Nuclear Trains and Timetables

[nedchester]

Yes. Been down to Dungeness a couple of times, admittedly a few years ago now, and you used to be able to just stand next to the rather decrepit fence surrounding the loading compound and snap away to your heart's content.

You could also get quite close to Leiston, Hunterston and Heysham as well IIRC, but I would be rather surprised if it was still possible to do so in the current climate.

There's a public footpath next to the Valley loading area. A few enthusiasts have had hassle from DRS employees for taking photos there but because the photographers are on a public footpath there is little they can do.

 

[gchst]

I could be wrong, but I doubt that timings for nuclear trains would be made available to the public.

Runs most thursdays

 

[GB]

Runs most thursdays

I was thinking more specifics.

 

[scottm]

Hi. Firstly, sorry but iv been away working ect sine my last post. {Years ago}

Second, i recieved all the relevant E.mails. Its nice to see the website still here

Thirdly-Sorry if iv put this thread in the wrong section. Not sure WHERE to put it.

Right, on with the show. Living in Edinburgh, i see the Nuclear trains pass our flat, heading westwards. They're usually pulled by to Class 37's with the DRS livery. I was wondering if its possible to obtain Timetables for this service??? They ususally pass through on a Wednesday or Thursday but not always regular.

Any help would be grand.

best joining scot-rail.co.uk and you will be able to see times there. At the moment they seem to run Thursdays but this can chop and change. I tend to spot the ones from Hunterston which so far this year have run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays!

 

[jon0844]

I bet you'd get less hassle from an armed soldier than a PCSO or member of staff that thinks s/he has the same powers!!

 

[Hydro]

I think the only fuel movements that routinely carry a Civil Nuclear Constabulary armed guard are those made by sea, normally carrying fuel to and from Japan to Sellafield. The ships carry 12 (I believe) armed British CNC officers trained in the use of the 30mm deck guns to deter pirates and hijackers. CNC officers, if they were required to operated on fuel trains (they are not), would operate in their Police uniform and not in "railway" uniform. The body armour and G36 rifle would give them away in seconds, unless the fare dodger catching campaign has been stepped up a notch recently.

Nuclear weapons are always moved by road, with escorts from Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (formerly Commachio Group) and the Special Escort Group of the MoD Police. My father served in the then Commachio Group providing these escorts and never mentioned any rail movements of nuclear weapons.

Interestingly the SEG undergo PTS training, according to a fly on the wall article I read about them, which indicates they may be required to provide rail escorts at times.

 

[jon0844]

I remember when armed police (carrying the same weapons as they do at airports) were going around train stations.. I can't remember when but presume it was probably around the time we were about to go to war with Iraq in 2003 and Tony Blair wanted us all to feel threatened.

I remember the army at Heathrow on the weekend of the protests and just before they decided to go ahead (as if the decision wasn't already made) - but of course they disappeared soon after. It was when we were told terrorists were planning to shoot down planes.

Funny how the army were there for a few days only and no planes were shot down afterwards...