Hi, Dragging out memory cells from over 55 years ago is a challenge.
Each engine had two large access panels which were removed for an ECU change.
Interestingly Vickers with much forethought built the engine bays slightly shorter than the ECU, so the ECU was suspended
on a tilt bar so the rear of the engine was slid in to the bay first then levelled and placed on its mountings.
Naturally the fact that when the ship was at sea, and moving, made the exercise much more difficult.

AFAIK the only detachable panel on the Scimitar was on the starboard console between the CWP and the Oxygen regulator.
The panel fitted depended on the type of ordnance carried.

Wyvern’s

I would guess that the only source of photos would now be the FAA Museum at Yeovilton.

The Wyvern conversion unit which sent most of the redundant aircraft to Lossiemouth was based at Ford.

Also at Ford at the time was the FAA School of Photography which tended to
use local aircraft as targets, so there are probably photographs in existence in the archives.

A unique set of Scimitar photographs taken of the IFTU (700X) were given to me from this source,
but unfortunately destroyed some decades later by my dog.

Scimitar code 103

XD 279 was coded 103 when it joined 800 Squadron in1959 and remained that code through the display season in 1961.

It would have been due an overhaul at Fleetlands subsequent to this and would have been replaced with another airframe then coded 103.

Rapide

Interesting, This stirs up some old memories which may be pertinent.

During the final year of my FAA apprenticeship at Worthy Down 50 years ago an instructor related the story of an Rapide which was scheduled for scrapping but which was moved to a discreet hangar and restored to flying condition and sold on privately.

The scam was blown apparently when the Admiralty started to recieve requests for landing fees when it was used subsequently.

Chance Light.

RNAS airfields in the late 50,s/60,s had a powerfull Deisel powered floodlight mounted on a trailer which would be towed to the end of the duty runway for use if the runway lights failed.

The also had a similar trailer containing a Flashing light sequence (Morse) which identified the station ie FD – Ford

I believe this was for emergency use only as well.

I remember it was part of the duty electricians duty to not only check all the Airfield lights, but to start up and check the above devices.