spend his summer holidays as an 'Agent d'Accompianant on the line; it probably helped that his father was SNCF's Directeur in Italy.

[Mike Storey]

6 hours ago, Fat Controller said:

For at least ten years, traffic was diverted away whilst gauge enhancements took place; this was coupled with improvements to the route via Ventemiglia, Until the 1970s, SNCF used third rail for much of the route to Modane, whilst FS used three-phase catenary, 

 

The memorial is not for the chap who invented the OLE, but the chap who got the tunnel built in 1870, Germaine Sommelier, or some such. My mistake.

 

https://e-monumen.net/patrimoine-monumental/monument-a-germain-sommeiller-modane/

[Stephen Freeman]

14 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

Yes, the rails are still there almost to Civray to my knowledge but therecareca set of bufferstops just betond the huge grain terminal at St Saviol, the level crossings beyond are still there at least as far as Civray.

Yes it was 3rd rail from, Chambery or possibly Lyon.  One of the batches of the big 6500's had collector shoes.  At over 6000 hp they must have kept the conductor rail warm.

 

Jamie

It was about 3 years since last there but the level crossing immediately after the roundabout as you either enter Civray or take the bypass had gone, no barriers or rails just tarmac.

[jamie92208]

Good afternoon from a very sunny Bournemouth.  Before we came away I did manage a couple of trips out. June 2nd I was at Niort and as I got to the car park saw a class 66/69 in Infra livery just beyond the road bridge.  I set off to walk down and get it but it set off.  The law of s0d I thought but pointed my camera at it anyway.  Even though I didn't have my long lens on I was able to read the number from the camera screen.

It headed off round the curve towards St Jean D'Angely. on the 7th June i was back there whilst Beth had Physio and took this photo of contrasting nose styles just before I left.  The TGV was heading for Paris and the 84XXX had come in from St Jean.

The next afternoon Andy and I headed south to our usual spot.  There was a bit of activity.

This Infra 222XX headed north.

Then a tamper.

According to Todays railways there is a programme of work on this line due to be completed in 2026.

After dropping Andy and doing a bit of shopping I drove past Ruffec Station and this Colas G1000 was in the yard.

Jamie

 

[jamie92208]

Good afternoon from a very warm and sunny Charente, about 37 degrees.  despite having many duties preparing for the visit of my granddaughter and her mums and then the visit itself I have managed a couple of trips out.

On 22bd June I had to go and buy some DIY stuff in Ruffec so had an hour on the station.   First up was this LPG and steel train with 2 27XXX's on the front, both of which were cops for me, 27100 and 27119

Then the usual infra train with 22383 doing the business. 

Then a rare southbound working with 27014 on Tanktainers.

Andy was very jealous as he was away in Norway and needed both of the first pair of 27's.

Then on the 1th July Andy and I went to a Model Railway club meeting north of Poitiers and it would have been rude not to spend some time at the station there on the way back. We had planned to go to Tours but standing on a bridge with no shade in 38 degree heat did not appeal.  Perhaps with it being a Friday after Bastille Day where most of France was on holiday on what they call a bridge day there wasn't a lot of freight traffic.  However 186303 came south

there were 5 60XXX's in the yard in the foreground with rakes of what look like new grain hoppers. Both of us needed all 5 so that was a good start.

There were quite a few passenger workings but the only other freight activity was this pair of 27's heading south light engine.

27002 and 053.  the latter was a cop as well.   The world was put to rights and we had shade in the multi-storey car park.

 

Jamie

[jamie92208]

Andy and I escaped on Wednesday and went down to our usual spot at Juille.

First up was 27011 on a long string of what I think were steel carriers/

An hour later 27012 came north with a long train of tankers from VTG.  Some looked almost brand new.

Then the usual infra train came into view with 22299 hauling it.  There were two class 69's and 67510 tucked in behind it then just a couple of wagons.

Just as we were about to leave a late running TGV appeared heading north from Angouleme.   It had been stuck behind the local service and obviously missed it's slot on the High Speed line.  As it took the chord it dropped it's pantographs for the voltage changeover, then kept slowing down as it coasted. It kept on slowing down as it couldn't raise it's pantographs until both ends were on the 25 KV section.   By then the head end was on the steep ramp up to the LGV.  It was nearly at a standstill before it was able to raise it's pantographs and at that point a through train went past on the LGV.   It just managed to avoid a standstill before very slowly accelerating up the ramp to join the high speed line.  Interesting to watch.

 

Jamie

 

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[Fat Controller]

The 'Cargowaggon' that you thought might be a steel carrier is of a type used for various general cargos, such as car parts to/from Iberia, mineral water, processed timber. A half of each wagon roof and sides can be opened at any one time, allowing bulky items to be loaded.

[jamie92208]

I managed to get out yesterday and Andy and I had a cracki g afternoon sitting at Luxé station.  No less than 5 freights, 3 TGV's a track machine and a bi mode.  I forgot my camera but did have my phone.

 

Onevof the freights was double headed by two 27Xxx's and onevof them wad 27018.  Now I only need 27016 to get the 1st 20, all of which have Midi pantographs.

 

The next freight had a red andvuellow front end.  It turned out yo be 1802 a G2000. Thesecare rare round here.

 

Not the best of photos.

Later 26115 came north with 60122 and 27006 behind it. Unusually  it was running wrong line on what is mormally the southbound track.

 

All in all a good  afternoon.

 

Jamie

[Mike Storey]

Excellent article in Today's Railways Europe this month - six or so pages of photos in and around Toulouse, showing current freight and passenger workings. One or two of these must be ones you have photographed, or phoned, or i-padded, or whatever.

 

 

[jamie92208]

On 27/07/2022 at 21:52, Mike Storey said:

Excellent article in Today's Railways Europe this month - six or so pages of photos in and around Toulouse, showing current freight and passenger workings. One or two of these must be ones you have photographed, or phoned, or i-padded, or whatever.

 

 

Yes I've seen the article but not read it yet.  A trip to Toulouse was talked about yesterday.

 

Jamie

Edited July 29, 2022 by jamie92208

[JeffP]

Isn't Toulouse station undergoing building work at the moment?

I'm sure I'd seen on YouTube about yrains using Montauban instead.

[jamie92208]

1 hour ago, JeffP said:

Isn't Toulouse station undergoing building work at the moment?

I'm sure I'd seen on YouTube about trains using Montauban instead.

Some research will have to be done.

 

Jamie

 

[jamie92208]

On 29/07/2022 at 11:01, jamie92208 said:

Some research will have to be done.

 

Jamie

 

I've read the article now.   Apparently some platform reconstruction is ongoing at Toulouse and some trains are using Montauban.  I think the evening and night ones.

 

Jamie