I recall there being an armoured First world war petrol engine in the Land Warfare Hall. one example of this is currently at the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway and I believe is owned by the National Railway Museum. The LBNGR also has a 4-6-0 Baldwin, which was restored in their workshops. below is a except from the BBC website regarding armoured trains:-
When the First World War got bogged down in trench warfare, thousands of miles of narrow-gauge railways were laid to supply the front lines on both sides. Although many steam engines were used, they were vulnerable to enemy fire, and lightweight petrol-engined locos were developed. One of the leading manufacturers was Motor Rail, of Bedford, who had developed a gearbox with the same number of speeds in both directions–those derived from road vehicles had only one in reverse! Over 260 of these distinctive armour-plated machines were built in 1917-18, helping the Allied advance in the latter stages of the war. Many were sold for civilian use after the war, one of the users being the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway, Bedfordshire, for whom they hauled sand trains until the 1950s. The railway is now one of the leading narrow-gauge heritage lines in England, and has two of these in its collection. War Department No 3098, pictured, is in working order, and on long-term loan from the National Railway Museum collection. No 2182, one of the rarer fully-armoured type, was donated by the National Army Museum, and will be restored to working order when the necessary funds have been raised.
Interestingly, my father served in the MEAF in the late 1940’s / early 1950’s on the island of Masirah, in the Persian Gulf. Similar engines were used to move fuel from the dump to the airfield. Masirah was a staging post, once described as the loneliest posting in the RAF. He has quite a few photos of RAF and Ethiopian / Indian Airlines Dakotas, oil company Doves, French AF JU-52’S using the airfield, including some showing some extremely low flying. I will, when time allows, scan some photos in as although they are not brilliant quality, they are extremely evocative. Another which may be of interest is a burnt out Blenheim (I think) but I am not sure whether it is on Masirah or at Khormaksar.
Late mark Spitfire, currently displaying over Bletchley, Milton Keynes (Bletchley Park nearby)
The A380 was an experience and looking at some other trip reports most seem to like it too. one thing which made me smile on SQ though was, sitting on the upper deck on take off and landing, the curtains are stowed ‘open’ between Economy and Business Classes.
In Business, they have the multi-coloured ‘mood’ lighting, which looks brilliant, but in economy, just harsh white light! I’m not complaining at all, but it did raise a smile 🙂
I am, however, probably flying CX in November for my next visit. Some of my colleagues have told me that CX’s service standards have slipped, so that will make for an interesting comparison.
Interesting to see these photos after my recent flight with Singapore Airlines on a A380. Their IFE never crashed once, and was switched on as soon as the plane was in the air and turned off at the very last moment, which was fun tracking the route!
Great photos, thanks for sharing 🙂
This one?
36°10’57.19″N 37°34’44.67″E (google earth)Looks like another Meteor to me
Interesting bunker arrangement, hot pits and underground ones,
Would the line of L-39s on the south side be active? they look very close, could the whole place just be one big decoy with the main buisness happening underground?
Doh! realised it was a Meteor as soon as I sent the message. It does make you wonder what else is out there (I’m not mentioning Chinese Stirlings of course!)
Looks like a few Mig 17 / Mig 19’s on the dump too. Any idea what the straight winged aircraft is near the Migs? Looks a bit like a Canberra but too small?
Interesting!
High winged single engined monoplane, Fairchild?? (not Auster or Cessna) flying westerly over Leighton Buzzard at 7.55am
I am glad you love the photo. I am very proud of my Grandfather. Does anyone know where this plane is currently? Has it been scrapped etc…
Sadly scrapped in Brazzaville in 1986 after at least 2 changes of ownership in Central Africa.
there is a link to my source, I believe the author(s) of this book used to use this forum.
Thats a great photo of G-ASKN! my one and only Carvair flight was Southend – Ostend on this very plane (see earlier photo). To a plane mad 11 year old is was an amazing experience, sitting strapped in (window seat of course) as the engines started with a cough, splutter then lots of smoke! The return flight on a BAF Viscount wasnt so dramatic – although I’d dearly like a flight in one of those now having suffered from too many years of Airbus and Boeings (with a few Embraers in between)

BAF Carvair G-ASKN, Big Bill, ready to fly me to Ostend, summer 1973. After rooting around in my loft, I’ve also found the boarding cards for this flight and the return journey in a Viscount.
Having had a (difficult) chat to my father, it may well have been Sywell, or even Abingdon where I first flew in G-ADDI. Billing was a popular place back in the 1960s though! 🙂
Presume might have been a strip at Billing Acquadrome?
Ready-made supply of customers at this attraction.
Roger Smith.
I think thats exactly what it was. My flight in G-ADDI would have been around 1966 / 1967 and Billing Aquadrome was a regular family trip out. I must find those photos now!
Chrisair used this field for joyriding in the summer around late fifties and early sixties using DH Dragon G-ADDI and Austers. Welcome any details/photographs ?
My father has a photo of G-ADDI in a photo album. It was the first plane I ever flew in and only recently found out the photo was taken at Billing. As my father is terminally ill I am spending time looking through his photos with him as it cheers him up no end. If I find the one of the DH Dragon I’ll put it up on here.
He also has a great album of his time in the MEAF in the late 1940s early
1950s, when he was stationed at Khormaksar and Masirah. one day I will scan these and add them to this site.
With the exception of BBMF, the entire formation is due overhead Halton where they will be the prelude to a short air display as part of the station’s open day. The station is also hosting the de Havilland Moth Club’s charity flying event through the weekend.
May I suggest if the Mall is too cramped, Halton, could be a perfect vantage point, with the added bonus of loads other interesting aeroplanes and even the chance to blag a flight, while earning loads of dosh for the likes of Help for Heroes!
Seconded. Halton is an excellent day out and supports a great charity too 🙂
oh good! Hopefully the weather will be good. is anyone going to the RAF Halton event?