At the French National Railway Museum, Mulhouse
'Le Musée Français du Chemin de Fer'
May 30 2003 & October 9 2003

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In the Reserve Collection - October 9 2003

On October 9 2003 major building work was under way which, in 2004, will result in the opening of a new exhibition hall. Some of the vehicles displayed in the main hall had already been moved in to the reserve store so it was very good to be able to get access to them.

A large new exhibition hall was under construction. It will open sometime in 2004. October 9 2003

The large new exhibition hall was under construction. It will open sometime in 2004. October 9 2003

In May 2003 140A259 was to be found stored in the open pending restoration. The class was designed in 1912 and there is a direct line of descent to the SNCF 150Ps. May 30 2003

In May 2003 140A259 was to be found stored in the open pending restoration. The class was designed in 1912 and there is a direct line of descent to the SNCF 150Ps. May 30 2003

Nord 140A259 was undergoing cosmetic restoration prior to display in the new building. Apparently the loco is to be placed on its side as part of a Second World War display. On the left in Monsieur Le Director Jean-Marc Combe. October 9 2003

During the Autumn of 2003 Nord 140A259 was undergoing cosmetic restoration prior to display in the new building. Apparently the loco is to be placed on its side as part of a Second World War display. On the left in Monsieur Le Director Jean-Marc Combe. October 9 2003

The 140A class are four cylinder compuunds. This shows the outside right hand high pressure cylinder. Above the piston valve, controlled by the rodding, is the simple to compounding valve. October 9 2003
The 140A class are four cylinder compounds. This shows the outside right hand high pressure cylinder. Above the piston valve, controlled by the rodding, is the simple to compounding valve. October 9 2003

140A259 might have seen better days but at least it looks to be substantially complete. October 9 2003

140A259 might have seen better days but at least it looks to be substantially complete. October 9 2003

Clearly the locomotive had not been given a coat of paint or any serious attention in a very long time. October 9 2003
Clearly the locomotive had not been given a coat of paint or any serious attention in a very long time. October 9 2003

Many of the cab controls on 140A259 were missing but at least the cab seats are still there ! October 9 2003
Many of the cab controls on 140A259 were missing but at least the cab seats are still there ! October 9 2003

131TB ? This nice 2-6-2 simple is an Etat Railway locomotive. October 9 2003

A PLM 4-6-0, 230B114. This locomotive was designed by PLM CME Charles Baudry. The high pressure cylinders are outside and the locomotive has separate valvegears for the high and low pressure sides. October 9 2003

A PLM 4-6-0, 230B114. This locomotive was designed by PLM CME Charles Baudry. The high pressure cylinders are outside and the locomotive has separate valvegears for the high and low pressure sides. October 9 2003

This is the cab of 230B114. An interesting feature of PLM locos is the spy hole above the firehole door allowing the condition of the fire to be ascertained. This system has the advantage of not having to open the firehole door and thus disturb the air flow. However just how much use this spy hole would be in service is debatable. Examining the fire on the move often requires the firehole door to be open and the use of the shovel to manipulate the airflow before all parts of the fire can be seen. October 9 2003

This is the cab of 230B114. An interesting feature of PLM locos is the spy hole above the firehole door allowing the condition of the fire to be ascertained. This system has the advantage of not having to open the firehole door and thus disturb the air flow. However just how much use this spy hole would be in service is debatable. Examining the fire on the move often requires the firehole door to be open and the use of the shovel to manipulate the airflow before all parts of the fire can be seen. October 9 2003

The driver's gauges are nicely arranged on 230B114. October 9 2003
The driver's gauges are nicely arranged on 230B114. October 9 2003

This is the cab of another PLM engine - 231H8. This loco is considerably more up to date than the 230B. Note the spy hole again. October 9 2003

This is the cab of another PLM engine - 231H8. This loco is considerably more up to date than the 230B. Note the spy hole again. October 9 2003

Two of the gauges on 231H8. The left hand gauge displays brake pressures whilst the right hand gauge shows steam pressure. The lowest is boiler pressure, then steam chest on the high pressure side and at the top pressure in the low pressure steam chest. October 9 2003

Two of the gauges on 231H8. The left hand gauge displays brake pressures whilst the right hand gauge shows steam pressure. The lowest is boiler pressure, then steam chest on the high pressure side and at the top pressure in the low pressure steam chest. October 9 2003

This crank axle is another remnant of a 141P. October 9 2003
This crank axle is another remnant of a 141P. October 9 2003
Another locomotive in the reserve shed is 141TB424. This locomotive is privately owned and was under overhaul. October 9 2003
Another locomotive in the reserve shed is 141TB424. This locomotive is privately owned and was under overhaul. October 9 2003

With most of the smokebox fittings removed and all the tubes out a good clear view of the tubeplate, superheater header and main steam pipes can be seen on 141TB424. October 9 2003

With most of the smokebox fittings removed and all the tubes out a good clear view of the tubeplate, superheater header and main steam pipes can be seen on 141TB424. October 9 2003

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