Classic British Flight Sim

Chris558 wrote:Just got 'Empire of the Clouds - When Britains Aircraft Ruled the World' by James Hamilton-Paterson.

Anyone else have it?

Product Description
Today, Heathrow is a major transportation crossroads, with thousands of flights each year conveying millions of passengers to all parts of the globe, but its position as London's premier airport only came about through prime agricultural land being requisitioned under wartime emergency powers, ostensibly for a base for long-range RAF transport aircraft. Once the true purpose became known the airport was constructed and brought into service in haste, with passengers having to put up with leaky marquees as terminal facilities until temporary pre-fabricated buildings could be erected. Despite the primitive conditions the airport flourished and grew to such an extent that the original buildings on the north side were outgrown within a few years and the design and construction of a new terminal complex and control tower commenced. When the complex opened in 1955 Britain at last had a world-class airport to be proud of, and one which attracted large numbers of spectators to watch not only the general daily activity but the various air races, speed and altitude record attempts, and static displays of the RAF's latest fighters and bombers on Battle of Britain Days. Visitors could even go aloft themselves on sightseeing flights over central London. Illustrated with a wealth of photographs, many previously unpublished, and much nostalgic appeal, Heathrow Airport: The First 25 Years examines the development of London Airport's North side up to its final closure, and the construction and development of the Central Area complex. It recalls many favourite vintage aircraft that flew from Heathrow over the years, including Stratocruisers, Comets and Constellations, and contains many memories from airport and airline workers from those halcyon days.

Archer wrote:Paul, do you mean this one: http://www.tsr2.info/ ?

I've got it on my 'yet to get' list. I tried to get it for Christmas but they were out of stock then at my local store. The cover artwork was created by an old classmate of mine, it's impressive on its own. It certainly looks like Damien did his best on it. He has described on a different forum that this book has a slightly different angle than the one Tim McLelland wrote but I cannot find that bit again. Also I gathered that mr. McLelland was not held in very high regard as an aviation writer but that may be bias of course (although it wasn't just Damien who mentioned that). Anyway if and when I get it I'll try to report on it here.