Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Posted (2 years 11 months 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 6730 times:
Hi
I decided to put together a few of my pictures from my recent trips to LHR (of which there are lots, but these are what I think to be the best visits so far).
Anyway, These first 2 pictures are a bit off topic, but they are very good.
3 BA Airbuses (I guess they are all A320's) in the morning sunshine, as seen from the BA T1 Terrace lounge, well worth a visit.
BA 757 with the Compass center in the background, this building is being sold off in the move towards T5.
Back on topic, these pictures are from 2 separate visits to LHR, these 2 are from the Saturday 2nd of December (2006).
JAL Cargo 747 lines up for take off on 27L.
Qantas 744 rolling down 27L.
Because of this next trip, there was on space for those 2 photos on my memory stick, as I had to delete the rest
Right, this visit was without a doubt my longest, and probably most enjoyable visit to LHR yet on the Saturday of 9th of December (2006)
I got off the bus at about 11:10am at Hatton Cross, and immediately noticed that Landings were on 27L and take offs on 27R, which is good for photography, and so made my way down to the edge of 27L.
BA 744 on approach to 27L, if you love 'heavies' and/or BA, LHR is a must. Luckily, I like both, so it's great !
2 BA 744's over at BA's minor maintenance (TBE) area near 27L.
3 stages of an AA 777 landing on 27L.
BA 777 crossing the active runway.
Well, after about 40mins of soaking up the atmosphere and taking photos, I decided to move on to the other side of the airport.
Now, being on the course to becoming an aircraft engineer, I decided to pay a visit to the main BA engineering area on the other side of Hatton cross, and so took a shortish walk down to the hanger by the 'Jurys Inn' hotel, (or TBA to those in the know such as myself). Here, there was a BA 757 (G-CPEO)parked up outside, and I decided to see what kind of photo I could get through the different type of fence they use around the engineering base.
Firstly, may I tell you, that it is very hard to get a good picture with a big lens, so stick to an ordinary camera and unfortunately, the results won't be great unless you do so.
'PEO parked up outside the front side of BA engineering's TBA.
A close up of the Rolls-Royce engine.
Even closer look at the engine.
I then walked back to Hatton cross and caught a bus to near enough 27R, and decided to get a few shots of the take off action.
VS A340-600 holding at, taxiing onto and rolling down 27R.
Air Malta A320.
BWIA A340 waiting by 27R, this time next year, this airline will no longer exist.
BA 744 on 27R.
The BA 744 rolls while the A340 waits.
A whole load of BA 744's at T4, see what I mean about heavy/BA heaven !
Then I looked at the time, and grabbed a bite to eat at the McDonalds before heading back. Instead of catching the bus, I decided to take a walk back to Hatton cross around the main engineering area, and so I ended up, for the first time ever, taking some photos there.
Notice something strange ? This BA 777 is towed into the BA engineering TBA hanger, hopefully to get a new door !!
BA 744 parked up at the engineering base.
The same 744 but viewed from the side. The yellow building(s) in the background are the BA 747 hangers, although it looks like one building, it's actually 2. The nearest one is TBK while the one further away is TBJ. Almost all of BA's 747 'light' maintenance is done in those 2 hangers, while the 'heavy' engineering is done at Cardiff.
The other side of TBA in the foreground, looks kind of 'menacing' don't you think ? The grey building in the far right-hand corner is TBC, where most of the engineering offices are.
BA heavies parked up outside the 747 hangers, unfortunately my finger got in the way, and so that's what the white line is. But I though I'd show you this picture as it's an unusual sight.
Thanks for reading, leave any comments is you wish
Next Trip report: LHR-SEA-LHR !
Daleaholic From United Kingdom (England), joined Oct 2005, 2918 posts, RR: 19 Reply 1, posted (2 years 11 months 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 6630 times:
Cool report! It's interesting to see a 'Spotting' trip rather than a travel trip. Looks like you had a great day!
Thanks
Paul
Religion is an illusion of childhood... Outgrown under proper education.
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Reply 5, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 5858 times:
Thanks for your kind comments I thought i'd be good to give you something a bit different.
Quoting B742 (Reply 2): I will be staying at the Jury's Inn in December, any idea on how close the hotel is to some spotting areas?
