Vivarais

This is a handsomely done history of the Vivarais Railway which is considered one of the premier narrow gauge preserved lines in Europe. Once part of a 126 mile long narrow gauge system set in the spectacular mountain scenery of the Massif Central, it was noted for its enormous locomotives (including a number of Mallets), amazing civil engineering and fascinating set of rail cars. This book details its original construction, operation and demise as well as the revival of two sections. Covers the Chemin de Fer Departementaux (CFD) era (1890-1968), the routes, operations, steam locomotives, railcars and diesel locomotives, rolling stock, and the efforts to preserve the Vivarais and the section in the Haute-Loire. Illustrated throughout with informatively captioned black and white photos. With rosters of CFD steam locomotives, rail cars, passenger coaches, and CFV preserved locomotives and rail cars. Also includes 2-page map of the original system, track maps, gradient profiles, and bibliography. 96 pages with index.