THE EFFECTS OF A NUCLEAR ATTACK ON RAIL ACTIVITY CENTERS

The work reported is the result of an analysis of post-nuclear-attack railroad operation in 12 rail activity centers. The analysis has been based upon the transportation of a single commodity--food. The selected nuclear attack involved 375 4-megaton weapons directed against retaliatory bases and industrial and population centers. The determination of post-attack food transportation requirements was based on the number and location of survivors by county, or similar divisions, and the geographical configuration of surviving yards and rail lines. Interstate food shipments were traced from the point where each rail activity center would be entered to points within 5 or 10 miles of survivors. Supply routes were selected by which food deliveries could be economically made to all survivors and empty freight cars removed. Traffic patterns were established together with yard assignments and requirements for rolling stock. The capability of the rail facilities to accommodate additional traffic was also determined.