'Tracks to the Trenches' 2016

[Hereford Horseman]

Following the success of the 2014 Centenary Event by the Moseley Railway Trust, another event is being planned for May 2016. The preservation society has a unique collection of WW1 light railway equipment and will be combining this with demonstrations of other logistics to illustrate how the supply chain to the trenches worked. Those living within reach of Newcastle-under-Lyme during the 13th - 15th May would be well advised to attend and take a look.

http://www.ww1-event.org/

Graham.

[Hereford Horseman]

....a flavour of what will be on offer can be seen in this video from last year:

https://youtu.be/fuRyw6sJ-aY

Graham.

[defiant1uk]

Just a short note to let you know that the newly created Tracks to the Trenches Driver experience course dates for 2016 have been released.

This unique day in the life of a WW1 light railway operating company driver (footplate experience course) uses much of our large historic collection of (British, French and US) WW1 railway engines and rolling stock. Delivered in a special presentation gift pack, the voucher has a validity of 18 months, with the actual course date to be selected and booked directly by the recipient. With Christmas just around the corner, is this a perfect present for those difficult people who already have everything!?

Please see http://www.ww1-event.org/driver-experience-coursefor more details!

In other news, plans are developing well for the next "Tracks to the Trenches" WW1 Centenary Event - 13-15th May 2016. Please keep watching the main website - we are always keen to receive offers of WW1 exhibits and assistance!

http://www.ww1-event.org

Tracks to the Trenches | WW1 event 13-15th May | Narrow Gauge Railway & Horses | Family day out | Staffordshire

[Hereford Horseman]

Absolutely, if you feel you can make a contribution, get in touch with the railway.

Very kindly, the railway asked me to be a guinea pig and test the footplate course but, alas, I couldn't find the time. Highly recommended!

Graham.

[Hereford Horseman]

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 this website.

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.”

[Moonraker]

Tracks To The Trenches 2018

[Moonraker]

There are more Tracks to the Trenches clips on YouTube, and

 

this one

 

is rather fun. Model railway element from 5.45, including downed German biplane.