TFBCO Railway Heritage Overview

Birth and Development of the Railway

The railway originated in England, where the first steam train ran in 1804 at Pen-y-Darren, Wales. This innovation marked the beginning of a revolution in transport, inspiring other countries to adopt the technology. In France, the first railway line was inaugurated in 1827, linking Saint-Étienne to Andrézieux over a distance of 21 kilometres. Initially horse-drawn, this line was mainly used to transport coal, illustrating the influence of British engineers on the development of France's railways.

Trevithick's Coalbrookdale locomotive, 1803 (British Railway 1803-1853) (Wikipedia)

Railway History in Montmirail

Montmirail's railway history begins in 1869 with a project for a line connecting Calais to the Mediterranean via Amiens and Dijon. Originally of national significance, the project was scaled down to a line of local interest and split into several sections. The Amiens–Dijon section, known as the "Ourcq Valley to Esternay line," entered service in 1884. This single-track line, with a standard gauge of 1.435 metres, thrived until 1914, running five passenger trains daily in each direction. It later declined, with passenger service ending in 1953 and the Montmirail–Esternay section's tracks removed in 1970.

The station with horses

Built Railway Heritage

Montmirail station, built in 1884, is a well-preserved example of the railway architecture of its time. It comprises four separate buildings: the passenger building, the toilets, the water tower, and the freight hall. The Association, owner of the station and water tower since 2015, carried out restoration work in 2020–2021 to preserve its original character. These efforts were supported by various public and private grants, totalling €130,000.

The renovated station

Railway Museum

In 2021, the Association launched a fundraising appeal to create a railway museum. Thanks to contributions from across France, the museum today displays over 150 railway items in the waiting rooms and the water tower.

The museum inside the passenger building

Level-Crossing Keeper's House

To complete its preservation efforts, the Association acquired a level-crossing keeper's house dating from 1884 in August 2022. Located in Dhuys et Morin-en-Brie, the house will be preserved as an example of the period and will become an annex of the museum.

The level-crossing keeper's house

Railway Rolling Stock

1. The Picasso Railcar X3926

The Picasso railcar, introduced in the 1950s, is an emblem of French railway heritage. Designed by Renault, it belonged to SNCF's X3800 series, with 251 units built. Nicknamed "Picasso" because of its off-centre driving cab, it was built to be rugged and economical, running on France's secondary lines for over 30 years. The Association's example, the X3926, entered service in 1955 and ran in several regions before being withdrawn in 1983. Bought by the Association in 2003, it is one of the few surviving examples still fitted with a first-class compartment and original seating.

The Picasso railcar at Villemoyenne

2. The Mercedes Unimog

Acquired in 2021, this road-rail vehicle is used to tow the railcar in the event of a breakdown. Built in 1982, it has been repainted in the Picasso's colours and classified as a vintage vehicle by the FFVE.

The Mercedes Unimog

Purpose of the Association

The Association is committed to preserving railway heritage and offering unique tourist experiences, with train rides running on Sundays between May and September.

This detailed overview highlights the historical and cultural importance of Montmirail's railway heritage, as well as the Association's efforts to preserve it and share it with the public.