Used to test flying boat hull designs, which would be fitted like slip-on shoes. Undercarriage modified to retract under the wing instead of into fuselage. The test hull in the photo is a scale version of the P5M Marlin. Auxiliary fins added to compensate for longer hull. At least four different hull designs tested between 1948 and 1953. 32976 is preserved at Pima Air Museum with a different hull to the one in the photo and without the auxiliary fins. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

Mayfair Air Services was a shady Croydon business which transferred at least a dozen aircraft to the fledgling Israeli Air Force. This Rapide was X7500 in the RAF and became S-74 in the IAF. What does the subtitle read - 'London & British Africa'? On the left is VQ-PAR, ex NR718 and on the right a Miles Aerovan, probably G-AJWI which crashed in IAF service on 17 July 1948. This very interesting photo was probably taken in Tel Aviv circa May 1948.

The prototype Drover with a Lincoln built at Fishermans Bend and the first jet aircraft in Australia, Vampire F1 A78-1.

54 Aerovan light freight & passenger airliners were built between 1946 and 1948. "Oldhamia" served Sivewrights from Manchester Barton and Ringway airports from June 1947 until October 1950, being used on ad hoc charter work. It was wrecked in a gale at Birmingham (Elmdon) on 7 December 1950 when owned by Patrick Motors. From Sivewrights 60 years ago.

Horse race meetings at Manchester's Castle Irwell racecourse always brought a spurt of passenger activity to sleepy Barton. In May 1948 five De Havilland Rapide and three Miles Gemini aircraft are lined up near the 1930's hangars and control tower. The smaller 1939-built hangar is still camouflaged.

This Envoy was built for the RAF as P5626 in late 1938. It was sold in April 1946 for civil use, latterly with Private Charter Ltd, and became the last surviving example of this light airliner and executive transport, being scrapped in May 1950.

Delivered to Airviews in April 1946 and based at Barton. It positioned frequently to Ringway for pleasure flying and other work. The 1938-built terminal and control tower is clearly visible. Later to J-1N Alpha standard and still current in 2017.