RAF Buchan R7 Mk III ROTOR Radar Bunker

This is well covered by Nick Catford in the Subrit Site, so I'll be lazy and let you read all you need to know there...

http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/b/buchan_r7/index1.html

and

http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/b/buchan_r7/index.html

This is a place I've been meaning to look at for a long time, and really no excuse as I drive past it just about every day. Here's a people's map linky...

http://peoplesmap.com/?y=838464.25&...MAGE,PEOPLESMAP,POPULAR,PEOPLESMAPU&overlays=

I didn't get down into the bunker, as it was an opportunistic visit. I was needing to take pics of a poorly horse for the vet, so I just happened to have my camera. Looks like it is still reasonably accessible, albeit with needing a pair of waders or a wetsuit. The water is lovely and clear. Probably freezing though. So if anybody wants to do top cover for me, we could arrange to nip on over and get some internal shots.

On with the pics though...


IFF building to the left, sub station to the right. (Landy Lovers would have loved this place a few months back... it was a Landrover Graveyard)


Type 79 sub station




Type 79 IFF building


Thick door


Roof top mount


IFF interior






R7 bunker top


Through the ventilation


A bit wet. Anybody got a pump?


Where the work's done these days.

Thanks for looking. If anybody wants to go swimming, give me a shout.

Shame it's so flooded but great to see the IFF mount and the pic from inside the IFF. Enjoyed reading the subbrit account too...now I know what IFF actually means! Cheers for that, Seahorse.

"Pelaw-On-Tyne" ? I was actually visiting that area today! Blimey.
There are some great historic remnants lying round there (not the escorts )

It really deserves to be pumped out methinks.

Thanks for posting.

The internal R7 shots on the Subbrit site are of course a bit deceptive, as it'll be pitch black down there!.. sometimes I do wonder how NC manages to light up underground shots to comprehensively!

I'd not drive up specially to see the interior, but might stick the waders in the car if I was going to be in the area

Good report though, nice to see the current situation

V70 said:

The internal R7 shots on the Subbrit site are of course a bit deceptive, as it'll be pitch black down there!.. sometimes I do wonder how NC manages to light up underground shots to comprehensively!

I'd not drive up specially to see the interior, but might stick the waders in the car if I was going to be in the area

Good report though, nice to see the current situation

Click to expand...

I reckon a fair bit of light could be let into the middle room, as the hatch is light enough to take off on a temorary basis.

But of course, that's not the room I'd be wanting to see mostly. One of our dive boats is in port at the moment. I think I'll nip down tomorrow and see if I can "borrow" a decent underwater light.

superb, love to see this

Bloody boat sailed last night. I'll just have to make do with Tesco's finest LED torch.

I have learned a thing or two from divers though. Apparently clingfilm will keep a torch surprisingly dry so long as you don't take it too deep. Well I never.

Not so sure about my camera though. I'll just have to be careful I don't drop it.

Any volunteers to visit with me again and call for help if I drown????

I reckon we'll be taking the caravan to Mintlaw again this year, that can't be too far away. If you're still up for it and on dry land I'll go with you.

RichardB said:

I reckon we'll be taking the caravan to Mintlaw again this year, that can't be too far away. If you're still up for it and on dry land I'll go with you.

Click to expand...

Aye, give me a shout when you know when. I have no idea when I'm likely to be home, so we'll just play it by ear.

Nick uses a medium format film camera, he works in total darkness with the shutter held open then goes around with a flashgun and lights the scene with multiple bursts of flash. Getting the right exposure/number of flashes takes experience!

Great pics seahorse. Thanks for posting!!!

I've had an idea. I'm going to see if I can call in some favours and borrow a mini ROV, and get some video grabs from under water. If I can persuade somebody that I won't trap the bloody thing down there.

I''ll let you know if it comes off.

Back to sea again on Monday. No more exploring for a while.

Wow, imagine diving in there!! Dangerous as F**K (!) but scary and interesting too!! right, wheres my drysuit!!

That's why I thought ROV, DN. No need to get wet, just let the ROV do all the work. I hope my source still has their Hyball. That would be perfect for down there.

Tha would be great! Imagine that! get the ROV!!

Hope this happens-it would be well cool!

Good News everyone!!!

Mini ROV and generator sourced.

3 weeks until I'm home though.

Can't wait. I hope the water stays clear until I can get back to it.