Welcome to the mini network. First, let us introduce you to the beginnings and general conception of this project.
Ninety per cent of the equipment that was used to build this network comes from a donation by Mr Roger Martel, a model maker from Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf, who felt he was growing old and, having no heir, wished to donate his equipment to an organisation which was likely to make good use of it. Mr Martel died in August 1999 and we were authorised to dismantle the network in his house in January 2001. The town council of Igoville has repaired this hall and we have been able to use it since the 1st of June 2001.
Our project was to reproduce, as accurately as possible, all the actual rail tracks between Sotteville and Vernon. Thus we have, in the right part of the hall : four tracks between Sotteville and Vernon and two sidings in Sotteville, two tracks between Oissel and Val de Reuil, three tracks in Val de Reuil, with the central one that can be used in both directions, two tracks between Val de Reuil and Gaillon, and two tracks between Gaillon and Vernon. Each end of the network terminates with a loop which allows trains coming one way to go back in the opposite direction, thus making a circuit. In Vernon, the loop goes underground, beneath the fun fair, whereas in Sotteville, the loop bypasses the depot, which has an engine shed and a swing bridge.
On the network, entirely made with double tracks, the distance between trains is maintained by a train-operated block system. The trains actually make the signals close or open with automatic controls. On top of this, a closed signal can put the train to a stop. Furthermore, three signal boxes control the installation : box 1 from Sotteville to Oissel, box 2 from Val de Reuil to Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray and box 3 from Gaillon to Vernon. Moreover, an ancillary signal box controls the shunting in the depot. All the points are shunted from these boxes and the points man can also operate the signals in order to use the sidings and to make overtakings.
The digital system was installed in February 2004 ; since then all the engines running on the network are operated individually from a central control in box 2. The pointsman can operate an engine at any time to change its speed, make it stop or go in the opposite direction, regardless of its position on the network.
The decoration, which is almost finished, also makes you enjoy the discovery and the visit.
Finally, when you leave the hall, in the corridor, you will also be able to see and purchase, on your left, various cartoons about rail workers, and on your right, a collection of gorgeous tourist posters - some of which date back to 1890 -, information documents, a CD-Rom on the history of steam and the arrival of rail in Normandy, videotapes on steam, on mini tourist railways and on any technical subject you might like.
The visit is free of charge. However, you will find a moneybox at the exit: your donations will be used exclusively for the maintenance and improvement of our network.
Good afternoon to you all and thank you for your visit.