<<My first recollection of these tours was in a Bedford OB, driving past rows of Stratocruisers and Constellations.>>
Take a look at this snap of mine - you can even see the dirt on the coach window!!
G-ANUA and other Strats! London Airport 20 Aug 1958 (3rd one along is West African Airways) :: GANUA.jpg :: Fotopic.Net
I don't ever recall T3 roof being open, but my family joined me after a morning shift on T3 car park to watch the Space Shuttle atop it's 747 go by on it's way to Stansted. I made sure I spoke to it, then ran like hell to T3 to meet Ruth and the kids!