The train of the Bas-Berry
Train with a metric gauge line
Region : Centre
Photos SABA
Description:
Standard established in England that the normal width of a railway track is 1435 mm (4 feet 8 1/2 inches) in most countries of the world.This line was created in 1902 and is called path metric because its width is 1000 mm (width often used in mountain railways). After a long use, the line, an initial length of 190 km is significantly reduced in 1973 and closed in 1988 .
Since 1989, volunteers passionate decide to keep the line from the Lucay-to-Male to Argy (27km between Valencay and the Brenne Regional Park) and have founded the Association of Blanc-Argent (SABA).
First touristic trains operate in summer 2003.
In terms of 'engines', the 'Train of Bas Berry' has:
- 2 diesel rail locomotives' Deutz ' of 1955 (the pulling passenger and freight trains)
- 1 trackmobile 'Brookville' of 1945, with a slashing arm (maintenance of track surrounding)
- 1 steam locomotive 'Corpet-Louvet' 020T (pull passenger trains)
- 1 steam locomotive 'Corpet-Louvet' 040T (currently awaiting revision)
- 1 speeder 'Billiard' (under refurbishment)
- 1 speeder 'Renault' of 1931, fitted out to carry a dozen people
In addition to traction equipment, the network also uses a railcar 'Verney' and its trailer, both dating from 1951. A railcar 'De Dion-Bouton' of 1947 is still awaiting restoration.
About the hauled material, the association puts ready for the carriage of passengers
- 2 cars 'Swiss' with axle and platforms built in 1917
- 3 bogie coaches from the early last century and originally constructed for the network of 'Streetcars of the Sarthe' and which has also circulated on the network of the 'PO Correze' and the 'Touristic Railway of the Vivarais'
- 1 car-platform, former boxcar modified
- 2 'Baladeuses' with axle coming from the conversion of 2 covered boxcars
The touristic train is also in line for goods :
- 2 luggage vans, including one to restore
- a dozen of different cars
- 1 car crane older than a century.
Planning:
Depending of the destination you choose, plan of one to three hours, taking as a starting point Ecueille.Be careful: If you take a different starting point, be sure of the timing to come back.
In all cases, ask confirmation of the timings to the SABA before boarding trains.
Year 2010
Period of activity of the trains
'Regular' activity with 'diesel' and railcars trains (all departures from the Ecueille station):
- From June the 20th to September the 19th, Sundays and bank holidays.
- In July and August, trains run also on Wednesdays afternoon.
Activity with 'steam' trains (all departures from the Ecueille station):
- On June the 20th, on July the 11th, 14th & 25th, on August the 4th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 25th and on September the 19th
'Special' charters planned for groups only:
These trains travel all the year except during the days of regular traffic and require prior booking.
The date, type of traction and the route are the choice of groups.
Departure may be from another station then the Ecueille one.
Hourly trains
Ecueille Departures:
- on Sundays and bank holidays: 12:00, 14:00, 14:15, 15:20 & 16:25
- on Wednesdays in July and August: 14:00, 15:15 and 17:00 .
Note: A 'pass - free movement' ticket can be issued.
This ticket allows the holder to use all desired trains in a single day of traffic, within time constraints. Disclaimer : The management team of the destination has the possibility to change the opening days and hours without prior communication.
Comments:
The regional train 'TER' is present at the Lucay de Male and links may be possible with the touristic train. Ask the S.A.B.A. association.Thanks to the work of the association and to the 5 towns crossed, you'll love to walk along the old renovated buildings such as train stations, houses of crossing guards, and the beautiful workshop in station of Ecueille.
The line is indeed registered as Historical Heritage (Lane, houses of gatekeepers, stations and some machines).
Address:
La Foulquetiere36240 Ecueille
6 stations are served by train, depending on the day of the week.
- 36360 Lucay Le Male: N 47°07'51'', E 01°26'32''
- Foulquetiere
- 36240 Ecueille(main station): N 47°05'06'', E 01°20'50''
- 36180 Heugnes: N 47°00'46'' , E 01°24'34''
- 36180 Pellevoisin: N 46°59'02'', E 01°24'54''
- 36500 Argy (6km at the north of Buzancais via the D11 ): N 46°56'23'', E 01°26'21''
N 47°05'06'', E 01°20'50''
Click here to see the route (on a new tab)
