High - resolution observations of a complete sample of twenty - seven FR II radio galaxies

We present high-resolution VLA and MERLIN observations of the twenty-seven FR II radio galaxies and quasars with 0.3 < z < 0.6 from the sample of Laing, Riley & Longair (1983). The jet detection rate is similar to that found in the lower-power, lower-redshift studies carried out using similar observing conditions. A wide range of lobe and hotspot structures is observed in both the radio galaxies and quasars in the sample. Interestingly, a high proportion of the quasars exhibit structures and asymmetries markedly different from those of the radio galaxies; this is difficult to explain using arguments based upon projection effects alone.