Founded in 1968, AJECTA (Association de Jeunes pour l’Exploitation de Chemins de fer Touristiques et d’Attraction) began as a youth-led initiative to preserve France’s steam railway heritage. Concerned by the rapid disappearance of historic locomotives, the group secured the abandoned Longueville locomotive depot in 1971, located about 90 km southeast of Paris. This site, built in 1911 by the Compagnie de l’Est, featured a wooden roundhouse and turntable, which became the heart of the museum.
Over the following decades, AJECTA amassed a remarkable collection of rolling stock, including steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, as well as passenger and freight cars. The oldest steam engine in the collection dates to 1866, and many were restored to operational condition. The museum’s roundhouse was designated a Historic Monument, and restoration efforts were supported by heritage foundations and volunteers.
AJECTA quickly became known for its Steam Days and special excursions, running historic trains on national SNCF lines. Events like the Festival Vapeur and European Heritage Days drew large crowds, offering rides aboard vintage locomotives and showcasing restoration work. Notable celebrations included the 100th anniversary of the roundhouse in 2011, which featured eight steam engines in operation.
The museum also played a role in film productions and historical reenactments, with its locomotives and carriages used as authentic props. AJECTA’s educational mission expanded through guided tours, exhibitions, and themed events such as the Easter Egg Train and Santa Claus Steam Trains, blending railway history with family-friendly experiences.
Today, AJECTA remains a vibrant hub for railway enthusiasts, preserving over 14 steam locomotives and nearly 100 pieces of rolling stock. Its commitment to living history continues through restoration projects, public outreach, and immersive experiences at the Longueville depot. The museum stands as a testament to grassroots heritage preservation and the enduring allure of steam travel.
This summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including AJECTA’s official site, Provins Tourisme, Wikipedia, and ERIH.
