Sam Foulger
@tank621.bsky.social
Amateur photographer, apparently qualified to talk about military history, usually found in a museum somewhere, talking to the exhibits.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tanks_photography/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tanks_photography/
Ryde Pier Railcar No.2 at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Built by Drewry in 1927, the petrol tram cars were operated by Southern Railway and later British Railways until 1969. It was reconstructed between 2011 and 2021, and returned to service the following year.
Built by Drewry in 1927, the petrol tram cars were operated by Southern Railway and later British Railways until 1969. It was reconstructed between 2011 and 2021, and returned to service the following year.
January 28, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Ryde Pier Railcar No.2 at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Built by Drewry in 1927, the petrol tram cars were operated by Southern Railway and later British Railways until 1969. It was reconstructed between 2011 and 2021, and returned to service the following year.
Built by Drewry in 1927, the petrol tram cars were operated by Southern Railway and later British Railways until 1969. It was reconstructed between 2011 and 2021, and returned to service the following year.
Army 235 at Havenstreet on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
This 0-4-0 diesel mechanical shunter was built in 1945 by Andrew Barclay and served with the War Department as WD72238. Following service, the locomotive was preserved at the National Army Museum, Beverley, before moving to the IoWSR.
This 0-4-0 diesel mechanical shunter was built in 1945 by Andrew Barclay and served with the War Department as WD72238. Following service, the locomotive was preserved at the National Army Museum, Beverley, before moving to the IoWSR.
January 27, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Army 235 at Havenstreet on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
This 0-4-0 diesel mechanical shunter was built in 1945 by Andrew Barclay and served with the War Department as WD72238. Following service, the locomotive was preserved at the National Army Museum, Beverley, before moving to the IoWSR.
This 0-4-0 diesel mechanical shunter was built in 1945 by Andrew Barclay and served with the War Department as WD72238. Following service, the locomotive was preserved at the National Army Museum, Beverley, before moving to the IoWSR.
de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth G-AHOO at Propwash 2024
Built by Morris Motors in 1943, this aircraft entered service with the RAF as EM967. Today, the aircraft is a regular performer with the Tiger Nine display team and is seen here at Stow Maries, firing up for their display slot.
Built by Morris Motors in 1943, this aircraft entered service with the RAF as EM967. Today, the aircraft is a regular performer with the Tiger Nine display team and is seen here at Stow Maries, firing up for their display slot.
January 26, 2026 at 7:38 PM
de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth G-AHOO at Propwash 2024
Built by Morris Motors in 1943, this aircraft entered service with the RAF as EM967. Today, the aircraft is a regular performer with the Tiger Nine display team and is seen here at Stow Maries, firing up for their display slot.
Built by Morris Motors in 1943, this aircraft entered service with the RAF as EM967. Today, the aircraft is a regular performer with the Tiger Nine display team and is seen here at Stow Maries, firing up for their display slot.
First visit to Duxford of the year, always looking for interesting new angles!
January 25, 2026 at 8:49 PM
First visit to Duxford of the year, always looking for interesting new angles!
The Flying Comrades displaying at Duxford in 2024 and 2025. Eastern Bloc aircraft are a rarity at British Air Shows, with the exception of the Yakovlevs of The Flying Comrades, offering something very different with their formation of Cold War-era Soviet trainers.
January 12, 2026 at 7:34 PM
The Flying Comrades displaying at Duxford in 2024 and 2025. Eastern Bloc aircraft are a rarity at British Air Shows, with the exception of the Yakovlevs of The Flying Comrades, offering something very different with their formation of Cold War-era Soviet trainers.
I decided to dedicate my top spot of 2025 to Major 'Slab' Krakowian, who flew one of the most impressive and exciting fast jet displays I have ever seen with F-16C 4056. I'm sure no one will forget the Polish Air Force display, nor its pilot.
January 11, 2026 at 9:37 AM
I decided to dedicate my top spot of 2025 to Major 'Slab' Krakowian, who flew one of the most impressive and exciting fast jet displays I have ever seen with F-16C 4056. I'm sure no one will forget the Polish Air Force display, nor its pilot.
No.2 on my top 10 aircraft of 2025, FIAT G.91R/1 I-AMIC / MM6305. I am a very big fan of Italian aviation in general, and the Gina has long been one of my favourites and one I never believed I would be able to see fly one day. This was definitely a very special moment.
January 9, 2026 at 9:50 PM
No.2 on my top 10 aircraft of 2025, FIAT G.91R/1 I-AMIC / MM6305. I am a very big fan of Italian aviation in general, and the Gina has long been one of my favourites and one I never believed I would be able to see fly one day. This was definitely a very special moment.
