The site first opened in the 1930's as an RAF reserve fuel depot with a capacity of around 6500 tons. After the war the site was taken over by Esso as a fuel dispersal depot, it was expanded in the 1960's and in the late 1960's 60 wagons a day would enter the depot, 30 in the morning and 30 in the afternoon. Esso closed the site in 1969, It was then partly used to supply jet fuel to RAF Upper Heyford as the pipeline stretched out to the village of somerton which is next to the airbase. This is supported by markings on slop tanks identifing US classification for Jet fuel. The pumps have been quiet since the late 80's early 90's which coinsides with the base's closer in 1994.
The site today is in pretty good condition and all the buildings are very secure. Most of the site was underground but has suffered heavy flooding so no way down.
Visited with Metal-Rules
My Pictures
The markings on this tank supports the reference to the USAF Upper Heyford at least in part usage as JP-8 is the US classification for Jet Fuel, while F-34 is the NATO Code (Civil Aviation call it Jet A-1 and was called AVTUR by the RAF till around 1996)
JP-8/F-34/AVTUR is basically refined kerosene with a flash point above 38°C (100°F) and a freeze point maximum of -47°C
One of the entrances to the underground tunnels
Matt
The site today is in pretty good condition and all the buildings are very secure. Most of the site was underground but has suffered heavy flooding so no way down.
Visited with Metal-Rules
My Pictures
The markings on this tank supports the reference to the USAF Upper Heyford at least in part usage as JP-8 is the US classification for Jet Fuel, while F-34 is the NATO Code (Civil Aviation call it Jet A-1 and was called AVTUR by the RAF till around 1996)
JP-8/F-34/AVTUR is basically refined kerosene with a flash point above 38°C (100°F) and a freeze point maximum of -47°C
One of the entrances to the underground tunnels
Matt
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