X 4200 - Panoramique

The X 4200 railcars, nicknamed the "Panoramiques", are emblematic SNCF vehicles, introduced in the 1950s. Designed to offer an unobstructed view of the landscapes they crossed, they were distinguished by their panoramic glass cab located above the passenger compartment. These railcars were powered by a powerful diesel engine and could reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, making journeys both fast and comfortable. Used mainly on tourist and mountain routes, such as the Cévennes and the Alps, the X 4200s made a lasting impression with their bold design and reliability. Retired from service in the 1980s, some examples have been preserved and restored by railway associations. Today, they bear witness to an era when innovation and aesthetics were at the heart of rail transport.