Product Features and Details
Model Info: The Fulgurex Class 131 is nothing short of extraordinary. Renowned for producing some of the finest and most collectible handmade models in the world, Fulgurex continues to set the standard for craftsmanship and exclusivity. Each locomotive is hand-built and hand-painted by master artisans in the traditional "Old-World" style, a hallmark that has made Fulgurex models among the most sought-after by collectors across the globe.
This particular model represents the pinnacle of model railway engineering—the Mercedes-Benz of the European model train industry. Many Fulgurex editions are produced in extremely limited numbers, often fewer than 40 units worldwide, making them highly prized among collectors.
This Class 131 is powered by a high-efficiency, brushless, ironless motor with an integrated flywheel for smooth and reliable operation. Model is equipped with an ESU 5.0 Digital Sound Decoder a first for Fulgurex. Additional features include a fully detailed cab interior, an opening smokebox door, spring-loaded buffers, and a fully functional, accurately replicated drive rod and piston system .
With this release, Fulgurex has truly outdone itself. This model is not just a locomotive—it is a work of art.
Prototype History: Before the First World War, train traction on the small Vincennes line was provided by tank locomotives of the EST 031T type, numbered 613 to 742. The great engineer Émile Duchâtel was tasked with improving the performance of the EST company’s locomotives, but at a lower cost. The result was the 131 TB series (originally numbered EST 131 Nos. 32001 to 32050).
The first two locomotives, built by the Ateliers de Construction du Nord de la France, were delivered to the Paris-la-Villette depot in 1925. After successful testing, the next 23 units were assigned to the La Ferté-Milon depot (making a total of 25 machines), while the remaining 18 went to the Nogent-Vincennes depot. The batch built by the Fives-Lille company was divided between the Paris-la-Villette depot (4 units) and La Ferté-Milon (the rest).
These locomotives demonstrated undeniable qualities in acceleration and offered excellent ride dynamics, which hastened the retirement of older series and enabled the use of heavier passenger cars. The 131 TBs were simple two-cylinder, simple expansion locomotives—easy to maintain.
With the creation of the SNCF in 1938, the series was renumbered as 1-131 TB Nos. 1 to 50.
During the Second World War, many of these locomotives were sent far afield, into the provinces. After the war, 35 locomotives were assigned to the Nogent depot on the Vincennes line, with others returning to the depots at Noisy-le-Sec and Vaires, or even transferred as far as Reims, Château-Thierry, Lumes, Blainville, Troyes, Saint-Dié, Épinal, and Belfort. The last locomotives were retired in 1969 at the Noisy-le-Sec depot.
