Firing Up and Running the WWI Davenport Trench Locomotive!

Beginning in 1918, The Davenport Locomotive Works produced eighty 60cm (2ft gauge) 2-6-2 steam locomotives intended to be sent to the narrow-gauge trench railways in France during the closing years of World War I. These locomotives improved on the original Baldwin design sent to the Army in August of 1917. However, none of the Davenports were sent overseas due to the Armistice signed on November 11, 1918 which ceased hostilities and led to the end of the war. Most of the locomotives were manufactured after the Armistice and sent to various supply depots and army camps around the united states and put to use on light camp railways. During the 1940s most of them were then sold off as military surplus or scrapped. Only three of the Davenport 2-6-2’s survive today, and this is the only one in operable condition. As of 2021 It has been completely restored over a period of three years by the crew at the Norgrove Railway Shops in Arroyo Grande, CA and operates on a private agricultural tramway.

[@fredwood8158]

Between the wars, some of these tiny locos were used, in West Virginia, by the smaller coal companies to haul coal to the tipple. My older brother called them "the Dinky Railroad"! He mentioned how they would keep the under growth and grass down by constantly setting it on fire! They were all gone before I was born though. I have seen movies of them hauling hundreds of troops, standing up on flat cars, from the rear areas to near the front and also hauling hundreds of tons of artillery shells and other material. I had assumed all those in Europe had been abandoned there and those used here were government surplus. that is a beautiful machine and you are all rightly proud of the care you take of them.

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

The train that operates at Silverdollar city got started with a Devonport steam locomotive, which is currently retired. It was originally numbered 76 until a second engine was required number and 76 in the engine was remembered 6

[@bigguyprepper]

Many were also used by the timber companies in WV

[@tomt9543]

The description says none of these locomotives ever made it overseas due the armistice being signed, and that most weren’t even built until after the armistice! A really crazy story! I guess the movies you saw were the Baldwin that pre dated these engines. Still interesting stuff!

[@FKreider]

The workmanship on this engine is fantastic, I doubt it looked that good when it first rolled out of the factory!

[@americanspirit8932]

I agree, attention to detail is unbelievable

[@BLKBRDD]

It’s probably better considering it was made for purpose rather than recreation and nostalgia

[@scottwillie9914]

That is really cool! Great to see historical vehicles restored and running.

[@ayusandra9161]

Ade

[@dmegrailways]

I can’t get over the condition of the loco, looks like it has just been built (along with the rolling stock). Really great video, thanks for sharing.

[@quillmaurer6563]

As someone else pointed out, it's probably actually in much better condition than when it was first built. It was emergency war production, they probably threw these things together as quickly as possible and hoped they worked. This one was restored over three years, a lot more love would have gone into it than had been originally. (I'm a VW Bug enthusiast, this is the same story on "showroom-restored" Bugs, those basic econoboxes were probably were never actually that good when new.)

[@FumandoRamas]

the loco has been already... built BUT i'll just say that the loco was built for war... it sounded like it SUFFERD A LOT XD

[@yelloweyeball]

@@quillmaurer6563 I love VW bugs!

[@davefroman4700]

ITs just come out of a 3 year restoration.

[@sarabarrios9024]

@@quillmaurer6563 hod

[@mikekean8344]

The last of it's kind still running. Well done.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Some interesting locomotives for those modelling a narrow gauge layout. Actually seeing the real thing is fascinating and I’m glad to see the old Trench Locomotive has been restored to running order.

[@mspetersen]

Beautiful restoration. That engine has a great sound as it’s running and real sounds like she’s getting a workout.

[@jorgeluismunoz9732]

Pppp

[@H.EL-Othemany]

Make up your minds. It's an IT or a She?

[@Biondi53]

I love this channel, gives me years of extra life

[@69woodburner]

Beautiful job! The exhaust beats are well nigh perfect and in a lovely setting too. A credit to all involved. Best wishes from the UK

[@peternott2217]

I see you are in the UK. I got the inspiration whilst driving Mountaineer a similar loco on the Ffestiniog in Wales. I was lucky to find this one in the USA that never got shipped to France.

[@69woodburner]

@@peternott2217 Cheers Peter, the loco is a credit to you! There is a lovely little Davenport at Statfold Barn Railway over here too. I'm within day trip distance of the Ffestiniog Railway, but haven't been since 2019 due to Covid. I'm Currently building a miniature - a 7.25" gauge Baldwin 50hp gas mechanical which did make it to France, but probably too late for the actual war. It's a good job Baldwins were faster than me - I'd have been ready for the second conflict! :-)

[@chiconian49]

A beautiful train. It's nice to see the care that has gone into preserving the oak trees.

