Different french trains

[Mario_v]

That's because it was modernized recently. All the refurbishment ended in 2004. These lines went from 75 mph non electrified main lines to high speed (137 mph) standards 

[blue streak 1]

The ROWs really appear immaculate.

[Mario_v]

Nice cab video too. It is nice to hear the engine chant in the Rampe des Sauvages, in the Lyon to Roanne main line, fighting the 2,6 grade. It is even perceptible the gradual lost of speed, wich must be near 70 something kilomettres per hour (some 44 mph). It might be noisy, but not as noisy as its younger cousins - portuuese rail 1900s - wich are really loud when climbing. Here are some videos :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3PdL7beVhI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMzuFgUu3Hg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emrfuJexLoA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAyz78CeH1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9MlKd3HpPE

With such a noisy engine - an SACM AGO V12 rated at 3000 HP (72000s have a V16 tated at 3600, i mean the original unrepowered units) - who needs a horn.

 

[french railroader]

Nice video!!!

If you want to see a cab ride (http://www.rail-videos.net/video/view.php?id=2106). The two big DC motor made some noise, it was magic.

 

[Mario_v]

That horn is a UIC unified type horn. It sounds ok in certain cases, but i also prefer a Nathan Airchime

[tomikawaTT]

Interesting video, and nicely done - but that horn sounds more appropriate to a low-rider pickup truck!

Just one of those cultural things, I guess...

Chuck

[Mario_v]

Well this kind of train is very special, and belongs to a rare breed. Up untill the 70s, there were seasons of these trains, especially to Lourdes. Besides this one, and recently, I've only take notice of a train of such kind (actually more than one, due to gauge differences between the Iberian Peninsula's tracks and almost all the rest of Europe)), wich happens to be more or less of a regular (once a year) between Ventimiglia, in the Italo / Frech border, via the cote d'Azur line, Hendaye / Irun (franco / spanish border) and Fatima in Portugal. The following photos show this year Iberian edition of the train on its way to its destination, already in portuguese metals.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=255939

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=256130

[blue streak 1]

Interesting even secondary lines have longer trains than most AMTRAK.

[Mario_v]

Normally, when somebody talks about french trains, one immediately thinks about TGVs and modern swift moving trains. But this time, something different.

So here we have a pilgrims train, hauled by a venerable, 3600 hp, 100 mph capable CC72000, using lines and branches that don't get to see many trains like this, or even trains at all, but are still kept by operational (freight) or strategic reasons. And of course, no concrete ties, and absolutely no high speed.

Here's the video, hope you like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYwpOLmR50I