BHX Spotting & Photography Locations

[Ray Finkle]

I notice that Sheldon Country Park has had a little work done, I'm not sure when it happened as it's been a while since I visited.

There is now a tarmac path towards the golf course running parallel to the runway, it bears off to the right before it actually reaches the golf course but it's much better than the mud bath that was there before. There is also new signage directing people to the 'airport viewing area'.

The main viewing area has new benches, I think I counted 14 in total and more importantly, several much needed new bins. Anybody who has been there on a weekend during the summer will have seen how the bins used to overflow making a real mess.

All we need now is a Barcelona style viewing platform and a couple of dunnys

 

[Brum X]

I notice that Sheldon Country Park has had a little work done, I'm not sure when it happened as it's been a while since I visited.

There is now a tarmac path towards the golf course running parallel to the runway, it bears off to the right before it actually reaches the golf course but it's much better than the mud bath that was there before. There is also new signage directing people to the 'airport viewing area'.

The main viewing area has new benches, I think I counted 14 in total and more importantly, several much needed new bins. Anybody who has been there on a weekend during the summer will have seen how the bins used to overflow making a real mess.

All we need now is a Barcelona style viewing platform and a couple of dunnys

You took the words right out of my mouth Mr Finkle

What the viewing platform looks like at BCN R25R

Its simple but does the job

 

[Brum X]

If we could have just one of those above viewing platforms, where would you choose ?

I would choose right at the top of the park where the golf course ends too, oppoisite Elmdon and almost overlooking the fire station, you would beable to see right across the runway and the terminal buildings.

At the moment you have those pesky high fences getting in the way of taking good photo's, otherwise its a great spot anyway.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Good question.

A viewing platform in that corner of the park would be a place that I'd happily spend quite a few hours watching the comings and goings. It would be quite special on a warm summers evening.

The photographer in me would like something about half way along to catch touchdown pictures but I think the top of the park would be a great all round spot for viewers and photographers alike.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Good question.
It would be quite special on a warm summers evening.

So would a warm summer's evening.

I wonder if Hassaan is aware of this. He is still doggedly pursuing his dream of a dedicated airport viewing area and I must say I admire his tenacity.

 

[58terminus]

I would choose right at the top of the park where the golf course ends too, oppoisite Elmdon and almost overlooking the fire station, you would beable to see right across the runway and the terminal buildings.

Cannot quite work out where you mean.Do you mean in the area of the mound? Isn't it all golf course that end?Having seen some of the golf shots played there not least by myself it is certainly not an area i could relax in concentrating on aircraft.

 

[Brum X]

Cannot quite work out where you mean.Do you mean in the area of the mound? Isn't it all golf course that end?Having seen some of the golf shots played there not least by myself it is certainly not an area i could relax in concentrating on aircraft.

I know what you mean, you wouldnt want one of them golf balls on your head whilst minding your own business, LOL

I mean pretty much in the corner plot where the fence turns right towards Coventry road (A45), im not sure who owns this land but it is a public pathway ? Also there would be no danger of being taken out by a golf ball.

 

[Ianbutty]

Short of moving the airport to Essex my ideal location would be where the old hanger is located on the Elmdon site. So many videos from the MSCP ruined by that old thing. Tear it down and build a pub with a roof garden.

Joking apart, so many UK airports lack facilities and off site seems to be the only option. I appreciate the security issues but a dedicated well managed facility integrated into an airport layout is not beyond the means of the planners. It could even generate a revenue if promoted properly. It can double as a spotters spot and a 'see the plane off and one last coffee before we go home' spot. Even a tourist attraction.

 

[58terminus]

I think they would have to move the tee or have people in the vaccinty holding up SILENCE boards.
Golfers take it very seriously whatever the standard.And don't forget the children running around.Why
should they have to be exposed to that sort of language.I mean the children not the golfers

 

[Brum X]

I think they would have to move the tee or have people in the vaccinty holding up SILENCE boards.
Golfers take it very seriously whatever the standard.And don't forget the children running around.Why
should they have to be exposed to that sort of language.I mean the children not the golfers

Mmmmmmmm yeah i can hear them grumbling now. However Plane Enthusiasts take it seriously too so im sure we could come to some sort of arrangement and as i say the path around the gold course is a public pathway.

btw ive heard bad language come from the direction of the tee whilst i have been there and there have been families around so it can come from both sides. Golfers can be a noisy lot too especially the younger trendy types.

 

[58terminus]

I agree it would be a great site but unfortunately the public pathway is just that,a pathway with little scope
for expansion.Anyway the country park is a great viewing area especially on a busy day when they are taking off from that end.

 

[Jon Dempsey]

I think they would have to move the tee or have people in the vaccinty holding up SILENCE boards.
Golfers take it very seriously whatever the standard.And don't forget the children running around.Why
should they have to be exposed to that sort of language.I mean the children not the golfers

What do they do, point the silence boards towards departing aircraft!

 

[Ray Finkle]

Tear it down and build a pub with a roof garden.

A nice pub with a sizeable beer garden, offering a good range of beers and serving a decent meal. Stick one in Sheldon Country Park and the owner would make a fortune.

 

[Ianbutty]

A nice pub with a sizeable beer garden, offering a good range of beers and serving a decent meal. Stick one in Sheldon Country Park and the owner would make a fortune.

True.

Any pub anywhere is a good thing. But think of the views from one on the old Elmdon site? Close enough for good landing shots, the aprons of the terminals opposite and all those interesting oddballs that visit the cargo ramps passing within a few metres? And a good pint of real ale.

 

[rollo]

I reckon the best spot would be in Elmdon Lane where the old Aero Club used to be if anyone remembers it, used to be great spot for landings on 33 also for young ladies on Saturday nights but that's another story ! Seriously though it would be a great observation point with a great view of the termial watching the comings and goings and a pub/cafe would be a bonus and a money earner if done properly.

 

[58terminus]

True.

Any pub anywhere is a good thing. But think of the views from one on the old Elmdon site? Close enough for good landing shots, the aprons of the terminals opposite and all those interesting oddballs that visit the cargo ramps passing within a few metres? And a good pint of real ale.

And a couple of BEA Viscounts to watch.Didn't that all but exist many moons ago.Trouble was the couple of Viscounts
were all you were likely to see.Unfortunately i was never aware of the goings on at Elmdon Lane.Pity

 

[Ianbutty]

I wont ask about the ladies.

Elmdon Lane would be ideal. When it comes to the new master plan consultation, perhaps as a Forum and large body of users of the pub... sorry, a viable viewing / visitor attraction.... we should make representations. You never know.

 

[Jon Dempsey]

A nice pub with a sizeable beer garden, offering a good range of beers and serving a decent meal. Stick one in Sheldon Country Park and the owner would make a fortune.

There is/was a place like that at the end of the runway at Gatwick.

It was always very popular for business lunches.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

I did cover this and other ideas in some detail folks..........

E.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Instead of lobbying airlines or politicians maybe we should be talking to Wetherspoons