No.3 on my top 10 aircraft of 2025, my favourite of Europe's new warbird residents, Anson I OO-ANS / MH120. The Anson is a simply delightful aircraft and to see a Mk I in British skies was a special moment, indeed. Hopefully it won't be long until it returns!
January 8, 2026 at 9:16 PM
No.3 on my top 10 aircraft of 2025, my favourite of Europe's new warbird residents, Anson I OO-ANS / MH120. The Anson is a simply delightful aircraft and to see a Mk I in British skies was a special moment, indeed. Hopefully it won't be long until it returns!
No.4 on my top 10 aircraft of 2025 list is perhaps the most prominent warbird visitor of the year, R4D Skytrain Ready 4 Duty, which spent months visiting from Texas, based out of Duxford, including displaying at the Summer Air Show, and a static appearance at RIAT.
January 7, 2026 at 7:56 PM
No.4 on my top 10 aircraft of 2025 list is perhaps the most prominent warbird visitor of the year, R4D Skytrain Ready 4 Duty, which spent months visiting from Texas, based out of Duxford, including displaying at the Summer Air Show, and a static appearance at RIAT.
No.5 on my Top 10 aircraft list is A-26 Invader NL4313 / 44-34313. I missed the last Invader that visited the UK, and so to see one displaying this year at Duxford put a smile on my face. I am very fond of the Invader, definitely a very pretty warbird!
January 6, 2026 at 9:32 PM
No.5 on my Top 10 aircraft list is A-26 Invader NL4313 / 44-34313. I missed the last Invader that visited the UK, and so to see one displaying this year at Duxford put a smile on my face. I am very fond of the Invader, definitely a very pretty warbird!
No.6 on my top 10 aircraft list of 2025. Some find helicopter displays dull... I couldn't disagree more. There have been some real highlights in terms of helicopters at air shows this year, but top for me was HeliCzech's AH-1 Cobra at the Duxford Summer Air Show.
January 5, 2026 at 8:39 PM
No.6 on my top 10 aircraft list of 2025. Some find helicopter displays dull... I couldn't disagree more. There have been some real highlights in terms of helicopters at air shows this year, but top for me was HeliCzech's AH-1 Cobra at the Duxford Summer Air Show.
No.7 on my Top 10 aircraft of the year, RDAF F-16 E-006. I'd not managed to see the Danish F-16 solo display until RIAT this year. My last visit, the aircraft failed, and other attempts to see the aircraft also didn't materialise, so to get not one, but two displays was a joy.
January 4, 2026 at 8:18 PM
No.7 on my Top 10 aircraft of the year, RDAF F-16 E-006. I'd not managed to see the Danish F-16 solo display until RIAT this year. My last visit, the aircraft failed, and other attempts to see the aircraft also didn't materialise, so to get not one, but two displays was a joy.
N.o7 of my top 10 aircraft of 2025 is C-47A Skytrain N473DC / 42-100882, and aircraft that just oozes with history, with service on D-Day and during Operation Market Garden with the RAF as TS442 and still bears evidence of the scars acquired on that day.
January 3, 2026 at 5:26 PM
N.o7 of my top 10 aircraft of 2025 is C-47A Skytrain N473DC / 42-100882, and aircraft that just oozes with history, with service on D-Day and during Operation Market Garden with the RAF as TS442 and still bears evidence of the scars acquired on that day.
No. 9 of my top 10 aircraft of 2025: Lockheed U-2S 80-1094. An aircraft that hardly needs justification to be on the list, to see a U-2 display this year at RIAT in full mission fit was something special, indeed.
January 2, 2026 at 5:26 PM
No. 9 of my top 10 aircraft of 2025: Lockheed U-2S 80-1094. An aircraft that hardly needs justification to be on the list, to see a U-2 display this year at RIAT in full mission fit was something special, indeed.
Right, in the absence of ideas, I'm going to do a Top 10 aircraft of 2025, highlighting my favourites I've seen over the course of the year.
Starting with No.10, Breguet Atlantique 2 s/n 5, which displayed at RIAT this year and was one of my highlights of the flying display.
Starting with No.10, Breguet Atlantique 2 s/n 5, which displayed at RIAT this year and was one of my highlights of the flying display.
January 1, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Right, in the absence of ideas, I'm going to do a Top 10 aircraft of 2025, highlighting my favourites I've seen over the course of the year.
Starting with No.10, Breguet Atlantique 2 s/n 5, which displayed at RIAT this year and was one of my highlights of the flying display.
Starting with No.10, Breguet Atlantique 2 s/n 5, which displayed at RIAT this year and was one of my highlights of the flying display.
