La Traction
Heritage railway with steam locomotives and a workshop depot in Pré-Petitjean, open to visitors on Saturdays and offering steam train rides in summer.
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About the museum
After the 100th anniversary of the Tavannes–Tramelan line in 1984, the desire arose to run steam trains again on the network of the Chemins de fer du Jura. After a takeover of equipment from the Ballenberg steam railway failed, the company La Traction SA was founded in 1991. In 1992 it found two narrow-gauge Mallet steam locomotives in the Douro region of Portugal, which were restored in Germany, and acquired an electric locomotive from the Spanish Basque Country.
For the restoration, volunteers founded an association in 1993, which was renamed La Traction SE in 1995; its members maintain the vehicles and buildings and run the train service. The depot was built on the site of a former sawmill in Pré-Petitjean near Montfaucon, with three hall tracks, an outdoor track for the steam locomotives, two mechanical workshops and a storage hall. Almost all overhaul and repair work can be done there in-house.
The collection includes the two Mallet steam locomotives, other motive power units and historic carriages. Visitors can tour the depot on Saturdays and have the vehicles explained by members. On about twelve days between July and September, steam trains run from Pré-Petitjean towards Glovelier, Tavannes or La Chaux-de-Fonds; some trains are held up by bandits.
Highlights
- Workshop depot in a former sawmill with historic locomotives
- Two Mallet steam locomotives from Portugal
- Free depot tour on Saturdays with explanations from association members
- Public steam rides on around twelve days in summer
- Steam train hold-up as an additional offering
- Founded
- 1991
- Operated by
- La Traction SA / Verein La Traction SE
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 10 per personRegistered group tour for 10 or more people: CHF 10 per person (minimum CHF 100), with aperitif CHF 18 per person (minimum CHF 180). |
|---|---|
| Group tour with aperitif (10 or more people) | CHF 18per person, minimum CHF 180 |
| Group tour without aperitif (10 or more people) | CHF 10per person, minimum CHF 100 |
| School class (guided visit with drink) | CHF 150flat rate; two classes CHF 200 |
Individual and family visits on Saturdays are free of charge. Steam rides must be booked separately with the Chemins de fer du Jura (reservation compulsory).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
Saturday visits to the depot are free for families; during the steam train hold-ups, bandits entertain children both young and old.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Pré-Petitjean · 3-min walk
Take the Chemins de fer du Jura train (Glovelier–Saignelégier line) to Pré-Petitjean; the depot is about a three-minute walk from the station.
Steam trains depart from Pré-Petitjean station, next to the depot; boarding is also possible in Saignelégier.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Members explain the vehicles and the workshop. The steam train hold-up by a gang of bandits is an additional offering on the rides. Contact for depot visits: Andreas Kerll, +41 79 395 56 47. |
