Introduction Steam: How does it work?

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Before moving on to the 8 Platforms of History, the “Steam: How does it work?” area offers details on how the steam locomotives work.

- The “underside” of a locomotive
To help you gain a better understanding of how a locomotive works, you can experience a unique perspective of these machines by passing underneath a steam locomotive via an inspection pit.
- The 232 U1: steam in action
Every hour, the 232 U1 steam locomotive is fired up for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. This locomotive, which entered into service in 1949, marks the end of one era and the start of another: the era of electrification. This moving steel monster could reach a speed of 200 km/h.
- A cutaway view to reveal the secret of steam
The cutaway Baltic Nord allows visitors to better understand the inner workings of a steam engine, just like visitors to the World Exposition in 1937 where it was presented for the first time.
- The Pacific Chapelon 3.1192
This Pacific locomotive, built on the basis of designs by the engineer André Chapelon, was the most advanced, the most powerful and the fastest on the French networks. The driver’s cab in this machine has been made visible to make the working of steam engines and the life of the engine drivers more accessible to the public.