European Railroad Discussion > Autorail Touristique du Minervois (ATM)

Passing by the freight yards in Narbonne today, I came across this rail car in ruins. A sad story has unfolded. In 2004 the X3800 railcar shown here was running a weekends only tourist train from Narbonne to Bize Minervois, a branch line heading north into the foothills. The ATM has not run since and six years of decay has set in. The somewhat strange rooftop cab reminded my of recent posts on both European and International discussion groups. Although there is no number on the unit, I believe it to be X3846.

Photos of the train in operation are still on the internet here:

http://autorailduminervois.monsite-orange.fr/

Further research reveals that the organization had high hopes of also using the ALCO built Mikado 141-R-1126 steam locomotive on the line, but the axle loading was found to be too great. This locomotive is based in Toulouse now and is running excursions on the main lines.

---

---

This type of autorail (with its asymmetrical roof-top cab) was nicknamed "Picasso" by french railfans.

Ray

Yes indeed, and it looks like Picasso visited the yard!