APPEVA was created in 1970 by three railway enthusiasts with the aim of saving and of restoring the last 60 cm narrow gauge line of WW1.

In addition to search and to save 60 cm rolling stock, the activities of APPEVA are numerous today. Volunteers which animate it have in charge to operate the "P' tit train de la Haute Somme" NG Railway, the restoration and the maintenance of the rolling stock and of the line, to manage the narrow gauge railways Museum, but also to publish Voie Etroite magazine.

We also take part in certain railway events or exhibitions with the aim of making our railway known, or Voie Etroite magazine.

For the forty years that APPEVA has existed, it has been given to its active members of living unforgettable moments. Thus in 1995, one of our steam engines made a trip to Wales by road, in order to take part in an international steam festival on the famous Ffestiniog Railway. During 4 days, it circulate at the sides of her sister, thus joining together for a moment the two last 2-6-2T Alco-Cooke (ex-War Department of 1917) in service in the world.

In 1996, it was the turn of the Festiniog Railway Alco-Cooke to make the trip towards France in order to take part in the festivities of the 25th anniversary of "P' tit train de la Haute Somme" NG Railway. It was not the only one, during 4 days there were 10 steam engines, came from France, Germany, and United Kingdom, which were joined together around the new narrow gauge railways Museum. The atmosphere was really unusual !