TAKE CONTROL WITH Y EXPERIENCE
The Cité du Train, an SNCF heritage museum, is offering several days of hands-on experience on the museum's tracks!
Did you know that it's up to the train driver to check his own engine before putting it at the head of the train? Or that rail traffic is subject to special signage that you need to master at your fingertips?
Whether you're a novice or an enthusiast, these days will open the doors to a captivating world, with the support of passionate experts: the volunteers of the Cité du Train - Patrimoine SNCF.
THE YO-YO OF SHUNTING
Small, low-powered diesel locomotives, known as locotractors, are used for shunting services in stations and on special sidings. Their frequent to-ing and fro-ing on the tracks, and their serial numbers beginning with Y, have earned them the nickname "yoyo".
Now it's your turn! Learn how to handle this emblematic equipment - complete with "Cité du Train" livery - during hands-on sessions guided by our enthusiastic volunteers. It's a rare opportunity to understand the inner workings of this unique profession and learn the techniques of railway driving.
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY :
9:30 am: Welcome coffee, presentation of the museum and its missions
11:00 am: Theoretical training on driving skills (safety, signalling, track behaviour, etc.) and explanations of how a Y 7100 locotractor works.
12:30 pm: Lunch
2pm: Practical training (driving and shunting)
5pm: End of day
PRACTICAL INFO :
Dates: Saturdays April 26, May 24, June 21, September 13 and October 11, 2025.
Prior booking required, online ticketing only
Limited to 6 people per session*.
Minimum age: 18 years and over - or 10 years if accompanied by an adult
Attire required: sturdy clothing resistant to grease and dirt, safety shoes or hiking boots (all other equipment provided by the museum).
Price: 95€** (includes training, lunch and 2 free admissions valid for 1 year)
*The minimum number of participants is 2. If this number is not reached, the Cité du Train reserves the right to postpone the session to a later date.
**Excluding reservation fees
The Cité du Train, an SNCF heritage museum, is offering several days of hands-on experience on the museum's tracks!
Did you know that it's up to the train driver to check his own engine before putting it at the head of the train? Or that rail traffic is subject to special signage that you need to master at your fingertips?
Whether you're a novice or an enthusiast, these days will open the doors to a captivating world, with the support of passionate experts: the volunteers of the Cité du Train - Patrimoine SNCF.
THE YO-YO OF SHUNTING
Small, low-powered diesel locomotives, known as locotractors, are used for shunting services in stations and on special sidings. Their frequent to-ing and fro-ing on the tracks, and their serial numbers beginning with Y, have earned them the nickname "yoyo".
Now it's your turn! Learn how to handle this emblematic equipment - complete with "Cité du Train" livery - during hands-on sessions guided by our enthusiastic volunteers. It's a rare opportunity to understand the inner workings of this unique profession and learn the techniques of railway driving.
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY :
9:30 am: Welcome coffee, presentation of the museum and its missions
11:00 am: Theoretical training on driving skills (safety, signalling, track behaviour, etc.) and explanations of how a Y 7100 locotractor works.
12:30 pm: Lunch
2pm: Practical training (driving and shunting)
5pm: End of day
PRACTICAL INFO :
Dates: Saturdays April 26, May 24, June 21, September 13 and October 11, 2025.
Prior booking required, online ticketing only
Limited to 6 people per session*.
Minimum age: 18 years and over - or 10 years if accompanied by an adult
Attire required: sturdy clothing resistant to grease and dirt, safety shoes or hiking boots (all other equipment provided by the museum).
Price: 95€** (includes training, lunch and 2 free admissions valid for 1 year)
*The minimum number of participants is 2. If this number is not reached, the Cité du Train reserves the right to postpone the session to a later date.
**Excluding reservation fees
This text was translated by an AI.
