Historic WW1 German steam engine goes on display

22 August 2024

The Vale of Rheidol Museum near Aberystwyth will - over the summer holidays - be putting an unusual German light steam engine from the First World War on public display.

The engine is a ‘Brigadelok' built by Maffei in Germany in 1916.

1000023074 — Maffei ‘Brigadelok’ No.4766 is displayed in the new Museum, Display & Events building in Aberystwyth. Photo: Phil Budd (Phil Budd)

These steam engines worked on light, narrow gauge, railways and were used to pull wagons which carried munitions and supplies to the front line.

The locomotive has an unusual chimney, designed as a spark arrestor to prevent sparks giving away the location to British forces when working during the night. This device also prevented accidents when pulling train-loads of munitions.