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Tracks to the Trenches 2016 & 2018


defiant1uk
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Sorry for the cross-posting - copied over from the Exhibitons section....

 

www.ww1-event.org

 

Following on from the great success of the "Tracks to the Trenches" event at the Apedale Valley Light Railway in 2014, it gives us great pleasure to announce that the event is to be repeated and developed in 2016 and 2018. Attracting over 3000 visitors from across the UK and Europe, the 2014 event also received much praise and acclaim.

 

In a departure to previous large events, the main galas at Apedale have now moved to the 2nd weekend in May each year.

 

2016 (TTTT 2) – a 3 day event from 13-15th May 2016. A very similar format to the 2014 event (TTTT 1); with photo-charters being arranged in advance of the event weekend, evening photo-shoots during the event, access all areas passes, an emphasis on Schools/Group visit packages, plus much more!

 

2018* (TTTT 3) – a 4 day World War 1 centenary event from 10th – 13th May 2018. Currently anticipated as really special year. Further details to be confirmed shortly, but hopefully developing on from TTTT1 and 2.

 

Please keep the dates in your diaries and watch the event website for exciting developments!

 

The organisers would like to invite any interested exhibitors or traders to contact us through this forum or through the event website – we would be pleased to hear from you!

 

www.ww1-event.org

Edited by defiant1uk
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Moseley Railway Trust announces visiting engines for Tracks to the Trenches 2016 – May 13-15 2016

The Moseley Railway Trust is pleased to announce the details of the first two visiting steam locomotives for the Tracks to the Trenches 2016 military railways event.

Coming from its normal base at the West Lancashire Light Railway is Kerr, Stuart No.2405, built in 1915. This locomotive is the oldest survivor of the type known as the Joffres and this locomotive carries that name. The type is named after Marshal Joffre – known as Papa – one of the key leaders of the French military effort, especially in the early part of the conflict.

This visit will re-unite this locomotive with the Joffre-class locomotive resident at Apedale, No.3014. The Moseley Railway Trust is very grateful to the owners of Kerr, Stuart 2405 for their assistance and support in facilitating their locomotive’s attendance at Tracks to the Trenches.

Making a very welcome return visit to Apedale is Hudswell, Clarke no. 1643. Although built after the end of World War One – in 1930 – it is of the same design as the “G” class Hudswell steam locos which saw considerable military service. Again, there is an Apedale home-fleet loco of the same design – no.1238 of 1916 – and every opportunity will be taken to pair these twins together. We wish to express our thanks to Graham Lee, Henry Noon and the team at the Statfold Barn Railway for making this locomotive available.

Sadly, however, the War Office Locomotive Trust’s Hunslet 4-6-0 locomotive no. 1215 of 1916 will not, after all, be able to attend the event. Restoration is continuing on the locomotive, but a number of delays have been encountered – as is inevitable when restoring 100 year old machines. The owners and the Moseley Railway Trust have therefore decided that the best course of action is to ensure that the best possible restoration is carried out on the locomotive, rather than rushing to meet the May 2016 deadline.  

The event organising team believe that, despite the regrettable absence of Hunslet 1215, Tracks to the Trenches 2016 is shaping up to be every bit as good as the now legendary 2014 event. It is planned that further announcements will be made in the coming months as further major visiting exhibits are confirmed.

Tracks to the Trenches 2016 will be open 12-1730 on Friday May 13 2016 and 1030-1730 on Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 May 2016. Admission prices are Adult £9, Child £4, Family (2 + 2) £20. A limited number of Access All Areas passes will be available, priced at £30. The event has a dedicated Facebook page and its own website, www.ww1-event.org. Tickets are available in advance via this website.

The Trust would be delighted to hear from potential exhibitors with suitable period vehicles or other exhibits – get in touch via the above website, or the main Trust site at www.mrt.org.uk.

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www.ww1-event.org



We are very pleased to be able to confirm a comprehensive model railway show within "Tracks to the Trenches 2016", including trade support.
 

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Entertaining modellers, model engineers and families alike, we are pleased to be bringing enthusiasts and craftsmen from all over the UK with First World War and/or related military railway models. Our younger visitors will also be delighted to know that there is also a Hogsmead on Sodor - a large Thomas the Tank engine inspired layout too! A full list of the attending layouts & displays is given on the event website. 

The Tracks to the Trenches events give you a very rare opportunity to see both the models and the full size real thing in action at the same time!

