Atlas E Silo Tour

This is an early 1960's era Atlas E ICBM missile launch facility, located in southwestern Nebraska, along I-80 near Kimball. Commonly referred to as a "silo" but it is not really a silo beca ...

2009-02-21T04:48:29Z

ColoradoRick
This is an early 1960's era Atlas E ICBM missile launch facility, located in southwestern Nebraska, along I-80 near Kimball. Commonly referred to as a "silo" but it is not really a silo beca ...

Overall, the facility consists of several very large, concrete hardened, buried rooms connected by tunnels.

2009-02-21T04:45:11Z

ColoradoRick
Overall, the facility consists of several very large, concrete hardened, buried rooms connected by tunnels.

The only exposure to the surface is one large horizontal concrete and steel door (serving as a hardened roof) that was to be opened for launching the Atlas. The door, designed to survive a ...

2009-02-21T04:47:37Z

ColoradoRick
The only exposure to the surface is one large horizontal concrete and steel door (serving as a hardened roof) that was to be opened for launching the Atlas. The door, designed to survive a ...

Exhaust vents are a couple of egress hatches are about the only recognizable objects on the roof.

2009-02-21T04:43:07Z

ColoradoRick
Exhaust vents are a couple of egress hatches are about the only recognizable objects on the roof.

ColoradoRick's photo

2009-02-21T04:47:08Z

ColoradoRick

Notice the remote-controlled video camera in the center. Several radio and satellite antennae, weather measurement devices, as well as a solar panel are located on the northern end of the fa ...

2009-02-21T04:48:42Z

ColoradoRick
Notice the remote-controlled video camera in the center. Several radio and satellite antennae, weather measurement devices, as well as a solar panel are located on the northern end of the fa ...

The bottom of the photo shows the sliding missile bay door (roof) and the iron track that it was moved on.

2009-02-21T04:43:54Z

ColoradoRick
The bottom of the photo shows the sliding missile bay door (roof) and the iron track that it was moved on.

The entrance to the missile (lying horizontally) storage bay is at the right.

2009-07-26T15:06:10Z

ColoradoRick
The entrance to the missile (lying horizontally) storage bay is at the right.

Twenty MINI5280 members and their MINI Coopers (18 from Denver, 2 from Nebraska) parked outside the facility, near the missile bay door (vertical).

2009-07-26T15:41:42Z

ColoradoRick
Twenty MINI5280 members and their MINI Coopers (18 from Denver, 2 from Nebraska) parked outside the facility, near the missile bay door (vertical).

The Coopers had to wait outside for their owners, but there was plenty of room in the huge missile bay and adjacent rooms.

2009-02-21T04:43:19Z

ColoradoRick
The Coopers had to wait outside for their owners, but there was plenty of room in the huge missile bay and adjacent rooms.

Inside the missile bay, looking out the partially opened vertical, sliding door, which was over one foot thick. It is now motorized, but was manually opened by Air Force personnel using a cr ...

2009-02-21T04:44:47Z

ColoradoRick
Inside the missile bay, looking out the partially opened vertical, sliding door, which was over one foot thick. It is now motorized, but was manually opened by Air Force personnel using a cr ...

Missile facility owner, Don Zwonitzer, operates the now electric door control.

2009-06-07T09:21:16Z

ColoradoRick
Missile facility owner, Don Zwonitzer, operates the now electric door control.

Slowly the blast doors (opened to deliver the missile) close out the brutal southwest Nebraska wind.

2009-02-21T04:45:50Z

ColoradoRick
Slowly the blast doors (opened to deliver the missile) close out the brutal southwest Nebraska wind.

Watch your fingers and toes!

2009-07-26T15:21:12Z

ColoradoRick
Watch your fingers and toes!

Looking toward the closed missile bay door (vertical). Narrow at the opening, but plenty of indoor parking for an RV, the bay widens further back.

2009-07-26T16:15:46Z

ColoradoRick
Looking toward the closed missile bay door (vertical). Narrow at the opening, but plenty of indoor parking for an RV, the bay widens further back.

