Originally Posted by
MaxReheat
Crikes, at this rate SEngos will be checking over Gate Guards to see if they can be returned to service.
Already been done. In the late 80s. after the Victor had been extended in it's service life several times, it transpired that the airframe with the lowest fatigue index was the gate guardian at Marham. Plans were made to get it back on line, but a couple of buildings would have to be demolished to get it out. So the plan was cancelled. It didn't stop it being robbed though - it was often seen with some major part missing.
And even more recently, the VC10s at Cosford and Brooklands would be missing a panel for a while!