Micheline (railcar)

A Micheline was a type of lightweight railcar developed in France by André Michelin (of the Michelin tire company) in the 1930s. The key innovation was the use of pneumatic tires on specially designed flanged wheels, known as pneus rail. This offered a smoother and quieter ride compared to traditional steel wheels on steel rails. Micheline railcars were intended to provide a more economical and comfortable form of rail transport, especially on branch lines and less heavily used routes.

The pneus rail consisted of a conventional pneumatic tire encased within a flanged steel wheel. The tire absorbed shocks and vibrations, reducing wear and tear on both the track and the vehicle. Several models of Micheline railcars were produced, varying in size and capacity. They saw service in France and in French colonies such as Madagascar and Vietnam.

Despite their initial success and advantages in ride quality, Micheline railcars were eventually phased out due to several factors. The pneus rail proved to be susceptible to damage and wear, requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement than traditional steel wheels. Furthermore, the weight limitations imposed by the tires restricted the size and capacity of the railcars. Advances in conventional railcar technology eventually offered comparable levels of comfort and efficiency without the drawbacks of the pneumatic tire system. The last Micheline railcars were retired from service in the latter half of the 20th century.