[@peternott2217]

yes we actually curved the track around the old Oak trees so we would not have to cut them down

[@rajubhaikatara9144]

@@peternott2217 in

[@vanson6773]

@@peternott2217 o

[@maidulsk5093]

U

[@lcpaqueta]

@@rajubhaikatara9144 t 8 b h m T

[@tandemcompound2]

nice resto. great to see trench railways and locos being appreciated.

[@QuintonMurdock]

The locomotive is beautiful but I’m in awe at the craftsmanship on those coaches

[@royreynolds108]

Very nice loco; glad it has been preserved. Lovely area. I understood the exhaust to be much softer in the trench engines so not to be followed easily by the enemy.

[@peternott2217]

the video was made with it hauling up a 3% grade. Hopefully the track to the trenches was more level

[@MrAustrailan]

This is the coolest train I have ever seen!

[@steelblue8]

What a gorgeous piece of machinery, looking properly fantastic in that military green! I absolutely adore the USRA designs because of their utilitarian nature, lends a real air of it being a proper piece of *equipment* and not just a flashy showpiece. Absolutely fantastic restoration work done here, and what a pretty piece of engineering.

[@schutendohkji548]

USRA only designed Mainline standard ga. (4' 8 1/2") locos for WWI. No Narrow gauge ones. I do say the US sent standard ga. locos during WWII to UK (n later to France after the war ended) which were made cheaply as possible. Those US locos should of bn expired, unusable wehn the war ended. But, as the Brit's fiendish love for an odd ball locos, the trench locos (Baldwin 2-6-2 n 4-6-0s) n the std ga. one were lovingly restored/preserved nut only in appearance but operationally as well. I urge the Brits n Californians to send those trench locos to Ukrainians to make her soldiers happy. Pls give dem a toot! Also, include the tracks. N send the same set for the Russian trench boyz. Maybe they kan connect their trenches together w the tracks n get rid of their guns so they can have fun together.

[@c5173]

great footage of a very interesting little railway

[@johnkuzma7066]

2' gauge is the answer to mass transit it seems. It can be put almost anywhere and can go up some steep grades, if combined with a intermittent rack system it could go anywhere.

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5uXf4NurMyka9E I believe steam is the future

[@zackbobby5550]

@@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695 I love steam as much as the next guy but it's definitely not the future lmao. It's horribly inefficient and messy. Diesel and electric are much cleaner.

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

@@zackbobby5550 it might not be elsewhere however I'm definitely going to be using it on my farm sooner than later I'm even thinking about planting a Japanese timber bamboo grove for a renewable fuel source I'm tired of relying on gas that could be 10 dollars a gallon here soon and electric that is 500 dollars minimum every month I plan on solar powering my house but can't run my other equipment on it because I can't wait for it to charge after it's died

[@zackbobby5550]

@@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695 So instead of waiting for stuff to charge, at which time you could be doing literally anything else, including sleeping, you're gonna spend that time tending to a literal FOREST, that will require most of your land to be anywhere near large enough to be used as a sustainable fuel source. You're gonna have to hire people who's only jobs is to tend to the forest and prep the wood for sale. Pretty sure that's gonna cost a lot more than some solar panels and batteries...

[@rileycoyote4924]

2' gauge has the problem of rounding curves at speed, standard gauge can handle curves at a much higher speed.

[@steamingspud]

I revisit this video a lot. It’s mesmerizing. Good work, both on filmography and the engine restoration/track maintenance. Labor of love for sure.

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

Found it on the map that's going to be one awesome Railroad in the future! Once the Grapevine start to grow in ,looks like they have a lot of equipment setting in the yard awesome

[@James-Railyard]

And if they need to, they can use the engine to transport the grapes.

[@lordmattis94]

Whats the address?

[@mratsfrailfan1894]

Cords?

[@lordmattis94]

@@mratsfrailfan1894 yea

[@peternott2217]

@@lordmattis94 2445 Brady Lane Arroyo Grande CA 93420

[@kevinrasmussen8734]

Wow, that is a clean engine! And the cars look great also. Beautiful train.

[@rapidranjan]

I can say this is one of the most beautiful steam locomotive that I have ever seen, and very well cared.

