An extraordinary and exceptionally large SNCF railway signalling and
track-layout diagram for ARRAS, Pas-de-Calais, dating from the
post-war period and carrying a Rectificatif n°3 dated March 1959.

This is a genuine large-format working railway engineering diagram,
measuring a remarkable approximately 332 x 44 cm (about 10 ft 11 in x
17¼ in) when fully opened.

The plan depicts the extensive railway complex at Arras in enormous
operational detail, covering POSTES 1, 2 and 3 and the associated
station approaches, through lines, sidings, marshalling yard (triage),
goods facilities, depot and maintenance areas, points, crossings,
signals and interlocking arrangements.

The sheer density of railway infrastructure represented is remarkable.
Numerous individual tracks fan out through the Arras complex, with
routes and connections towards such destinations as Lens, Douai,
St-Pol and Doullens identified on the diagram. The marshalling-yard
groups, sidings and depot connections are particularly impressive and
give a fascinating picture of Arras as a major railway centre in the
1950s.

The signalling installations themselves are recorded in considerable
technical detail. POSTE 1 is identified as having a unified mechanical
interlocking table of 60 levers, while POSTE 2 is shown with a
30-lever installation. POSTE 3 and its associated control arrangements
are also represented, together with an enormous quantity of
signalling, point and route information throughout the drawing.

Of particular interest are the numerous contemporary alterations and
annotations incorporated into the diagram. Small areas of red and
other hand coloration occur around various signals, points and pieces
of signalling equipment, together with handwritten technical
amendments and additions. These appear to form part of the plan's
working history rather than later decorative additions and add greatly
to its character as an operational SNCF document.

At the right-hand end the drawing is headed ARRAS – POSTES 1, 2 et 3
and carries 'Rectificatif n°3 – Mars 1959', providing a useful dating
point for this version of the diagram.

The historical context is particularly interesting. Arras was an
important railway centre which suffered devastating wartime damage.
The station was rendered unusable following the bombardments of 1940
and, particularly, the heavy attacks of April–June 1944; a temporary
passenger station remained in use until 1958. This enormous late-1950s
signalling diagram therefore records the Arras railway complex in the
post-war reconstruction era, making it an especially evocative
document of the rebuilding and modernisation of the French railway
system following the Second World War.

Condition is good for a working railway engineering plan of this
exceptional size and age. It has been stored folded and retains
numerous original fold lines, with overall age toning, handling marks,
small stains and general signs of operational use. There is some wear
and minor splitting/creasing at folds and edges. The extensive printed
information remains readily visible and the plan displays remarkably
well considering that it is approaching eleven feet in length. Please
study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the
description.

A superb piece of SNCF railway history and, quite apart from its
technical importance, an extraordinary visual record of the complexity
of a major French railway centre in the 1950s. Its enormous size,
intricate trackwork, signalling detail, multiple signal boxes and
contemporary coloured alterations make this a particularly striking
survivor.

An excellent acquisition for a serious collector of SNCF material,
French railwayana, signalling and interlocking history, railway
engineering drawings, Arras or Pas-de-Calais history, or post-war
European railway reconstruction.

We're happy to answer any questions or provide further photographs.
Collection/viewing is welcome by arrangement. The plan will be
carefully and securely packaged for posting. 

Prompt dispatch following payment. 

Many thanks for looking.