France - Railway eras
Epoche I 1832-1925
The foundation of French railways by Private companies
EpIa 1832-1870
The experimental Era. Mainly short wagons for industry
EpIb 1871-1918
Steam locomotives mature. The CIWL (Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-lits) is formed.
In 1875 the "Decauville" 60cm Gauge prefabricated track is adopted for agricultural, industrial and military lines.
1879 - Birth of the state rail Network (l’État)
Following the "Freycinet" laws of 1879 many local and rural lines are constructed by private companies (Usually to Metre gauge). The "Freycinet" laws aimed to promote the economical developement of France by establishing Railways, Canals and Ports.
20 November 1883 - A law is passed agreeing the formation of the 6 major railway companies - Compagnie de Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM), Compagnie d'Orléans (PO), Compagnie du Midi (Midi), Compagnie du Nord (NORD), Compagnie de l'Est (l'Est) , Compagnie de l'Ouest (CF de l'Ouest). The State has a complex involvement with these companies when it comes to setting routes and providing capital.
In 1908 l’État took over the running of Compagnie de l'Ouest.
EpIc 1918-25
In 1875 the "Decauville" 60cm Gauge prefabricated track is adopted for agricultural, industrial and military lines.
1879 - Birth of the state rail Network (l’État)
Following the "Freycinet" laws of 1879 many local and rural lines are constructed by private companies (Usually to Metre gauge). The "Freycinet" laws aimed to promote the economical developement of France by establishing Railways, Canals and Ports.
20 November 1883 - A law is passed agreeing the formation of the 6 major railway companies - Compagnie de Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM), Compagnie d'Orléans (PO), Compagnie du Midi (Midi), Compagnie du Nord (NORD), Compagnie de l'Est (l'Est) , Compagnie de l'Ouest (CF de l'Ouest). The State has a complex involvement with these companies when it comes to setting routes and providing capital.
In 1908 l’État took over the running of Compagnie de l'Ouest.
The First World War - The need to move great quantities of men and material accross borders highlights the need for Standardisation. In 1922 the RIC (Regolamento Internazionale delle Carrozze. International Coach Regulations) and RIV (Regolamento Internazionale Veicoli. International Wagon Regulations) standards are set up. In France the OCEM (L'Office central d'études de matériel de chemins de fer) is established to standardise the French Rail Network.
Epoche II 1926-1945
The large Private companies are re-grouped in regions. There is a unification of rolling stock, however the companies retain their identity through the liveries applied to stock and infrastructure.
EpIIa 1926-1933
Appearance of Metal body coaches (OCEM,NORD). Steam locomotive performance is greatly enhanced and smoke deflectors are fitted to many types. Electrification (1.5kV) of the main routes of the PO. MIDI and PLM.
EpIIb 1934-1937
Signalling is standardised. Increasing numbers of Railcars are used. The PO and MIDI sign an Agreement to work together.
EpIIc 1938-1945
Creation of the SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français) - The Private railways are nationalsed and rolling stock is redistributed.
Epoche III 1946-1970
Although the SNCF was founded in 1938, the second world war slowed the process of unification. Unification of the French Rail network is completed immediately post war. Steam is gradually phased out in favour of Electric and Diesel traction.
A Dark green colour is adopted for all passenger coaches.
A Dark green colour is adopted for all passenger coaches.
SNCF Regions follow the old Railway company lines.
Rolling stock received prefixes to their numbers that denoted the region they belonged to:
1- Est Region
2- Nord Region
3- Ouest Region
4- Sud-Ouest Region
5- Sud-Est Region
6- Mediterannee Region
EpIIIa 1946-1949
Arrival of US steam locos to replace locomotives lost during the war. The famous 141R and 030 TU steam locomotives become a common sight. Standardised DEV coaches and Standard wagons are being built. The liveries of the old railway companies slowly dissappear.
EpIIIb 1950-1955
Establishment of a unified marking scheme for rolling stock
Extension of the 1.5kV electrified network.
Appearance of standard classes of Railcars as well as the INOX stainless Steel coaches.
Extension of the 1.5kV electrified network.
Appearance of standard classes of Railcars as well as the INOX stainless Steel coaches.
EpIIIc 1956-1960
The end of 3rd class coaches.
25kV Overhead electrification of the NORD and l'Est
Launch of the TEE Diesel services and the arrival of the new generation of standardised Electric locomotives
25kV Overhead electrification of the NORD and l'Est
Launch of the TEE Diesel services and the arrival of the new generation of standardised Electric locomotives
EpIIId 1961-1970
New liveries for Traction units - mainly concerns the Diesels and Railcars
UIC numbering is introduced and new, more colourful liveries begin to be applied to coaches.
Bogie freight stock is increased for faster freight services.
With the extensive closure of secondary lines the first Railway Tourist Operator is set up utilising historically significant stock.
UIC numbering is introduced and new, more colourful liveries begin to be applied to coaches.
Bogie freight stock is increased for faster freight services.
With the extensive closure of secondary lines the first Railway Tourist Operator is set up utilising historically significant stock.
Epoche IV 1971-1990
The end of steam and a decline in diesel traction in favour of electrification
The commissioning of the TGV-PSE.
The commissioning of the TGV-PSE.
EpIVa 1971-1979
The last remaining steam locomotives are withdrawn as well as much of the ancient single axle rolling stock.
The 'Energy Crisis' hits causing a move away from Diesel and Gas turbine locomotives.
The new Corail coaches are introduced.
EpIVb 1980-1990
The 'Energy Crisis' hits causing a move away from Diesel and Gas turbine locomotives.
The new Corail coaches are introduced.
The first TGV service begins on the new high speed line LGV (ligne à grande vitesse) Paris Sud-Est between Paris and Lyon.
The SNCF becomes aware of its International and National brand and liveries are updated.
The SNCF becomes aware of its International and National brand and liveries are updated.
Epoche V 1991-2004
New liveries are introduced to reflect Regional identities as well as liveries for specialised fright and construction vehicles.
EpVa 1991-1995
TGV Atlantic and Channel Tunnel are opened.
The Casquette logo is adopted
TER (Transport express régional) is set up for regional passenger trains
The Casquette logo is adopted
TER (Transport express régional) is set up for regional passenger trains
EpIVb 1995-1998
Multi-service liveries for locomotives
Reconstruction of the Corail coaches
Reconstruction of the Corail coaches
EpIVc 1998-2004
Transfer of TER management to the regions
Locomotives again receive specialised liveries (FRET, En voyage...)
Second modernisation of Corail coaches (TEOZ)
Locomotives again receive specialised liveries (FRET, En voyage...)
Second modernisation of Corail coaches (TEOZ)
Epoch VI 2005-
Implementation of the European directives opening the French Railways to competition. Private operators can now enter the SNCF network.
Adoption of the Carmillon Logo.
Regional authorities can now commission rolling stock for passenger traffic.
Adoption of the Carmillon Logo.
Regional authorities can now commission rolling stock for passenger traffic.
- Link to our REE catalogue
We import REE models who specialise in High quality French models. Their prices are competitive will all other mainstream European makes.
This is all subject to errors and interpretation - address any amendments, politely, to the shop e-mail.
View
Showing 0 - 0 of 0 products
Showing 0 - 0 of 0 products
Sorry, this category has no products