The WFA website is currently undergoing routine maintenance work. You may experience brief interruptions to the Registration and Member login features.

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

AMP26 0611 FIND Compacted Material From Hessian Sandbags In Trench 1 2 E1781256968487 816X627
24 June 2026

Surprise discovery of practice trenches at Ampthill recalls a Bedfordshire training camp

Read more
110 Cover
17 June 2026

Somme 110: Free digital magazine to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Read more
E126 Header
13 June 2026

Remembering: The Battle of the Somme, 110 years on

Read more
Princess Anne
11 June 2026

Princess Royal unveils a new memorial at Brookwood Military Cemetery

Read more
IMG 7650 Web
10 June 2026

Beneath the Battlefield: Penair School students trace Cornwall’s tunnellers

Read more
P1190493
7 June 2026

First World War burials and rededication ceremonies in June and July 2026

Read more