Apedale - Tracks to the Trenches 2016 May 13-15

Moseley Railway Trust announces Tracks to the Trenches 2016 – May 13-15 2016

The Moseley Railway Trust is pleased to confirm that May 2016 will see another Tracks to the Trenches railway gala. Following the award-winning 2014 event, the 2016 Tracks to the Trenches will once again mark the vital role which railways played during the First World War.

2016 sees the centenary of one of the key events in military history – the Battle of the Somme. This battle, although far from decisive, could be regarded as a turning point in the conflict. The battle could not have been fought without the logistical support provided by narrow gauge railways. Used by all combatants, these railways moved supplies and troops up the front lines and into areas where it was too dangerous for full-size trains to operate.

The star attraction at the 2016 event is hoped to be the public debut of the iconic Hunslet 460 steam locomotive – War Department No.303. Hunslet number 1215, this loco will celebrate its centenary in 2016. This locomotive – unique in the UK, and one of the key machines used by the British War Department Light Railways - was repatriated from Australia in 2005, and has been rebuilt by the War Office Locomotive Trust.

Hunslet 1215 will be joined by other locomotives & vehicles from World War One - both from the Moseley Railway Trust’s own collection and visiting from other railways. Details of visiting locomotives will be released as they are confirmed.

There will be a considerable presence of other World War One military themed attractions, including re-enactor groups who will use the replica Trench system which the Trust has constructed at Apedale. The Trench is, of course, served by its own 2’0” gauge railway – the Trench Tramway.

Phil Robinson, Moseley Railway Trust Chairman, said “The visitor feedback from the 2014 Tracks to the Trenches event was overwhelmingly positive. The organising team are hoping to surpass themselves for the 2016 event, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to the railway at Apedale”.

Tracks to the Trenches 2016 will be open 12-1730 on Friday May 13 2016 and 1030-1730 on Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 May 2016 . Admission prices are Adult £9, Child £4, Family (2 + 2) £20. A limited number of Access All Areas passes will be available, priced at £30. The event has a dedicated Facebook page and its own website, www.ww1-event.org. Tickets will be available in advance via this website.

The Trust would be delighted to hear from potential exhibitors with suitable period vehicles or other exhibits – get in touch via the above website, or the main Trust site at www.mrt.org.uk.