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Harry P. MCM Ohana

Harry P.

Posted
Posted
These would make great models, but why would DOE release pictures of what has too be the biggest security concern on the road?

http://www.foe.org/photos-nuke-transport-trucks-released

Jameston

The answer is right there in the story:

Friends of the Earth announced today it has used the Freedom of Information Act to force the U.S. Department of Energy to release color photos of the special trucks that transport nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons components and “special nuclear material” such as plutonium and highly enriched uranium.

Art Anderson MCM Ohana

Art Anderson

Posted
Posted

Really though, this is nothing at all new! Pics of the rigs that were used to haul nuclear warheads brought here by the US Government in the 90's, then transported by truck from East Coast ports to Pantex just east of Amarillo TX were circulated in the popular press at the time.

They looked ordinary, just like the Petes, KW's and Freightliners you would see ordinarily--it took more than a second look to notice the armored cabs, bulletproof glass and such.

At the time, there was considerable controversy over shipping those things by highway, through major cities along the way. but that died down when more important news stories came about.

Art

mackinac359 MCM Ohana

mackinac359

Posted
Posted

Overdrive magazine had article on the "nuke haulers" back in the 90s, as did several police magazines.

The trucks look like a typical highway truck. Under skin, things are different. The Peterbilt 385 (or that might be a late-year 377) in the photos on the website are typical looking, 70" sleepers (Ultra Sleeper), which means it could be as old as '97 or as new as '04. Armored glass, door skins, etc. The sleeper is not a sleeper, but a compartment for another person and communications equipment.

The Peterbilt in the photo has probably long been retired.

The Friends of Earth folks will probably freak out at every light blue Peterbilt 377/385 with a sleeper that the see now.

Tim

Jason MCM Regular

Jason

Posted
Posted

Isnt this an ironic story. First, the probability of those being the "current" photos very VERY unlikely. Those vehicles are waivered from having placards and such. Those vehicles will NOT have Gov't plates and most likely be a civilian contract with well armed escorts. The trucks are made to "blend in" as we dont want Mr. bin laden taking one of these for a spin (good luck) Some people are oblivious to the fact that there are terrorist cells operating in the U.S. and would just love to get theyre hands on one of these trucks. Just my .02

Danno MCM Ohana

Danno

Posted
Posted

No government plates, no markings or identification and they are exempt from placarding. They've been traveling the highways for at least 40 years now, not a single significant incident you would know about has occurred. Little things (a rare fender bender when someone runs into one), sure. Loss of any cargo? Never. The security measures boggle the mind, and yet they (and their nearly invisible escorts) move around constantly without being noticed. :D

Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Homeland Security, Defense Dept., every law enforcement agency in the country would not be happy about releasing even outdated pictures, but as the article says, the treehuggers forced them into it. :blink:

But, you can bet your bippy not one single rig operating 24 hours after that release looks anything like those pictures. Security measures. B)

When they first started moving shipments on public highways, they did not know what to expect. They trained some of us in law enforcement in certain geographical areas in the counter measures necessary to support the transports and escorts. After a few short years without an incident, they discontinued the training for rank-and-file; it just wasn't necessary.

But, while it lasted it was amazing! To this day, when I'm on the road, I still look for the clues. I haven't seen any in decades, so I know they've gotten even more clever than they were.

Keep looking for them, "Friends of the Earth," B) ... you'll NEVER see them! ;)

>>> Just as an aside: How many independent truckers that haul toothpaste or dog food or who-knows-what do you suppose will be dashing down to the Big Rig Earl Scheib's to get their blue Petes re-painted so those FOTE wackos won't think they're hauling nukes?!!! LOL. Probably the only effect of this expose will be a run on repaint jobs!

:lol:

Jim B MCM Ohana

Jim B

Posted
Posted

I can see the Freinds of the Earth doing something stupid to blue Peterbilt 377/385s because they're "hauling nukes". You know, something subtile like dousing them in blood, or spraypainting "NUKES" on the trailer. Right before the security detail swarms in on them like the Men in Black! Of course, that blue Pete will probably just be some guy hauling who-know's-what trying to make a living.

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