Found on line, an extended, 18-page article from the USA "Trains" magazine of 1966, a notable description of the last years of steam there, and an interesting comparison to Dick Hardy's various books written about similar footplate runs in France in the same era. In usual USA fashion the history timeline of a European country is somewhat similar to our teachings, but in a number of places at least different, if not the opposite!
Notable is the detailed description of the various features of French steam locos that make them stand out from those elsewhere. Plenty of comparisons with USA practice, of course, but a few even with British steam (generally unfavourably). It's here:
Notable is the detailed description of the various features of French steam locos that make them stand out from those elsewhere. Plenty of comparisons with USA practice, of course, but a few even with British steam (generally unfavourably). It's here: