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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2020 13:56:42 GMT 1
I see from one of your aerial photos, Acklington, that my old office (just to the right of the fire station in the picture), was still in existence. If an estate agent was selling it, it would come with an 'outstanding views' tag! From a personal point of view, the irony of a Herald operating into BLK again after all these years, was not lost on me. Excellent photos. When time allows, I shall dig out my b&ws from Squires Gate, taken in the late 60s.
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Post by jetdragon on Jul 23, 2020 5:48:37 GMT 1
Brilliant pics on a great thread - evokes many memories
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Post by acklington on Jul 30, 2020 12:07:16 GMT 1
More scanned and restored slides from October 1984. Some nice visitors, and the main event was the 75th Anniversary Open Day and Fly-in on 21st October, organised by yours truly. A fairly modest affair, due to lack of budget, but Blackpool thus became the first UK airport to celebrate 75 years of flying - 1909 Aviation Meet - to 1984. Doncaster Racecourse Airfield could claim an Aviation Meet some 10 days earlier, but by 1984 it was no longer a full facilities airport, and remained a grass airfield. I can also answer my own query from an earlier post, about the record for the most UK registrations held by an airframe - this one has been G-BHIV, G-COLN, G-UNIC, G-RAHM, G-WILX, G-JOSS, and G-JESI G-COLN (G-BHIV), Blackpool, 28 Sept 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr D-IGGK, Travel Air, Blackpool, 1 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BGH, Iona Airways, Blackpool, 18 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-ARXG, Blackpool, 12 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-ASAL, BAe Scottish Division, Blackpool, 15 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-ASAL, BAe Scottish Division, Blackpool, 15 Oct 84 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AZIB, Blackpool, 12 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AZRG, Woodgate Aviation, Blackpool, 1 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BEKA, Blackpool, 15 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BEKA, Blackpool, 15 Oct 84 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BKTN, McAlpine Aviation, Blackpool, 2 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-HWBK, Blackpool, 11 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-JMSO, Lord Sainsbury, Blackpool, 12 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-JMSO, Lord Sainsbury, Blackpool, 12 Oct 84 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-JMSO, Lord Sainsbury, Blackpool, 12 Oct 84 (3) by Philip Pain, on Flickr LN-AFB, Air-X, Blackpool, 18 Oct 84 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr LN-AFB, D-IGMB, EI-BGH, G-BFVV, Blackpool, 18 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr VP959, L, RAE, Blackpool, 17 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr VP959, L, RAE, Blackpool, 17 Oct 84 (3) by Philip Pain, on Flickr XL391, Blackpool, 18 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr ZA737, V, ARWS, Blackpool, 11 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr Then on to the 21st October Open Day and Fly-in, starting with the brochure cover for the event. Some 6,000 people are estimated to have attended this free event, and all of the hangars were open to visit, except ANT who didn't co-operate. I didn't photograph all of the visiting light aircraft, only the more interesting or new ones for me. Blackpool Airport, 75th Anniv Cover, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-ARMP, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-ASEG (VF548), Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AVIL, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AVIL, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AXGZ, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AXSG, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-AYKT, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BADT, BAe Warton, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BEVS, G-MMBX, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BGKD, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BHEK, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BJXB, G-ARLW, G-AVIL, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BKFR, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BKNZ, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BSJZ, G-BCWM, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr Thanks again for looking, and more to come .............
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Post by viscount on Jul 30, 2020 15:56:34 GMT 1
Three of us flew up from Liverpool for Blackpool Airport's 75th Anniversary event in 'Mike Papa' the Cessna 172B of Southport & Merseyside Aero Club. The guy by the engine is John Pope, who I have long lost touch with; the legs keeping the pilot's door open belong to John Issott, now resident and still flying in New Zealand; while I suspect I am the dark shadow on the back seat with shoulder against the window waiting for John to put the Air Pilot away, noting the taco readings then sliding the seat forward to let me out. Going to Blackpool John would always have the folder open at the sheet for Blackpool. As soon as we were given a runway to land on, he would examine the chart, then throw (pass) the folder at the passenger with the instruction "Figure out which runway is ** and yell if you think I'm going for the wrong one!". In those days visually there was a choice of 4, although one was basically a taxiway.
I still have the event programme. I wrote an article for the Merseyside Aviation Society 'Flypast' mag recording the event and a list of what was to the seen. I'll look it up and see if it worthwhile repeating here.
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Post by wardmanstuart on Jul 31, 2020 9:56:32 GMT 1
Love Blackpool Airport i remember it as a thriving Airport in the days of British United,got a conducted tour round the hangers including the ones were Morrisons is now it cost me 50p,Happy Days i also had my first training flight from there in PA-140 cannot remember the reg of Comb Aviation i think that is what they were called
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Post by acklington on Jul 31, 2020 11:16:39 GMT 1
Love Blackpool Airport i remember it as a thriving Airport in the days of British United,got a conducted tour round the hangers including the ones were Morrisons is now it cost me 50p,Happy Days i also had my first training flight from there in PA-140 cannot remember the reg of Comb Aviation i think that is what they were called Comed Aviation was the name, I think they had more than one PA-28-140 Cherokee.
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Post by acklington on Jul 31, 2020 11:21:52 GMT 1
Three of us flew up from Liverpool for Blackpool Airport's 75th Anniversary event in 'Mike Papa' the Cessna 172B of Southport & Merseyside Aero Club. The guy by the engine is John Pope, who I have long lost touch with; the legs keeping the pilot's door open belong to John Issott, now resident and still flying in New Zealand; while I suspect I am the dark shadow on the back seat with shoulder against the window waiting for John to put the Air Pilot away, noting the taco readings then sliding the seat forward to let me out. Going to Blackpool John would always have the folder open at the sheet for Blackpool. As soon as we were given a runway to land on, he would examine the chart, then throw (pass) the folder at the passenger with the instruction "Figure out which runway is ** and yell if you think I'm going for the wrong one!". In those days visually there was a choice of 4, although one was basically a taxiway. I still have the event programme. I wrote an article for the Merseyside Aviation Society 'Flypast' mag recording the event and a list of what was to the seen. I'll look it up and see if it worthwhile repeating here. You also appear in the rear of another photo - here is the close-up G-ARLW, G-AVIL, G-ARMP, Blackpool, 21 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr There appear to be four of you? G-ARMP had some significance for me at the time, as "ARMP" were my wife's initials. If you do happen to find the MAS 'Flypast' article I would be pleased to see it, as I only noted the aircraft I took photos of, not everything else that was there.
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Post by viscount on Jul 31, 2020 13:52:30 GMT 1
I reckon I'm the dark amorphous mass under the wing of 'Make Papa'. True it does look like we were four, which makes sense, although I only record there being three of us. BLACKPOOL'S 75th "Want to go flying at the weekend? I've been let down by a friend who has cried off, so am short a passenger, but have "Mike Papa" booked." "Why not, but where are you thinking of going?", I replied. "Maybe around to Barton, possibly down to Sleap. Much depends on the weather - we may not get anywhere at all if the weather stays as it is at the present!" "You are aware that on Sunday Blackpool has an 'Open Day' and as a result there are no fees for visiting aircraft. The MAS received a letter a few weeks ago from the Blackpool Tourist Office saying so." "Then Blackpool it will be! See you at the aircraft one o'clock, it is booked by someone else in the morning. So went a telephone conversation on a wet, windy mid-October evening. However against the run of the weather, Sunday was a fine, calm, bright day. Having checked the weather forecasts and actuals in 'Flight Briefing' and booked out with ATC by phone, out of the terminal and past the check-point to Hangar One. Southport and Merseyside Aero Club's Cessna 172B G-ARMP was hangared, having not been out in the morning after all. Aircraft external checks completed, all on board and securely belted-in before start-up. All was functioning well, so taxi permission was sought, and we followed another based Cessna G-BKLP on the long trek to the 27 threshold via the Western taxiway. Clearance gained after a short wait, so off from 27 following a Cherokee on circuits. Rapidly up over the River along the bank of the North Airfield, then over Garston Docks and following the east bank of the River northwards 'not above 1,250feet' as per Air Traffic instructions. On past the I.G.F. (International Garden Festival at Otterspool) site, closed only the previous week, but with no signs of the 'bulldozers ready to move in' as stated in the local press. The Pier Head was clear too, an opportunity to take some up-to-date photographs of the Albert Dock and Maritime Museum area. We reported clear of the Liverpool Zone at Bootle, then turned inland to route to the east of Woodvale at 2,000 feet, before crossing the River Ribble west of Warton. As we were abeam of Woodvale, a quiet radio suddenly burst into life with, "Speedbird Mike Oscar, currently overshooting Woodvale to route down the River Mersey to Liverpool Airport with aircraft enthusiasts returning to Manchester Airport." A quick look down, and there true enough was a BAC-111 flashing across well underneath us, seemingly down at hedge height. On reaching Blackpool, an orbit was necessary due to traffic ahead of us, before landing on their runway 26. The event clearly proving popular, with a great deal of traffic around, with barely a gap in radio chatter. This impression was borne out as were asked to find our own parking on the grass. Due to the great number of aircraft already there, little space was left! In fact we stopped the aircraft on the hard apron, and pushed it back into a limited slot between other aircraft. As we did so, a Manx SD.3-60 on a scheduled departure started up directly ahead of up, while a Jet Ranger on pleasure flights hovered directly overhead before landing beside us. Fortunately 'Mike Papa' remained firmly on the ground despite the turmoil in the air around us! Leaving the aircraft locked-up, a walk around the visiting aircraft before entering the terminal via an exhibition set up in the red and green channels of HM Customs. Having verified that there was no landing fee to be paid, a chance to join the paying public to look around the hangars and exhibitions. Although not an air show, there was some demonstration flying by local aircraft. All the main hangars were open, the following being noted between 1400 and 1600 hours:
GRASS APRON (constant stream of arrival and departures)
G-ARGO Colt 108 G-AWXU Cessna F150J G-BCSL Chipmunk 22 G-BGKD Rallye 110ST G-ARLW Cessna 172B G-AXGZ D.62B Condor G-BCWM Jet Ranger 2 pleasure flts G-BHRC Cherokee 161 G-ARMP Cessna 172B G-AYKT Jodel D.117 G-BEUX Cessna F172N G-BHWY Cherokee Arrow G-ASEG A.61 Terrier G-BASI Cherokee 140 G-BEZG AA-5 G-BJXB Slingsby T-67A G-AVIL A.2 Aircoupe G-BAXY Cessna F172M G-BFVV Dauphin 2 by heli-terminal G-BKLP Cessna F172N G-AWPU Cessna F150J G-BCPG Cherokee Arrow G-BFGD Cherokee Six G-TKHM Jet Ranger 3 G-AWWO Jodel DR.1050
MAIN APRON (Airliners and parked mainly resident aircraft)
G-AIBW J/1N Alpha G-AYNN Cessna 185B G-BCNZ Fuji Fa.200 G-BJXA Slingsby T-67A G-ARJS Apache 160 G-AZEF Jodel D.120 G-BDIC Chipmunk 22 G-ISLE Short SD.3-60 Manx Airlines schedule flt G-ARXG Comanche 250 G-BASL Cherokee 140 G-BFFW Cessna F152 G-ORAY Cessna F182Q G-ASNK Cessna 205 G-BAUJ Aztec 250 G-BFIG Cessna F172K G-SFHR Aztec 250 G-ATMW Cherokee 140 G-BBEF Cherokee 140 G-BGPU Cherokee 140 G-WSSC Navajo 350 G-AVUT Cherokee 140 G-BBTL Aztec 250C G-BHVM Cessna F152 XL391 Vulcan B.2 G-AXAB Cherokee 140 also a Spacegrand Twin Otter in & out on a scheduled flight
BLACKPOOL AIR CENTRE HANGAR (Blackpool & Fylde Aero Club)
G-AFEL Monocoupe 90A G-AVZV Cessna F172H G-BAJO AA-5 G-BFVG Cherokee 181 G-ARVW Cherokee 160 G-AXCG Jodel D.117 G-BANK Seneca 200 G-BGOH Cessna 182Q G-ATXA Tri-Pacer G-AZPF RF-5 G-BBBK Cherokee 140 G-BHVZ Cessna 180 no external regn, bare metal G-AVSH Cherokee 180 also fuselage of G-ATRS and a fin from G-ARGC, plus various bits and pieces
AIR NAVIGATION AND TRADING HANGAR
G-ARKJ N35 Bonanza G-BCOO Chipmunk 22 G-BFBE Robin HR.200 G-BHYP Cessna F172M G-BANE Cessna F150L G-BEIS Evans VP-1 G-BHFF Jodel D.112 G-JLTB Varga 2150A
C & K HELICOPTERS HANGAR
G-AWOL Jet Ranger G-AYXT WS-55 Whirlwind (XK940) G-CPTS Jet Ranger 2 plus the boom of UH-12 G-BDOI and 2 x UH-12 nose 'bubbles'
OUTSIDE C & K HANGAR AREA
G-BAXW Seneca 200 G-BEZM Cessna F182Q G-BKXV Dauphin 2 Bond Helicopters G-DMCH Hiller UH-12E
MAIN LARGE HANGAR formerly Air Atlantique hangar. Main exhibition area
