Big Boys' toys - part 1

There is a definite benefit to having friends in high places.  One such is Major Tom Mouat MBE, a long-standing friend I originally met through Wargame Developments.  Tom is currently serving on the staff at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham, and I was fortunate enough recently to receive an invitation to spend the day with him on site.
The day consisted of a tour of some of the training facilities, the small arms armoury and the AFV collection.
The AFV and artillery hall contains many big toys which are used by the military for instructional purposes.  I took loads of photos of the tank collection during my previous visit some years ago - I'll dig them out and post them soon.  This time I concentrated on getting pics of the vehicles I missed (or weren't there) last time.

Fox Armoured Car.  A vehicle I have always rather liked - I remember them being new!  Used by the British Army from the 1970s-1990s.  The Iranian Army was a significant export customer in the '70s.

Ferret Scout Car.  A delightful little thing which I could easily find driveway space for.  Ferrets served the British Army from the '50s and were still in service during the 1991 Gulf War.

The interior of the Ferret, looking into the front of the driver's compartment.

The interior of a T-34 - utilitarian even compared with the Ferret!

A personal favourite of mine - the Strv-103 or S-Tank.  I have always loved the look of this - perhaps after five Volvos and a Saab it's the next logical step...

Another Swedish delight - the Bv-206.  I was entertained to see that the selector for the (automatic) gearbox is the same as found in the Volvo 240s and 740s I have driven.  Think of it as an articulated Volvo wagon.

In the spacious turret of the AS-90 SP Gun we found this terrorist cell plotting their next strike.  Clearly a bunch of desperadoes.  I am unable to reveal identities in case they find me.  Photo taken (at much personal risk) by Tom Mouat.

Next time - the Small Arms Armoury - the balaclavas come off!