Tidbinbilla construction

Tidbinbilla Construction: Les Tarn

The construction of the Australian tracking stations was a huge undertaking involving many specialists.

One of them was Les Tarn, worked with the Department of Supply’s Weapons Research Establishment at Salisbury, South Australia, from the early 1960s until the late 1980s.

As an electrician with WRE, he directed the installation of all power and lighting on the antenna structures at Island Lagoon and Tidbinbilla. He also worked on antenna structures at Honeysuckle Creek and Narrungar and at other projects near Woomera. He also supervised the installation of power reticulation at the ELDO launching facility at Lake Hart.

Les supervised the installation of the electrical work on DSIF42 at Tidbinbilla from July to November 1964.

His daughter, Moira, has scanned these photos from her late father’s collection.

Les Tarn (right) is pictured with the team in front of DSIF42, Tidbinbilla, circa November 1964.

Richard ‘Dick’ McKee from JPL, is fourth from the left, wearing the hard hat.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic. Image repair: Colin Mackellar.

Les Tarn (right) is pictured with the team in front of DSIF42, Tidbinbilla, circa November 1964.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

DSIF42 Tidbinbilla takes shape – 24th July 1964.

A month later, 31 August 1964, a great deal of progress has been made.

Note someone working under a sun ubmbrella at the centre of the dish.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

In the cherry picker, adjacent to the Electronics room.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

Somebody is working in the Reflector substructure.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

The Tidbinbilla Operations Building and DSS42, taken from somewhere near the Messing and Sleeping Accommodation.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

Looking down from the top of DSIF42’s Collimation Tower, on a hill 3.54km north west of the antenna.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

The Collimation Tower under construction. 10th August 1964.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

For context, here’s a view from ground level of the Collimation Tower under construction. 12th August 1964.

Scan by Colin Mackellar. Photo via Mike Dinn.

17 September 1964.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

Some other photos from Les Tarn’s collection.

A photo of DSIF41, Island Lagoon, by night. S-Band configuration.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

The Pioneer site, DSS11, at Goldstone. S-Band configuration.

Scan by Moira Djukanovic.

Submitted by Moira Djukanovic and Stephen Tarn in memory of their Dad, Les Tarn, WRE Salisbury.