G-AZFO Twin Comanche G-BEVS Taylor JT.1 G-MMBX MBA Tiger Moth G-BLER Slingsby T-67A in a fancy paint scheme G-BCBM Aztec 250
WESTAIR HANGARS
G-ATRN Cessna F150F G-AZFR Cessna 401B G-BCVJ Cessna F172M G-CBIL Cessna 182K G-AWWW Cessna 401 G-BADT Cessna 402B G-BDCS Cessna 421B G-JGCL Cessna 414A G-AWXV Cessna F172H G-BAHX Cessna 182P G-BHYC Cessna 172RG G-RORO Cessna 337B G-AXZU Cessna 182N with bent nose section G-BKNA Cessna 421 plus another Cessna 172/182 hiding in a corner
OUTSIDE WESTAIR HANGARS
G-AYGX Cessna F172G G-BGRJ Cessna T310R G-BHFI Cessna F152 G-BJNG Slingsby T-67A G-BGPN Super Cub G-BGYR BAe.125/600B G-BJKY Cessna F152
AROUND THE LOCK-UPS Not visible from main public area.
G-BHEZ Jodel D.150 F-BJJC Jodel fuselage (inside a lock-up) also a Beech 76 Duchess that evaded the binoculars.
The usual mass of Blackpool based Cherokees and Cessnas, but few interesting other aircraft as well. The period registered G-AFEL was under dust covers, but the Varga, Evans VP-1, Taylor Monoplane, the Auster and no less than 3 Chipmunks made for an interesting spotting walk-around. So, after the traditional cup of coffee (to ensure the pilot is still wide awake for the return trip), out to Mike Papa. Booked out, checks done, engine started, but on calling Air Traffic we were informed there would be a 15 minute delay and all engines switched off. The cause of the delay was soon obvious, as a Cessna was preparing to drop parachutists overhead. Once a successful drop had been completed, props began turning again, with the first away being Liverpool based, Helicare's Jet Ranger G-BCWM on yet another pleasure flight. Interestingly, Blackpool based Red Rose helicopters two machines remained on the ground all afternoon. Soon we had worked our way around to the 26 threshold and joined the queue. Away from 26, and soon heading into a freshening south-westerly which had brought in a thin layer of high cloud. 'Mike Papa' cruises at a sedate 100kt, something of an old lady now, but provides a comfortable ride. Southwards, over the Ribble, with Warton to the left, then Southport to the right. Eyes open in the vicinity of Woodvale, with a Chipmunk spotted above and ahead, a Bulldog crossing below and a Cherokee on a parallel course over to the left. Sunday afternoon VFR flying requires everyone to keep their eyes open! Rejoined the Liverpool Control Zone at Aintree, then over Norris Green, Broad Green, Childwall, Woolton, Hunts Cross and around to join the circuit for a let-down onto 27 Flying time logged of 24 minutes outbound and 28 minutes on the return flight. So what was the open day all about? A glossy souvenir brochure on sale at the airport explained that very clearly. In mid-October 1909 Blackpool hosted the first ever Aviation Week in Britain, the first ever officially recognised Air Display in the U.K., which was watched by 200,00 people. Although Aviation events were held at Blackpool at the Squires Gate site in 1909 and 1910, the location became a race course. In 1929 on the recommendation of Sir Alan Cobham, an aerodrome was opened at Marton (the now being occupied by Blackpool Zoo). However aviation returned to Squires Gate in 1932 and for some years both sites were in use. In 1939 Squired Gate was requisitioned by the Air Ministry During WWII Coastal Command units were based, together with a few fighter units at times. Vickers occupied a large factory, which between 1941 and 1945 produced 3,841 Wellington bombers, of which one still exists in the R.A.F. Museum at Hendon. The more recent history is covered in excellent readable detail, as well as the first flying display in a very well produced booklet 'Blackpool - 75 Years of Flying' at only 75p. Many thanks to pilot John Issott, John Pope and 'Mike Papa'. Brian Jones. Reflection: Little amazing to think that 36 years on, I would be rewriting this personal account of the event on a medium that was still very much science-fiction at the time. The whole idea that I could write an article and it would be instantly available to anyone in their homes, right around the world would have seemed quite preposterous! I've just made a couple of changes to help the flow of the narrative and note that I used exclamation marks rather a lot even then! Quite pleased I was so full of praise for the event and brochure (which I still have) - little did I consider then that so many years later I would be repeating my impressions written at the time at the request of the event organiser. From elsewhere in the same MAS 'Flypast' magazine, in the Movements section a list of visitors to Blackpool on 21.10.84 is provided by Cliff Hodgson: G-BKFR, G-BKNZ, G-BEWR, G-MALK, G-BHEK, G-AXSG, G-BCXH, G-BHRC, G-BASI, G-BCPG, G-AVPG, G-AVKG, G-AYKT, G-BJXR, G-ARLW, G-BGKD, G-ASEG, G-AWXU, G-BCSL, G-AWWO, G-AVIL, G-AWPU, G-BAXY, G-ARMP, G-BHWY, G-BEUX, G-BEZG, G-BGFD, G-BKCP, G-BAVE. I include this as clearly some aircraft had left before I arrived and others arrived after I left.
