HD, Lon More is caught up in thread drift about HMP West Drayton.

SD - I believe I was one of those fellow forumites. As a lowly PPL it was a great experience.

I remember that while in the tower the Captain of a US heavy was told off as he became No. 1 for departure but then had to admit he hadn't received all his paperwork (which he had been hoping to get before reaching that point) and so couldn't go - he had to taxi round to the back of the queue. The controller wasn't happy, but I was pleased to see even the big boys get it wrong sometimes!

Gonzo - I think you were the person that showed us round, for which I'm very grateful.

Vancouv

vancouv. Amazing. That was happening when I left the tower some 20 years again. Culprits then were usually BA!

Can they not save some of the bricks? I would buy one for old times sake. Why not at least preserve the glass tower bit? Surely it can find a new home either in another part of the airport; say the visitors centre or maybe a local aviation museum, Brooklands?

So much of the original kit should have been saved - the original "data transfer system" beautifully engineered with rollers and said to have been made by the Fire service for example.

The "Air" Controllers used to put the dead strips into a tray on top of the desk before the ATSA took them for filling in the Movement book.
This was usually done with a well practised lob. Such was the expertise that a clearly impressed visiting pilot said "I've been here nearly an hour and they've not missed with one"
Twin DFTI's, proper anemometers, barrel lights, feather duster for the lighting panel (well that's what they said they used it for :uhoh:) - ah nostalgia ain't what it used to be!

What happened to the ex U-Boat binoculars?

Pete Bish has the data transfer system.

Scanning through the thread, I don't recall anyone mentioning why it is actually being demolished. Its nothing to do with 'falling down' or asbestos. Simply that the ground space is needed for the new T2A area.

My office was in there until a few months ago and I can tell you that apart from technical equipment, the goldfish bowl was almost as it was left when it closed. And as has been mentioned, the ladder up to the top is still as 'interesting' as it always was! I'm amazed that the 'Elf and Safety' zealots didn't get in on the act.:ok:

DC10RM - I don't believe the bins did come from a U boat, but I am told they were taken to the new tower.

I was lucky enough to get a visit by simply ringing the doorbell one Sunday morning in late February 1984 whilst on my way to my ATCA Course at Bournemouth. No official ID, just 'I'm passing, any chance of a look around please?'! Different times, much missed.
If any of the controllers or assistants reading this were on duty at the time, thank you for allowing me in, stashing my suitcase out the way and giving me a tour which was leisurely and extremely interesting.
I was made to promise that the photos wouldn't appear in the next edition of Flight International, and I hope that sufficient time has passed that anyone in the photos has no objection.
Sorry about the quality- scans of slides, and I should point out that it was a quiet February round about late morning- hence AIR controllers hats off in the first photo. I hope they bring back some happy memories- certainly seemed a very happy group of people at the time.

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Cooo. Block 16 coned, the extension stands out, no fast turn-off to the south from 27L. From all that red tape round T4, I'm guessing it was still under construction.

Bigears - is there any way you could get hard copies of these to talkdownman or HD? There is an occasional Heathrow ATC nostalgia evening held in some pub somewhere and I'm sure the old gitXHXHXH revered gentlemen who attend would appreciate it.

One of the first BA B757s and a BMA SH360 on the Birmingham and East Midlands service in the Bravos, and a Bangladesh Biman DC10.

Happy days!

Looks like it was 'D' Watch on!

DC10RM - your joy at seeing a DC10 has clouded your memory - them's the Charlies, methinks - although yer eyesights not bad, I didn't make out the shed on C32.

DC10, Mans aeroplane!

None of this girly glass cockpit nonsense.

D Watch=Doom Watch.

Mr & Mrs Park and their son Charlie....

Photos
 

First;Surely that's the back of Window Job on Air Deps?

Is that Dave Carney on GMP? Not sure when he left LL but not there when TDM and I started Nov '86. Remember him refereeing some of the London Airways footer matches.

GMC man is spit of Roger Clarke - but he didn't start until '91.

GMC looks like Forster with Steve Barnes GMC ATCA (GRHS).
And, as you say 48Nav, windowjob on Air Deps...
Must dig out the old watch-lists...

Bigears, thanks for posting those...clearly making us old Meldrews happy...

Who is the lady on Air? Nicky?

I was talking to Stu Barnes (Steve's dad) recently at a retired staff "do" and was talking about Steve's enthusiasm for football which was not matched by his skill.

He was an all round "good egg" and I for one miss him.