The Nuclear Flask Train at Heysham Power Station

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Filmed on 11th April 2022.

After a week off train 6C51, the 1247 Sellafield B.N.F. to Heysham Harbour P.S., was running again today.

Direct Rail Services locomotives 68017 "Hornet" and 68018 "Vigilant" topped-and-tailed the 3 FNA nuclear flask wagons.

Having done a bit of research since my previous visit, I knew that there was a good vantage point on the approach to the power station, so I turned up there around about half an hour before the train turned up.

Within 3 minutes, no exaggeration, I was joined by two police officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. Given the location I would have been surprised if they did not approach and enquire about the purpose of my visit. I explained what I was doing and they were very happy for me to continue. They were both very polite and I do not object at all to them doing their job.

Train 6C31 rounded the curve on the final approach to the power station. It drew up at the stop board, to allow the power station staff to close the rather rudimentary looking manual gate crossing. The train then drew forward, passed my position, and came to a halt around 100 yards beyond. Sadly my camera was now pointing towards the sun, so the contrast is not great. I waited a few minutes to get some footage of the crew working alongside the train before leaving.

The plan was to get up to Bare Lane as quickly as I could to catch the return train, 6C52, on its way back to Sellafield. Sadly, it ran well ahead of time and I didn't quite get that far. Better luck next time!

I know it's highly likely that the Hartlepool power station flask train will run tomorrow (14th April), so I'm thinking of heading somewhere on the Cumbrian Coast Line to see it. Of course plans might change before then!

Footage was captured using a Panasonic HC-VX1; https://amzn.to/3vJnqNJ; fitted with a Rode VideoMic Go; https://amzn.to/3rpMeIA