Don opens a large door to a room adjacent to the missile bay.

2009-02-21T04:45:39Z

ColoradoRick
Don opens a large door to a room adjacent to the missile bay.

A former equipment room has different uses now.

2009-06-07T09:55:29Z

ColoradoRick
A former equipment room has different uses now.

Notice the cast holes in the wall, previously used to pass conduits and wiring.

2009-02-21T04:43:52Z

ColoradoRick
Notice the cast holes in the wall, previously used to pass conduits and wiring.

Don shows the small motor that is now makes opening the missile bay entrance door much easier than in the 1960's.

2009-06-07T09:06:40Z

ColoradoRick
Don shows the small motor that is now makes opening the missile bay entrance door much easier than in the 1960's.

Charlene Zwonitzer explains that the pit below was formerly used for recessed wiring and other connections to equipment that supported the missile operation.

2009-02-21T04:43:36Z

ColoradoRick
Charlene Zwonitzer explains that the pit below was formerly used for recessed wiring and other connections to equipment that supported the missile operation.

The pit may find a use as a place to raise fish.

2009-02-21T04:43:18Z

ColoradoRick
The pit may find a use as a place to raise fish.

Toward the back of the missile bay is a food storage cellar.

2009-06-07T09:26:20Z

ColoradoRick
Toward the back of the missile bay is a food storage cellar.

The food cellar maintains an ideal temperature for Charlene's preserves and other foodstuffs -- and it's very dark!

2009-02-21T04:49:42Z

ColoradoRick
The food cellar maintains an ideal temperature for Charlene's preserves and other foodstuffs -- and it's very dark!

Don shows explains the purpose of one of the two electric generators. All of the infrastructure (power, water, etc) in the facility is redundant (two of each).

2009-06-07T23:52:32Z

ColoradoRick
Don shows explains the purpose of one of the two electric generators. All of the infrastructure (power, water, etc) in the facility is redundant (two of each).

The uninteruptable power system automatically switches to an internal source should the utility power black out, which happens on occassion.

2009-02-21T04:48:54Z

ColoradoRick
The uninteruptable power system automatically switches to an internal source should the utility power black out, which happens on occassion.

The diesel fuel tank supply for one of the generators.

2009-02-21T04:46:25Z

ColoradoRick
The diesel fuel tank supply for one of the generators.

One of several ceiling vents in the missile bay.

2009-02-21T04:49:49Z

ColoradoRick
One of several ceiling vents in the missile bay.

The ceiling is about 25 ft high. These conduits are sealed, but may be put to use at some future date.

2009-02-21T04:43:11Z

ColoradoRick
The ceiling is about 25 ft high. These conduits are sealed, but may be put to use at some future date.

On the left and right walls are part of the missile cradle/crane, used to erect the ICBM for launch (after opening the roof).

2009-06-07T16:19:03Z

ColoradoRick
On the left and right walls are part of the missile cradle/crane, used to erect the ICBM for launch (after opening the roof).

The roof is composed of concrete and steel. this is the "coffin" door that originally slid open for a launch.

2009-06-07T11:29:01Z

ColoradoRick
The roof is composed of concrete and steel. this is the "coffin" door that originally slid open for a launch.

The end of the missile bay farthest from the vertical door has been made into a shop, with storage above.

2009-02-21T04:44:54Z

ColoradoRick
The end of the missile bay farthest from the vertical door has been made into a shop, with storage above.

One of the large doors between the missile bay and an adjacent room.

2009-06-07T09:57:14Z

ColoradoRick
One of the large doors between the missile bay and an adjacent room.

The high roof of the missile bay, now bigger than huge garage.

2009-02-21T04:43:43Z

ColoradoRick
The high roof of the missile bay, now bigger than huge garage.

There will be absolutely no hail damage to this roof!

2009-02-21T04:46:35Z

ColoradoRick
There will be absolutely no hail damage to this roof!

This is a US Government issue door knob.

