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Gamaches Editorial
Published on
Nov. 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
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The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme (CFBS) proudly celebrated the return to the rails of the SE Somme U 13021 gondola wagon, after a meticulous restoration carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers. This project, started in 2016, brought new life to a historic witness to the Somme railways.
The history of the wagon
Built in 1920 by the Belgian company “La Construction” in Manage, this wagon was part of a series intended to replenish the fleet of rolling stock destroyed during the First World War. Used mainly for the transport of agricultural and industrial products, this wagon was requisitioned during the Second World War for the construction of the Atlantic Wall. With the advent of road transport in the 1950s, the use of freight wagons declined, leading to their gradual abandonment after the closure of the Lanchères rasperie in 1965.
Rescue and restoration
Saved from scrap metal in 1971 by the CFBS association, the wagon was preserved as is for several decades. In 1993, it was classified as a Historic Monument, recognizing its heritage importance. Faced with the gradual deterioration of its structure, a restoration project was launched in 2016.
The restoration process involved several key steps:
2016-2017: authorization request and subsidies, preliminary studies and acquisition of materials.
2017-2020: removal of recoverable elements, anti-rust treatment, reconstruction of structural parts and temporary assembly.
2021-2023: manufacturing and installation of woodwork, painting, and preparation for final assemblies by hot riveting.
2024: finalization with the installation of the floor, accessories and markings.
The inauguration
On August 14, the restored rail car made its first trip in decades, once again carrying passengers and freight across the CFBS network. This event was marked by the enthusiasm of the volunteers, led by Jean-Pierre Laumond, and the emotion of seeing years of hard work come to fruition. Thursday October 31, the machine was officially inaugurated during a ceremony in the presence of the mayor of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme Daniel Chareyron.
It should be noted that the success of this project would not have been possible without the support of the Drac Hauts-de-France and the Somme Departmental Council, but above all the volunteers of the association, who worked with passion during these seven years.
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