SARO Works - Isle of Wight - Dec 07

Not too much history known about this site, other than it was owned by Saunders Roe's sub division SARO, which made parts during both wars for planes, among other stuff, they made pontoons for landing craft and folding assult boats.
They also made a one man submersible canoe, code named Sleeping Beauty, 15 of these were made and could go down to 40ft, for WW2.

This is my second visit to this site, and its always a great explore, as its just so big, and things are often missed, plus it was daylight, unlike my last night time visit.
Went today with Timtom and Pinky.
Looking at various paper work, it seems it closed down around 1990, has been mainly cleared out of machinary, but the site has remained the same since, with the exception of a few pikeys living in one of the buildings, and another building having a mini moto track in it.

Here is an ariel view of the site;










Nice Ford outside, one of many wrecks on this site


Along with a burnt out BMW.


An old air raid shelter, full of chemicals.


This was a massive tank, on supports, possibly used for water.


Valves on tank.


Inside of the tank.


Possible extractor units.


Inside one of the main buildings.


Very good graffiti.










Another building.







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More pics;


Some makeshift skateboard ramps.






A component drawing.


Close up.


Racks of nuts and bolts, most of them were all over the floor.


One of the offices full of paperwork.


Some of the paperwork.


The drawings store, still full of drawings.


This building has been stripped of the plywood, to be used in the ramps mentioned earlier.


Printed paper.


More of the buildings.


Complete with more graffiti.


One of the larger buildings, next to the water, this is the one with mini motos buzzing around in.


A burnt down building near by.


Another room, full of yet more paperwork, this was all the finances, clock cards, invoices etc etc.


One of the bank statements.




The kitchen, stripped.


In one of the buildings was an old army truck, seemed to be in good nick too.

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More pics, last lot, sorry if the quantity caused probs to anyone




An old boat tied up near by.




The water logged engine.


Ooops


Composite gas bottles (sorry its on its side).


Another room with more switch gear.


An ond engine in the sea.


This room has signs of pikeyness, upping the tiles, and more than likely, selling them.


Yet more switchgear.




Another classic car.


Bonnet modded for extra air intake







(post 3 of 3) Finished now, comments welcome

Another great explore, I love old engineering works as I work in engineering myself. That engine on the beach and the army truck in the building, sooooo cool! Nice 1.

The truck is a great find.

Saro maily built hovercrafts in their later years, after the market for flying boats died out in the early 1950s, & their hybrid rocket / jet fighter project was cancelled.

Some nice graffitti work there. Mr.Bloodeyes in particular.

I'll take the truck and boat. Love that Lister 3cyl Diesel. The Starlets past it though. Good find, great shots

Richard, youll find most of their hovercraft work, from Saunders Roe, and then BHC, and also their planes and flying boats were mostly made in the Columbine shed further up the river, the one with the massive Union Flag on it

But I wouldnt be suprised if some/all components for the Black Knight were manufactured here, as it was quite a secret manufacturing facility.

Huge site! Ooh, those drawings! Such a shame that they're all going to waste there...I'd spend hours just looking at those alone! Excellent pics, Mole.

Thanks for filling me in.

Some of the Black Night tests were carried out at the Needles, but the final launch was carried out in Australia.

That is correct Richard, and Ive yet to post up my report of the rocket testing site too.

The first Black Knight roared into Woomera's skies from Launcher 5A on 7 September 1958, reaching an altitude of 225 kilometres.
The ballistic test vehicle was developed by Saunders-Roe Ltd

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Urban Mole said:

Ive yet to post up my report of the rocket testing site too.

Click to expand...

Did you say rocket testing site??? WOW! Oh please, please, please...

Urban Mole said:

and Ive yet to post up my report of the rocket testing site too.

Click to expand...

Foxylady said:

Did you say rocket testing site??? WOW! Oh please, please, please...

Click to expand...

Yes indeed!

checked this site today after a drink in the folly, The ramps have been cleaned out by local council. Theres more graffiti and some occupants (but they are pretty friendly).

Another great reportUM...and a nice follow up...any more pics Invader Zim ?

Some really nice graffiti in these pictures adds a nice effect good work

I used to work for Westland Aerospace on the Isle of Wight back in 1988/89. I went into the SARO building once on my induction week and saw them building a hovercraft. Thanks, brought back some good memories.

Just thought i would post up our Saro's Yard pics