Good afternoon everyone. Today I want to propose you a French diesel route, directly linked to my latest French proposal (PLM Line). This would be the Nevers-Chagny Line. In particular , the Chagny - Étang-sur-Arroux - Autun section. It would be set in 2019. We're in Eastern France, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region. Between the Côte-d'Or and Saône-et-Loire departments. The extensive Morvan hills dominate the landscape. Rising from the Saône Valley, the line passes through the village of Montchanin, arriving at Le Creusot. A famous town among French railway enthusiasts. Once home to the legendary 'Usine Schneider' (steam locomotives works). Today home to some special steelworks (Framatome, Alstom Transport and others). The route continues, reaching Étang-sur-Arroux. Here, the line splits, continuing towards Nevers. Our route, instead, takes a countryside branch, which goes directly up towards Autun. The final destination. Overall, this route could be described as a modern French Blackpool-Preston-Ormskirk, with a West Somerset-like setting. This is the Nevers-Chagny Line: Chagny to Étang-sur-Arroux and Autun! GENERAL FEATURES The section in question is 58km (36mi) long. Plus 14km (9mi) branch towards Autun. For a total of 72km (45mi) in length. The line is served by double track, standard gauge (1435 mm/4 ft 8+1⁄2 in), unelectrified (Main path). Single track, standard gauge, unelectrified (Autun branch). Only Chagny Junction is equipped with OHLE 1.5kV DC electrification. The path is equipped with: - BAL (Block Automatique Lumineux), literally "Automatic Luminous Block", as signaling system (Montchanin-Chagny stretch). - BAPR (Block Automatique à Permissivité Restreinte), literally "Automatic Block with Restricted Permissiveness", as signalling system (Étang-sur-Arroux – Montchanin stretch). - BMVU (Block Manuel Voie Unique), literally "Single Track Manual Block" (with old signals), as regarding signalling system (Étang-sur-Arroux – Autun stretch). - KVB (Contrôle de vitesse par balises), literally "Speed control by beacons", as regards safety system adopted. - GSM-R and RST ready, as regard comm. The maximum gradient on this section reaches 10%, especially on the climb up to Montchanin. The maximum permitted speed reaches 60-140km/h (37-87mph). The line is managed by: - SNCF Réseau S.A., public company of the French railway network. The passenger service is operated by: - SNCF Voyageurs S.A. : a) TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, better known as TER Mobigo - ABFC (Autorails de Bourgogne Franche-Comté), regarding railtours. - CFC (Chemins de Fer du Creusot), regarding railtours. The freight service is operated by: - FRET SNCF S.A., public company for French domestic freight transport. - VFLI, a SNCF Rail Logistic Europe company (Now Captrain France). - DB Cargo France S.A., specifically ECR (Euro Cargo Rail). - LINEAS S.A., private company linked to the Belgian SNCB (SNCB-Cargo). And some other private operators. ROUTE AND STATIONS The route has a total of 13 active stations/stops, as well as an additional 9 abandoned/demolished ones. Including the two stops on the Autun branch. The calls are, as follows: - Chagny (secondary platforms) South-East Terminal of the route, divided into two main areas: main (on PLM Line); secondary, located on the electrified link (Nevers Junction). Km162* Corpeau Junction electrified link ( loop PLM to PLM). 1.5kV DC electrification limit. Les Creusottes freight sidings (under 1.5kV DC). - Santenay-les-Bains, the only station in the Côte-d'Or territory. Km158* - Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Km156* - Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, Km149* Le Creusot service junction (LGV Sud-Est). KVB<--->TVM Montchanin freight yard and LGV service depot. - Montchanin, Intermediate station of the route. Km133* Connection towards Paray-le-Monial. Freight tracks to the Breuil (Schneider) steelworks complex. - Le Creusot-Ville, station equipped with a depot for railtour stock storage. Also present is the "Cœur de Ville" stop of the Le Creusot Touristic Railway (600mm gauge). Km126* - Marmagne-sous-Creusot, Km119* - Saint-Symphorien-de-Marmagne, Km117* - Broye, Km113* - Mesvres, Km109* Junction towards Autun (secondary branch). - Brion-Laizy, Km6** - Autun, passenger branch terminal. Equipped with historic stock depot and sidings. Km14** - Étang-sur-Arroux, North-West terminal of the line. Equipped with freight sidings. Km105* Towards Cercy-la-Tour and Nevers. I recall the presence of the Le Creusot TGV station, located