Disconnecting from the push back tug for an evening departure.

A truly incredible exhibit at the RAF Museum, unfortunately preserved without wings. Designed by R J Mitchell, (the designer of the Spitfire) the Southampton first entered RAF service in 1925. Eighteen Mk 1s were built with the gorgeous all-wooden (cedar and mahogany) hull remeniscent of the contruction of a boat. Southamptons were in RAF service for 11 years. This is the world's sole surviving example. restored after being beached in Felixstowe for many years. The later MkII had an aluminium hull and 40 of those were built.