Rise and Fall
Some of the answers are in Tony's book - Rise and Fall. I found it interesting anyway!
What I found most intersting with the Nimrod programme is how the lowest hour airfames were taken for the AEW, then Aneka (249 to replace 66) then the MR4. they all finished up cut up behind screens to keep this from the public. I did manage to rob some spare O2 bits from the AEW for the R but that was it. I think we got new chairs or perhaps just seat covers.
I was a young man at the time but strength of feeling in the RAF regards AEW was always leaning towards E3 AWACS. Not sure if PPRuNe was around back then but I don't honestly belive the MoD take any real notice of opinion on here.
Certainly recall folks playing with funny colours and wash off paint.