[@trainsandtrams2020]

What a cool piece of history and over a hundred years old. I like the grey austerity paint scheme.

[@jppicur]

The original Baldwin design was a 4-6-0 which proved unstable and subject to toppling over on the rough track. It was just another Baldwin design failure in the 20th century -- of which there were many. ALCo designed the 2-6-2, which filled the bill perfectly. It was stable, fully bidirectional and rugged. Its essential design was then copied by the other builders. Baldwin also received orders to produce the ALCo design. The beautiful preservation of this locomotive is a pleasant surprise. Long may she run!

[@derekp2674]

I think Baldwin only made the 4-6-0's because that was what the British Army asked for, as their large Hunslet locos were also 4-6-0's. See 778 and 303 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onq7g5l3hLSaY7M

[@mojojoejoe6661]

What a beautiful locomotive, train and short line! I bet this is a real treat to ride when the vineyards are lush. What a gem to maintain- be rightfully proud of what you have!!!!

[@ByrdMann2010]

Beautifully filmed and presented. I've been a subscriber for awhile and it's nice to see content coming from you again. An operation like this small RR would be a dream come true for me.

[@williamhoward2731]

I wish to thank you for sharing this awesome railroad video with me .

[@glahome1]

What beautiful photography! Love this train, so pristine and mesmerizing.

[@steam212]

What an INCREDIBLE video! Can you imagine the stories that this little engine (that did) could tell? The time and passion that was dedicated to keep this veteran here for us all to appreciate is without a doubt commendable! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@secondvalveservices9856]

Beautiful loco, the company that restored this is truly gifted, knowing how rushed these loco’s were built I can guarantee that she runs smoother than she did when first built. How well does she steam?

[@MasseeMedia]

Steams very well. Super square as you can hear, and will pull the current train up the 3% grades with only 1/4 open throttle. Has a lot more capacity available.

[@secondvalveservices9856]

@@MasseeMedia that’s good to hear, I’m envious of the people that get to run that loco. If that’s ever take a trip to the states I would hope to see this beautiful little line for myself. Thank you so much for sharing

[@lowrangemaniac5326]

@@MasseeMedia wooow for real? That's lil loco it's so amazing! Greets from Italy!😊😊😊

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Beautiful restoration job !

[@JMArtsandCrafts]

Hello Sir, How are you? I love watching your videos.. thanks for sharing it us...

[@dougc190]

That little engine has some stack talk to it

[@LectronCircuits]

Very cute "Prairie" locomotive, wonderful train. Cheers!

[@santeebandit3246]

Beautiful work as always. Beautifully restored, and operated.

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

Awsome piece of history thank you for restoring it to like new standards thank you for sharing

[@DaveSalamon]

beautiful railroad, equipment and restoration thanks for sharing. Look forward to other great restorations and builds from there, and glad he had the passion and ability to save and restore this and other equipment.

[@davebrown6598]

Amazing cinematography on an epic set up!

[@samuelfarris1949]

I absolutely adore this loco and the setup of this private railway; you've got a cracking team at the helm to have gotten this rebuild done so right. This has inspired me with an original character piece for a Thomas & Friends-themed project I am working on - the character, a 2-6-2 Davenport locomotive, is called Daporte as a play on her manufacturers. Retired from army camp service soon after WW2, she gets saved from the scrappers by a new owner, a soldier who trained at the camp where she was working and befriended her, taking her back to his family ranch estate for his own private use on a custom railroad. That's all I shall reveal, but I wanted to bring it up here in relation to this video. Regards, Samuel Farris.

[@Willysmb44]

Such an amazing job of restoration as I know this locomotive was NOWHERE near this condition when the restoration was started. I'd dearly love to see this running someday

[@espeescotty]

That is a very nicely done EVERTHING there! The engine, the cars, the track and ROW. Impressive and to those involved with putting all of that together, job well done.

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

I am a WWI amateur historian. I understand the AEF built rail lines and had locos to supply the huge needs at the Front. But I've never seen one before! Go Davenport! Thanks!

[@MasseeMedia]

I highly recommend the book "Narrow Gauge to No Man's Land" by Richard Dunn. Also stay tuned for future videos, I plan to show some Army film footage of the originals at work, with some background information.

[@pranavghantasala6808]

This is so soothing to watch. I could sit here and watch that little engine chug away for hours. It's really beautifully restored, too.

[@quattrobajeena1689]

Lovely little thing. The narrow gauge engines are always adorable and bursting with character.

[@Lockbar]

I love the no yapping, the vid tells all without talk.

