| From 1st March 2008, SNCF withdrew the one remaining daily passenger train that ran in each direction between Ussel and Montlucon. The service was replaced by a bus.
The line had been run down over a period of time and many crippling speed restrictions had been imposed in the months leading up to the end of passenger trains. Through trains from Paris had ceased in December 2007, the poor condition of the track dictating that the through loco-hauled trains could no longer safely operate. These pictures were taken on an unseasonably mild day in January 2008. The X2200 units that worked the branch in its final days have a handy cycle storage area at the front of the train next to the drivers cab. With the consent of the staff I was able to stand at the front and record the line for posterity. |
001. X2251 approaches Ussel to form the 1323 to Montlucon. Buy Print |
002. First stop for the Montlucon train is at Aix La Marsalouse. Although a daily Limoges to Clermont Ferrand passes this station, since the cessation of the Montlucon service, no trains call here, only buses. Buy Print |
003. The lonely junction of Eygurande Merlines, named after the nearest two villages. A daily train to Clermont Ferrand still calls here. Every time I have stopped at this station, no-one boarded or alighted. Buy Print |
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004. East of Eygurand Merlines, the Montlucon line branches left, the line to Volvic and Clermont Ferrand continues ahead. Buy Print |
005. St Merd La Breuille was already closed to traffic by January 2008. Buy Print |
006. An elderley couple wait to board the train as it arrives at Giat. As they have suitcases, its likely they will require the Paris connection at Montlucon. Buy Print |
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007. Letrade. The passing loop wont be needed. Buy Print |
008. Merinchal station. Buy Print |
009. Les Mars was already closed to traffic. Buy Print |
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010. Auzances, open to traffic, and indeed one passenger joined the train! Buy Print |
011. Reterre was open but lacking in passengers. Buy Print |
012. Evaux Les Bains, a staffed station with passing loop, all that was missing were passengers. Buy Print |
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013. Evaux Les Bains, station clock. Buy Print |
014. The spartan facilities at Budelier Chambon weren't likely to attract passengers. Buy Print |
015. Teillet Argenty, overgrown and neglected, but still open for traffic in January 2008. Buy Print |
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016. Lignerolles, deserted. Buy Print |
017. Nearing journeys end as we approach the junction at Montlucon. Buy Print |
