7O62 06:29 Willesden to Dungeness CEGB ( aka 'The Bomb' )

The latest arrival on Manor Lane depot is our representation of a regular HG working of yesteryear, that of the Nuclear Flask train from Willesden to Dungeness and return.

This train was itself conveyed from Sellafield to Willesden as a portion of another working, before being re-marshalled at Willesden for the last leg of it's journey to the coastal 'resort' of Dungeness!

The precision loading/unloading procedure at Dungeness was always time consuming, along with various additional checks that took place, however, this particular job was a good one to be rostered for.

The train was affectionately known as 'The Bomb' in the mess room for many years and was normally entrusted to a 'HG' Class 73 and crew, which would leave barracks at some un-godly hour to collect the train from Willesden.

Sometimes, the train would be Class 33 hauled and on one such shift that I worked it as a guard, 33 008 'Eastleigh' was at the head..........it is this working that is recreated here.

As is usual with freight traffic the formation would vary, consisting of up to maybe three or four flask wagons as required, although being a short train, it could still be quite heavy for the 73' on diesel across the marshes.

Unfortunately, one thing we can't recreate here are the scorching hot summers, where as a guard, you could really enjoy the veranda of the brake van as the train passed rape seed fields and some quite stunning scenery along the way.

However, this all changed in the winter months when you had to keep that stove fire alight for the relieving guard when he boarded.......woe betide you if you had forgotten a fresh bag of coal at Willesden !!!

As per the rules in force at the time, the consist would be something like this :

1 - Class 33 or 73 Locomotive

2 - 'RNA' Barrier/Spacer wagon

3 - 'FNA' Nuclear Flask Wagon, as many as required

4 - 'RNA' Barrier/Spacer wagon

5 - Guards Brake Van

Very often, the eyes of the do-good brigade focused on workings such as this, citing concerns about the trains travelling across central London and the harm that would occur if they met with an unfortunate accident such as a derailment or collision. Well, the more worldly wise out there would know about the demonstrable indestructibility of these vehicles and as a result, be able to quash all such arguments PERIOD!

There are some truly horrific materials transported by rail that in the event of an emergency, you REALLY wouldn't want to be involved with, but nuclear flask traffic is safe enough.

I have enclosed some pictures of Manor Lanes 'bomb' for your perusal......please click on them to enlarge.......