Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Bonjour,
My friend Jean-Claude has passed away without any descendant and has left the most amazing steam collection I have ever seen to his town.

He wanted his home to become a steam museum, three year after, nothing has happened and I even don't know if the collection exists yet, I live quite far from her.

Thanks to Internet, I can share it in memory of Jean-CLaude and because it has to be seen to my opinion.

Jean-Claude had spent more than 30 000 hrours to realize these replicas of all the major existing steam machines.




You can find more videos of Jean-Claude Skillness by searching "Jean-Claude BLANCHON" on YouTube. Example :

Merci Raphael !

This is unfortunately what happens with many collections.
Such a work and dedication should be preserved by all means but this is only wishful thinking.

George

An astounding collection of very beautiful machines.  So sad to think that they may never be shared with the specific group of people who would be able to appreciate the skill and talent it takes to assemble such a collection, and the dedication it took to amass a collection of this size. 

I truly hope and pray that this collection still exists in some form, and that it will be resurrected for public viewing some day.

The following was reported on 05/22/2019

Monday, during the monthly meeting of the municipal council, an unusual subject was on the agenda: that of the legacy of Jean-Claude Blanchon to the town. Indeed this citizen, whose house bordered the town hall, was an exceptional model maker of steam engines, a collection that represents 33,000 hours of work, described as "unique in the world" by some specialists. The will drawn up by Jean-Claude Blanchon on July 25, 2007 specifies that it is made up of 60 elements: machines and engines, etc.

Under conditions

But the bequest of this collection comes with a condition: the municipality of Saint-Brice must not sell or give in France or abroad, the elements that compose it. However, it will be able to exhibit these engines and machines, and create a small museum in order to safeguard the heritage of the town. Under no circumstances will the municipality be able to disperse the elements that make up this collection. If the municipality refuses this donation, it will be allocated to the French State, which will have to respect the conditions.

His financial assets, investments, house, etc. are also bequeathed to the municipality of Saint-Brice. Home and savings represent, initially because other information should be known soon, the sum of approximately 170,000 euros.

Mayor Jean-Claude Tessandier asked councilors to comment on this legacy: unanimously positive response.

   This is absolutely mind-boggling, thanks so much for sharing!

An amazing craftsman.

I hope that his legacy will live on.

Thank you for the wonderful videos.

Bonjour Maxwell,

More information to be shared today?

What a pity, one of the most realistic steam collection in the world if not the most and no effort to save it despite Jean-Claude BLANCHON gave also his house to make it become a museum