Yes, the Jury's Inn is about a 2min walk (if that) from Hatton cross (you'll walk out of the hotel, and follow the path onto the road where the BA hanger is), which in turn is very close to the 27L runway, you can't miss it, then just walk down by the fence, and choose the best place to spot, you get good shots of landings and take-offs, but if you stand underneath the yellow runway lights, you'll get a get blast of jet engine !. For photography, just poke your lens through the fence. There is the main road behind Hatton cross and there's pathways on either side of the road, this is a good place for photography.
If you want to go to the other runway, go to Hatton cross, and catch any of these buses: 285,555,556,or 557 with 'Heathrow Central' on the destination board at the front or side of the bus, and just ask for the driver to call out when you reach the visitors center (there are other stops as the bus goes round the engineering base and along 27R for a bit, so just press the bell, although you might have to do a bit of trial and error, it should be okay) once at the visitors center, there's a McDonald's opposite for something to eat.
The visitors center is closed at the moment, but it's the 3rd big grey building along on the right-hand side. Once there, just find the nearest pathway, and walk along the 2 car parks, step through a thin bit of grass, and you'll be at the main road, just cross that road, and you'll be right at the fence of 27R, again, just find the best spot and click away !
All the buses I mentioned are free to and from Hatton cross within the airport area, when you come back, catch the same buses: 285 'Kingston'
555/6/7 'Walton'
and ask for Hatton cross, it should be free.
There is another great place, which is the bridge which goes over the road by Hatton cross, you can't miss it, depending on your zoom, you'll be able to catch landings on either runways, with nothing much in the way.
Hope that helps, for more info, may I direct you to this website. http://www.photovation.net/Spotting/SpottingLHR.htm
Quoting VHVXB (Reply 4): wow some great pictures there Wrigh especially the one of the Rolls Royce engine
I did indeed, LHR is a great place to spot, and the police aren't usually fussy about spotters, as long as you follow your common sense, you'll be fine.
Oldman55 From United States, joined Jan 2004, 1407 posts, RR: 47 Reply 7, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 5719 times:
Yeah Great report but i am curious about something. Do they let kids walk around among their aircraft like that? you seem very close to them engines. In this day and age that seems to be kinda dangerous.
too bad most of us get too soon old and too late smart
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Reply 8, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 5553 times:
Quoting Oldman55 (Reply 7): but i am curious about something. Do they let kids walk around among their aircraft like that? you seem very close to them engines. In this day and age that seems to be kinda dangerous.
I wasn't actually that close to the aircrafts, I was behind the airport fences, and the reason they look close up is becuase I used my camera zoom (which is a very good one to add), usually about 3.0-5.0X zoom, so it can be missleading, I was doing nothing illegal and LHR certainly don't let you near aircrafts as such, the 757 just happend to be parked up close to the fence, and I used lots of zoom. Hope this answers your question.
LHR777 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 5500 times:
Nice pics! I know those places very, very well.
Quoting Wrighbrothers (Thread starter): BA 757 with the Compass center in the background, this building is being sold off in the move towards T5.
Compass Centre (not Center!) isn't being 'sold off', as it isn't owned by BA. We lease the building from the BAA, so we're merely tenants, and moving the operation from Compass Centre to Terminal 5 and Waterside.
AGD From Canada, joined Aug 2004, 204 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 5475 times:
Cool and different report.
Maybe you or some LHR regulars could answer the following question:
Where is that spot where you photograph the BWIA 340 and the QFA 744 ? I've been to Heathrow a few times to the usual locations, but never been there. It seems as a "new hot" spot, as I've seen many great shots from this location (well I think) recently over the Internet. You have to shot through the fence?
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Reply 12, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 5457 times:
Quoting AGD (Reply 11): Where is that spot where you photograph the BWIA 340 and the QFA 744 ? I've been to Heathrow a few times to the usual locations, but never been there. It seems as a "new hot" spot, as I've seen many great shots from this location (well I think) recently over the Internet. You have to shot through the fence?
Thanks!
Alex G.-Denicourt
The BWIA A340 was taken from the fence by 27R, It was actualy at the part of the fence where the road bends to the left and then becomes the big long road you might know, right by there.
