The Flight Shed, erected in 1936, was the first building constructed at Longbridge under the WWII Shadow Factory Scheme.
It measured 180ft x 500ft with a height of 25ft. The impressive steel roof was based on a German design called Lamella Construction, developed in the 1920s.
In 1929 rights were acquired by Horsley Engineering of Staffordshire. This Tipton company made the tooling and pressings. The steel sections had ends bent to a precise angle; when four were bolted together they formed a diamond shape.
Continuing to join all the sections together produced a lattice arch, which was self supporting. Finally, the roof arch was clad in corrugated metal and had three rows of roof lights.
At both ends of the building were large sets of doors; those on the Groveley Lane end allowed both the Fairy Battle and Hurricane aircraft, assembled in East Works, to be towed into the Flight Shed to be fitted out with engines, etc.
The completed aircraft finally emerged from the other gable end doors, to be pushed onto a cable operated lift that took them up to Austin’s own airfield. After a successful test flight, the aircraft were flown to various allotted airfields.
After the war the building became a packing department for CKD exports. Later its role changed to the Works Service Department.
In the late 1960s the Service Department closed down. Around 1970 a brick extension was built, with the enlarged building now producing the Morris Marina gearbox. Its role changed yet again in the late 80s when Engineering took over the Flight Shed, and this continued until the collapse of MG Rover in April 2005.
By John Baker
For information on Austin and Longbridge visit www.austinmemories.com