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Post by acklington on Aug 1, 2020 10:47:43 GMT 1
Very many thanks for that report 'Viscount'. As might be expected I was rather busy on the day, so missed much of the light aircraft arrivals and departures. Reading your report, I'm actually surprised that there was more going on than I recall. My mere 16 photographs have left me with a false impression all these years, so I will now treasure your report!
Phil
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Post by acklington on Aug 11, 2020 16:07:32 GMT 1
Next lot of scanned and restored slides, through to the end of October 1984. The annual "Irish Weekend" charters were reduced in size from the 737s of 1983, and there were Warton diversions for 10 days, due to runway works there. A Bond Puma was brought in do some heavy lifting work during construction of the Morecambe Gas Field, and three different varieties of Gazelle called in for fuel, all unusual examples. EI-BEH (to G-BKMU), Blackpool, 26 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BEH (to G-BKMU), Blackpool, 26 Oct 84 (3) by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BEK, Blackpool, 29 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BEK, Blackpool, 29 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BEL, Blackpool, 26 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BEL, Blackpool, 26 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr EI-BEL, Blackpool, 26 Oct 84 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BATV, Blackpool, 23 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BBDS, G-ECMA, both from Rochester, Blackpool, 23 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BDVH, Blackpool, 24 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BDVH, Blackpool, 25 Oct 84 by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BHIR, G-ATMB, G-BATV, G-BJBO, Blackpool, 23 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BJBO, Blackpool, 23 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BJYM, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BJYM, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-BKNA, Star Paper Ltd, Blackpool, 23 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-PUME, Blackpool, 31 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-PUME, Blackpool, 31 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-PUME, Blackpool, 31 Oct 84 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-PUME, Blackpool, 31 Oct 84 (4) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-PUME, Blackpool, 31 Oct 84 (5) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr G-SILV, Superprime Ltd Elstree, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr OY-RYT, Blackpool, 29 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr OY-RYT, Blackpool, 29 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr PH-SYD, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr PH-SYD, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr SE-DEL, SAAB-Scania, BLackpool, 23 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr SE-DEL, SAAB-Scania, BLackpool, 23 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr SE-DEL, SAAB-Scania, BLackpool, 23 Oct 84 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr XX383, 6 Flight 3-Star, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr XX383, 6 Flight 3-Star, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr XX413, 33D, 3 CBAS, Blackpool, 25 Oct 84 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr XX413, 33D, 3 CBAS, Blackpool, 25 Oct 84 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr XZ940, O, 2 FTS loan to A&AEE, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (1) by Philip Pain, on Flickr XZ940, O, 2 FTS loan to A&AEE, Blackpool, 22 Oct 84 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr Thanks again for looking, and more to follow ..........
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