I meant to return to this:
capercaillie wrote:They flew in standard colours up to then. I wouldn't mind a couple of standard ones over for the static park to be honest, they're neat aircraft in a neat scheme.
Objectively, it's probably pretty cool because it's rarely seen these days, but I think the standard scheme is not as good looking as the display scheme. I don't wanna be "that guy" who humble brags with his own guff, but...
My own guff; so that people can compare/consider themselves:
Mur to Sea by
Tom Jones, on Flickr
Dual Mode Trainers by
Tom Jones, on Flickr
However, I agree, I'd like to see one of their "standard" machines grace the static park, given the rarity value. Logistically I don't see why this couldn't happen - it's flying from the same place as Pat. Ag., their machines can clearly make the distance, and any support/spares needed will be the same as any of the Pat. Ag. jets anyway. But then, I don't have anything to do with airshows, aircraft, or logistics, so maybe an extra machine is exceedingly difficult. IDK.
TBF, anything from Spain would be great, really. We've been lucky enough to have seen '295s, SF-5s(or T-38s?), Typhoons and a Hornet in the static park recently, and they're awesome, but Spain has some veritable gems that would be up there with the stars of a static display, Tigres, NH90s, Super Pumas/Cougars, Hueys (?), C101s, camo Herks, P-3s, AV-8s, Sea Kings, Sea Hawks, Hughes 500s.
I suppose, same as many other nations on our doorstep. All this "August 1st" business, fair enough, but there's an absolute treasure trove right on our doorstep. Don't want to fawn, but it warmed the heart to see TomG on Twitter get almost as excited about those SF-5Ms in 2015 as we did.