The Marguerite train, loaned by the Mont-Blanc Tramway (TMB), successfully passed its tests on the Montenvers Train line.
After a spectacular truck transport from Le Fayet, the 36-tonne power car and its 16-tonne trailer were placed on the Chamonix rails for two round trips up to an altitude of 1,913 meters.
These experimental trips verified that equipment identical to that of the TMB could operate on the legendary rack railway leading to the Mer de Glace.
The passages through the tunnels, considered one of the most sensitive points, were even completed without too many problems. An important milestone has been reached for the order of the new Montenvers trains, which will remain red!
These tests open the way to the replacement, by 2030, of outdated equipment with modern, heavier trains, capable in particular of recovering energy on the descent.
Le Dauphiné
