Atomic Systems

Hi,
Looking at an era of around 1965 to 1975 would there have been much Container Traffic on the Rails round about this time period. For instance would there have been a Container Depot or where these bulk transport methods not starting to happen until the 80's. I personally don't remember seeing any evidence myself but my memory gets more hazy as I get older.
Any thoughts on this much appreciated.
Thanks and Regards James

Hi James

Was working on the footplate in the mid 60's and feel I was lucky to have a comfortable diesel cab to learn the old ways of working as well as watching the growth of the modern ways with containers. It really is a great time to model because there was still a limited amount of steam around and a mixture of short wheelbase wagons as well container wagons, ferry wagons, presflos, interfrigos, etc. Again, there were still these old "diagrams" which had been worked for a good number of years and listening to the old hands who had been taken off the mainline to finish their careers on local goods trains. Can you tell I still miss it? Thought I would better myself and left for pastures new, but when it's in your blood what can you do? So to answer you question, yes there were containers but not as many as now nor were they as colourful, in fact pretty boring. I think they started building container depots just before the 70's began, watched them demolish loads of buildings close to Stratford MPD and pour acres of concrete for the cranes and storage of said containers. Not as much fun as fly shunting a few coal wagons but hey, thats progress.
Best wishes with your projects

John (Matraw)

Hi James,

I started working for Overseas Containers Ltd in 1973, they were the major international container shipping company in the UK at that time and they were set up in 1965 to start shipping containers overseas from the UK. Their first purpose built ships were not ready until 1969-70, so it was not until around then that much container traffic was generated and container terminals started to be constructed.

OCL's earliest containers were 20ft x 8ft x 8ft whereas most other countries containers were 8ft 6ins in height. The height restriction was caused by British Railways not having rolling stock, at that time, which could carry 8'6" containers under the overhead electric cables etc.

Thanks John and Mike for that information and taking the time to reply in such detail it is much appreciated. I was asking about this to check the feasibilty of adding a simple Container Yard to the Oldest section of my Route based around the time period mentioned to add some extra interest. The modern section has a both Docks and a large Container Yard. The only problem I can see is the the container loading system on KRS loads only the larger modern containers but it might be worth having a go on my older section. Absolute accuracy will not be possible anyway until more prototypical Scenery items and Transfer points etc. are produced.
Thanks again.
Kind Regards James.

This pic here showed that Manchester Liners were very proud of their new container fleet in 1970.

Paul

Great picture thanks for that Paul. I feel a Container Terminal coming on in my Routes early 70's Section very soon.
Thanks again.
Kind Regards James.