near Montchanin (on LGV Sud-Est). * Distance from route origin, Nevers (Km0). ** Distance from route origin, Étang-sur-Arroux (Km0). ROUTE PLAN Maps views of the route (GOOGLE Maps Credit): the main route (blue) and the Autun branch (light blue). In addition to some major stops. Note (green) all the currently operational line connections. PASSENGER SERVICE REGIONAL - TER Mobigo Nevers – Autun – Dijon regional service: a) Nevers --> Dijon-Ville (Étang-sur-Arroux – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction) [direct] b) Étang-sur-Arroux --> Dijon-Ville (same as above) [direct] c) Le Creusot-Ville --> Dijon-Ville (Le Creusot-Ville – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction) [direct] d) Nevers --> Montchanin (Étang-sur-Arroux - Montchanin) [local] e) Autun --> Dijon-Ville (Autun - Étang-sur-Arroux – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction) [semi-direct] f) Autun --> Étang-sur-Arroux [local] - TER Mobigo Montchanin – Chalon-sur-Saône regional service: a) Montchanin --> Chalon-sur-Saône (Montchanin-Chagny) [local] b) Montchanin --> Chagny [local] d) Montchanin --> Étang-sur-Arroux [local] - TER Mobigo Chalon-sur-Saône – Paray-le-Monial regional service: a) Paray-le-Monial --> Chalon-sur-Saône (Étang-sur-Arroux - Chagny) [direct] b) Paray-le-Monial --> Montchanin (Montchanin - Étang-sur-Arroux) [local] c) Paray-le-Monial --> Étang-sur-Arroux (AI Only at Étang-sur-Arroux station) [local] RAILTOURS - Loco + coaches: a) Nevers --> Dijon-Ville (Étang-sur-Arroux – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction) b) Le Creusot-Ville --> Mulhouse (station) (Le Creusot-Ville – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction) c) Le Creusot-Ville --> Lyon Part-Dieu (Le Creusot-Ville - Chagny) - Railcar: a) Nevers --> Autun --> Dijon-Ville (Étang-sur-Arroux - Autun – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction). b) Le Creusot-Ville --> Mulhouse (Citè du Train)( Le Creusot-Ville – Santenay-les-Bains, then AI Only --> Corpeau Junction). The railtour destinations may be a bit imprecise, as they're taken from different events over several years (2016-2019). Normally, the route is travelled by railtours twice a year (Spring and Autumn), during the so-called "Balades en Morvan". Historic services with coaches are more regular. But you could play a bit with your imagination here... FREIGHT SERVICE The freight service is fairly straightforward, with A-B trips along the main stretch of the route, implemented by runs to/from the Coteau-Montchanin Line (Paray-le-Monial). There are also some internal services, operating between the Montchanin and Étang-sur-Arroux yards. The transported goods range from ballast (Infra service convoys) to steel coils/plates/rails, metal scrap (for steelworks), cereals, concrete powder and aggregates. Here are some examples of freight service: - Ballast, Montchanin Yard-->Cercy-la-Tour - Hoppers, Gevrey Yard-->Nevers - Steel coils, Digoin-->Culmont-Chalindrey - Mixed, Culmont-Chalindrey-->Digoin - Aggregates, Montchanin Yard-->Moulins-sur-Allier - Hoppers, Cercy-la-Tour-->St-Hilaire-au-Temple - Marble, Chalon-sur-Saône Yard-->St-Pierre-des-Corps - Boxcars, Clermont-Gravanches-->Fos Graveleau Collection/delivery operations are also present (Le Creusot sidings<--->Montchanin Yard). There are also many light engines services (collective or individual), with up to six locomotives in formation. Between the Nevers, Dijon-Perrigny and Chalindrey depots. ROLLING STOCK PASSENGER - REGIONAL - AGC B 81500 (BGC) Bi-mode MU, for TER Mobigo regional services. This is the bi-mode version of the famous family of French multiple units. Widely used in France (and Bourgogne), it's a powerful and fast rolling stock for TER services. It can either be powered by the OHLE network (1.5kV DC only), or use its diesel engines (on unelectrified routes, like this one). TER Mobigo has 37 B81500s, divided into 3 or 4 car units. Capable of 160km/h (100mph). It's used for the Dijon-Nevers and Chalon-sur-Saône-Paray-le-Monial direct services . Here present in the old "TER Bourgogne" livery. - X 73500 A-TER Diesel-hydraulic railcar, for TER Mobigo regional services. Small and funny French railcar, built by Alstom in the early 2000s. It consists of a single body, two diesel engines and a 2-speed Voith hydraulic transmission (automatic). It's massively used in France, with 48 examples belonging to TER Mobigo. It's used both individually and on multiple command (up to 3 units). Capable of 140km/h (87mph). Used for all TER services not covered by AGCs on this route. Including