Firing Up and Running the WWI Davenport Trench Locomotive!

[@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

[@QuintonMurdock]

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

[@scottwillie9914]

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

[@ayusandra9161]

Ade

[@Lockbar]

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

[@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

[@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! :-)

[@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?

[@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.

[@mikekean8344]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@tandemcompound2]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@c5173]

great footage of a very interesting little railway

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@PrestonGarvey-Theminutemen]

This is the coolest train I have ever seen!

[@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!!!!

[@trainsandtrams2020]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@kevinrasmussen8734]

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

[@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

[@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

[@rapidranjan]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@glahome1]

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

[@harleythomy]

Congratulations! Absolutely phantastic condition of your engines and material! Stunning!

[@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.

[@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.

[@3xfaster]

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

[@mrstecdude1236]

Well well,we meet again Stanley.

[@valeriebassett3107]

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

[@johnneedy3164]

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

[@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.

[@bluekouki86]

I’m from Davenport Iowa and had no idea we built locomotives at one time. I’m going to find out where it once was and see if anything remains!

[@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.

[@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.

[@dougc190]

That little engine has some stack talk to it

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

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

[@samuelplew5630]

My grandfather previously worked for the Monon RR as a steam hostler. I later worked for the Monon Subdivision of CSX as a locomotive engineer.

[@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!

[@cadenthecadburyengine8198]

A flamethrower to light the firebox? That’s awesome!

[@TSemasFl]

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

[@zanerichards8348]

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

[@williamhoward2731]

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

[@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.

[@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]

[@loganentertainment1814]

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

[@LectronCircuits]

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

[@joemilner4255]

My grandfather was in Company D of the 21st Engineers. I know we have several pictures of this type of engine he took.

[@MasseeMedia]

Very cool!

[@PowerTrain611]

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

[@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 !

[@santeebandit3246]

Beautiful work as always. Beautifully restored, and operated.

[@jjxtwo1]

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

[@allychat8496]

I didn’t know that any of these locomotives survived. Great to see one in operational condition.

[@chollocks]

There used to be an Alco 2-6-2 on the Ffestiniog in Wales

[@peternott2217]

@@chollocks I used to drive the Alco called Mountaineer on the Ffestiniog and that's what gave me the inspiration to find one of these locos and lay some track and make it work

[@derekp2674]

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

[@derekp2674]

and: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITOi6d4mtKooNU

[@rafiurislam27]

Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩. I am a train lover. The only way to my University is via train. I love my every train journey.

[@Living_Life_RN]

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

[@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

[@tomwagner1764]

I appreciate how they put water tanks outside the boiler for extra protection from shrapnel and the like.

[@davebrown6598]

Amazing cinematography on an epic set up!

[@americanspirit8932]

Kudos, to all those involved with this fantastic restoration, attention to detail is spot-on. I'm sure you had some top-notch Craftsman. Thank you for this post I was totally unaware of this locomotive and its history. As they say you learn something new everyday, I will be 80 in September, first time I've ever heard of this engine, wood-burning steam locomotive. I am lost for words it is fantastic, looks unbelievable runs fantastic sounds great oh, God bless all involved with this restoration. I wish I were out there I'd love to take a right on it.

[@FayazAhmad-yl6sp]

Beautiful well-maintained neat and clean locomotive.

[@blasterblaster1221]

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

[@stuff___idontknow2610]

This man is living a dream

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

Thanks for this beautiful display. The loco looks like just delivered from the factory. Don't allow her to get dirty... Being a metric train engineer I'm used to millimeter gauges. 600 mm (2 feet), 1435 (standard gauge) and 891 mm, 3 Swedish feet. The Swedish foot is shorter than the international foot by some reason....

[@timothywalker4563]

I have seen a photo and old film, but to actually see one run is amazing 😊

[@Graulas]

it has been through lots, great to see it up again

[@Brigadelokcom]

Amazing restoration job ! It is quite too clean, difficult to believe is is more than 100 years old. Even the track is in perfect condition. I don't forget the perfect start of the diesel engine. Can't compete with that. Thanks for sharing.

[@samuelplew5630]

My grandfather ran these in France. 2nd Engineers. He ran locos, cranes, anything steam powered. Ran a lot of ammunition trains up to the guns.

[@tonypalermo156]

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

[@sarwatfaique7057]

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS BOTH ARE AMAZING.

[@joshkeene8457]

Over 100 years old and still runs like a champion

[@rds2821]

It's nice that it still burns wood and has not been converted to burn oil or gas.

[@thecaledonian4]

I love these things! There’s quite a few still here in Britain, most notably at the Statfold Barn Railway. Never seen them in person but I intend to!

[@the_retag]

Thats probably the non improved version youve got in britain, in the description it sais this is the only running one from 3 existing and the didnt go across the pond

[@thecaledonian4]

@@the_retag Ah, I see! Thanks for clarifying that, I would have had no clue otherwise!

[@the_retag]

@@thecaledonian4 no prob i just have the habbit of reading every description in the hopes of finding something interesting

[@grumpyoldman47]

Stratfold Barn's is a Baldwin 4-6-0T, ex British Army via India, and is one of a few in the UK at various stages of restoration; this looks more like the British Army ALCO 2-6-2Ts - like the Festiniog Railway's 'Mountaineer' was before rebuilding to fit within it's tight loading gauge, and being given a new boiler Nice restoration job; congratulations to all involved

[@peternott2217]

@@grumpyoldman47 I used to drive Mountaineer and that gave me the inspiration to find one of these locos and build some track and make it work. I know of three in Europe - one on the Ffestiniog and Two in France. There are three in USA - Two on my place now and the other is in a military museum in Georgia.

[@DeerbrookSouthernRR]

Gorgeous locomotive. Probably the cleanest non museum engine I’ve ever seen

[@Breadstick783]

Why even dislike this video this video is cool and shows how a steam engine does its stuff

[@danielainscoe7187]

Great Job on the restoration. My Grandfather was an engineer at the Somme with the American 12 Engineers.

[@helenfowler6448]

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

[@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!

[@mrhearse777]

Dammit ! Now I've got to redefine the word "Immaculate" Thanks a lot . My dictionary just became obsolete. Such dedication should be rewarded.

[@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

[@Frisco1522]

That is a beautiful restoration, railroad and the little girl sounds great.

[@AlexandruLipan]

That is an absolute beauty of a loco

[@_kommandant_3055]

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

[@TheBibleAssociation]

Amazing remembering our childhood days. Thank you 💐🌈

[@w.rossbanks5535]

My grandfather was in charge of crewing these engines in which around Verdun.

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

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

[@jimwhite3845]

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

[@barrystasiewicz5758]

I think they couldn't have chosen a better geographical location - that gorgeous filming gives one a good perspective of this little engine as I was in WW1.

[@geraldheitman7687]

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

[@UP4014]

What a beautiful little locomotive!