Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft - Baginton

[rebbonk]

I'm looking for some pictures of the now extinct AWA works at Baginton. I don't suppose that anyone has any they'd care to share?

I'm particularly interested in the exterior layout of the site, so possibly even AWA as a background might help.

[Mari]

Gosh yeah, that would be interesting.
I found a site on the web that might interest you, it has areil views and loads pictures of bygone planes.
Here is one pic I copied.

http://wonwinglo.scale-models.net/cc9ec2a0.jpg

Source: http://wonwinglo.scale-models.net/id48.htm

You might find info also in the library archives. Or perhaps there is a local history society that can help you.


http://wonwinglo.scale-models.net/5d82b2c0.jpg

[rebbonk]

Many thanks Mari.

Unfortunately, I've already scoured that particular site. - There are some incredible bits and pieces on it though.

Baginton (airport) itself has quite a fascinating history. There are more than a few known names that crop up when you start looking at the air races that were held there.

In that top pic, the AWA buildings would be to the top right.

[Mari]

Do they have museum of the old airport ?

[rebbonk]

I think there's two. Midland Air Museum, and Airbase.

MAM is likely the better bet for official AWA records, production details etc. but I was wondering if any members had their own pictures. The AWA site shows an overhead of the factory ( http://www.awa.uk.com/factories ) but I'm more interested in ground level shots.

[cathidaw]

whilst we are talking of Baginton,does anyone remember Whitley aerodrome?
My Dad worked there for a while and many, many years later Mum was head cook there, and later staff chef.
Little tale-- although I'm digressing from rebbonk's original question.
Because she was chef or head cook she cooked .... no washing up or clearing away.
In our house Sunday morning was baking dayfor the week. She used and reused EVERY bowl or utensil
we owned and we four kids washed up endlessly, all morning,.It wasn't fun.Our hands were like prunes.
Since she liked us to go to Sunday school (and we didn't want to go) one day we all volunteered to go--to get out of the chore. She was clever though and found us an afternoon Sunday school.
She was a strong lady.No-one argued with her.
Sorry rebbonk