Nice Pics Baz

Again a nice set of pics. Baz.
The bed pack and kit laid out for inspection looks absolutely spot on. These “Full Kit” Inspections only happened every month or so, but each day the bed and bedpack had to be made like this one is minus kit.

The Museum is a very nice touch,– the last test piece in Pics. (Steel T Piece)was the first test piece we made, it had to fit into a corresponding item. Our Civillian Instructor was a WW1 Rigger/Armourer, and he still had his original training test item. A boxed butterfly, made out of blued Gun metal and in 5 parts like a jig saw. You couldn’t see the light between segments. I was mega impressed with him and now realise how lucky I was to have such a top quality Instructor.

You are so right about those Hydraulic power rigs. I was the same starting them. Usually fitted with a Dowty Live-Line Pump, smelly and noisy.
Well the ones at Valley circa early 1970’s were, especially the ones in the main Gaydon hanger, certain unknown bad persons would top up the petrol tanks with Castrol -R vegetable oil from time to time and the stink could be smelt at Holyhead—-lol. All motorcyclists thought it was great, but the Authorities didn’t. 5 rigs going at any one time on the Gnats !!!!! -lol.

Was very surprised to see Gnat (Fleet 72 ) in the Museum, looks quite complete too.

Bill T. ( 88th )