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.

Latest news

Christmas Opening Hours
23 December 2025

Christmas opening hours for the WFA office

Read more
Website Launch V1
21 December 2025

Introducing Our New Website: A Quick Guide to Get You Started

Read more
Password Reset
16 December 2025

Members area: Password reset

Read more
Maxresdefault (5)
16 December 2025

Our YouTube channel hits a major milestone

Read more
The Western Front Association (WFA) logo
15 December 2025

Gary Sheffield stands down as President of the WFA

Read more
DSC 0201 Web
30 November 2025

WFA member chronicles grandfather's journey from Boer War to Palestine

Read more