Stopped (from speeding) by the police

[markjay]

Its actually perpendicular to the edge of the runway at RAF Northolt.

It's a funny stretch or road - the lampposts are very short to clear low flying aircraft.

 

[stevieb15]

I looks like its near a runway/airport.

How tempting would it be to try keep up with a plane taking off.

70mph, Pah, Mocas car is good for 160mph plus LOL!!!

I tried to do this in an Omega 3 litre on the Calais to Paris motorway against presumably a Eurostar running on the adjacent rail track.
Not really much of a competition really but fun before the train disappeared rapidly towards the horizon!

 

[MOCAŠ]

Years ago you used to be able to see into the airfield from the road, but they've since mounted a visual barrier along the perimeter fence (see post #14) to prevent drivers from being disctracted by the planes.

The place is notable for many reasons, but one interesting feature is that the runway ends very close to the A40 (see below).

In 1996 this resulted in a plane ending up on the road (much to the surprise of a passing van driver) following an overshoot on landing.

 

[markjay]

Yes, I seem to remember it was a private jet carrying a famous female celebrity (singer? Actress?) from the Caribbeans or such like... luckily no one was seriously hurt, I think

 

[MOCAŠ]

Yes, I seem to remember it was a private jet carrying a famous female celebrity (singer? Actress?) from the Caribbeans or such like... luckily no one was seriously hurt, I think

It was actress Lisa Hogan (later to become Lady Bentinck), who was en route to Pinewood Studios (from Majorca) to rehearse a scene for the film Fierce Creatures, in which she had a minor role (she was a good friend of John Cleese's).

 

[markjay]

Thank , with the aid of your post I found it now (was Googling the wrong words&hellip:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/jet-crash-passenger-claimed-pilots-were-arguing-1252364.html

 

[Dieselman]

Its actually perpendicular to the edge of the runway at RAF Northolt.

It's a funny stretch or road - the lampposts are very short to clear low flying aircraft.

The ones in the central reservation don't look short and the ones to the side are for the pedestrian footpath, so will be shorter.

 

[MOCAŠ]

The ones in the central reservation don't look short and the ones to the side are for the pedestrian footpath, so will be shorter.

They only become shorter at the point where the flight path crosses the road, as can be seen here:

 

[markjay]

Indeed, the 'Pygmy lampposts' are only present at the (extension of the) edge of the runaway.

 

[martin_a]

Aside from the grand policing, this is part of the reason so many accidents occur close to where people live. Familiarity breeds contempt and all that.

Just goes to so you should never assume you 'know the road' and always keep a check out for these things.

Good story.

m.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

.... this is part of the reason so many accidents occur close to where people live. Familiarity breeds contempt and all that.

Just goes to so you should never assume you 'know the road' and always keep a check out for these things.

Well said. Although of course a higher number of accidents occur close to where people live - that's where the vast majority of their journeys start and end, so those roads are the ones they use the most!

 

[markjay]

Aside from the grand policing, this is part of the reason so many accidents occur close to where people live...

Could be the same reason that most people die in beds?

 

[davidjpowell]

Top Policing. Many moons ago I joined the A1M from the A14, after a most frustrating journey. Nice 4 lane wide, cruise on at 90 happy days.

Noticed a large car behind me at the brow of a hill with an odd silhouette. Decided to knock off cruise and a Police Range Rover pulled alongside, slowed to my now 70 and waved his finger. I waved back apologetically, and he proceeded at 70 in front. I was not going to go past him!

Eventually he pulled off at Peterborough services, and gave me a wave goodbye

 

[Dieselman]

Eventually he pulled off at Peterborough services, and gave me a wave goodbye

Then you floored it to make up the lost time.

 

[markjay]

Some years ago on the northern part of the M25 a traffic police car pulled out in front of me and stopped traffic (due to an incident further down presumably).

I was first on the grid behind the police car.

After 15 minutes or so the police started rolling and stopped on the hard shoulder.

Moving forward.... there was no car in sight for miles... slightly opening-up on the cars alongside and behind I found myself completely alone on the M25 at 8am... a very eery feeling.

But, it's like a race track... three lanes, and you can go as fast as you like, no other car in sight

 

[Charles Morgan]

They must have done that this weekend, as it was not there on Friday. Something for me to note on my regular trips to Southall for spices and Indian food.

 

[Red C220]

I looks like its near a runway/airport.

How tempting would it be to try keep up with a plane taking off.

70mph, Pah, Mocas car is good for 160mph plus LOL!!!

When I drive to see my family in Norfolk (from Surrey), my route takes me past RAF Lakenheath, which is actually a US air force base from where they operate Fighter Bombers, Mostly F15E's.

You past right at the very end of the runway and more than once I've had the living daylights scared out me when a jet fighter appears at what feels like 20ft above your car.

The last time I went past, four F15E's had just taken off and we're circling waiting for formation before they flew off, either for exercises or on their way to Afgahnistan, Pakistan or any other Stan that might upset the yanks.

I pulled over and had to watch, I was stood there like an excited kid watching these machines fly off into the distance. It was one of the few times the word Awesome was apt.

I know it's cliche, but it really must be one of the best job in the world flying one of those.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

.... I joined the A1M from the A14 ... Nice 4 lane wide, cruise on at 90 happy days. Noticed a large car behind me at the brow of a hill ......

Eventually he pulled off at Peterborough services, and gave me a wave goodbye

A hill between the A14/A1M junction and Peterborough services? That stretch of road is as flat as a witches' tit - but perfect for 90+! Methinks that perhaps you weren't being quite as observant as you should have been, but still managed to slow down early enough to prove you weren't asleep either.

 

[Dieselman]

Anyone up for a quick science question?

Why does the upper surface of the wing have the vapour cloud showing?

 

[eihtur]

Anyone up for a quick science question?

Why does the upper surface of the wing have the vapour cloud showing?

There is lower air pressure on the top of the wing.This accompanied by a temperature drop below the dew point causing condensation.