As for the QF 744, that was taken through the fence at 27L, about half way along.
Yes, unfortunatly you do need to shot through the fence.
Quoting LHR777 (Reply 9): Compass Centre (not Center!)
D'oh !
Quoting LHR777 (Reply 9): isn't being 'sold off', as it isn't owned by BA. We lease the building from the BAA, so we're merely tenants, and moving the operation from Compass Centre to Terminal 5 and Waterside.
Oldman55 From United States, joined Jan 2004, 1407 posts, RR: 47 Reply 14, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 5357 times:
Quoting Wrighbrothers (Reply 8): I was doing nothing illegal and LHR certainly don't let you near aircrafts as such, the 757 just happend to be parked up close to the fence, and I used lots of zoom. Hope this answers your question
Yea it does. you must have a good camera. thanks for the info.
too bad most of us get too soon old and too late smart
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Reply 15, posted (2 years 11 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 4810 times:
Quoting Oldman55 (Reply 14): Yea it does. you must have a good camera. thanks for the info.
It is actualy !, it's very good, although it's not a DSLR.
Quoting Mack8994 (Reply 13): This is for sure a different TR... Great pics
Thanks, glad you liked it
If you want me to, I'll post another one of these Trip reports next time I visit LHR.
wrighbrothers
FlyTUITravel From United Kingdom (England), joined May 2007, 694 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 3745 times:
Quoting Wrighbrothers (Thread starter): the Compass center in the background, this building is being sold off in the move towards T5.
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Reply 18, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 3720 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 16): Very nice ''spotting trip'' must do one myself. Brilliant idea.
Triple7man From Thailand, joined May 2005, 473 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 3465 times:
Great pics at LHR. It is a great place for spotting, especially if you like heavies and international carriers.
There used to be the Spectators Gallery atop the Queens Building between Terminals 2 and 3 (or 1 and 2, I don't remember which one). There was a store up there too, which sold books, DVD,s and other aviation related goods. I always enjoyed going up there when I flew in/out of LHR but I know it closed down a few years ago. Too bad, because that was my favorite place for spotting
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1815 posts, RR: 12 Reply 22, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 3016 times:
Quoting FXramper (Reply 20): Fantastic TR and great pictures. I'd submit a few of them to Anet for sure.
Thanks, I doubt any of my photos are up to A.Net standard but I enjoy taking them and I'll try uploading them to myaviation once I'm able to, they don't seem to be a ble to be sent
Sketty222 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2006, 1498 posts, RR: 2 Reply 23, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 2999 times:
Hi, nice pics. I love it when I visit LHR to connect onto other BA flights. Ims BA staff and to be honest have only been to LHR 4 or 5 times in nearly 6 years( I mostly fly through LGW ).
Everytime Im at LHR I spend my time either outside the terminal building or glued to a window in the airside part of T1/T4watching the planes take-off/land.
I really must make an effort this summer to get to LHR for some spotting.
I dont know f anyone can give me any advice on where to spot from and how to get there?
Pawsleykat From United Kingdom (Scotland), joined Jul 2005, 1808 posts, RR: 13 Reply 24, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 2710 times:
Quoting Wrighbrothers (Reply 22): Hey Jordan, thanks. When you come down to LHR I'll try and get you to all these places
Cool Stuffs, that'd be ace!
Quoting Wrighbrothers (Reply 22): I've been down to LHR again, so if anyone wants me to, I'll post another one of these either this weekend or sometime soon.
I'd certainly love to see another one..... please and thank yous!
JG
"Let Go, Get Up And Hit The Dance Floor" - Hannah Montana
Trintocan From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2000, 2809 posts, RR: 5 Reply 25, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 2543 times:
Wrighbrothers, that was a very interesting trip report. One about spotting rather than actually flying - now that is unique. Too bad about BW now though, they are no more and their successor Caribbean Airlines dropped LHR on 1 May 2007. Now the POS route is served by BA from LGW via BGI. Some memories there...
Thanks again.
TrinToCan.
Hop to it, fly for life!
26 Flinhion757: But after what happended last year they would never!!!!!!!
27 Wrighbrothers: Hye folks, fisrtly, thanks for the comments, I haven't ignored them, secondly, my long awaited second spotting trip has now been posted, warning for d
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