NGTE Pyestock for more than 50 years was THE place for the development and testing of gas turbine engines. From the 1950s through to the 1970s, it was the largest facility of its type in Europe (maybe even the world). Some of the most important testing of the 20th century was held on this massive site, from running up Concordes jet engines in a simulated supersonic conditions through to the endurance checking of every gas turbine installed in the ships of the Royal Navy.
Unfortunately, due to continued advances in computer simulations, Pyestock was gradually run down and now stands unused. The buildings are considered to be of national, if not international importance (but are far from listed). As it stands the whole site is destined to be demolished and replaced by a supermarket distribution centre.
So, a mix of 28dl and mids-urbexing members took the opportunity to visit this forgotten landmark. The motley crew consisted of Cobra00uk, Baz, Springy, Lincs Rover, Squirrell911, Iron Monkey and myself.
With the use of stealth and a fair amount of luck, spent a full day exploring its treasures hassle free.
To make it easier for everyone to label their photos etc, I've put a list of the buildings we saw in order.
Cell 3 west (worlds largest webcam)
No. 10 Exhauster (the first main building we went in)
Cell 4 (the Huge hangar that the film Sahara was partly film in)
Cell 3 (the underground tunnel where the group shots were taken)
Airhouse (the massive hall with 8 turbines)
Plant House (fun getting in - the last main building)
Cell 3 Computer room (accessed via tunnels, a good view of Security)
Cell 3 west (back to the worlds largest webcam for final extental shots)
Please share your experiences when you post up, of what was a great, if not very cold days exploring.
I've tried to put a selection of photos up that will be different to everyone elses who went yesterday. This is mainly to give rest of the group an opportunity to show off Pyestocks main features.
Also this was my second visit, so I was trying to shoot elements that I'd not seen or photographed before.
I've always enjoyed catching people in photos; Squirrell flicking through the old newspaper and Lincs Rover on top of the main unit in Cell 4 are two good examples of this.
Most of these shots come from either Cell 4 (probably my favouite) and the newly explored Plant House.
Enjoy!
Unfortunately, due to continued advances in computer simulations, Pyestock was gradually run down and now stands unused. The buildings are considered to be of national, if not international importance (but are far from listed). As it stands the whole site is destined to be demolished and replaced by a supermarket distribution centre.
So, a mix of 28dl and mids-urbexing members took the opportunity to visit this forgotten landmark. The motley crew consisted of Cobra00uk, Baz, Springy, Lincs Rover, Squirrell911, Iron Monkey and myself.
With the use of stealth and a fair amount of luck, spent a full day exploring its treasures hassle free.
To make it easier for everyone to label their photos etc, I've put a list of the buildings we saw in order.
Cell 3 west (worlds largest webcam)
No. 10 Exhauster (the first main building we went in)
Cell 4 (the Huge hangar that the film Sahara was partly film in)
Cell 3 (the underground tunnel where the group shots were taken)
Airhouse (the massive hall with 8 turbines)
Plant House (fun getting in - the last main building)
Cell 3 Computer room (accessed via tunnels, a good view of Security)
Cell 3 west (back to the worlds largest webcam for final extental shots)
Please share your experiences when you post up, of what was a great, if not very cold days exploring.
I've tried to put a selection of photos up that will be different to everyone elses who went yesterday. This is mainly to give rest of the group an opportunity to show off Pyestocks main features.
Also this was my second visit, so I was trying to shoot elements that I'd not seen or photographed before.
I've always enjoyed catching people in photos; Squirrell flicking through the old newspaper and Lincs Rover on top of the main unit in Cell 4 are two good examples of this.
Most of these shots come from either Cell 4 (probably my favouite) and the newly explored Plant House.
Enjoy!