Moelwyn bursts out of the tunnel
In 1916, internal combustion power was in its infancy and most railway locomotives were powered by steam. However, the smoke, steam and night-time glow of the fire on a steam loco were a disadvantage near the front line, as they allowed the enemy to identify and attack trains and railway lines. All participants in the Somme therefore used petrol-powered locomotives in forward areas, supported by steam locos to the rear.
The Baldwin locomotive company produced hundreds of petrol ‘locotracteurs’ in 35HP and 50HP variants for the French and American armies; not all made it to the front before the end of the war. The Ffestiniog Railway purchased a 50HP loco in 1925, primarily for hauling light freight and passenger trains. The engine proved unreliable and it was not used as much as the Simplex.
After several modifications in the 1950s and 1960s it emerged with a second-hand Gardner diesel engine and 4-speed gearbox, plus a leading pony truck. This produced a fast and reliable machine which remains a useful member of the FR fleet to this day. It was repainted in grey for the event at Froissy, approximating its original scheme. At present its ‘Moelwyn’ nameplates are not carried. A similar loco in original (non-working) condition is in the museum at Froissy.
Here the Moelwyn emerges from the tunnel above Cappy, working flat out in second gear to drag its train up the gradient.
Moelwyn bursts out of the tunnel
In 1916, internal combustion power was in its infancy and most railway locomotives were powered by steam. However, the smoke, steam and night-time glow of the fire on a steam loco were a disadvantage near the front line, as they allowed the enemy to identify and attack trains and railway lines. All participants in the Somme therefore used petrol-powered locomotives in forward areas, supported by steam locos to the rear.
The Baldwin locomotive company produced hundreds of petrol ‘locotracteurs’ in 35HP and 50HP variants for the French and American armies; not all made it to the front before the end of the war. The Ffestiniog Railway purchased a 50HP loco in 1925, primarily for hauling light freight and passenger trains. The engine proved unreliable and it was not used as much as the Simplex.
After several modifications in the 1950s and 1960s it emerged with a second-hand Gardner diesel engine and 4-speed gearbox, plus a leading pony truck. This produced a fast and reliable machine which remains a useful member of the FR fleet to this day. It was repainted in grey for the event at Froissy, approximating its original scheme. At present its ‘Moelwyn’ nameplates are not carried. A similar loco in original (non-working) condition is in the museum at Froissy.
Here the Moelwyn emerges from the tunnel above Cappy, working flat out in second gear to drag its train up the gradient.