Mark Barnes
@markbarnesn16.bsky.social
Retired Fleet Street foot soldier (1975-2024). Ink in my veins. Arsenal fan. Indifferent runner. Life on the Essex Riviera, photography, cars, military history, model making, armour, aviation, other nonsense.
I reckon there are few contributors to #histscalemodels who would make this as a diorama.
November 30, 2025 at 10:34 AM
I reckon there are few contributors to #histscalemodels who would make this as a diorama.
Good evening from Westcliff-on-Sea. Fujifilm X100V
November 29, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Good evening from Westcliff-on-Sea. Fujifilm X100V
Before sunset. Westcliff-on-Sea. The Essex Riviera. Fujifilm X100V
November 29, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Before sunset. Westcliff-on-Sea. The Essex Riviera. Fujifilm X100V
Here is the 99.9% complete Italeri Crusader II with weathering/ fettling etc to do. It's built SOOTB. The Panzer Art mantlet didn't add any obvious improvement overall. The poly tracks are "Ok". Am unsure about adding stowage. Not a bad kit all told. #histscalemodels
November 29, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Here is the 99.9% complete Italeri Crusader II with weathering/ fettling etc to do. It's built SOOTB. The Panzer Art mantlet didn't add any obvious improvement overall. The poly tracks are "Ok". Am unsure about adding stowage. Not a bad kit all told. #histscalemodels
Greetings from the Essex Riviera. My first time out snapping the sunrise in a good while. Things looked promising, but the cloud didn't play ball. Quite often we get the most incredible sunrises, but not today. The egret wasn't too fussed.
November 28, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Greetings from the Essex Riviera. My first time out snapping the sunrise in a good while. Things looked promising, but the cloud didn't play ball. Quite often we get the most incredible sunrises, but not today. The egret wasn't too fussed.
A classic in the wintry sun's spotlight on the Essex Riviera. The Reliant Kitten caught my eye this afternoon. I liked the shadows around the Fiesta. @friendsofsouthend.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A classic in the wintry sun's spotlight on the Essex Riviera. The Reliant Kitten caught my eye this afternoon. I liked the shadows around the Fiesta. @friendsofsouthend.bsky.social
Blue lights on the Essex Riviera. @friendsofsouthend.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Blue lights on the Essex Riviera. @friendsofsouthend.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Barnes
The Westland Welkin (1942) was designed to counter sorties by high altitude Luftwaffe bombers over Britain. In the event, this threat was short-lived and existing fighters proved able to perform the same role. 67 aircraft were completed, but none saw operational use.
📷 militarymatters.online
🧵1/6
📷 militarymatters.online
🧵1/6
November 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The Westland Welkin (1942) was designed to counter sorties by high altitude Luftwaffe bombers over Britain. In the event, this threat was short-lived and existing fighters proved able to perform the same role. 67 aircraft were completed, but none saw operational use.
📷 militarymatters.online
🧵1/6
📷 militarymatters.online
🧵1/6
This
As someone who has had a Motability car in the past (before failing my 7th driving test), you don't get any type of car - it is a scheme to use your benefits to lease an adapted car, and to get a BMW etc you would need to pay the significant difference
Let's be absolutely clear the restrictions on Motability cars is reflective of a quiet desire to see disabled people pushed out of public life because getting them in public space is sometimes a bit inconvenient and expensive
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 PM
This
Reposted by Mark Barnes
There it is. Our national broadcaster living in fear of the most openly corrupt US president in American history. This is where the British patriots on the right have got us.
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 11:20 AM
There it is. Our national broadcaster living in fear of the most openly corrupt US president in American history. This is where the British patriots on the right have got us.
Taking a break from the 1/24 Bedford OSB to mess about with this Italeri Crusader MkII. It is a pretty straightforward kit. I've got the Panzer Art mantlet to improve accuracy. #histscalemodels
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Taking a break from the 1/24 Bedford OSB to mess about with this Italeri Crusader MkII. It is a pretty straightforward kit. I've got the Panzer Art mantlet to improve accuracy. #histscalemodels
Today's motors. Mercury Comet, Vauxhall Cavalier coupé, Morris Marina and Fiat 500. The Essex Riviera
November 23, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Today's motors. Mercury Comet, Vauxhall Cavalier coupé, Morris Marina and Fiat 500. The Essex Riviera
Reposted by Mark Barnes
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver (1940) was the last dive bomber operated by the US Navy. Intended to replace the SBD Dauntless, numerous issues with the aircraft delayed its entry into service until November 1943. Helldivers eventually equipped 30 Navy squadrons during the war.
📷 HpH Models
🧵1/10
📷 HpH Models
🧵1/10
November 22, 2025 at 11:40 AM
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver (1940) was the last dive bomber operated by the US Navy. Intended to replace the SBD Dauntless, numerous issues with the aircraft delayed its entry into service until November 1943. Helldivers eventually equipped 30 Navy squadrons during the war.
📷 HpH Models
🧵1/10
📷 HpH Models
🧵1/10
Billericay Town 6 Welling United 1. Isthmian League Premier Div. What a great day I had with my son and family chaps in the monsoon rain. Beer, a burger and a Snickers Duo helped things along. Two stunning goals were part of the Billericay win. Proper football from the seventh tier of the pyramid.
November 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Billericay Town 6 Welling United 1. Isthmian League Premier Div. What a great day I had with my son and family chaps in the monsoon rain. Beer, a burger and a Snickers Duo helped things along. Two stunning goals were part of the Billericay win. Proper football from the seventh tier of the pyramid.
