I seem to recall that the "Tail Art" was removed by the painters and finishers when the A/C went into ASF on RTB. I think the word apoplexy entered my vocabulary around that time.(Stn Cdrs response) It was then repainted by the artist,Prub,a photographer by trade and a regular contributor to the station magazine,and remained there for 12 months.
Thread drift
In the second photo I notice 26 is undergoing an engine change.You can see the gantry above Nos 1 and 2 engines. Must have been a priority to do it outside,don't recall doing more than a couple in 4 years.One I do recall was a record and still not beaten. ASF held a duty engine change team on standby OOH and at weekends.We were called around midday on a Saturday and handed the A/C back to NLS 4 hours later- Job complete. Everything slotted in perfectly,not a nut nor a b*****k dropped anywhere.
I also remember 26 being the shortest A/C in the fleet.