2009-02-21T04:47:54Z

ColoradoRick
This is a US Government issue door knob.

The round top room formerly housed a large, stainless steel liquid oxygen storage tank which fueled the Atlas.

2009-02-21T04:46:28Z

ColoradoRick
The round top room formerly housed a large, stainless steel liquid oxygen storage tank which fueled the Atlas.

The entrance to the recessed room. The tank was removed by a salvage company prior to the Zwonitzer's ownership.

2009-06-07T23:58:18Z

ColoradoRick
The entrance to the recessed room. The tank was removed by a salvage company prior to the Zwonitzer's ownership.

How about a game of racquet ball?

2009-06-07T08:57:03Z

ColoradoRick
How about a game of racquet ball?

The sound echos through the tank room.

2009-02-21T04:49:57Z

ColoradoRick
The sound echos through the tank room.

It is a cool 60 degrees in the room.

2009-02-21T04:47:06Z

ColoradoRick
It is a cool 60 degrees in the room.

Part of the 120 ft long passage, known as the cable tunnel, between the missile bay and the launch operations building.

2009-06-07T23:56:04Z

ColoradoRick
Part of the 120 ft long passage, known as the cable tunnel, between the missile bay and the launch operations building.

Many personal touches line the access tunnel.

2009-02-21T04:44:00Z

ColoradoRick
Many personal touches line the access tunnel.

Andy walks the tunnel

2009-02-21T04:46:23Z

ColoradoRick
Andy walks the tunnel

Without the lighting it would be pitch dark in the facility.

2009-06-08T00:00:53Z

ColoradoRick
Without the lighting it would be pitch dark in the facility.

Wendy exits the tunnel to reach one of the living areas.

2009-02-21T04:50:05Z

ColoradoRick
Wendy exits the tunnel to reach one of the living areas.

The view from the kitchen toward the raised family room. Notice the high ceiling.

2009-02-21T04:46:24Z

ColoradoRick
The view from the kitchen toward the raised family room. Notice the high ceiling.

Don and Charlene discuss living in their underground home, which has been featured numerous times on TV and print.

2009-02-21T04:44:31Z

ColoradoRick
Don and Charlene discuss living in their underground home, which has been featured numerous times on TV and print.

MINI5280 visitors in the large, modern kitchen, which opens into the "indoor outdoors" -- the yard.

2009-06-08T00:01:05Z

ColoradoRick
MINI5280 visitors in the large, modern kitchen, which opens into the "indoor outdoors" -- the yard.

The indoor-outdoors never gets rained on or blown by the wind.

2009-06-07T09:15:53Z

ColoradoRick
The indoor-outdoors never gets rained on or blown by the wind.

The uninterruptable power system is in the background. This is located at the far right corner, outside the kitchen.

2009-06-07T09:21:52Z

ColoradoRick
The uninterruptable power system is in the background. This is located at the far right corner, outside the kitchen.

The UPS quietly keeps the power flowing.

2009-06-07T09:05:49Z

ColoradoRick
The UPS quietly keeps the power flowing.

The former cable and utility tunnels were troughs with covers. Now they're used as fountains or for tree placement (in soil).

2009-06-07T23:52:38Z

ColoradoRick
The former cable and utility tunnels were troughs with covers. Now they're used as fountains or for tree placement (in soil).

The "patio" entrance.

2009-06-08T00:17:33Z

ColoradoRick
The "patio" entrance.

Rick and Wendy enter the patio.

2009-02-21T04:46:25Z

ColoradoRick
Rick and Wendy enter the patio.

Behind the UPS is the fresh water supply. The tanks are used to maintain pressure. A backup generator for the UPS is on the left.

2009-02-21T04:44:55Z

ColoradoRick
Behind the UPS is the fresh water supply. The tanks are used to maintain pressure. A backup generator for the UPS is on the left.

At the top of the ladder is an escape hatch.

2009-06-07T23:57:11Z

ColoradoRick
At the top of the ladder is an escape hatch.

