>>1530966>Because of its strategic position on the Kent Coast, the 15 inch gauge Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway was requisitioned by the British Army during World War II. It is said that the War Department officials in London were unaware that the railway was only a 15 inch miniature railway and ordered that an armoured train fitted with anti-aircraft guns should be used to patrol the line.So, despite its diminutive size, one of the engines, 4-8-2 HERCULES, was covered in protective steel sheeting along with two bogie hopper wagons to form a miniature armoured train. It had a couple of anti-tank guns and a pair of Lewis guns and it is recorded that they managed to shoot down a Messerschmitt ME109.
The railway was also used for troop transport in the area and, after the invasion of France, it played an important part in transporting materials for PLUTO - the Pipeline Under the Ocean - which was used to pump petrol across to France to aid the onward advance of the allied forces.
This is only a mock-up with the steel sheeting being made of plywood; nevertheless, it makes a good representation of a truly remarkable and unique vehicle - the 15 inch gauge armoured train of World War II.
Monday, 10th August, 2015. Copyright © Ron Fisher.
