WW1 Narrow gauge railways

I wasn't sure where to put this as it is not really about modelling or locomotives but I came across this video on YouTube which I think many users of this site might find interesting.

I hope that although not entirely relevant to modelling it is at least more interesting than Chinese injection moulding factories, and as my father was in the REME in WW2 it has some personal relevance:

Enjoy -

Edited By Terryd on 20/03/2012 08:29:39

I like it. I've just sent the link to our new track project team, it may provide some inspiration

Mountaineer by Martin Evans was a model of ine of the locomotives

rdgs

Dick

Looks like the modern counterparts have lot further to go

Neil

(inappropriate missed t in there!)

Edited By Stub Mandrel on 22/03/2012 19:44:05

Very interesting, my grandfather drove and fired these while serving for Australia. Been trying to find out more about it, he did not speak too much of his experiences on his return. I had been told that the railhead was hardwood, not steel but difficult to believe. He used to take munitions and troops to the front and return with those who perished.

Would be grateful if anyone could share more info on this. No idea what engines were used nor fuel used, wood or coal.

Amazing achievements by all those involved. Better not give it too wide an audience or there may be calls for an enquiry into historic abuses of the H & S laws.

Mick

The youtube clip is part of a much longer DVD called "Railways at War : The First World War - I bought the DVD which was well worth the money. Briefly, Andrew, the steam locos, coal-fired Hunslet and Baldwin 4-6-0T's and ALCO 2-6-2T's like 'Mountaineer generally hauled munitions and supplies from the rail head. Closer to the front the Simplex 'tin turtles' and Baldwin tractors took over but this would always be on steel rails. Occasionally wagons would be horse-drawn so that MAY have been over temporary wooden rails.

There are several excellent books on the subject such as 'Narrow Gauge at War vols 1&2' (Plateway Press), 'Narrow Gauge to No Man's Land' (Benchmark) mainly the U.S. sections, and the new volume from Roy Link 'WDLR Album' containing original photos and excellent drawings. Apedale Heritage Centre have a selection of original WW1 locos and rolling stock. Hope this helps - my maternal grandfather was at Ypres - in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and he didn't talk about it much either. Ray.

That's good info Ray, many thanks. I've found records of him serving with Railway Unit and Reinforcements, Special Draft Feb 1917 - Oct 1918 but no idea where he was stationed. I'd really like to find out what engines he drove. I'll certainly do some more digging and obtain the DVD and books you mentions. Andrew

In WW2 the NZ army had a railways division in North Africa. I don't know anything about the locomotives used, or the rolling stock, or even the gauge used, but it seems they could lay the tracks at a great rate across the desert.

Ian S C