Paris Nord France September 1969

Going back over 53 years to my first visit to France for this broadside comparison with the previous post.

Between turns on the commuter trains SNCF 141TC 2-8-2 39 lays up in the siding at the platform end at Paris Gare du Nord. Note the hose pipe topping up the sidetanks.

Built in 1934 these big ex-Nord 2-8-2 tanks were impressive machines & at this time they were working the very intensive push & pull suburban services smokebox-first out of Paris.

All were withdrawn by August 1970 when steam finished in Paris and only one example was preserved.