Petit Anjou 0-6-0 Locomotives in France

Class Angers (Locobase 5105)

Data from [] (August 2002)

This class of six-coupled tanks enjoyed success, but also suffered from its limitations. SACM built these in two batches (works # 4239-42, 4443-4) and delivered them in March 1893 (21-24) and June 1893 (25-26).

Each was named -- Angers, Beaufort, Bauge, Drowning, Trelaze, Maze -- for principal towns in the rail network that lay southwest of Paris.

Locobase's uncertain translation of the original French (aided by Google) suggests that the class had a problem with valve chest seals rupturing frequently. The writer supposes this to have been the reason for ordering the second batch from White-Misseron.

Even so, the class served the Drowning lines initially, then the Beaupreau and Cande lines for 40 years, retiring only in 1935. Each engine had its own, dedicated crew, which undoubtedly contributed to the class's longevity. The design was also know for its steadiness.

Class unknown (Locobase 5106)

Data from [] (August 2002). Follow-ons to the 6 SACM engines delivered three years earlier, these were among the few locomotives built by W-M (builders # 114-133). Apparently they solved the valve-chest seal problem that had beset the SACMs.

The first eight, delivered in 1896, opened the Saumur-Cholet line. The second batch of eight served the Beaupreau-Chalonnes, Beaupreau-Nantes, and Cholet-Beaupreau lines while the last four went to the lower Loire valley. These last twelve came in 1899.

Many served the Petit Anjou until 1947-1948 although three were scrapped in 1935. 56, 58, 62, and 65 operated on the Becon Granite service until 1955 when the line closed.

Class unknown (Locobase 5107)

Data from [] (August 2002).

These engines were a flat-footed failure soon after they entered service on the Cande line. Maintenance proved difficult and expensive.

104 was retired in August 1914 with only 113,000 km run. 105 followed a month later, having compiled 130,000 km. 102's January 1915 retirement (during wartime, no less) came after only 110,000 km. 101 soldiered on until 1926, but only managed a total of 159,000 km.

And, it turned out, the railway couldn't give these engines away. Ultimately, scrapping three of the engines in 1936 brought a total of 5,875 francs. 101 once again was the survivor, supporting German efforts to build the Atlantic Wall in World War II, and being scrapped in 1945.