The Moseley
Railway Trust is delighted to announce the release of a new departure for the
Apedale site. Building on the infrastructure and vehicle restorations completed
for the award-winning 2014 “Tracks to the Trenches” event, the Trust can now
offer a Driver Experience day – with a difference.
Phil
Robinson, Trust Chairman, explains “Many heritage railways offer Driver
Experience days; we offer an immersive Military Railway Day. Participants are
transported back in time nearly 100 years to northern France during 1917, where
they sign-up with the 6th Light Railway Operating Company. After
instruction, participants are given a series of challenges which the must meet
by driving both steam and diesel locomotives around the railway network at
Apedale. This network, of course, includes a replica First World War trench
amongst the many possible destinations.”
During the
First World War, these Light Railway Operating Companies provided vital
logistic support to the front line troops. Using 2’0” gauge light railways and
a wide variety of locomotives, these Companies moved everything an army needed
to fight a war – from shells to food and water, not forgetting evacuating the
wounded.
Perhaps
fortunately, the outcome of a major European war does not hang in the balance
this time – but participants in the Driver Experience should gain a real
insight into military railways in the First World War – and have a lot of fun
at the same time! The degree of authenticity can be tailored to suit participant’s
wishes. For example, some may wish to have their midday meal as hard tack
biscuits and a mess can full of tea in the Trench. Others may opt for the
rather more comfortable option of a hot meal in the adjacent Café.
The Driver
Experience can also tailored dependant on the previous experience and
preferences of participants – within reason, most things can be arranged.
