A view showing the supporting columns of the Birmingham Maglev at Birmingham International Airport, with a new terminal building beyond, soon after its completion

Date:
22 Mar 1984
Location:
Birmingham International Airport, Bickenhill, Elmdon, Birmingham, Solihull
Show all locations
Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Maglev, Bickenhill, Elmdon, Birmingham, Solihull
Reference:
JLP01/10/15763
Type:
Photograph (Negative)
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Description

The Maglev system at Birmingham Airport was the first commercial Maglev system in the world. It used frictionless magnetic suspension to drive passenger cars along an elevated guideway between the airport terminal and Birmingham International railway station. The guideway was formed of steel track on concrete track rails. It was supported by 'T' shaped columns, which were cast in situ, on top of which were placed longitudinal beams and cross beams. The Birmingham Maglev was opened in 1984.

This image was catalogued as part of the Breaking New Ground Project in partnership with the John Laing Charitable Trust in 2019-20.

Content

This is part of the Series: JLP01/10 John Laing Photographic Collection Colour Negatives and Transparencies; within the Collection: JLP01 John Laing Photographic Collection

Rights

© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection

Keywords

20th Century Airport, Late 20th Century Railway, Rail Transport