Reposted by Mark Barnes
The Messerschmitt 163 Komet (1941) was the only rocket-powered interceptor to be used operationally. It was also extremely hazardous to fly and maintain, with multiple fatal accidents. Few Me 163s actually saw combat, achieving between 9 and 16 victories
📷 Nicolas Trudgian / aceshighgallery.com
🧵1/9
📷 Nicolas Trudgian / aceshighgallery.com
🧵1/9
November 17, 2025 at 11:48 AM
The Messerschmitt 163 Komet (1941) was the only rocket-powered interceptor to be used operationally. It was also extremely hazardous to fly and maintain, with multiple fatal accidents. Few Me 163s actually saw combat, achieving between 9 and 16 victories
📷 Nicolas Trudgian / aceshighgallery.com
🧵1/9
📷 Nicolas Trudgian / aceshighgallery.com
🧵1/9
Reposted by Mark Barnes
#OTD in 1941 the new Eighth Army crossed the border into Libya for the first army-scale offensive of the British Army in #WW2.
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Order of Battle – 8th Army, 18 November 1941
Background In WO216/15 an overview of 8th Army units is given, probably dating to mid-October 1941 which I reproduce here. Based on my research, and on the report by GOC 8th Army after the battle (…
rommelsriposte.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:48 AM
#OTD in 1941 the new Eighth Army crossed the border into Libya for the first army-scale offensive of the British Army in #WW2.
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Barnes
The Brewster F2A Buffalo (1937) was the U.S. Navy’s first monoplane fighter, but lacked performance. In combat with Japanese aircraft with the US Marines, RAF/RAAF and Dutch air force, its record was generally poor. Finnish aircraft performed better against the Soviets.
📷 Airfix/Roy Cross
🧵1/10
📷 Airfix/Roy Cross
🧵1/10
November 16, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The Brewster F2A Buffalo (1937) was the U.S. Navy’s first monoplane fighter, but lacked performance. In combat with Japanese aircraft with the US Marines, RAF/RAAF and Dutch air force, its record was generally poor. Finnish aircraft performed better against the Soviets.
📷 Airfix/Roy Cross
🧵1/10
📷 Airfix/Roy Cross
🧵1/10
Dave Taylor's sculpture of a Tommy pictured with some added colour. Southend-on-Sea war memorial.
November 15, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Dave Taylor's sculpture of a Tommy pictured with some added colour. Southend-on-Sea war memorial.
I've looked at this a couple of times and the notions it is creepy and effing nuts don't go away. My 3 Yr old grandson already knows I'm an easy touch for cake and biscuits and I'll get on the carpet to play with his Hot Wheels cars. Memories like these are what I want him to keep.
your dead AI mother loves you so much ❤️
November 15, 2025 at 8:49 AM
I've looked at this a couple of times and the notions it is creepy and effing nuts don't go away. My 3 Yr old grandson already knows I'm an easy touch for cake and biscuits and I'll get on the carpet to play with his Hot Wheels cars. Memories like these are what I want him to keep.
Ford gives you more. A nice bit of colour on the Essex Riviera. Pleased to get a snap of this beauty on the move along the seafront, albeit only one frame. I got a thumbs up from the owner. Happy days.
November 13, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Ford gives you more. A nice bit of colour on the Essex Riviera. Pleased to get a snap of this beauty on the move along the seafront, albeit only one frame. I got a thumbs up from the owner. Happy days.
Ongoing fun and games with the Embar Bedford breakdown lorry. Snap 1 is a dry fit thingy to see how it will look. I've got some decals from the Hannants cave of wonders in the mail. The wheels and hubs needed fettling but its all good. The results, so far, are really pleasing. #histscalemodels
November 13, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Ongoing fun and games with the Embar Bedford breakdown lorry. Snap 1 is a dry fit thingy to see how it will look. I've got some decals from the Hannants cave of wonders in the mail. The wheels and hubs needed fettling but its all good. The results, so far, are really pleasing. #histscalemodels
Reposted by Mark Barnes
The Arado 196 (1937) was a maritime patrol floatplane developed for the Kriegsmarine. Serving both on board larger warships and from coastal bases, the aircraft was well armed, popular with crews and gave good service on all fronts for much of the war. Only around 500 were built.
📷 Revell
🧵1/8
📷 Revell
🧵1/8
November 13, 2025 at 7:52 AM
The Arado 196 (1937) was a maritime patrol floatplane developed for the Kriegsmarine. Serving both on board larger warships and from coastal bases, the aircraft was well armed, popular with crews and gave good service on all fronts for much of the war. Only around 500 were built.
📷 Revell
🧵1/8
📷 Revell
🧵1/8
This is amazing. The scenes of men gathering artillery shells starting at 6.21 is mind blowing.
On the cusp of WWII, in 1938, my grandfather Charles W. Bridgen shot a colour film of his journey to revisit the Northern Front. It documents a Europe on the brink of war, still scattered with the fragments of the last. The full film is on Youtube here: youtube.com/watch?v=esA9...
And in the Sky the Larks: 1930s Colour Footage of the Western Front & Northern France. WWI.
YouTube video by Flash of Splendour
youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:19 PM
This is amazing. The scenes of men gathering artillery shells starting at 6.21 is mind blowing.
Fun times pushing the Emhar 1/24 scale Bedford OSB breakdown lorry to the finish line. The main components all have paint and things are looking ok. Lots of details to complete, but so far, so good. #histscalemodels
November 12, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Fun times pushing the Emhar 1/24 scale Bedford OSB breakdown lorry to the finish line. The main components all have paint and things are looking ok. Lots of details to complete, but so far, so good. #histscalemodels
What an absolute cnut.
President Trump criticises France and others for celebrating remembrance day, saying, "We're the one that won the wars"
Surreal, and so very disrespectful to every person who fought in the wars for the freedoms we all enjoy today
Surreal, and so very disrespectful to every person who fought in the wars for the freedoms we all enjoy today
November 12, 2025 at 11:18 AM
What an absolute cnut.