CF de Vivarais starts operation again today

[Andy Hayter]

Today the CFV started operation once more after 5 years out of service.

 

Compare the new passenger coach with the original source - post 33

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/38924-prototype-photos/page-2

 

 

 

I had the impression that todays service was by invitation only and certainly there was a large reception and formal speeches by a number of politicians.  Sadly the Mallet will next see service in Lamastre in September - until then there are daily services from St Jean through the Doux gorge.

[PaulRhB]

Nice to see it open again, amazing to think I saw it back in the 80's, those van conversions are good but not as pretty as the balcony coaches they had.

[Joseph_Pestell]

I accept the need for open coaches for tourist operation (coach parties were always a mainstay of the preserved CFV) but hope that proper carriages will get some outings too for proper enthusiasts to ride in.

 

It rather looks as though they have cut all the strength out of the underframe to fit those steps. Passengers presumably much lighter than the freight that the wagons were designed for.

[DLT]

Brilliant news.

[Fat Controller]

Glad to see they're back, even if they only run part of the 'original' route- we passed by Lamastre, for the first time in twenty years, the year before last, and saw they were getting piles of sleepers ready. Fond memories of 'camping sauvage' between the Doux and the level crossing at Le Plat in 1980- the morning trains would consist of an early railcar in each direction, then a Tournon- Lamastre steam hauled train, with a railcar following as relief. Nothing would then budge for three hours, whilst some serious troughing took place..