Climb the ladder to a small tunnel leading to a hatch to the top (roof).

2009-06-07T11:46:56Z

ColoradoRick
Climb the ladder to a small tunnel leading to a hatch to the top (roof).

Inside the escape tunnel, signed by previous visitors.

2009-02-21T04:46:09Z

ColoradoRick
Inside the escape tunnel, signed by previous visitors.

Yours truly.

2009-02-21T04:44:44Z

ColoradoRick
Yours truly.

Inside the escape tunnel.

2009-06-07T23:51:37Z

ColoradoRick
Inside the escape tunnel.

The end of the escape tunnel leads up a ladder to a hatch.

2009-06-07T23:58:47Z

ColoradoRick
The end of the escape tunnel leads up a ladder to a hatch.

The escape hatch at the top of the tunnel.

2009-02-21T04:47:00Z

ColoradoRick
The escape hatch at the top of the tunnel.

One of several ways in/out of the facility.

2009-06-08T00:07:49Z

ColoradoRick
One of several ways in/out of the facility.

Outside the facility. The former missile flame deflection pit (exhaust vent) is now a green house with a southern exposure.

2009-02-21T04:48:55Z

ColoradoRick
Outside the facility. The former missile flame deflection pit (exhaust vent) is now a green house with a southern exposure.

Outside the vicinity of the greenhouse.

2009-02-21T04:46:20Z

ColoradoRick
Outside the vicinity of the greenhouse.

The entrance to the greenhouse.

2009-02-21T04:49:47Z

ColoradoRick
The entrance to the greenhouse.

Inside the cavernous green house. The room leads deeply and steeply down to an area below the missile bay.

2009-06-07T09:23:40Z

ColoradoRick
Inside the cavernous green house. The room leads deeply and steeply down to an area below the missile bay.

Large shelves were constructed on the steep slope for the greenhouse planters.

2009-02-21T04:45:31Z

ColoradoRick
Large shelves were constructed on the steep slope for the greenhouse planters.

Many different herbs and vegetables are grown in the greenhouse.

2009-02-21T04:47:45Z

ColoradoRick
Many different herbs and vegetables are grown in the greenhouse.

At the bottom of the exhaust vent -- now a greenhouse.

2009-02-21T04:44:52Z

ColoradoRick
At the bottom of the exhaust vent -- now a greenhouse.

This is one huge greenhouse!

2009-02-21T04:42:59Z

ColoradoRick
This is one huge greenhouse!

The back ceiling of the exhaust vent has a small passage to the bottom of the missile bay. To the right is where a trap door would open for the ICBM before launch, allowing the exhaust to ve ...

2009-06-07T23:49:46Z

ColoradoRick
The back ceiling of the exhaust vent has a small passage to the bottom of the missile bay. To the right is where a trap door would open for the ICBM before launch, allowing the exhaust to ve ...

The ICBM exhaust opening is now permanently closed.

2009-02-21T04:47:47Z

ColoradoRick
The ICBM exhaust opening is now permanently closed.

MINI5280 touristss standing on the missile bay roof/door. The door would slide open in preparation for a missile launch.

2009-06-07T09:52:44Z

ColoradoRick
MINI5280 touristss standing on the missile bay roof/door. The door would slide open in preparation for a missile launch.

The metal in the concrete used to house structures that enable massive machines to open the door by sliding it sideways to expose the missile.

2009-02-21T04:44:32Z

ColoradoRick
The metal in the concrete used to house structures that enable massive machines to open the door by sliding it sideways to expose the missile.

A shock-proof cradle, previously used to safeguard a facilty machine of some sort.

2009-02-21T04:47:44Z

ColoradoRick
A shock-proof cradle, previously used to safeguard a facilty machine of some sort.

A concrete pad on the edge of the facility, probably used to park support trailers and other equipment.

2009-02-21T04:44:59Z

ColoradoRick
A concrete pad on the edge of the facility, probably used to park support trailers and other equipment.

The edge of the missile bay roof and horizontal "coffin" door.

