The prestigious train #2 “Mistral” Paris-Marseille is ready for departure in Nice. The American-built Mikado 141R will haul it along the French Riviera – “Côte d’Azur” – to Marseille Saint-Charles, where another steam engine, a 241P, will replace it until Lyon. Then, an electric engine will take it to Paris. The Paris-Lyon line 1.5KV DC electrification was completed in 1958, Lyon-Avignon in 1959 and Lyon-Marseille in 1962. Maraseille – Nice was electrified in 25KV 50Hz in 1969. Photographer: Gilbert Moreau (1930 - 2012).
This picture is part of a new book on French Trains in the 1950's to be published soon. The book will be available at this online shop.
