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This blog presents my thoughts, information and activities in my model railroading world.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

World War I light railways

During WWI the American Army engineered light narrow gauge railways to assist in moving supplies to the front.  These railways were fairly easy to lay and used light locomotives and cars.  The gauge was usually 2 feet between the rails.  One of the important lines built in France was the one between the central shops and storage yards in Abainville and the front line system at Sorcy railhead.

Below is a photo of a light railway gasoline loco and flat cars.



 While these rail lines were usually easier to engineer, they did have their challenges.  The simple bridge below was constructed over on the the French canals.


Light narrow gauge railroads were also frequently used in industrial facilities for moving in-plant materials.
Modeling this interesting type of light railway as an industrial part of a regular standard gauge railroad makes for visual interest even if the the narrow gauge railroad is not operational.

1 comment:

Jim Musser said...

I liked your photos of this subject. Have you ever picked up the Narrow Gauge & Industrial Railway Modelling Review magazine? They have had a number of articles over the past few years on these railroads and also a number of related modeling projects.