2009-06-08T00:03:16Z

ColoradoRick
The edge of the missile bay roof and horizontal "coffin" door.

The view of the missile entrance (large, sliding vertical door).

2009-02-21T04:47:52Z

ColoradoRick
The view of the missile entrance (large, sliding vertical door).

Part of the track mehanism used to open the missile bay door.

2009-06-07T16:47:33Z

ColoradoRick
Part of the track mehanism used to open the missile bay door.

A personnel in/out hatch.

2009-02-21T04:46:36Z

ColoradoRick
A personnel in/out hatch.

I wish I knew where this hatch leads to!

2009-02-21T04:44:05Z

ColoradoRick
I wish I knew where this hatch leads to!

Oops. Don't close the hatch!

2009-02-21T04:48:38Z

ColoradoRick
Oops. Don't close the hatch!

Now he's out the hatch.

2009-06-07T11:41:21Z

ColoradoRick
Now he's out the hatch.

Looking down toward the spring-loaded ladder at the bottom of the hatch.

2009-06-07T09:39:57Z

ColoradoRick
Looking down toward the spring-loaded ladder at the bottom of the hatch.

Don decides to close the batton down the hatch.

2009-02-21T04:46:22Z

ColoradoRick
Don decides to close the batton down the hatch.

Don secures the hatch.

2009-02-21T04:47:35Z

ColoradoRick
Don secures the hatch.

As the day wears on, the wind picks up and the MINI5280 tourists head for the Coopers.

2009-06-07T12:08:41Z

ColoradoRick
As the day wears on, the wind picks up and the MINI5280 tourists head for the Coopers.

From the rooftop, looking toward the driveway which leads to the missile bay door.

2009-02-21T04:47:37Z

ColoradoRick
From the rooftop, looking toward the driveway which leads to the missile bay door.

The view toward the North.

2009-06-08T00:04:34Z

ColoradoRick
The view toward the North.

ColoradoRick's photo

2009-02-21T04:45:06Z

ColoradoRick

ColoradoRick's photo

2009-06-07T09:24:10Z

ColoradoRick

JIm, from Nebraska, and his teardrop camp trailer meet the Denver folks right before the tour. Rick, also from Nebraska, drove his liquid yellow MINI to participate in the tour.

2009-02-21T04:49:47Z

ColoradoRick
JIm, from Nebraska, and his teardrop camp trailer meet the Denver folks right before the tour. Rick, also from Nebraska, drove his liquid yellow MINI to participate in the tour.

The 450 lb., highly polished trailer is just the right size for a MINI. The teardrop draws lots of attention.

2009-02-21T04:43:19Z

ColoradoRick
The 450 lb., highly polished trailer is just the right size for a MINI. The teardrop draws lots of attention.

Jim will be taking the teardrop to MINIs on the Dragon in North Carolina in just a few days.

2009-06-07T15:45:24Z

ColoradoRick
Jim will be taking the teardrop to MINIs on the Dragon in North Carolina in just a few days.

No need to carry a mirror. Those following too closely at night will get all of their own reflected light.

2009-02-21T04:47:25Z

ColoradoRick
No need to carry a mirror. Those following too closely at night will get all of their own reflected light.

Elegant touches inside the teardrop trailer.

2009-02-21T04:45:39Z

ColoradoRick
Elegant touches inside the teardrop trailer.

No luxury overlooked in the teardrop.

2009-02-21T04:48:01Z

ColoradoRick
No luxury overlooked in the teardrop.

Aerodynamically sound, the top of the teardrop matches the top of the MINI.

2009-06-07T23:57:06Z

ColoradoRick
Aerodynamically sound, the top of the teardrop matches the top of the MINI.

The front (near the hitch) of the teardrop reflects the photographer and the towing vehicle, as well as a storage container mounted near the hitch.

2009-02-21T04:47:06Z

ColoradoRick
The front (near the hitch) of the teardrop reflects the photographer and the towing vehicle, as well as a storage container mounted near the hitch.