Les Train de Mouettes 1/08/11

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Posted on:  8th August 2011
Updated on: 5th August 2012
A rare trip to see some French steam action brought Totally-transport.co.uk to the 'train of the gulls' in the Charente Maritime department to ride behind the oldest operational standard gauge steam locomotive in France. The experience was something quite different to your average preserved line in the UK, as you shall see if you care to read on! 
Related Links:
Photos  
Video (5:47,HD)
Key Information:
Locomotives:
No:51 100 (diesel)
No:2503 of 1891 
Prices return (EUROS):
Adult 13euro
child -(4-11) 6.50euro
family 36euro
Verdict:
(Above: Schneider 0-6-0T No:2503 'Progres' simmers at Saujon on 1st August 2011)

Continental Quirks

Having never really visited any preserved lines outside the UK, we assumed that things would generally be similar to how British heritage lines operate, with quite frequent trains, almost all steam hauled with, if you wish, a small guide book or similar to explain what you see through the carriage window. We were quite wrong! This being France, the home of leisurely lunches, Les Train Des Mouettes offered just two round trips, one in the morning, leaving Saujon at 10:00am and another in the late afternoon at 3:15pm! (Right: No:51 100 prepares to run around at La Tremblade)  

A Journey Described

We joined the train at Saujon, where before we were allowed to 
board the train, comprised of 'carriages', in fact converted closed vans with wooden bench like seats and perspex windows at either end and open, glass less, windows at the side, we were given a brief talk (in French) by the guard over the system of speakers in each coach. Afterwards the friendly guard also chatted to us in English and we learnt that he was an honoury life member of the Ffestiniog Railway. His English was very good indeed - it is doubtful that if you went to a British heritage line you'd get this kind of service if your first language wasn't English! 
The train was diesel hauled for the first leg and we were treated to an informative guided tour of sorts with the guard explaining what we could see and pointing out items of interest in English and French. The line passes though some interesting  and varied scenery, punctuated by numerous level crossings, each one requiring a lengthy blast on the horn! A good amount of wildlife could be seen from the train including stalks and herons. At each station the guard hopped out and swapped to a different carriage, because of the non corridor stock, to continue the tour. 
In contrast to some preserved lines in Britain the station buildings were of the distinctly basic pre fabricated type rather than originals and the fencing was of the modern variety.
(Left: the station buildings, platform and fencing at Saujon) 
At Chaillevette we got a look at Schneider built 0-6-0T 'Progres' of 1891 and the station yard which provided a stabling point for an interesting selection of diesels. Somewhat disapointingly at La Tremblade the line terminates rather abruptly in, well, a car park with a platform and run around loop and not much else to tempt people off the train. 
Consequently, unlike some UK lines, the turn around was quite quick and we were soon on the move once more. When we returned to Chaillevette the locomotives swapped around and 'Progres' was coupled to the head of the train. This arangement meant that both  
 round trips would have the steam engine for at least part of the run. According to the guard, at one time the railway had attempted to run an entirely steam hauled service but had found that it placed too much strain on the volunteers.   

Locomotives

Les Train Des Mouettes is home to two steam locomotives, one of which is operational the other, only recently aquired is currently undergoing overhaul. 'Progres' was built by Schneider in 1891 as part of a batch of 4 locos and spent its working life on the network of lines between the Rhone and Loire until 1960 when it was withdrawn and preserved. It is now the oldest operational standard gauge locomotive in France.
(Right: Schneider 0-6-0T No:2503 'Progres' has just backed onto its train at Chaillevette) 

About the railway

The line was built in 1875, and, although it carried some passengers, 
its main income was from carrying goods such as salt, vingar and oysters. Eventually in 1980 SNCF, the French state railways, closed the line as it was uneconomical. Four years later the preservationists took over and restored the line to what you see today. 

Conclusions

Overall, Les Train Des Mouettes provides a most interesting and unusual experience to those more used to British heritage lines. It's fares are attractive, it passes through some interesting scenery and the running  commentary was very informative. Les Train Des Mouettes should be very proud of it's friendly, accomdating volunteers and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. If there is one minor niggle it is that the train was not steam hauled for the whole journey and the frequency of services could be improved - I might have stayed and done some linesiding if I did not have to wait so long for the next train - but that is just me trying to find fault!