History…

 

     This railway company was part of a system of 4 lines (companies) which were connected by interchange stations.

 

The Boisleux to Marquion line was opened in 1874, and Marquion to Cambrai twenty three years later.

 

In 1914 operation was suspended because of the war. The German withdrawal  in 1917 allowed the allied forces to recover the system and after rebuilding to develop new lines.

 

In 1930 the four companies merged to constitute the “Compagnie Générale des Voies Ferrées d’Intérêt Local” (CGL).

 

In 1961 the CGL company was bought by the "Régie départementale des transports du Pas-de-Calais" (PDC).

 

On the 15th of October 1962 passenger service of the Boisleux-Marquion-Cambrai line was transfered to road vehicles.

 

On the 31st of December 1969 goods traffic was abandonned.

From prototype to model

 

I have been charmed by the history and the rolling stock of these companies. From these four lines, I have imagined a new branch, built by Allied forces in 1917, starting from the line between Quéant and Marquion stations. This small branch heads south to a small terminus station… it is the theme of my new layout. You can follow the construction here.

 

This project dates from 1997 in my head –a long time ago! Lots of details like the trackplan, clearences, ratio between track and scenery, and reliability of the locomotives have held me back until now.

 

In 2002, I have solved most of these problems, and I have decided to begin building the layout.

 

Many wagons, locomotives and a railcar are completed. Other items are under construction...