[@TrainBandit]

This is one of my favorite channels. You might not post often but when you do, it is a treat. This is a video that I come back to watch often. Great video

[@PowerTrain611]

That paint is incredible. You guys even painted the backhead! Definitely gonna have to make a digital model of this engine.

[@johnnyjames7139]

Thank you Mike, I love seeing this. John with the Fitchburg.

[@jjxtwo1]

Impressive craftsmanship and attention to detail in this restoration! So great to learn of this locomotive and railroad.

[@TakamatsuBlueSurge]

Love from North Carolina! I am a huge train fan thanks to Thomas and Friends. I learned so much about trains and would love to to work here since I'm 13

[@rafiurislam27]

I also used to watch that cartoon on CN.

[@2025SPACEDUDE]

You should re search into British steam it’s where steam was born entirely

[@zanerichards8348]

What a splendid locomotive, and a beautiful railway. Congratulations to the people who restored it and built this place.

[@crazyfvck]

That is AWESOME! :) And it sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for the video!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Excellent video. I need to take some notes. Beautiful locomotive. Great job restoring it!

[@valeriebassett3107]

An amazing little train. I hope she is never scraped. Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@colmornane5684]

Bloody Well done to you all, I have only ever seen photos of these locomotives in train books of the first world war and often wondered what they were like in actual service. Then KZbin throws up your video. At first I thought it was a reproduction, but after reading the comments you posted up with the video it is the genuine article. Although it did not see service in the war it is still of that vintage. As others have already said, the end restoration is truly magnificent and a credit to your team. Again, Bloody Well done. A Fan from Aus.

[@derekp2674]

See also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onq7g5l3hLSaY7M

[@derekp2674]

and also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITOi6d4mtKooNU

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

Hi Mike, Bruce Raykiewicz here (papasmurf7597) That tank engine is 'Superb'!. What a pleasure to see and hear it. Beautiful and exhaust as square as a box. AND, nice track work too !

[@johnneedy3164]

Well looks like someone owns a steam locomotive and a vineyard, the train looks great ,wonderful build 😀

[@TRAINBUILDER]

Beautiful- I was thinking of building a live steam Trench Loco on my channel at some point. For now I’m settled on an 0-6-0 Plantation style loco. Great video!

[@loganentertainment1814]

The effort that people put into reviving old machines is amazing!!!!!! :O :D

[@HenrikLaurell]

What an amazing film! Did not know there was any working examples of these locos outside France or UK. Thank you so much for showing us.

[@TSemasFl]

That little trench loco is cool as all get out. They done a fantastic job with it.

[@UP4014]

What a beautiful little locomotive!

[@SimplyTakuma]

Wow, its beautiful! I hope so much after the global pandemic, that people and fans coming all over the world to see and drive the train all together ❤️❤️❤️

[@peternott2217]

we will soon be open for visitors

[@LegoWormNoah101]

If the pandemic ends. It's becoming likely we'll never be happy again and travel away from personal property is banned

[@jimwhite3845]

Wonderful bit of railroad and military history thanks a lot for your excellent work making her operational and sharing her with us.

[@AlexandruLipan]

That is an absolute beauty of a loco

[@Flymochairman1]

A bonnie locomotive indeed! At time of watching this, the day before, I'd seen an Alco produced locomotive in miniature(5&1/4" Gauge I think) but it was a new one on me. This loco is its double so it was maybe a farmed-out 'Standardised Design' contract it was built under. Maybe? It sure is a fine restoration and up-keep. It looks like it'll come in handy come harvest! I'm just getting to see more of the US and Canadian locomotives more recently and there are some pretty loco's still running in the US. The Drivers POV sections are just thrilling, especially alongside that pond or river there! Thank you for posting the video. Keep Well Now!

[@alisch80]

Byron and Manford would be beaming with pride and joy to see what a wonderful job you all have done to restore their locomotive!

[@mikeflorian4604]

Byron j. Hiatt would be proud of the restoration other than I really doubt you could of paid him enough to acquire it from him. The acquisition cost would have been like between half a million and a million dollars. Maybe he might of sold it. NOT! He built his life around his own reaper powered design. B.H.R.P. or as we Iowegans new it.... Byron's r.r. and he even laid his own track! I really wish I could have met him.

[@tonypalermo156]

I love WW1 trench locomotives. That looks so awesome!!

[@FayazAhmad-yl6sp]

Beautiful well-maintained neat and clean locomotive.

