The scrap yard was Henry Bath’s. The company evidently still exists on Lees Rd, Kirkby Trading Estate. That’s the west side of the oblong in the vertical view. It’s so long ago that I have no recollection of the yard’s position, except that it was not far off the East Lancs Rd (A580). Perhaps someone should check.

“The Hardy? It went on a bonfire last November. Don’t spose
yer interested in the Barracuda round the back?” 😀

Yes, I know and they flew all that way to end up as a fence! Unfortunately, there were only bits of serials visible, no complete ones, but I assume most had been operational at some time.

That Tiger shot is indeed lovely. And Jim, it’s sad to hear that the faded trio were spanking new not all that long before.

Now here’s another – Super-G Connie at Ringway (Manchester) on a very wet day. Fairly average but it has a bit of atmosphere, I think.

Alanl have not been able to respond till now. The Connie at Elmdon was G-ARVP on 2 Sept 1962. Be amazing if was you as a lad in the photo!

This thread seems to be dying before any more old pics are dragged out of the woodwork. Here’s one to keep it going – Javs at Shawbury awaiting the axe, with a long line of Vamp T11s stretching into the distance, some in yellow trainer bands, others dayglo.

Could have been the one from the ATC squadron on the SW edge of Chester. This survived until the at least 1954ish when my Dad took me to see it. I cycled out to Kirkby from the Wirral (helped by the ferry boat) on 29 Oct 1960. There were 9 Vampire FB5/9s, but all the good stuff had gone by then. There was however a fence made from Mossie wing sections in the KA and KB serial ranges!

I know this is modern but I think it proves that the sharp end of aviation still needs unsung professionals like this pushback crew. The photos are a far cry from the Boeing sandwiches that Wallace so rightly decries but I like ’em anyway! Airbus A319s down and dirty at Liverpool. Tug driver having hitched the nosewheel to his tractor, plugs in his mate’s headset so he can talk direct to the flight deck crew. The other one shows the open hand signal to commence pushing the aircraft back. Note proximity of running engine… It was a privilege to be allowed to sit in the tractor for an hour or two.

That’s a lovely shot, white gloves and all – very 1950s. I have taken the liberty of sharpening it up a bit in Photoshop and removing a few marks.