We are always interested to hear from modellers and model engineers of First World War/Military prototypes, plus supporting traders. Please contact us via the event webpage or through this forum.
 

www.ww1-event.org

Edited by defiant1uk
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We've issued this press release today:-

 

The Power of the Horse:- Moseley Railway Trust celebrates £10,000 National Lottery win

The Moseley Railway Trust has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £10,000, it was announced today. This money will be used to develop the Trust’s interpretation of the role of the horse with both civilian industrial railways and in delivering supplies to the front lines during the First World War.

 

During the 1914-1918 conflict, both sides used horses not only for direct combat (cavalry regiments and the like) but also as a means of moving the huge weights of supplies which a fighting army needs to sustain itself. Light Railways were laid as a means of increasing the amount which a horse could haul, and also to spread the weight of wagons in the infamous mud of Flanders Fields and elsewhere. Frequently, supplies would be hauled by steam or petrol-powered locomotives to a point near the front lines, and then horses were often used for the last mile to the front – the so-called Trench Tramways. Using the Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the Moseley Railway Trust will replicate these operations and demonstrate them to visitors.

 

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Trust will now be able to fulfil two key objectives. Firstly, it will enhance the displays which will be available to the public at the forthcoming Tracks to the Trenches 2016 event at the Trust’s Apedale Valley Light Railway site. During this event, part of Staffordshire is transformed into the Western Front in 1916 – including a replica trench for visitors to experience. The event will include displays of working horses, mules and horse-drawn vehicles. This event takes place on May 13, 14 and 15 2016, and further details can be obtained from www.ww1-event.org.

 

Secondly, the grant will allow permanent improvements to the facilities and exhibits at Apedale. These will be constructed by volunteers at the Apedale Valley Light Railway, and will include an extension to the existing demonstration railway and an interpretative panel. These will further enhance the Industrial Railway Trail which was initially funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014. A Trench Tramway wagon will also be constructed – these vehicles were hauled by horses on the very lightly-built railways which spanned the vital last yards to reach the troops fighting at the front.

 

Commenting on the award, Phil Robinson, Moseley Railway Trust Chairman said “We are once again delighted that the HLF have rewarded the efforts which our dedicated team of volunteers have made. Working with the HLF, this grant will not only transform the Tracks to the Trenches event in May 2016, but also allow permanent improvements to the visitor facilities at Apedale. We are very grateful to HLF for their continued support”.

 

Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. The Heritage Lottery Fund has already invested more than £70million in projects – large and small - that are marking this Centenary. Our small grants programme is enabling even more communities like those involved in The Power of the Horse to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

 

The Moseley Railway Trust is a registered charity. It exists to preserve, conserve and interpret narrow gauge railway locomotives and other artefacts. This work is carried out at the Apedale site by a team of volunteers. The volunteers are a very diverse group of all ages and backgrounds – the Trust prides itself on having an active group of younger members, who are able to learn genuine skills as they carry out work on the site. The Trust arrived on the Apedale site in 2006, and opened a passenger carrying railways, known as the Apedale Valley Light Railway, in 2010. The key current development on site is the construction of a large museum to fully display the Trust’s collections.

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The Moseley Railway Trust is pleased to announce the details of the steam locomotives which will be visiting the Apedale Valley Light Railway for the Tracks to the Trenches 2016 event.

In addition to the previously-announced Kerr, Stuart “Joffre” from the West Lancashire Light Railway and Hudswell Clarke 1643 from Statfold, Baldwin 44656 of 1917 will make a very welcome return visit from its normal base at the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway.

Owned by the Greensand Railway Museum Trust, the Baldwin – No.778 – has just completed a major winter overhaul. These locomotives were supplied en-masse from their American builder to the British War Department from 1917 onwards, eventually totalling nearly 500 by 1918. They were the most common steam locomotive operated by the War Department Light Railways during  World War One. After the War, No.778 was one of a batch of 50 locomotives identified for further service on the North West Frontier between India (now Pakistan) and Afghanistan. By the early 1970s, this war veteran had been re-discovered  at an Indian sugar works by adventurous British railway enthusiasts. In March 1985, the loco returned to the UK. After a major restoration  project, No. 778 was finally launched into public service in August 2007.  2014 saw No.778 star at the Tracks to the Trenches event at Apedale before withdrawal for a boiler overhaul. This has been completed in double-quick time – a testimony to the quality of the original restoration.  

Phil Robinson, the Chairman of the Moseley Railway Trust, said “The Baldwin No.778 was a hit with our visitors at the 2014 Tracks to the Trenches event, and we very much look forward to a repeat performance in 2016!”

