Heathrow Terminal 2, going, going, gone...
 

BBC News - Demolition work begins at Heathrow's Terminal 2

Sniff, sniff :{ :sad: Oh well that's progress for you. So many memories as a lad in and around there. The first time i laid eyes on a 747 for example on the day after it's first revenue flight in Pan Am colours and all those interesting types from various european countries on the apron in front of the Queen's Building. Let's hope that the new version is a marked improvement on the hotchpotch T2 of recent years.



SHJ

I find it very hard to believe that they (the BBC) have just noticed this ... maybe they are responding to a press-release by the BAA? However, the demolition has been going-on for the last few months (6 months?) at least.

As I drive around airside, on my irregular trips around the 'roundabout' above the entrance to the cargo tunnel, you can see that they have already demolished one of the piers, and they had already almost completed the next pier along.

I guess it refers to the starting of the wrecking ball on the Terminal building itself. I guess that it wouldn't make sense to have started on the inner and worked outwards. Let's hope that the demo-men are wearing masks, as i'll wager there's more than a bit of asbestos in the pipes/ducting/floors etc.



SHJ

What a shame. I have many happy memories of either travelling through or viewing on top of it. As for the new structure being an improvement, from a passengers point of view maybe - from an enthusiasts point of view I very much doubt it. I cannot think offhand of any new development airportwise that has been an improvement on what has gone before (as I say from an enthusiasts point of view).

In late September 1953 I had just returned to the UK from 5 FTS (RAF Thornhill in the Rhodesian Air Training Group). I was on disembarkation leave at home in London and knowing the London - New Zealand Air Race was due to start on 8th October and took the opportunity to visit London Heathrow to have a look at the competitors. This is one of the photos I took of the race competitors and shows RAAF Canberra A84-201, one of the two RAAF Canberras that took part in the race.

Interestingly the background shows the construction of the Europa Building, later Terminal 2 and the girder outline of Heathrow's new ATC tower.

From those who know grateful for confirmation that it is in fact the the first terminal (Europa Building) that is shown in my photo.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...eCanberra2.jpg


Two Australian Canberra's took part in the race. A84-201 and A84-202. A84-202 burst a tire and was damaged when landing at Cocos Island and was effectively out of the race. A84-201 however came a very close second, 40-minutes behind the eventual winner, an RAF Canberra.

A84-201 is now the Gate Guard at RAAF Base, Amberley, Queensland.

All has to be removed before demo can begin.

Yes it is.

A couple of pictures of T2 today, taken with my trusty old point and shoot so please excuse the quality.............................

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...d/DSC_0164.jpg



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...d/DSC_0162.jpg



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...d/DSC_0159.jpg



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...d/DSC_0158.jpg




http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...d/DSC_0157.jpg

Er....
 

That's the old International pier at Terminal One!

The shiny new thing in the background is the new satelite building currently attached to the soon to be demolished Europier. Oddly enough the stands on the Europier have reverted back to the original layout for a host of narrow bodies rather than the heavies that used it of late.

Whoops!! Not familiar with LHR and when I saw all the construction work going on I assumed this bit was T2. Sorry for the bum lead!! (never assume in aviation)

Wow - lots of memories of T2, my Uncle John Paton was a duty officer at Heathrow for years - his office was in T2. Anytime I was visiting from Canada - I'd just to go to work with him, and wander around Heathrow all day long!!!!

Recently I had a connecting flight arriving from Bulgaria to T2, first time I'd been there in years - was shocked at all the changes, kinda like stepping into the future. Glad I got to experience the building and share some memories one last time.

Progress .. .. .. hmmm.

There appears to be a balcony rail on the roof of that 'shiny new thing'.....now I don't suppose....naah, perish the thought of a new spectators' viewing terrace!:hmm:

I remember as teenagers living in the leafy suburbs we used to cycle (and after 17 and a bit, drive) through the less salubrious parts of Uxbridge and its environs to Heathrow, have a game at the Heathrow Bowl, then go airside for coffee - probably get shot trying that now.

Been through T2 many times but in those new photos I can't seem to spot any difference? Isn't there always rubble and bollards lying about?