Train de Rillé, Railway museum in Rillé, France.
Train de Rillé is a railway museum operating a narrow-gauge line that stretches about 3 kilometers through woodlands alongside the lake. The route winds through groves in the Centre-Val de Loire region and uses restored vintage equipment.
Two railway enthusiasts founded the Train de Rillé association in 1977 to preserve rare and historical railway equipment. The collection grew over time as volunteers restored additional locomotives and cars for public display.
The site takes its name from the nearby lake and draws visitors interested in railway history and preservation. The restored cars and locomotives reflect different periods of French rail transport through their design and details.
Trains run from late April to October, with diesel services on July and August Saturdays. At the water stop, passengers can watch the locomotive take on water, and at each terminus the engine is turned and reattached. The semi-circular roundhouse, reached by a riveted steel spiral staircase, holds the depot visit.
Association members built their own roundhouse and turntable to store and maintain the locomotives on site. This hands-on construction shows the dedication of volunteers to keep the museum operating.
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