Chugging along a forgotten track. That’s the feeling you get standing before the Musé des tramways à vapeur et des chemins de fer secondaires français. This isn’t just a museum it’s a living testament to France’s railway heritage. Founded in 1976 near Valmondois station the museum initially bore the name Musée des Transports de la Vallée du Sausseron. It showcased a remarkable collection of vehicles from France’s departmental railways. Dedicated volunteers painstakingly restored these relics.
For years visitors could enjoy a unique experience. They could ride the “chemin de fer des impressionnistes” a one kilometer metre-gauge line. This short journey offered a glimpse into the past. Certain vintage vehicles from the museum’s collection were operational. Rides were offered on the first and third Sundays of the month. This continued until 2008. Then disaster struck. Rocks tumbled from a nearby hillside blocking the track’s terminus. The line became inaccessible. Steam trains were restricted to a mere 500 meters.
The setback didn’t deter the museum’s spirit. In 2013 a bold plan emerged. The museum would relocate to Crèvecoeur-le-Grand. The project called “Train à Vapeur du Beauvaisis” began. This new location offered a better future. They were able to use the former Saint-Omer-en-Chaussée to Vers line. It would provide a longer route for the museum’s steam trains. By 2017 a 1.6 kilometer section was operational.
The museum’s collection is truly impressive. Thirty vehicles hold the coveted “Monument historique” classification. Seven more are on a supplementary list. The collection includes steam locomotives like the “Lulu” a Corpet-Louvet 0-6-0T. There’s also the “La Ferté-Bernard” a Blanc-Misseron 0-6-0T. These are just a few stars in a constellation of remarkable railway artifacts. The museum also boasts a variety of railcars and freight wagons many meticulously restored. The collection showcases a fascinating cross-section of France’s railway history.
The Musé des tramways à vapeur et des chemins de fer secondaires français is more than a museum. It’s a passionate endeavor. It’s a testament to the dedication of its volunteers. They continue to breathe life into these historic vehicles. They share a part of France’s past with the world. It’s a journey through time a ride on the rails of memory. So take a moment absorb the spirit of this extraordinary place. Let its chugging engines whisper stories of days gone by. It is a celebration of France’s rich railway heritage. A place where history truly comes alive.