French vintage steam engine 231 K 8

Preserved survivor of the French Southeastern network. Type of engine = 231 K 8 ( 231 = 462 in the US ) K is the model in the Pacific different series and 8 is the serial number.It can be seen here in Châteaudun, central France ( the town has a beautiful castle overlooking the river with a keep " never taken by the English " ) on a special English Rail Fan Train. The stopover allows the tender watertank to be refilled. Water consumption : 150 liters per kilometer ( about 64 US Gallons per mile ) Notice the antique square signals ( still in use ) when the train leaves the station. the square signals display red and white colors meaning " absolute stop " . When the wing of the signal is parallel to the track the driver may pass the signal. Below the main signal is the speed limit on the turnouts ( 30 Kph = 18 mph ). Z means beginning of the limited speed zone and a distant R means Resume normal speed after tail of train has passed the R. The end of the film shows an automatic level crossing with the train at full speed.