Thank you Ken.
We usually have a note posted on the notice board at Shobdon saying something along the lines of: "27.9.07, 21:40hrsL, Lyneham, C130 x 2, 250', E - W then turning N." I know the photo isn't wonderful but it is exactly what I wanted. I had somehow blotted out the fact that I had seen the landing gear as knew they were just flying low through the airfield. It took Seldomfitforpurpose's post to jog my memory
I wouldn't know an early model from a late one, I simply enjoy seeing them and could watch them all day - they are so full of character (and no doubt some characters too) and yet very graceful. I find them remarkably quiet for such a big aircraft. It was such a clear night that I had been able to watch these two approaching from somewhere near Worcester.
The third one sneaked in about an hour later but hadn't had its intended arrival posted on the board so I wasn't able to get outside in time.