Unbelievable now but the ashtrays were built-in in those days. Here’s me probably accepting rubbish from No1 director….
Just to the right of this picture was the open end of a length of wave-guide ducting. When the tower launched a flight the data-strip in its plastic holder was dropped down the tube so you knew what was coming. When gravity was off for maintenance we reverted to the telephone.
The following is a few pictures of the various control rooms followed by some images of visiting flights. The quality is badly affected by the prints lying in boxes for 30 years and then being scanned. Click on each for the large version.
Firstly the Ground Movement Control cabin on the roof of the original terminal building.
Below: Looking east from the tower. The terminal and newish office block on top visible at the left. about 1 mile away.
The VCR was refurbished with new furniture during the 70s. You can see a tels bloke in the background doing testing. If you happen to know any names in these pictures I will confirm your memories or you can correct mine – by email please.
The Approach Control Room was a dark and smokey hole, to be frank.
The supervisor of all he surveys (but not quite understands) was the lovely late John Sutton.
On-the-job training everywhere evident of course.
Please tell me this is preserved in some museum. The lighting panel much loved by the users and the electricians who kept the aerodrome lighting in good condition.
Finally a wide view of the tower and fire station from the control tower road. An ex-Eros Airways Viking served as fire training airframe at the back.