Last round-up of the year, November, starting with Brands Hatch for the final round of the British Truck Racing Championship. Plus a visit to the Science Museum, a bit more of the French Navy in London and a wander around the old Crystal Palace circuit.
December 31, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Last round-up of the year, November, starting with Brands Hatch for the final round of the British Truck Racing Championship. Plus a visit to the Science Museum, a bit more of the French Navy in London and a wander around the old Crystal Palace circuit.
October was highlighted by a holiday to Belgium featuring several museums, starting with Autoworld and the neighbouring Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Militar, home to the Brussels Air Museum. Also of note was the Museum of Natural Sciences.
December 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM
October was highlighted by a holiday to Belgium featuring several museums, starting with Autoworld and the neighbouring Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Militar, home to the Brussels Air Museum. Also of note was the Museum of Natural Sciences.
September saw Duxford's annual Battle of Britain Air Show, featuring some brilliant international visitors. The next weekend I headed to London to see some warships, followed by a visit to Southend for XL426's second fast taxi runs of the year. Lastly, was the EOR's Giants of Southern Steam Gala.
December 28, 2025 at 9:14 PM
September saw Duxford's annual Battle of Britain Air Show, featuring some brilliant international visitors. The next weekend I headed to London to see some warships, followed by a visit to Southend for XL426's second fast taxi runs of the year. Lastly, was the EOR's Giants of Southern Steam Gala.
August started big with The Greatest Gathering, before another railway event the following weekend at the One:One Collection in Margate. There was another big banger meeting at Mildenhall with the Dave Vincent Testimonial, and a change of pace with a visit to Mountfitchet Castle.
December 27, 2025 at 11:32 PM
August started big with The Greatest Gathering, before another railway event the following weekend at the One:One Collection in Margate. There was another big banger meeting at Mildenhall with the Dave Vincent Testimonial, and a change of pace with a visit to Mountfitchet Castle.
July began with a trip to Southend Pier, to see a boat that had already left... oh well, the waffles were good. July is, of course, the time of year of RIAT, and a stay in Didcot for the air show provided an opportunity for a visit to the Railway Centre and some spotting at the station.
December 26, 2025 at 9:39 PM
July began with a trip to Southend Pier, to see a boat that had already left... oh well, the waffles were good. July is, of course, the time of year of RIAT, and a stay in Didcot for the air show provided an opportunity for a visit to the Railway Centre and some spotting at the station.
June kicked off with the Masters Historic Festival at Brands Hatch, before heading to Bentwaters the next weekend for a walking tour of the airfield. Next up was the annual Trooping the Colour flypast.
December 25, 2025 at 10:04 PM
June kicked off with the Masters Historic Festival at Brands Hatch, before heading to Bentwaters the next weekend for a walking tour of the airfield. Next up was the annual Trooping the Colour flypast.
A very busy month of May, beginning with the VE Day 80th Anniversary flypast before moving on to Cambridge Airport, to see the remains of the RAF's Hercules fleet, and Southend Airport to see the BBMF's Lancaster B.I, PA474.
December 24, 2025 at 8:53 PM
A very busy month of May, beginning with the VE Day 80th Anniversary flypast before moving on to Cambridge Airport, to see the remains of the RAF's Hercules fleet, and Southend Airport to see the BBMF's Lancaster B.I, PA474.
Into April and to Acton for the London Transport Museum Depot Open Day, another visit to Duxford, more trains with the Essex Electrics Exhibition at the EARM, with the NSE liveried Class 309 being in centre stage and then a visit to the Hendon .
December 23, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Into April and to Acton for the London Transport Museum Depot Open Day, another visit to Duxford, more trains with the Essex Electrics Exhibition at the EARM, with the NSE liveried Class 309 being in centre stage and then a visit to the Hendon .
March began with a lovely return of a Class 40 to the GEML, followed by the Ipswich Unlimited BWS Round the following weekend. I headed to the excellent Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum for the first time before returning to Bangers again to see the annual 'Undercracker' at Aldershot.
December 22, 2025 at 9:44 PM
March began with a lovely return of a Class 40 to the GEML, followed by the Ipswich Unlimited BWS Round the following weekend. I headed to the excellent Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum for the first time before returning to Bangers again to see the annual 'Undercracker' at Aldershot.
Reposted by Sam Foulger
Well, that was quite some response to January! February stepped things up a little bit! It began with a little jaunt to Sheffield, a day chasing Mk3 sets across the West Midlands, and also a day at the ever-reliable Museum of Transport for their annual Morris Minor rally. (2/12)
December 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Well, that was quite some response to January! February stepped things up a little bit! It began with a little jaunt to Sheffield, a day chasing Mk3 sets across the West Midlands, and also a day at the ever-reliable Museum of Transport for their annual Morris Minor rally. (2/12)