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The journey: an hour and a half at 10 km an hour, just
like in the good old days…
The departure point of the line is located at Froissy, a
small hamlet 3 km South of Bray-sur-Somme on départemental
route N°329. The plaform is right below the musuem, open
in 1997, that passengers can visit while waiting for the next
departure.
The little train of the Haute-Somme offers an ninety-minute
round trip between Froissy and Dompierre. It is a delightful
opportunity to explore the richness and variety of the Picardy
landscape, with its deep valleys and spreading plateaux.
The little train of the Haute-Somme
and the First World War
Inheriting these local narrow-gauge trains that were used
by the infantry men of 1914-1918 to bring up supplies and
munitions to the men, the little train of the Haute-Somme
runs on the line which carried supplies up to the front line
in 1916.
"The little old trains showed independence and shrieked
with determination, low-set, their backs laden with millions
of bullets, and between the crates the men themselves squatted
and dozed…" (G. Duhamel, "Civilisation 1914-1918").
The Military and Industrial Railway
Museum
Inside the museum, visitors
can learn about the history of 60-gauge track and admire some
of the finer pieces of the collection, presented in a 1,800
m² space. It includes significant equipment representing
each one of the combatants as well as more recent equipment
that is nonetheless interesting from a teachnical standpoint
-- making up a panorama of railroads that were military, then
agro-industrial, that so marked the period of 1880-1930, but
have completely disappeared today.
Among these treasures are: the 040 Vulcan (ex DR 99-3461)
of 1925, unique model, and the 131 T "Alco Cooke"
of 1917, ex "War Department," put back into original
condition. These locomotives, official historical monuments,
are in working order. The same for an American army Speeder
from 1917, the only example known to exist today.
Currently with 100 cars and 30 locomotives (of which 7 are
classified historical monuments), it is the largest 60-gauge
track collection in Europe, and it is preserved in an historical
location as well.
Practical info
Opening times
From 30/4 to 01/10, 2pm-7pm on Sundays and French
bank holidays.
From 14/07 to 26/08, 2pm-6pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and
2pm-7pm on Sundays and French bank holidays.
Visits
Departure from Froissy,
3 km south of Bray sur Somme on the D 329.
Guided tours in French and English for groups.
Visit length : 1:30 to 2 hours.
Car park in front of the museum, bar, shop.
Prices
Adults : 8.50 €
Children (5-12) : 5.50 €
Free for children under 5.
Concessions during the week : 7 € for adults.
The 'P'tit train de la Haute-Somme'
(tourist railway) and the Narrow Gauge Railways Museum
A.P.P.E.V.A - B.P. 106
- 80001 AMIENS Cedex 01
Tel : +33 (0)3 22 44 55 40
- Fax : +33 (0)3 22 44 04 99
E-mail : appeva@club-internet.fr
Website : www.appeva.org
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