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View Full Version : Archived: DRAKELOW TUNNELS - RSG-9 (PIC HEAVY) - DECEMBER 2010



Tankman
23-12-2010, 08:34 PM
Visited Drakelow Tunnels a few weeks ago, on a Sub Brit visit:thumb
It was a chilly morning when I entered the tunnels, minus 6 outside but a reasonable 40 degrees inside:smile
Walked the tunnels from 09.00 - 17.00, mostly in the dark along with around 100 other SB members, we had a visit "all areas" pass so off I went:thumb

The RSG occupies only a small piece of this massive underground conplex but much remains:smile

A bit of info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakelow_Tunnels

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/17314/2406388190033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2406388190033241453NUAbgw)

One of three entrances that originally formed part of the WW2 Rover engine complex.

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/47585/2941506960033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2941506960033241453UCtgye)

One of the many tunnels that extends to some 3.5 miles in length:w00t

http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/45780/2011674730033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2011674730033241453zlsrJL)

Remains of the RSG's Kitchen complex still in situ in the tunnels.

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/33809/2342667660033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2342667660033241453XbIXBc)

Signage abounds in offices in the side tunnels. The paraffin heaters are a bit strange though?

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/29746/2139078800033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2139078800033241453styEFw)

Brand new "ER" Asbestos blankets lay around amongst old decaying NBC air filters. The remaining Cold War equipment, is dispersed amongst a lot of original WW2 equipment as well.

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/47140/2040851530033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2040851530033241453iPetjy)

Original "Rover " Works clock of WW2 vintage.

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/33705/2337559360033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2337559360033241453TxFJFZ)

The "mega" big Air circulation fan for the complex, now rusted solid:thumb

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/42584/2027338900033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2027338900033241453oRPYEf)

Remains of BBC recording studio. Hard to think that the end of the world would have eminated from here:(

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/44613/2282014500033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2282014500033241453YUyPmH)

Stud partitioned walls were built in the former WW2 tunnels to accomodate staff rooms and sleeping quarters. The only problem was its damp in the tunnels and plaster board does not go down to well with damp:lol:

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/32266/2619757330033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2619757330033241453oAGVWq)

CND broke into the bunker at some point and left there mark!

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/47251/2686127420033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2686127420033241453buMvGX)

The remains of the old Bunker Emergency Telephone exchange. It really was this dark:thumb

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/21807/2986751050033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2986751050033241453DrFOPs)

A rare pair of Mercury Arc Rectifiers were found in one of the abandoned rooms:thumb

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/45521/2875109450033241453S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2875109450033241453FtdevB)

Part of a false ceiling inside one of the tunnels of the RSG.

The tunnel complex is huge, if you get the chance to visit the tunnels, "GO" its an amazing experience:thumb

Loads more pics can be found here:

http://news.webshots.com/album/579188773ecHBgS

Thanks for looking:coffee