[ RURAL RAILWAYS IN FRANCE ][ CHEMINS DE FER RURAUX DE FRANCE ]

[ Gare d' Etang-sur-Arroux ( Saône-et-Loire) ]

Etang-sur-Arroux is located on the cross-country route between Nevers and Chagny.  This is a double track line which carries freight traffic and local TER services between Dijon and Nevers. The line passes through pleasing countryside, and can definitely be characterised as a rural railway.

At Etang, the single track line to Autun branches off to the east of the station.  TER services from Montchanin to Autun reverse at Etang.

The freight trains are hauled by CC 72000 class locos and the local passenger services are operated with many flavours of EAD units in a variety of liveries, as well as X 73500 and X 72500 units and the occasional AGC.  In fact, a period of transition is apparent.    In 2007, more AGC's of Bourgogne region can be seen and fewer EAD units.

Log trains to and from Autun is now hauled by BB 66000 diesels of SNCF low cost subsidary VFLI.

The station building at Etang (former PLM) was recently renovated and gleams in the evening sunshine in March 2005.

The island platform sheltor was threatened with demolition during the station renovation but has survived due to protests from a local transport user group. The sheltor has been renovated in 2007.  It is shown here before renovation.

A pedestrian crossing to the west of the main station area.

To the east of the station, across the river, a local train from Autun joins the main line.

After reversal, the Autun train sets off for Montchanin, unfortunately nearly empty.  The telegraph poles are to be found all along this line, for the delight of the photographer.

Following on behind the TER, a long freight train is re-started from Etang by CC 472002, in August 2004.

At a busy time of the evening, this EAD waits at Etang to form a connection for Autun in March 2005.

This modernised EAD attached to Bourgogne Region pauses at Etang with a late afternoon TER from Nevers to Dijon, in March 2005.

This red and cream EAD formed a TER from Dijon to Nevers in June 1999, and is seen pausing at Etang-sur-Arroux at 10.30.

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All rights reserved | J.G.Skinner | 2005 - 2007

Page edited January 2008