Chemin de Fer du Val de Passey, Heritage railway in Choloy-Ménillot, France.
The Chemin de Fer du Val de Passey is a narrow-gauge railway running through forested terrain and crossing two streams. The track spans approximately 800 meters in length and is located near the town of Toul in northeastern France.
Banker Jacques Maginot discovered a Bagnall steam locomotive named Charles in 1968 and had it restored to working condition. The railway later expanded with additional rolling stock to offer rides through the forested valley.
The railway preserves two historical locomotives, Charles and Simonne, representing different aspects of French industrial and military engineering heritage. Visitors can observe these machines as they journey through the forested landscape.
The railway operates only a few days each year between June and September, with trains typically departing in the afternoon. Visitors should verify scheduled operating days before planning a visit, as departures are infrequent.
Two wooden passenger coaches were built by Jacques Maginot himself and carry a combined total of 30 passengers. These hand-built carriages represent an unusual example of private railway restoration.
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