From the estate of a Livermore Labs Engineer [LLNL] this highly detailed model is for the transport of warheads. Engineering design was for ARDEC —Armament Research Development and Engineering Center.

Quite detailed and skillfully crafted the piece is made of aluminum, copper, wood, and ceramic.

Transport ‘A’ has a series of pin systems to remove so the hatch opens( 6 in total). Once removed the hatch comes off. Inside is a tomb like opening that is lined in copper and nestled in the center is a ceramic pill like structure. The ceramic unit has two hoisting loops. A small hoisting tool in included to gently lift out of wood divot. The shell is made of ceramic and has a two pin system to release the top. Once opened an aluminum ‘mock up’ war head is inside.

The second transport marked ‘B’ is just a wood mock up if lid is removed. Same pin system on lid as in ‘A’.

Very well made and sturdy (16 lbs) . Comes on a base with wheels but wheels can slide off and seems to be a palette made of aluminum to allow fork lifting of transport unit. Piece is in very good condition —the only thing to note is one corner of copper side (inner lid section) has dents and the corner wood has been chipped as noted in the photo. Nothing major considering the whole piece but worth noting and an easy repair if you are inclined.

A great piece of engineering research and a useful tool for a lab research library.

Closed unit measures: 11” x 9” x 8” H