Moës was a company specialized in engine construction since its creation in 1904. The modernization of its workshops and the construction of a new spacious factory in 1912 testify to the ambition and dynamism of the company at the time.

Unfortunately, the First World War interrupted the company’s activities. Like many companies of the time, Moës was affected by the economic consequences of the war, which led to shortages of raw materials, disruptions in trade, social conflicts and loss of life.

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It is interesting to note that the history of Moës is representative of the economic history of the region and of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, which experienced periods of prosperity, but also crises and wars that profoundly impacted the business world.

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The Moës family continued the development of the company after the First World War. With the help of Paul Moës, the company continued to design and build engines of various types for industrial and marine uses. Ateliers Moës-Frères, previously known as Ateliers Moës, has expanded its product range and consolidated its reputation with patented innovations and models.

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It is also important to note that the company began manufacturing narrow-gauge locomotives equipped with a semi-diesel Moës hot bulb engine in the 1920s. These locomotives were designed to facilitate the transition from steam to diesel and looked like a steam locomotive, although they are equipped with a semi-diesel engine.

Overall, the history of Ateliers Moës-Frères testifies to the adaptability and innovation of the Moës family, which was able to face the economic and technological challenges of the time to keep its business alive and expanding.

It is interesting to see that in the 1930s the company changed its name to Société Anonyme Moteurs Moës, Waremme, testifying to the importance of the company in the field of internal combustion engines and diesel locomotives.

The favorable development period that lasted until 1940 allowed the company to thrive, and the plant manufactured internal combustion engines of all capacities, narrow-gauge diesel locomotives for public works and industry, underground diesel locomotives for mining and small-scale industrial straight-track locomotives.

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Narrow-gauge "BL" locomotives built by Moës Motors in the 1930s were very common in the Belgian brick industry. These locomotives were equipped with a B (single-cylinder) and two-stroke diesel engine. The "BL" was a simple but reliable locomotive for traction work on narrow tracks.

These locomotives were used to transport materials to brick factories and quarries, as well as for construction and maintenance work on narrow-gauge industrial railways. They were also used to transport materials in construction sites and production plants, where their small size and maneuverability were important assets.

The development of these diesel locomotives was an important step in the evolution of narrow gauge industrial locomotives as they were more economical and easier to maintain than older steam locomotives. These innovations have reduced costs and increased the efficiency of industrial operations, which has contributed to the growth of the industry in Belgium

In 1936, Moës developed the Type D 4-stroke diesel engine with a flame retardant and a waterlock exhaust system for cleaning exhaust gases. This engine was specially designed for use in underground locomotives for the service of Belgian coal mines as well as underground service locomotives.

The flame retardant was an important feature for diesel engines used in coal mines, as it reduced the risk of explosion by preventing flames from spreading. The waterlock exhaust system was also important because it cleaned exhaust gases, which often contained carbon particles, before releasing them into the air. This has helped to improve air quality in mines and reduce the risk of explosion.

The production of these engines has enabled Moës Motors to position itself as a leader in the field of underground locomotives for coal mines. 

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Ateliers Moës quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation in the design and manufacture of engines and locomotives. Thanks to their numerous patents and technical expertise, Moës products were quickly recognized beyond Belgian borders.

Moës engines and locomotives have been sold in many countries, including France, the Netherlands, Italy and the French and Belgian colonies of Africa and Asia. The narrow gauge BL locomotives have been particularly popular in the brick industry in Europe.

The reputation for quality and reliability of Moës products has helped to strengthen the company’s position in the global market. It also allowed the company to survive economic and political shocks, such as the Great Depression and World War II, which affected many businesses at the time

(Made from: motors-moes.net )

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