TWO QUÉBEC FIRMS RECEIVE MANDATE FOR CONCEPT & DESIGN OF CHARLEVOIX TOURING TRAIN
Québec City, May 17 2010 – Groupe Le Massif has recently entrusted Morelli Designers with a design mandate, while Le Centre de réalisation d’outils innovateurs Inc. (CROI) will oversee the Charlevoix touring train car upgrades, transforming the convoy into genuine experiential railcars. Design and restoration work totalling close to $5M commenced in April, with a goal to offer a novel rail experience to touring train passengers travelling between Québec City and La Malbaie by Summer 2011.
A spirit of innovation, creativity and expertise in areas of ergonomics and transportation are just several of the criteria to have convinced Groupe Le Massif and its subsidiary Train touristique de Charlevoix to decide on these firms from Montreal and Chicoutimi. “Beyond comfort and aesthetics, we wish to bring something new to the rail experience while respecting industry standards,” explained Nancy Belley, general manager of Train touristique de Charlevoix. “Both firms retained fully understand our vision, and are determined to go beyond what has already been developed and in doing so, redefine future rail transport standards,” she specified.
Unique Staging
Advocating material re-use, the eight-car convoy to be restored and transformed into observation cars will expose travellers to the beauty of the scenery, while making passengers aware of the environment and its riches, and conservation issues. “Railcar shell design will feature the maximum amount of windows structurally permissible in keeping with safety and regulatory norms,” stated Belley.
“Among the challenges to optimize passenger experience are the treatment of structural elements like walls and ceilings, and the integration of state of the art technologies,” mentioned Benoît Milord, vice-president of development at Groupe Le Massif. He also added that interior configurations will be designed to maximize passenger comfort, yet remain functional for on-car personnel.
Complete Metamorphosis from Convoy to Tracks
Built in the 60s, Groupe Le Massif’s Pullman Standard cars were until recently in service in the suburbs of Chicago. Their complete upgrade is expected to require one year. To date, 3D models have been created and once re-outfitted, the cars will convey up to 550 passengers, with six cars each accommodating 72 passengers. Two other railcars with lesser capacity will be reserved for passengers with reduced mobility.
In parallel, work commenced last fall on the 140 km of track stretching between Québec City and La Malbaie resumed early May. Train touristique de Charlevoix wishes to optimize line safety, comfort, carrying capacity and speed. Daily departures will be offered by Summer 2011, as well as a rail shuttle linking Le Massif’s two environments – La Ferme in Baie-Saint-Paul, and the base of the mountain in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.
About Morelli Designers
Morelli Designers represents an inspired team of trend-setting industrial designers who embrace one and the same passion: design. Pleasure, artistry and efforts are renewed daily by the team as they develop sustainable consumer products, which for over 25 years and on countless occasions have earned distinctions on highly prized projects on the international scene. Behind the firm’s longevity is a technical savoir-faire deeply rooted in experience, and enhanced with a touch of audacity.
About Le Centre de Réalisation d’Outils Innovateurs
Over the past decade, CROI has become a leader in their field – designing, manufacturing and modifying industrial products. Certified ISO 9001 since 2004, this Saguenay firm has particularly distinguished itself in sectors which include urban and long-distance transportation, forestry, mining and metallurgy. They offer a full line-up of quality products and services, from engineering to distribution, modification, ergonomics, interior design and training.
Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is a tourism and recreation project representing a $230M investment. Beyond Le Massif Ski Area, this original project spans from Baie-Saint-Paul to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix. Among other features, the on-territory offer includes a touring train and rail shuttle, close to 400 lodging units of which a 150-room hotel, as well as a 500-seat multifunctional venue. The site is destined to become a genuine experiential laboratory focused on tourism.
General information and comments about the Development (Mountain, Train and Farm)
To share comments regarding our various worksites – whether for the Mountain, the Farm (Baie-Saint-Paul), or the Train (tracks between Québec City and Clermont) - please write us or call 1-877-536-2774 ext. 4021.
