Actually, Nutloose, those are the "after" shots, after said Merlin was brought to the base... as shown by this caption & accompanying image:
It was erm, an attempt at dry humour LOL
Still nothing like putting it down anywhere close or handy for stripping it and prepping it for loading, looks almost like they were embarrased to have it back...
I suppose if they can't rebuild her, a couple of skis and a coat of red, she can be used by the Squadron Santa at Christmas..