Vickers Varsity WJ897

These black and white photos show WJ897 in her previous liveries, the red, white and grey scheme being applied in the early 1970s not long before the Varsities were retired from RAF service.

WJ897 wore the tail code 'L' whilst at Hullavington AES (Air Electronics School) in 1958.

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She received the tail code 'E' at Topcliffe in 1962 and here was white over silver with dayglo red trim and cheatline. Spinners were silver.

A colour photo has been found of this second livery and will be posted when the site is next upgraded.

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The third photo shows WJ897 with her engines in their protective covers, taken prior to the tail code being repainted while the fourth is from a display.

AES Varsities remained in service longer than their counterparts in navigation schools and therefore were more likely to receive the later colour scheme.