Goblins on the back of flat beds...
You mean the MRD - Machine Runway De-icer..... Two Derwents on a rig with a small cabin for the luckless operator. Usually pushed around by a bowser until the Double Derwents' thrust overcame the bowser's clutch.
How often, from the comfort of the aircrew coffee bar, we saw the familiar sight of an MRD blowing snow / ice / runway lights / friction course into the sky as some operator gave the MRD a bit too much throttle.....and how SATCO's face fell as he realised how much damage the wretched things had caused.
Regarding SDO / OO over Christmas, at RAF Brawdy the only on-base quarters were for the Stn Cdr and a couple of senior execs. Being the nice chap he was, the Stn Cdr announced that
he would be SDO on Christmas Day - and that he was sure that his senior execs would volunteer for Boxing Day and New Year.....
