Birmingham: (BHX) - Spotting & Photography Locations

[Ray Finkle]

The only other issue with this viewing area is the really tall wire fence which does funny things to your eyes when you're looking through it 🙂

That's why tables were made strong enough to stand on 😉

 

[juliet-fox-9]

I forgot that there is also the wind, which plays havoc with food wrappers and napkins 🙂

That's why tables were made strong enough to stand on 😉

I have had to do that before, but when people are having picnics...

 

[Ray Finkle]

I have had to do that before, but when people are having picnics...

I'm sure a squashed sandwich or two wouldn't hurt them 😀

This is the view from the top of the car park now the hangar has gone. It opens up views of most of the runway and across the apron.

Unfortunately the rubbish seems to be back with the top level being particularly bad. There were pizza boxes, pop bottles, beer cans, burger wrappers and the remains of what looked to be an Indian take away meal with the dregs spread across the floor. It would be a real shame if NCP had enough and just blocked the top level off as it's a great spot now.

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[Hassaan]

The Elmdon Car Park is good if you don't own a not-tall-enough tripod, annoyingly! I think the view will be even better once that hangar is out of the way. Is Castle Hills Farm (where flugsnug usually gets his long RWY 33 shots) free admission? I got a bit cautious yesterday having only gotten to the gate (as it was a secure one) - in hindsight it was probably a better spot for me taking into consideration the shots I wanted to get.

 

[Ray Finkle]

It's been reported elsewhere that the top of the Elmdon Car Park is looking as though it is about to be closed off. Recently the amount of litter strewn about the place has been beyond ridiculous, despite the vast majority of people there being in cars.

It also appears to be getting worse after dark with many undesirables up to no good and numerous small gas bottles constantly being left behind.

It's very sad as not only is it a great place for spotters and photographers (especially now H2 is down) but it's also a popular spot for families with many a parent there with their children (me included) on a nice day.

I bet NCP have just had enough and I don't blame them, yet another story of the few spoiling it for the many :sad:

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Its such a shame reading all this but it does bring home the genuine need for a Decent permanent viewing/visitor centre, I still feel that the sports ground down Bickenhill Lane would provide the Best place for such a Building, it could be a joint Sports viewing/ airport viewing building designed to give all year round facilities and views to cater for both types of spectators.
Not forgetting the Rugby Club manager was quite keen to know more about this.

E.

 

[Ray Finkle]

The land in between the Tristar Hotel and the ATC tower is still waste ground. There was an app to turn it into a car park but that was around the time that the Travelodge was built. It would make a great spot for viewing but being so close to ATC they may say it's too much of a security risk.

 

[Hassaan]

Is the golf course still a good place for photography (or, shall I say, still available)?

 

[Ray Finkle]

As far as I'm aware it's still available.

 

[Hassaan]

As far as I'm aware it's still available.

Is it accessible from the Sheldon Country Park side?

 

[Ray Finkle]

It sure is, just follow the perimeter fence 🙂

 

[JENNYJET]

That fence, walking past a cottage from the main road, along a track leading onto the grounds of Hatchford Brook, I have no idea of distance ad the sight and sounds of Aer Lingus 1-11, BMA DC-9s, BA 1-11s, and the Wardair DC-10...the golf course fence educated me whilst I was 'wagging' it from school.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I had a very brief stop off at the Elmdon Car Park this morning.

When I got to the top there was litter everywhere, take away cartons, beer cans, plus the usual crisp packets and chip wrappers. There is also a very large pile of empty Nitrous Oxide canisters along with discarded balloons. The very top level also has black tyre marks all over it where people have been doing doughnuts and whatever else.

There are now metal posts sunk into the concrete at the entrance and exit (2 either side) which prevent access when raised. I don't know if these are in use yet and if so at what times?

I think that NCP may have finally had enough and I can't say that I blame them. For as long as I can remember it has been a great spot for viewing with many a family up there during the summer months. It's such a shame that the few have to spoil it for everyone but I don't think they have a choice anymore, if things go on as they are something serious is going to happen.

 

[Hassaan]

Do you get a good view from the golf course area, in terms of the landings/take offs?

 

[Ray Finkle]

It depends on what you are after.

If you are just planning on spending a couple of hours watching the aircraft then it's a decent spot. If you are after taking picture or filming then personally I've always found photography fairly difficult from there due to the amount of obstructions (unless you are willing to climb one of the trees that is 🙂). Maybe others on here have a good spot that they know of.

 

[58terminus]

Do you get a good view from the golf course area, in terms of the landings/take offs?

I know from experience that its a good place to watch aircraft. Unfortunately i should have been keeping my eye on the ball which would explain my scores.

 

[Jon Dempsey]

I know from experience that its a good place to watch aircraft. Unfortunately i should have been keeping my eye on the ball which would explain my scores.

I've got a better explaination. I'm crap at golf!!

 

[Hassaan]

I've been wondering for a while but how does one get into the control tower? I suppose a passing spotter might find it difficult unless they have the contacts!

 

[Ray Finkle]

One does not get into the ATC tower with out the appropriate clearances.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

I had a visit to the old control tower back in the late 70's (in my mid teens), when I had a genuine interest in a career in air traffic control. Following corresponence from both my school and my parents, a vist was aranged for a Sunday morning. On arriving, my Dad spoke to the staff who were surprised saying they hadn't been informed. We had copies of the letters with us and were invited in for a very informative and educational tour. I can still rmember watching a JAT B727 and a JAT B707 landing on R33, viewed from the control tower.
Unfortunately, the year I finished my A Levels there were to be no intakes for ATC training for another two years so I went off to do a Chemistry degree.
As Ray states, I would imagine that security is far more stringent today.

Kevin