Nestled in the charming town of Rosny-sous-Bois, just a stone's throw away from Paris, lies a hidden gem for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike – the Rosny-Rail Museum. This captivating museum, housed in the historic Rosny-sous-Bois station, offers a delightful journey through the fascinating world of railroads, from the late 19th century to the present day.
Rosny-Rail is not just a museum; it's a time machine that transports visitors back to the golden age of rail travel. The museum is thoughtfully divided into various thematic and chronological sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of railway history. From the evolution of railway tracks and signaling systems to the development of rolling stock, Rosny-Rail offers a comprehensive overview of the railway's impact on society and industry.
As you step into the museum, you'll find yourself in a meticulously recreated rural train station from the 1930s. The entrance hall, with its wooden ticket counter and luggage area, exudes a nostalgic charm. The waiting room, complete with a coal stove, evokes a bygone era when train travel was the epitome of adventure and sophistication. You'll also spot a vintage scale for weighing parcels, along with trunks and suitcases ready for dispatch, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
The railway track exhibit at Rosny-Rail is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of early railway engineers. The tracks have been painstakingly restored using rail sections salvaged from the station during maintenance work. This exhibit also features a collection of track maintenance tools, most of which date back to the early 20th century. These artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the labor-intensive process of keeping the railways in top condition.
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Safety has always been a paramount concern in railway operations, and the signaling systems exhibit at Rosny-Rail showcases a wide array of mechanical signals used throughout history. Each signal is accompanied by explanatory panels detailing its function and importance. Among the most impressive and unusual signals displayed outside the museum is the PLM company's checkered signal, dating back to the 1860s. Additionally, the museum boasts a Vignier-type signal box from the Moulins-sur-Allier region, meticulously dismantled and reassembled on-site.
One of the highlights of a visit to Rosny-Rail is the opportunity to try your hand at train driving. The museum features a reconstructed driver's cab from an old suburban train, allowing visitors to pilot a train on a miniature railway network. This interactive exhibit is a hit with visitors of all ages, offering a unique and thrilling experience.
The museum's collection of rolling stock is a true treasure trove for railway enthusiasts. Among the standout exhibits is the electric accumulator locomotive, built in 1930 by AEG on the base of a two-axle Prussian tender. This locomotive served until 1990 for shunting freight wagons on the industrial railway of La Plaine Saint-Denis, north of Paris. Rescued by the museum's dedicated members in 1997, it now stands as a proud testament to the resilience and adaptability of railway technology.
Another fascinating piece of rolling stock is the motorized draisine, a versatile vehicle used for transporting track maintenance crews and their tools. This draisine, extensively modernized, features a cabin with controls positioned centrally, allowing the driver to see in both directions from the same seat. Retired from active service in the mid-1990s, it was acquired by the museum in 1997 and remains a popular exhibit.
One of the most intriguing exhibits at Rosny-Rail is the hand-powered draisine, discovered in the Morbihan region at Questembert station. The museum's members, with the assistance of SNCF's mechanical service, painstakingly rebuilt its wooden chassis and propulsion system. Authorized for use on closed railway lines, this draisine has participated in several journeys, including a speed contest in Laupen, Switzerland, where it set a world record in its category with an average speed of 26.770 km/h over 200 meters.
Rosny-Rail is more than just a museum; it's a celebration of the railway's rich heritage and its enduring impact on society. Whether you're a seasoned railway enthusiast or simply curious about the history of train travel, a visit to Rosny-Rail promises an unforgettable experience. So, hop on board and embark on a journey through time at this delightful museum in Rosny-sous-Bois.
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