More and more powerful tank engines, pulling longer and longer trains, have been criss-crossing France for over a century now. Today, two railwaymen start their shift and are about to operate the 231 D 735 locomotive, a marvel of engineering. Both the driver and his fireman will carry out with proud meticulosity the numerous gestures their task requires from them. But this is 1968 and the 231 D 735 may well be the 'Human Beast' sung by Emile Zola but its days are numbered and nostalgia bathes this twilight train ride...