Additionally to the visiting steam locomotives, various visiting internal combustion locomotives will be at Apedale for the event, complementing the extensive collection of War Department Light Railway material which is resident on site. All of these will be operated in an authentic environment, moving supplies to a re-creation of a Western Front trench. Living History groups will be on site to add authenticity, as will the replica Tank which provided a backdrop to many memorable photographs in 2014.

Tracks to the Trenches 2016 will be open 1230-1730 on Friday May 13 2016 and 1030-1730 on Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 May 2016. Admission prices are Adult £9, Child £4, Family (2 + 2) £20. A limited number of Access All Areas passes will be available, priced at £30. The event has a dedicated Facebook page and its own website, www.ww1-event.org. Tickets are available in advance via this website.

The Trust would still be delighted to hear from potential exhibitors with suitable period vehicles or other exhibits – get in touch via the above website, or the main Trust site at www.mrt.org.uk.

By way of exchange, the Moseley Railway Trust’s Hudswell Clarke steam loco no.1238 will be visiting the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway’s event marking the War Department Light Railways Centenary. This event is on August 28, 29 & 31 and September 1st, 4th & 5th. This will be a return visit by Hudswell 1238, which previously visited Leighton Buzzard in 2008 prior to the locomotive being restored. This visit is particularly appropriate, because the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway had two steam locomotives of the same type as Hudswell Clarke 1238 when it first opened in 1919 – sadly, the two Leighton Buzzard locomotives were scrapped many years ago.

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Just a quick note as we get ever closer to the Tracks to the Trenches 2016 event.

 

The embedded Narrow Gauge model railway exhibition (military themed) is fully confirmed, as is the trade support. Please see the event website for further details: www.ww1-event.org

 

We are working flat out at the moment on several projects/site enhancements - what will be finished? There is only one way to find out! See you there....

 

www.ww1-event.org

 

Advance Ticket special offers finish this weekend (1st May) - www.ww1-event.org.uk/tickets

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Edited by defiant1uk
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Really looking forward to this event, only just over a week now.

 

My 'access all areas' pass arrived safely and the website mentions early bird entry but I can't find any further info on this. Have tried asking the question via the website but this just brings up an error. If anyone can help with info on this it would be appreciated

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Mr Ryde:- You will be able to access the site from 0800 each day with your pass.

 

Not sure why the website gives an error. I'll get thye soldering iron out.

 

We have a rather splendid new arrival on site - check out the Facebook page or the news section of the MRT website.

 

Thanks!

post-28381-0-66413900-1462656436_thumb.jpg

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We have a rather splendid new arrival on site - check out the Facebook page or the news section of the MRT website.

 

Thanks!

 

Wow!  Is that a standard-gauge Baldwin Gas Mechanical?  

One like this? https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Road_Switcher_Berliet.jpg    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Road_Switcher_Berliet_2.jpg   

 

Cheers, Dave.

Edited by DLT
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from the website, it says it was converted from a narrow gauge version, and intention is to convert it back. One part of me says that is good, but one part says to keep it as standard gauge. Both versions have historical importance, and the ability to convert narrow gauge to standard gauge is important, and should not be lost . As far as I know it is the only one.

 

Having looked at those pictures, I am now wondering. Presumably some were built for standard gauge, and even 'built; elsewhere and for many years after WW1.

This actually looks like an even bigger subject, and like the post WW1 8ton Simplex originally designed for narrow gauge, used a lot as standard gauge and preserved as such, then maybe a working standard gauge Baldwin would be valuable in itself as standard gauge, not narrow gauge.

Edited by rue_d_etropal
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The plot thickens!  There's another standard gauge "version" about a third of the way down this page:  http://www.forum-train.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6466

Of the standard design but with wider frames.

 

Are you in the NGRMonline forum?  Theres a thread running on the Tracks to The Trenches weekend, and another one (started by me, when I was building the Neil Sayer kit) on the Baldwin Gas Mechanical here:  http://ngrm-online.com/forums/index.php?/topic/10068-baldwin-gas-mechanicalmoelwyn-photos-please-add-yours/  for everyone to add their photos etc, creating a single source/depository of information.  There are infinite variations on it, fascinating stuff!

 

Cheers Dave.

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Dave, I am not a member of NGRM, because it is members only. Sorry but I don't support members only forums. I have joined some Yahoo ones which are, but no more, and Yahoo has only one password entry. There should be no reason to hide behind locked doors.

 

One thing I just noticed in photo of French one, is that the coupling rods are in effect the inside frame ones, but just fixed to wheels. If it is the same loco as the NG one then I might be tempted by a model. Would have to see which version 35hp or 50hp.

