Strangely the spacers are not shown in the exploded view on the previous page but that diagram clearly indicates the awful job it would have been to gain access to the ballrace if replacement was required. Presumably the designer's brief had not required that possibility to be anticipated, perhaps because the design requirement was for a much shorter life in service than the one required of the Buchan machine. Wing Commander Ron Cripps was the Technical Officer in charge of the engineering feat required to accomplish the bearing change and the responsibilty did not rest lightly upon his shoulders, as although he had successfully completed this undertaking several times previously, the task had never before been attempted in such a windy location. It was breaking new ground which could very easily end in irrevocably breaking the Type 80 too. Both civilian contractors and his own RAF resources had to be organised, including the amassing of many railway sleepers, a scarce commodity in that part of Scotland, with which to build on the soft peaty soil a suitable bed on which to rest the reflector. A major hazard was the changeable weather experienced in the north east of Scotland, as a windless period of least a week being needed, so that minor miracle had to be organised too. Ron has very kindly provided these unique pictures exclusively to this site.

           All is ready for the lift                                                                                                  The huge ballrace is covered by the rubber sleeve.