Very interesting! And important: the train was the single most important vehicle of WW1. Is there any 1/72-76 kits available of these small-gauge trains?
While in no way being an expert on military railways in the smaller scales I know of a few companies that does produce something. The British manufacturer Meridian Models do the 40 hp. Simplex http://www.bagofbits.com/tinturtle/shop.php
Parkside Dundas does a series of the British War Departement standard wagons
I have seen both French and US wagons and locos in 1:76 and some German ones as well, but as it is a 'wrong' scale for me I have no idea who produces these kits. They all run on 9 mm. gauge track.
There are also 1/76 drawings of Simplex variants in "Tankette" back numbers, which I believe Mike Cooper may have used. They do seem to offer good possibilties for a scratch building project.
Hi all: Even more on the light railways behind the trenches.
First the British War Departement railways. This link gives access to photos of both 20 and 40 hp. Simplex-locos, a petrol-electric Dick-Kerr loco and photos of a rebuilt Crewe-tractor - possibly in the Ypres area.
For further info on the types you can turn to this site that gives some very basic data on both locos and wagons. I think Eduardo M. was the first to post this site.
On the Australian War Memorial website you will find lots of images of narrow gauge railways by typing 'light railway', 'steam engine' or 'railway engine'
Interested in how to design, build, equip, staff and operate a light railway system for the supply of a military force? Choose this website for a complete US Army manual on 600 mm (2 feet) military railway.
Would be fun to see more models made of these railway subjects. During the war huge amounts of supplies were transported by the railways, guns moved around, gas cylinders being emplaced and I have even heard rumours of 18 pdr. 'sniper missions' conducted from narrow gauge wagons. I have, however, no photos to substantiate that info. I have until now built five French wagons and one British loaded with a 'flying pig' trench mortar. Hopefully I will be able to begin building a French loco this winter.
Claus! the Ford T railcar is a must...Based on the image centurion provided, one can imagine an interestig diorama... I will post some pics for the lads this week end. Things are getting more interesting!
Hi Eduardo The Crewe-tractor is available in 1:35 from Belgian ResiCast. Try http://www.resicast.com/
choose catalogue and WWI. They also have other interesting stuff - a RR coming soon. They also have som very nice Wickers gunds. Just the thing for a Canadian armoured Auto Car.
Last year I saw an article in Narrow Gauge and Industrial Modelling Review on a scratch built motorized 1:32 version of the Crewe-tractor -a real masterpiece. More on the magazine with the lengthy title: http://www.narrowgaugeandindustrial.com/
The 'locomotive' appears to be a Model T Ford conversion so one could use the old Airfix one as a basis. If anyone has the old Airfix racing spectators set the portly gentleman with the binoculars would be convertable (with a little carving and Milliput) to the officer (years ago I used this figure for a Col under Pershing in Mexico and the uniforms are not too disimilar.) The soldier from the King's African Rifles in the background could probly be produced from Airfix Africa Korps parts with some carving and pyrogravure work. Now does anyone one a good source of Airfix Model Ts?
You posted some amazing photos of a railgun. what is this piece and where is it located? wow you guys in Europe some amazing things in your backyard. I am wishing to build a 35th scale trenchtrain used in the Verdun area, can anyone helpme with ideas for kits or parts to scratch-build an engine, I would like either a French or German set-up.
Although it is of the British Simplex locomotives, the "How To Model This Vehicle" section has links to manufacturers who make quite a wide range of WW1 locomotives. Also, the "References and Further Reading" section suggests books (and publishers) with details of all trench locos.