Classic British Flight Sim

'Purdiness' is always a often debated matter of opinion, John! IMHO, old girls like this have far more character, and therefore win me over than today's aircraft. Regardless, lovely screenshot. Just needs some rain streaks...

The retirement was one R1 already retired and the other two by March with a 4 and a half year gap

Well that's not a bad gap, there's been no Fleet air defence fighters for four years now with at least another four to go. There are capability gaps/holidays all over defence to help fund Afghanistan and make 'short term' savings.