Shortly before the River Rhône reaches the sea in the south of France there is a remarkable piece of railway operation. A train ferry crosses the river to serve the salt plant of Salins du Midi. Train ferries have been fairly common in parts of the world. notably North America and northern Europe, but this operation is unique to France. This ferry at Barcarin carries one wagon along with a 'locotracteur' from SNCF for the motive power.

The discovery of the ferry provided a French setting for a layout concept that I had been working out for a while. Drawing heavily from the ideas put forward by Chris Ellis in 'Model Trains International' magazine, it is a layout to live with and transport.

Whilst the setting of the Bac du Barcarin is French, the concept has a wider application and sometimes operations can reflect some of my other railway interests.