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Compacting machinery JLP01_01_006_44
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Compacting machinery JLP01_01_006_44
FILTON AIRFIELD, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE. A 10 ton rubber tyred wobble wheel roller, pulled by a caterpillar tractor, compacting ground during the construction of a new runway at Filton Airfield.
Laing extended the runway westwards at Filton Airfield to accommodate the Bristol Brabazon airliner, which was being built at the airfield. Work began in July 1946 on the new runway, which was 2, 725 yards long and 100 yards wide. The work required the requisitioning and removal of Charlton village and a temporary flying strip was laid, for use while the new runway was under construction. The base course formation was compacted in 8 inch layers, first by sheepsfoot rolls, then by 10 ton wobble wheel rollers, and finally by 8 to 10 ton power rollers. The caption below this photograph in the album reads: " Rubber-tired (sic) roller finally produces a fairly finished surface."
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24350663
© Historic England Archive
1940s Airfield Construction Machinery Runway
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the construction of a new runway at Filton Airfield, South Gloucestershire. The image showcases a powerful 10-ton rubber tyred wobble wheel roller being pulled by a caterpillar tractor, diligently compacting the ground to create a solid foundation for the runway extension. The expansion project was initiated by Laing to accommodate the Bristol Brabazon airliner, an ambitious aircraft being built at Filton Airfield during the 1940s. Commencing in July 1946, this endeavor involved requisitioning and removing Charlton village while establishing a temporary flying strip for continued operations during construction. To achieve optimal stability and durability, the base course formation underwent meticulous compaction in eight-inch layers. Initially utilizing sheepsfoot rolls followed by ten-ton wobble wheel rollers, it culminated with eight to ten-ton power rollers ensuring an impeccably smooth surface. The caption beneath this photograph within John Maltby's album aptly describes how the rubber-tired roller played its crucial role in producing a fairly finished surface. This historical snapshot offers us insight into not only the technical aspects of airfield construction but also highlights human ingenuity and determination prevalent during that era. As we admire this remarkable piece of history captured on film, let us appreciate both the engineering marvels behind such projects and their contribution to our aviation heritage.
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