View Full Version : Birmingham tower
LGW15
16th Oct 2005, 16:07
How old is Birmingham tower and why is it still used in the 'old' Elmdon terminal building?
Fried_Chicken
16th Oct 2005, 18:54
From that location, the whole of the airfield can be seen without being 500+ feet in the air, the technology works so why move?
FC
Gonzo
16th Oct 2005, 19:33
Not a valid argument nowadays!:}
Built around about 1939 but has had bits added on (and taken off) since then. We cannot see all the airfield, 33 starter strip is viewed either by camera or Surface Movement Radar and we cannot see stands 1-4.
LGW15
16th Oct 2005, 20:12
What sort of camera do you use to see 33 starter strip?
CCTV?
If so where is it mounted and how?!
KEPIT 2 YUSEN
16th Oct 2005, 20:34
Tom 1
Out of interest, have you not had that problem for many years with the 33 starter strip visibility bearing in mind that the hangers obscure your view or is the 33 starter strip a little newer ? - just curious.
I imagine the parking ease at the present location is much preferred by you guys than the arrangements at the "busy" side !
Jodel Hugger
17th Oct 2005, 07:53
Wow, what an old tower!!!! Is it the oldest?
lobby
17th Oct 2005, 09:05
Shoreham VCR was completed in 1935 I think.
Manu Forte
17th Oct 2005, 12:31
The original airport building was opened in 1938 but the existing VCR didn't arrive until the late 50's.
It is now far too small to house the three control and one assistant positions which are currently shoe-horned in there. It can't be extended because the building is threatened with Grade 2 listing if anyone tries to tamper with it.
Follow the link for some old photos
http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/history/elmdon3.htm
Skipness One Echo
18th Oct 2005, 17:06
The towers at Prestwick and Glasgow are 1960s vintage and look it in comparison with the new Edinburgh tower.
Bombay Bad Boy
18th Oct 2005, 17:47
You can see pics of brum tower here:-
http://www.egbb.co.uk/gallery.htm
BBB
LGW15
18th Oct 2005, 18:17
Looks really run down and small from exterior photos but from that site showing the interior it is just like any other tower really!
LGW15
21st Oct 2005, 06:18
On bhx.co.uk on one of the photos in their photo gallery they have a photo of an aircraft with a 'apron tower' in the background?
Thats what the caption says anyway?!
http://www.bhx.co.uk/press/library/p57.jpg
Have a look