Sellafield

Fed up with colour light signalling, modern day traction and the stresses of everyday life? Then point your lens to Sellafield and enjoy the time warp of classic traction, semaphore signals and the rugged coastline of Cumbria.

British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) - Sellafield exclusively use Direct Rail Services (DRS) to serve their rail operations at Sellafield in moving nuclear flasks and chemical wagons to and from their Sellafield site which are predominately powered by pairs of Class 20/37 traction in a multitude of combinations and Class 37's respectively. There is a relatively low level of activity at present with the feeder services running on an as required basis (Q) and as a result of this some trains may well run with four locomotives to balance the workings. The Cumbrian Coastal Path which runs between Sellafield station and Seascale Golf Course in front of BNFL's perimeter fence provides plenty of photographic opportunities with the rail gate being centrally located along it.

Here are a selection of images taken on several very wet and windy days in July 2007 for your enjoyment.

British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) appears to welcome railway photographers strictly on the basis of prior notification in writing of their visit and that any photographs taken on the Cumbrian Coastal Path do not show inside the perimeter fence of BNFL. Failure to comply with these conditions will very promptly lead to the heavily armed Civil Nuclear Constabulary issuing you with a Form 1510, "Stop / Stop & Search of Person / Vehicle". You have been warned!! I suggest that contact is initially made here.

It is also important to email Eva Foran, Communications Liason Manager at DRS of your itinerary, so that she can advise the drivers through DRS Control of your movements.

Special thanks to Civil Nuclear Constabulary, No 61 and FM.