Edited by rue_d_etropal
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Just to clarify:

These 50hp Baldwin tractors were all built as 60cm machines (there were some similar 2'6" ones for the Russians too). In post war France/Belgium they were a cheap source of motive power and it was quite common to see them converted to standard gauge to shunt factory sidings etc. This also frequently happened to the Dick Kerr PE's (Ashover one is well known) & 40hp Simplex locos (the one in the Imperial War museum was converted to Standard Gauge post war) too.  

There are approx. half a dozen (or more) of these Baldwin locos that I know of that have been converted by industry post-war & still survive. Many were converted in a similar manner - however the last one mentioned in the link above had a much more severe conversion with either a 2nd set of frames, or its originals split & widened (there are a couple of survivors like this too).

 

Cheers,  

Edited by defiant1uk
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The French one suggests it was built later, so presume production either continued or there is confusion between build date and conversion date.

I had to look carefully, and it does look more like the 50hp version, the 35hp one being smaller, but similar cab with deeper windows.

As a narrow gauge loco I was not that interested for a 3D printed model(especially as there are kits), but for standard gauge I think it might get me designing it for 3D printing. One person has mentioned that would interest him as well.

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Dave, I am not a member of NGRM, because it is members only. Sorry but I don't support members only forums. I have joined some Yahoo ones which are, but no more, and Yahoo has only one password entry. There should be no reason to hide behind locked doors.

 

 

I had forgotten to mention that I had started a similar Baldwin Gas Mechanical thread here on RMweb!  

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/82183-baldwin-gas-mechanicalmoelwyn-photos/

 

Cheers, Dave.

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Just a heads up that the 2018 event takes place in a couple of weeks on Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July. Details can be found here

 

http://www.ww1-event.org

 

Was a shame it didn’t make the Ffestiniog Hunslet 125 event last weekend but it looks like TTTT will see the debut of War Department Hunslet No 303. Really enjoyed it 2 years ago and well worth a visit.

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Hi All,

Tracks to the Trenches - 13-15th July 2018

Apedale Valley Light Railway - North Staffordshire

www.ww1-event.org

 

Well, it's less than 2 weeks to go so I thought it was worth mentioning about the Third event in the First World War Centenary Trilogy at Apedale - which is a Narrow Gauge & Living History megafest.

 

On the modelling front, there are a vast array of Narrow Gauge military (mostly WW1 or related) model railways in 009, 1/35, O14, O16.5 & 16mm scale. A good range of traders and much more - including a display of highly detailed 16mm locos/stock from the famous the late Henry Holdsworth collection.

 

We are reliably informed that a pre-production sample of the forth coming 16mm scale LROD Hunslet 4-6-0T from Accucraft should be making an appearance too (potentially even operating at some stage).

 

As if that wasn't enough - you may also get to see the 12":1ft real thing!

 

For the first time (and probably not repeated again for a long time) you'll be able to see Hunslet 4-6-0T, Baldwin 4-6-0T, Hudson 0-6-0WT, Kerr Stuart Joffre 0-6-0T, Brigadelok 0-8-0T all in action to a back drop of a sea of First World War living history groups/displays, Cavalry, Vehicles, Field Gun, Motor Rail 20hp (Wizz-Bang) Bent-frame locos, 40hp Tin Turtles and more original/authentic WW1 rolling stock than anywhere else. 

 

Many more details available on the event website - www.ww1-event.org

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Not one but two WD Hunslet 4-6-0Ts will make their debut at Tracks to the Trenches this year! In addition to the War Department Locomotive Trust running No. 303 for the first time, Accucraft UK Ltd. will unveil their 1:19 scale, live steam locomotive.


Hunslet produced 155 of these 2 foot (60cm) gauge locos during WW1 for service behind the trenches in France, sharing their duties with Baldwins and Alcos procured for the same role. After the war they were scattered to the four winds, examples ended up in South America, Australia and Palestine as well as England and Scotland. In 2005 The War Office Locomotive Trust repatriated No. 1215 (No. 303) from Australia and its restoration is now complete. A percentage of the retail profit from each UK sale will be donated to this locomotive, a greater percentage if ordered directly from Accucraft (UK) Ltd.



The model is internally gas fired and has slide valve cylinders. The boiler is fitted with a water gauge with blow down valve, lubricator with drain and pressure gauge. It will be available in either 32mm (gauge 0) or 45mm gauge (gauge 1), the latter as per the 3’ gauge locos supplied to Balfour Beatty in Scotland. The model will only be available in satin black (with no running number) and will carry a UK RRP of £1950.00. They will carry item numbers S19-29A (45mm gauge) and S19-29B (32mm gauge).


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