the Autun Branch. Here present in the old "TER Bourgogne" and "TER Franche-Comté" liveries. PASSENGER - RAILTOURS - X 3800 "Picasso" Diesel-mechanical railcar, for ABFC railtours services. Iconic and famous French railcars. Built in 1950-61 and in service from 1950 to 1988, they marked an era in French local transport (together with the X 2800s). Their iconic, elevated driving turret, a powerful Renault V12 diesel engine and their original silhouettes distinguish them. They can operate either individually or towing a second unit. ABFC owns 2 specimens, X 4039 and X 3886. Both are fully restored and in perfect working order. The first is authorized to 120km/h (75mph) (its maximum speed), while the second to 100km/h (62mph). Here they operate the railtour services called "Balades en Morvan" (Morvan Strolls). Here in their iconic "Rouge-Crème" liveries, 1950s (X 3886) and 1960s (X 4039) variants. Intro to the ABFC "Picasso" X4039 autorail, with engine, driver's cabin and interior presentation (unfortunately it's in French). Other heritage stock used: - OCEM coaches, 1930s/40s non-riveted panels version. Here present in "Vert" livery. - DEV AO coaches, 1940s/50s with painted body. Here present in "Vert" and "Vert-Grise" liveries. - DEV Inox coaches, 1950s with live striped steel body. Here present in "Inox" livery, with green or yellow bands (1st/2nd class). - USI coaches, 1960s former regional stock. Here present in "Vert-Grise" livery, with green or yellow bands (1st/2nd class). Railtour convoys are generally made up of 4/6 coaches, which can be pulled by a restored BB 67400 or the beautiful and powerful 241 P17 of the historic CFC group. The stock is preserved and stored at Le Creusot-Ville or Nevers depots. Please, put your LIKE here firs, Thank You! Continue Below...
FREIGHT - BB 67400 Diesel-electric locomotive, for FRET SNCF and Infra Réseau services. Old and unstoppable French diesel locomotives. Used practically everywhere in France, at least until early 2020s. They formed the SNCF diesel standard, with passenger, Intercités and freight uses. This is the 4th and last series of the original 67000s, built from 1969 to '75. Powered by a powerful V16 diesel engine and with a maximum speed of 140km/h (87mph), they're used here for most of FRET and Infra services. Here present in "Bleue Diesel" livery, in the two original variations (with short or long white bands and presence/absence of Carmillon logos), and in the more recent "FRET" and "Infra" liveries. Also present is the iconic 67611, in the beautiful "TEE Le Capitole" livery. Stored at Nevers and used on railtours. - BB 75000 Prima Diesel-electric locomotive, for FRET SNCF, Infra Réseau and LINEAS services. Popular series of French diesel locomotives (200 specimens), part of the Prima family by Alstom. Widely used on all unelectrified freight routes, both for mainline and delivery/shunting activities. Slightly less powerful than the 67000s, they're powered by an MTU V16 diesel engine, which together with the electric traction group, gives them a typical "hum" on traction. It's capable of 120km/h (75mph). On this line they carried out FRET and LINEAS freight services, as well as some Infra ones (ballast etc...). Here present in "FRET", "Infra" and in the three "LINEAS" variants (Pink, grey and black borders) liveries. - Vossloh Euro 4000 and EMD Class 66 (European version) Diesel-electric locomotives, for VFLI and DB Cargo France-ECR services. Two powerful and reliable mainline diesel locomotives. The first one belongs to the "Euro" family by Vossloh, built in the early 00s. It's widely used in central/northern Europe and Spain (Renfe 334). Equipped with powerful EMD V16 diesel engine combined with electric traction, it reaches 120km/h (75mph). There's also a 160km/h (100mph) version (Europorte). The second one is our beloved/hated class 66, which differs from the UK version for the slightly different driving bench and a different transmission ratio, which allows it to reach 126km/h (78 mph). On this route they perform some services for their respective companies. Here present in "VFLI", "Europorte" liveries (E 4000) and former EWS livery, now with ECR (Euro Cargo Rail) logos (Class 66). Other freight stock used: - Vossloh DE 18 Diesel-electric heavy shunting locomotive, for RégioRail services. - EMD Class 77 (Class 66 evolution) Diesel-electric locomotive, for RégioRail services. - BB 60000 Diesel-electric heavy shunting locomotive, for FRET SNCF services. - BB 69200/69400 "Mouettes" Diesel-electric heavy shunting locomotives, for FRET SNCF services. