The First Tests

The First Tests

the C.F.D.'s Petolat tractor.

In order to carry out the numerous maneuvers at Gueugnon station on their Saône-et-Loire network, the Cie C.F.D. used a steam locomotive until 1930. At that time, the heavy traffic at Gueugnon station did not allow the presence of a reserve locomotive, the C.F.D. decided to acquire a small petrol engine to free up the locomotive assigned to Gueugnon, which was to provide this reserve service.

Access to our range of shunters

The Saône-et-Loire network, serving the Forges de Gueugnon, was obliged to provide an important shunting service in this station. To do this, the 030 Fives-Lille "L'Anguille" machine had been detached from the Mortcerf depot. This machine having been sold to the Forges de Gueugnon to serve their domestic network in 1914, the Toulon-sur-Arroux depot had to provide a machine from the concession to replace it. In 1930, as this locomotive became necessary to cope with the line service, the Company considered acquiring a small petrol tractor to replace it. After various consultations with the manufacturers, it opted for a two-axle model manufactured by Maison Petolat in Dijon.

Description of the Petolat des C.F.D. tractor.

This machine was equipped with a 12 HP Austro-Daimler engine driving both axles by means of chains. The engine was placed under a small front hood. The cabin, with a forward-facing roof, was located at the rear and extended into a small hood housing the fuel tank and a tool box. A platform with a reinforced railing had been fitted at the bow for the marshallers. A running board ran on each side along the length of the vehicle. Visibility was restricted, with only two skylights at the front and rear. Its weight was 4 t.

The livery of this tractor was light grey and the yellow painted markings were limited to the company monogram and registration on each side of the body.

C.F.D.'s P.E. 5 locotractor in Cheylard station (Photo B. ROZE)
C.F.D.'s P.E. 5 locotractor in Cheylard station (Photo B. ROZE)

Delivery and assignment of the C.F.D. Petolat tractor.

Registered PE 5, it was delivered in Toulon-sur-Arroux on July 9, 1930, then tried two days later. It was capable of towing a train of 4 to 5 cars at a speed of 12 Km/hour. Put at the disposal of the Gueugnon station from August 12, 1930, it also contributed to the maneuvers inside the Forges de Gueugnon factory.

He remained assigned to this service until the closure of the network in 1954, then was transferred to the Cheylard depot on July 28th of the same year, where he replaced the last IG type machine for station manoeuvres. It was awarded to the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Vivarais (C.F.V.) at the end of 1968.

source : MTVS 1989-1

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