In 1976 a group of railway enthusiasts based in Picardy set about the task of preserving some of France’s standard gauge railway heritage - and so the CFTV was born !

After many trials and tribulations the group succeeded in starting a railcar service in 1979 then, with the assistance of a number of people with the relevant experience, in 1981 started running steam trains on the Saint Quentin to Origny Sainte Benoite line.

Recognition of the group’s enthusiasm and expertise led to the locomotive 140C314 being placed in its care. This locomotive, together with a rake of "Express Nord" coaches allowed the group also to operate steam specials over various of SNCF lines.

The CFTV has recently been entrusted with the custody of the mixed traffic locomotive 230G352 which is presently in store.