The Gen. Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum and the Colebrookdale Railroad once again partnered to re-create a World War II era troop sendoff in Boyertown.
This is the fifth time the museum and the railroad joined for the Troop Train event as visitors entered the rail yard and stepped back in time on Saturday, Oct. 3.
WWII re-enactors at the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
Military vehicles were on display, and the train platform was decorated with a “welcome home” banner next to a 48-star American flag that was used from 1912 to 1959 before Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union.
Reenactors gathered around as Gen. Carl Spaatz, as portrayed by Chris Boswell, walked up to the train platform and delivered a ceremonial send-off speech to the troops.
“I am most proud of what the American people have accomplished,” he said. “I marvel at their high morale and the achievements that our workforce has been able to produce. No one can outproduce the United States. Now, we’ve all sacrificed much, but if we all continue to work together. I know there is nothing that we can’t do.”
Gen. Carl A. Spaatz addresses troops during the WWII era Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
Reenactors and passengers boarded the train, which had a display of period weapons, artifacts and other items of the World War II era.
Dressed as a civilian defense medic, Tyler Pfrommer, set up a display with blackout instructions, first aid kits and gas masks.
“I’m displaying civilian defense,” he said. “Its main purpose was to have plans in place of potential air raids. If we were to get bombed, you’d have blackout drills.”
Tyler Pfrommer, dressed as a civilian defense medic, sets up a display during the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
Working through the Medical Division of the Office of Civilian Defense, civilian defense medics were trained to provide emergency care in the event of bomb attacks or other disasters. They helped prepare communities to respond to home front emergencies
“This (civilian defense) is just regular people like you and I that volunteer to help better their country,” Pfrommer said.
Robert Haas, dressed as a soldier from the Army’s 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, displayed his Victory Bicycle. Everything on it is original except for the tires and the seat, he said.
“I ride this in parades,” Haas said. “A lot of times I ride it recreationally. And I don’t get far because everybody has so many questions.”
Robert Haas, dressed as a WWII soldier from the U.S. Army’s 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division, poses with his Victory Bicycle during the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
In 1941 after the U.S. entered the war, Victory Bicycle planning began. Production started in 1942.
Victory Bicycles were steel, stripped down bikes designed to conserve rubber and metal. They weighed less than 31 pounds and eliminated nonessential bike parts like chain guards and wide tires.
“This (Troop Train reenactment) really brings back memories,” said Kristy Bell, a Colebrookdale Railroad ticket agent. “When I glanced up and saw the soldier with the bike going by, he reminded me of my father. It’s like a step back in time.”
Once aboard the train, passengers had the opportunity to learn more about the lives of the men and women who served during World War II and the role railroads played in transporting troops.
During the scenic 90-minute train ride, reenactors shared information about their uniforms, equipment and other World War II items like a branded Army baseball glove and ball.
U.S. army baseball glove and ball displayed during the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
When members of the military had the time, they often played baseball. During World War II, the military established the Special Services Division to provide recreational and athletic gear to troops like the official military issued, U.S. stamped, split finger baseball gloves and baseballs.
The Troop Train event was sold out.
“I think this gets bigger and bigger each time we hold it,” reenactor Boswell said.
WWII reenactors wave from the Colebrookdale Railroad open air train car as the Troop Train departs from Boyertown on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
WWII reenactor Tyler Cleaver attended the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad Oct. 3 with his daughter Mackenzie, 3, dressed as a factory worker, and his sons Rett, 6, and Benny, 3, dressed as sailors. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
Katrina Powelson, Janet Jones and Liam Jones, 11, attended the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
WWII re-enactors applaud as Gen. Carl A. Spaatz speaks at the Troop Train event at Colebrookdale Railroad on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
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WWII reenactors wave from the Colebrookdale Railroad open air train car as the Troop Train departs from Boyertown on Saturday, Oct. 3. (Jesi Yost/For MediaNews Group)
Railroad tickets included the 90-minute train ride featuring WWII re-enactors in period uniforms, historic military vehicles and displays of vintage weapons and artifacts. There were five train cars in operation for the event, including parlor, lounge, dining, diplomat and open air.
“Trains transported soldiers to their destination, railroads played a big part in the war,” said Angel McCambridge, Colebrookdale Railroad.
Railroad tickets included admission to the General Spaatz Museum and the Historic Vehicles Museum.
For more information about the event and the Colebrookdale Railroad, visit https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/troop-train and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/colebrookdalerailroad.