[@modelenginerding6996]

Awesome! Superb audio and film!

[@AndyProper]

That’s a beautiful locomotive !

[@Living_Life_RN]

Superbly restored! We have quite a few of the original Baldwin 4-6-0 versions here in the UK.

[@awizardalso]

I'm a fan of and love steam locomotives. This one is really nice to see it run as old as it is.

[@ken.mp372]

A truly stunningly beautiful Steam Locomotive restoration, and a wonderful & ambitious light railway project!! WELL DONE !! - Would love to see & learn more about this project - AND MASSEE: KEEP THE NICE VIDEOS COMING !!

[@stuff___idontknow2610]

This man is living a dream

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

Awesome video! Other great production!

[@majobis]

Wow what a fantastic steamer that looks as if it just came off the assembly line. Would love to ride on this piece of history. Thanks for posting this. She runs as smooth as glass on the rails.

[@peternott2217]

we will be open for visits soon

[@_kommandant_3055]

This was made fairly close to where I live. Always cool to see what used to be locally made many years ago

[@trueopsimath]

I'm very happy this video popped up in my KZbin suggestions. My grandfather served in the 21st Engineers Light Railway Regiment in World War I from 1917 to 1918. I have his diary from that time as well as the regimental history compiled by members of the regiment. Both books are a fascinating glimpse into the operation and management of light railway in the Great War hauling troops and materiel back and forth between the rear and the trenches.

[@MasseeMedia]

Hi Will that's very cool to hear. Would be interested to see those sometime. If you're ever out in CA and want to see the engine let us know.

[@carbidejones5076]

great to see it running.

[@peterfarrell1989]

A lovely watch with a brew and some biscuits, thank you for sharing

[@lindabingham394]

beer and biscuits i am in in the am dont care whenever it is

[@NortheastCorridorFilms]

Well look at this! This is a very cool railway, something id love to try out

[@peternott2217]

we will soon be open for visits

[@StressLessCamping]

What a beautifully-shot video and now I want to go visit the railroad. Thank you for this.

[@peternott2217]

you would be welcome - we will be open for visit soon

[@StressLessCamping]

@@peternott2217 I did a search - where is the railroad and how could I find more information about visiting and possibly even doing a story for our website. Thanks!

[@peternott2217]

@@StressLessCamping We are at 2449 Brady Lane Arroyo Grande CA 93420. I would very much like you to visit and be happy to show you around. We have 128 acres here with many lovely spots to camp in solitude or around the railway tracks or at the locomotive workshops. Camping at the workshop has the luxury of a kitchen and bathroom including showers. Anyone visiting/camping would be welcome to take a ride on the train and explore the property. We also offer guest driver opportunities for anyone who would like to take the throttle and be an engineer for a while on either a diesel or steam locomotive for a donation. Peter (owner) 310 994 0105 [e-mail]

[@keithshergold9257]

Stunning locomotive, and excellent video. Well done guys.

[@geraldheitman7687]

What a beautiful work of art that engine is. You can just look at it and see the craftsmen's work.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Outstanding work!

[@3xfaster]

What a epic and span little engine, low speed and high torque! Kudos to the camera work and drone operator!

[@chrispritchard3775]

What a fantastic restoration job and well done for saving her and getting her back running for all to see regards many thanks

[@karlnorgeler7366]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@user-gk8gg1zt7l]

Excellent shot. Like !

[@blasterblaster1221]

The locomotive rolling stock and location is so pristine that at some points I thought I was watching a simulation, an impressive job

[@kennymcgowan2880]

Beautiful indeed

[@harrimanfox8961]

What a wonderful exhaust beat!

[@kevsmiththai]

superb and not a shell crater in sight! really inspired me to finish my scratchbuilt 1/32nd scale one now

[@johnsMOBA]

Love the loco, have a oo9 version of the baldwin on my HOe Layout and its already a beauty.. but the oríginal is so much better. great content! Thx for sharing!

[@kentcourtney5535]

This reminds me Eritrean steam railroads. This is so cool!

[@ethanruckert3871]

That thing is awesome

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

What a very nice neat railway, restoration of the loco is first class...!

[@candreel]

Gorgeous!

[@dunxy]

Lovely little Baldwin(ish) loco! Great bark :)

[@helenfowler6448]

It soo good to se that you have been preserving the train and trees to keep them nice

[@izom]

looks like brandnew- amazing!

[@mathuetax]

Wow, that is one impressive restoration job!