And no, the RAF never had anything to do with them

True, but it is worth noting that they used the same AEW radar as the RAF’s 8 Squadron Shackletons – also serving at Lossiemouth at the same time – it might be possible that radar units moved from RAF to Navy (Gannet to Shack/Shack to Gannet) ownership and vice versa occasionally. I wonder if we’ll ever know the answer to that one?

How easy/difficult would it have been to interchange them?

Well that would seem unlikely given the cost of strengthening cockpit doors, if recent reports are to be believed – half a mill.

Whether thats half a mil dollars or pounds seems pretty much moot, its too expensive I would imagine.

Is it April already?

Incidentally, if I were looking for someone to design my website, I’d won’t be using this company: –

MindSpan Technologies

Your probably right, I’m no expert.

I was vacuuming the stairs in a loose fitting dressing gown, when all of a sudden……

Actually – that is sorta interesting!!!!!

I think it was the ATC that kindled my interest, and possibly basic classes on how an aeroplane flies and how jet and piston engines work in the dark evenings in the old control tower at Pendeford Airport in Wolverhampton (not far from Boulton Paul) in the ’60’s. I lived quite close to the airport then. (It’s a housing development now).

That led to the usual air experience flights in gliders (Sedburghs) and Chipmunks – long long long days at RAF Shawbury & I can still taste the awfully memorable powdered orange squash served up in Shawbury’s mess! 🙂

From there it was model (Airfix kit) building, then the RAF as soon as I was old enough (in ground communications unfortuntely – which is related to the other interest in my life – computer networks).

And I nearly forgot to add summer camp at RAF Chivenor and RAF Marham – Hunters at Chivenor being particularly memorable, although I guess, on reflection, Marham was probably even more interesting. They were heady days and I believe I went to 3 summer camps, but I can’t remember what the other one was. (edit: — It was Coltishall)

Aviation sort of died away for me through the ’80’s until the mid ’90’s, when I started going to air displays again. That led me on to building an RC helicopter (which I still have, although I don’t fly it any longer).

Now it’s simply visiting air displays as often as I can, and photographing what I see – which is much easier now that we have digital cameras. Incidentally, just sold my 2800zoom, so am looking for a replacement – any suggestions (below £400).

My most memorable experience, though, is flying the Jaguar Simulator at RAF Lossiemouth in the mid-70’s (at night, so that the engineers could tinker with the settings and whatnot) – not really flying, but still a damn sight better than FS 2004 on a PC.

Ambitions – I’d love to do some air-air photography if I ever get the chance – even though I have absolutely no idea of the principles behind it (other than pointing and clicking).

I’d also like to take up gliding or flying – even if it’s just taking control under supervision.

No Problem!

Waiting in the pool!

Its alright for some, I don’t even have a decent sized bath!!!

(Sorry, somewhat “off topic”)