OPERATION of a train along the Champs-Elysées on June 1 was one of the highlights of Le Train Capitale, an open-air exhibition held in Paris between May 17 and June 15. Three refurbished Corail coaches top-and-tailed by two Y8000 locos ran from Place de la Concorde to Avenue Georges V along 1450m of track laid for the day. The road was closed to traffic, and the train operated between 09.30 and 20.00.

Around 30 rail vehicles were on show to the public along Avenue des Champs-Elysées for the duration of Le Train Capitale, which was organised by SNCF and WM Evénements in partnership with Alstom, Bombardier and Siemens. Displays along the road highlighted developments in the history of France’s railways, from a replica of Marc Seguin’s locomotive of 1829 to a mock-up of the Eurostar refurbishment (p430).

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