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES STRONG POINTS - The route is long and non-linear. - Good number of daily passenger services (about 45-50/day). - Good number of stops. - Good mix between stop patterns, with many service intersections. - Excellent mix of TER and freight services. - Presence of railtours. - Presence of freight traffic. - Presence of lightengine services. - Presence of shunting and delivery/collection activities. - Great route articulation, with fast central section and rural secondary branch. Forming a small network. - Good scenery variety: town (Autun and Le Creusot), countryside, hills. - Stunning and immersive landscape, full of details. - Presence of the Le Creusot Touristic Railway, which could be considered as a route Mastery. - Both the AGC and A-TER can be easily reused on many other French TER routes (with the possibility of creating many different versions of AGCs, given its modularity). - All rolling stock could be used on other future French routes. - Many layers are already available with rolling stock included. WEAK POINTS - The route isn't particularly fast, but it offers an excellent driving challenge. - Some old stops are abandoned/demolished. - The number of daily services isn't huge but enough to enjoy the route. - Mandatory to set it in 2019. In 2020 the Autun branch was temporarily closed, and to date the entire route is closed for total rebuilding and electrification works. STATIONS Chagny station, South-East terminus of this route. It's divided into two areas (with two main buildings), as can be seen on photo. The blue arrow indicates the group of platforms affected by this route. Opposite: the Paris-Lyon-Marseille Main Line. Le Creusot-Ville (Left) and Montchanin (Right) stations. Both very close to each other, they're important intermediate stops on the way. The first one has a large freight/service yard, while the second represents the historical heart of this route, base of some railtours. Continue Below...
Étang-sur-Arroux station, Western Terminal of the route, with its large freight area and direct connection to Autun. It's also the terminus for local passenger services on the branch. Autun station, Northern Terminal of the route and limit of the homonymous branch. It's equipped with large shunting sidings, as well as a small depot. As can be clearly seen on photo. The branch ends here (tracks interrupted shortly after the station area). The other stations follow the general style of those shown above. However, many of them consist of a simple "bus stop" style platform. ROUTE VIDEOS Thanks to @Basilerail for his wonderful videos! You can find more material on this line on his channel. IMAGES Left: Perrusson Villa, located near Montchanin. An important historical landmark in the area, belonged to the owner of the famous Écuisses Pottery factory. Right: Montchanin area, with its signal box in the foreground. In the left background, the large freight/service yard; on right, the station itself. Left: Torcy Lakes, with the artificial dam (left). Center of, the embankment hosting our railway and the main road towards Le Creusot. Right: Le Creusot, With the historic Schneider Steelworks on the foreground and the line toward Chagny (left). Note the 3 Torcy Lakes and the second steelworks area in the background. Left: Combes Park, Well-known attraction park in the area, clearly visible from the route (just before the only tunnel present). In the background, Le Creusot. Right: the Le Creusot Touristic Railway, which connects the namesake station with the park. 600mm gauge, it climbs the hill with many hairpin bends in the woods, arriving directly in the heart of the attractions area. There are small convoys, powered by both steam and diesel engines. It's what remains of an old service railway, part of an old quarry that stood on site of the Combes Park. CONCLUSIONS If you like small rural networks, this is the route for you! One of the major diesel lines in Burgundy, connecting the cities of Nevers, Moulins-sur-Allier and Dijon. A "hilly" journey, combining the experiences you can have on BPO and WSR. But with a very French landscape! Take control of the TER services in the area, ensuring direct connections between cities and local ones at all stops. Manage the numerous freight trains that cross the region to West, testing the locomotives on the Morvan slopes. Finally, take part in the periodic railtours with the splendid heritage units. Do what you want, here you'll find what you're looking for! This is the Nevers-Chagny Line: Chagny to Étang-sur-Arroux and Autun! Caravatt.
