recently, I had the pleasure of a tour of waterside and the Speedbird Centre (also referred to / known as the "BA Museum") and I thought I'd share some pics on here.

After checking my bag in for a later flight, it was down to the arrivals level and the BA staff shuttle busses which regularly go to Waterside.




The journey to Waterside was just over 5 mins.










like most 'head offices', there are numerous 'companies' registered at Waterside.







once inside, there is a model of the whole of waterside. each 'building' / wing is named after a continent / geographical region that BA serves or used to serve.




just after reception / security, they have landing gears from a 747 which are positioning exactly the same distance apart as they are on the actual aircraft.




the walk through waterside feels like a walk down an 'avenue' - there are shops, 'outdoor' meeting spaces (indoors obviously though it gives an outdoor impression with trees, cobbled stones, etc) and even a 'river'.

eventually, one reaches the Speedbird Centre.











This is one of the first engine blades




next to one of the more modern ones





The centre is full of some really interesting 'stuff' - various aircraft models (both small in line with those that can be bought but also larger), historical documents, china sets, mock up of all cabins etc.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.





























































every Royal Flight used to be engraved on this.

























the telegraph from the Queen Mother to the new Queen Elisabeth II on the infamous flight back to the UK after the death of her father.




and a shorter version of the message from the Queen Mother - "my thoughts and prayers are with you - mummie buckingham palace"



















This is the actual book that senior members of the Royal Family sign on Royal Flights (it's not usually out on public display).













sometimes things don't go quite to plan......




but ER and P just signed it again a few pages later.




after a bite in the CCR, my departure ex LHR later on that evening.





A very enjoyable tour of Waterside and in particular the Speedbird Centre. Very knowledgable and passionate staff there giving an overview of the history of BA. There's much more in there than I captured in my pictures (they have e.g. the various uniforms on display etc).