With this, me and Mark (Lossie15) who had come through for the day made the trip to Lossiemouth and cycled down to 05. As we arrived we noticed a Typhoon tail which seemed to be sitting at the end of the runway, and then noticed one taxi-ing back to the 617sqn HAS site where they were hosted. It turned out one was sitting on the bomber loop waiting for his wingman to have his problem rectified and meet him back at the end of the runway. I used this opportunity to make the dash along the fence getting thoroughly soaked in the process!
Thankfully the light made it worthwhile, although I felt a bit differently at the time.
1.
Warlord, armed and dangerous by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
The second sortie consisted of the two single seaters which both carried bomb markings. BZ/ZJ911 carried 28 (this was previously 30 but two had been removed to put the pilots name) and DJ/ZJ935 carried 8.
2.
Libya veteran by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
The old Shiny Two, ZD748/096 arrived, assumed for maintenance.
3.
The old Shiny Two by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
4.
Short finals by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
12sqn have been using three tank fits.
5.
Treble tanked by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
6.
Familiar with bombs by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
The 13th was a more frustrating day, arriving early to catch the morning sorties return. The light wasn't great so no photos. Having returned home I heard the role demo thundering over my house - bugger. We decided to go back for the afternoon Typhoon sortie but they had literally arrived as we did - again, bugger. Then as the role demo was meant to be over Lossiemouth beach it was off to Covesea beach where we found out the display line had changed and they were doing it over the base - third time, bugger.
7.
Poker 2 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
8.
Poker over water by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
Just as we were driving back to the 05 end, a C-130K-30 arrived, need I say it again, bugger. Then my luck took a dramatic change when I heard a Typhoon start up and rushed over to the southern side. As I arrived I noticed smoke from over the crest of the hill where the C-130 was parked assuming it would backtrack but it didn't..
9.
The old workhorse by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
Finally, Warlord flight called up and it was heard that 1, 2 and 3 had called in to go. This either meant a three ship sortie (which they hadn't done before) or they were going home. It turned out to be the latter, with a twist from the normal dry departures. Extremely impressive.
10.
It's show time by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
Thanks to everyone for the company during the two days.
Chris
