Light railways shortened the time needed to deliver supplies near the front and move away again. The armour on the Simplex locomotives discussed here was intended to resist fragments, rather than a direct shell hit. A train could carry a load that otherwise required numerous carts, handlers, and animals. Losing a train therefore risked fewer trained people and fewer horses or mules than losing the equivalent dispersed transport. Some Simplex locomotives needed only one operator, strengthening that economy of personnel.
Notable Point · 56:20-57:55
Light railways concentrated loads and reduced exposure
A small train moved supplies with fewer exposed people and animals than the equivalent horse-drawn transport.