Marham spotting advice - first time visitor

[boff180]

Hi guys,

In a few weeks I'm spending a few days at Marham to catch the Tornado for the final time.

I understand runway 01/19 is still in use.

Can anyone advise where is best to park so that I don't cause and issue and the best locations to take images from please? It is a base I have never been to, looking for some local expert advice based on what is going on at the airfield.

Thanks

Andy

[tazmin88]

The notam saying "runway 06/24 closed" has now been taken down so hoping to see the new runway in use soon (centre line passes my mancave )

Runway 19 RH in use this morning though according to ATIS

[reaper493]

I think the NOTAM expired, rather than being taken down.
I would expect another one to go up shortly, as I believe the main runway will not be ready this side of the Gr4 retirement.

Mike

[herc15]

this is worth a look
http://www.pb-photos.com/maps.html
http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk ... marham.php

[tazmin88]

I think the NOTAM expired, rather than being taken down.
I would expect another one to go up shortly, as I believe the main runway will not be ready this side of the Gr4 retirement.

Mike

You are probably correct as I would expect to see a calibrator flight before the runway is reopened and as yet no such flight has occurred

[TeeJay]

We were told by the Station Commander at the Tornado event last Friday that he expected to be using the new runway (06/24) “in a couple of weeks” or so.

[Blackjack56]

For what it's worth there are two good spots i have been using whilst they have been using the "reserve"runway,for shots when they are on finals or climb outs depending on wind direction try White road i believe it is signposted as the Beachamwell road it is off the A1122 Swaffham to Downham Market road,it has high hedges though so you'll have to experiment and find gaps.For taxiing shots go a few hundred metres along the A1122 towards Swaffham and you'll find a concrete pad on the airfield side of the road,it is opposite a farm entrance,you can then walk down along the treeline and get right up to the boundary fence,it is a good spot to get them as they taxi past on their way to and from the HAS's.If they are using the main runway then i always go down Chalk lane where there are a few small areas to park and you get them on finals/climbouts,hope this is not too late for you and it is of some help.Happy spotting!,Mark.

[ridgmeister]

According to the 'RAF Marham Aircraft Spotters Facebook group' both of the fields at the 01 end are now 'no go' areas. According to their map, that includes the field mentioned by Blackjack66 and the one to the east of the treeline.
The last time I was there the landowner had put up a sign saying 'Private - keep out' and did not want anyone parking on the concrete pad.
Don't shoot the messenger; I'm only passing on what the local guys are currently saying.

Also note that part of the road across the 19 end will be closed from 11th to 21st February, except for access. Details here:-

http://marhamparishcouncil.norfolkparis ... d-closure/

Paul

[Blackjack56]

Thank's for that info ridgemeister,Bad news all round really for us enthusiasts,i wonder why the farmer has done that?,although of course he has a business to run and it only takes a bit of inconsiderate parking to block access etc,roll on the main runway re opening then it's back to chalk lane!.

[Blackcat1]

Ahh good old chalk lane! Many happy spotting days there!!

[Blackjack56]

There used to be a brilliant spot if you parked up on chalk lane and walked down the hedgeline to a gap in the hedge,you could get some great shots as they ran up their engines into reheat and also it was a good spot when they returned as you were close to the threshold.although the way things are changing they will probably erect a huge 9ft fence as they did at Coningsby once the Phantoms left,let's hope not.