Tanks by rail

[martyn williams]

These photos were taken this week.The tanks were being transported from Didcot to West Wales,Some of the trains also convey Muirhill wheeled loading shovels
Click on picture to enlarge

[Martyn Henley]

Intresting pictures Martyn, its a wonder you wernt detained

But tell me ..whats in the carrige just behind the engine in the 2nd picture ?

Martyn

[martyn williams]

Its called a barrier wagon.They usually put them between the loco and the rest of the train when explosives or dangerous goods are being transported.There has been a lot of military equipment movement by road and rail lateley.I guess its heading for the castle martin range in west wales.Its nice to see this stuff on the rail.

[Martyn Henley]

Thanks Martyn ..well it gets the tanks to the ranges better, and i guess with Afghanistan they need all the practice they can get

Martyn

[Renaultman]

Yep its all heading down my way, somehow I never have my camera with me.

[John Gaunt]

Great pictures, Martyn. That one train saved a dozen or more road movements by the looks of it.

[martyn williams]

Hello John
That is a short train,a few years back I went out to fix one.It had,18 tanks and 13 muir hill loaders on it.I did not have my camera and it was 2am.
Its a fast way to transport these vehicles (60mph) the only restriction is the width.Larger tanks go by road.
Martyn

[XS650]

Interesting that the army are still using Muir-Hills, they must be getting on a bit. They recently had some sort of PFI deal managed by Amey where Amey collected up all the plant (C vehicles in army speak) that was languishing in bases around the country and replaced it with new stuff ,located at a few central depots.
http://www.armedforces-int.com/categori ... ntract.asp
The army regularly use the preserved Wensleydale railway to transport vehicles from main line at Northallerton to Redmire (Catterick Garison.)

[martyn williams]

Hello Craig
Does that deal mean that when a tank breaks down in Iraq,they call the RAC
Martyn

[john345me]

the top picture with all the tanks on how heavy would that be and what can the trains pull