CFBS Gala 25/26 April 2026

https://chemindefer-baiedesomme.fr/fr/fete-de-la-vapeur-2026/machines-et-locomotives-invitees

First few locos announced, including RhB no. 14, a 2-6-0T from Switzerland, a Belgian tram loco from Thuin, and PKP Ty2 6690, currently running as an SNCF 150 Y 6690.

 

The group with the Kriegslok are also bringing a 230D when I checked a few moments ago. Confusingly they say Pacific Locomotive 230D but a 230D is definitely not a Pacific.
Now includes a list of French invitees. Suzanne, a Corpet-Louvet 0-6-2T, a Decauville 0-6-0T from CFCFD and a 2-6-0T formely of the Reseau Breton and although the picture is of an SNCF BB67000 diesel, the accompanying piece says that the L’Amicale des Anciens et Amis de la Traction Vapeur – Centre Val de Loire will be attending accompanied by 141R840.

 

Its 230D9 on loan from Mulhouse,it was at St Vallery for the 2016 event. It ran along the duel gauge track.to Noyelles.I 'm wondering if the duel gauge is still in existence ,they had a big relaying session, and I did hear it wasn't going to be replaced and most unusual there's no loco going from the KESR who the are twinned with. The loco ex Reseau Bretton is E327 ,I saw it on its first public run last September after a long overhaul on the Chemins de fur Provence, at Puget Theniers just north of Nice. Its the same type as St Vallery E332,I hope its double headed. Ty 2 6690 spent some time in Russia after being built before going to Poland ,I'm wondering if it one of the re-gauged locos.

 

How easy is the railway to get to from England by public transport?? Looks an interesting event although the website isn't the clearest.

Would really like to go to this.

 

Easy enough but not as easy as it used to be. You used to be able to change from Eurostar to a local train which stopped at Noyelles at Calais Frethun. AIUI Eurostar no longer stop at Calais Frethun so you have to go through to Paris Gare du Nord and change there to a local train via Amiens.
If you don't mind going in a group Railtrail https://www.railtrail.co.uk/tours/e...pean-tours/baie-de-somme-steam-festival-2026/ and Ffestiniog Travel https://www.ffestiniogtravel.com/europe/baie-de-somme-steam-festival are both doing trips.
Hope this helps.
Ray.

 

Unfortunately CFBS ex Reseau Bretton E332 has been taken out of service for a overhaul ,but still complete ,so there maybe a chance to get ex R/ Bretton E327 visiting from Puget Theniers near Nice,in the same photo'. If any one still pondering whether to go ,I have a FLKR album, https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCtVhw taken over the years.Hotel accommodation at St Vallery is small ,but there is a largish hotel at Abbeyville 8/10 miles away.

 

I'm driving over and staying in Abbeville. I've visited the railway before but not for one of their gala events so I'm looking forward to this. The website isn't the best but a two day ticket for 35 Euro seems pretty good value.

 

A short video of the steep inclines between St. Valery and Launcheres.

 

Nice video. I was standing a couple of metres to your left for the opening sequence of the HSP climbing towards the road overbridge! I think the Cayeux line is lovely; probably more interesting than the Le Crotoy route but is a shame that steam is used so infrequently on it. Looking at the online timetable, I don't think there are any scheduled steam services for the rest of the year.

Really enjoyed the fete a vapeur - the excellent weather helped; my only gripe being a sense that there was an increase in what could be interpreted as petty officialdom at almost all termini. Making sure passengers awaiting the arrival of a train are clear of the line is very sensible and necessary - making a fuss of clearing said people away from the rails or discouraging people from crossing the track onto grass and an area of safety when the train was still 5 mins away and with the platform becoming more crowded just seemed a bit much. That said, there was much freedom to wander at other times. Roll on the next fete - 2029?