A great day at the Tank Museum

[DBridges]

This past week, my wife and I spent a week in London. For a day trip, we took the train to Wool to visit the RAC Tank Museum at Bovington Camp. I will have to admit that I was blown away by the quality of the museum! Both the quality of the vehicles on display as well as the layout of the museum was superb. I literally would walk around a corner or a vehicle and say, "Wow, look at that!", over and over again, surprised by what was sitting there waiting for me. We ended up spending almost 5 hours there, and not a bit of it was time ill spent. If you ever have an opportunity to visit the Tank Museum - do it! You won't regret it.

Here's a picture of me next to an A10 cruiser:

Here's my valentine next to a Valentine:

David

 

[wds]

I'm green with envy. However, two pictures won't due! We need to see them all! I know its a lot of work, but please?
The RAF museum in Hendon is a great day trip as well. Thanks for sharing.

Bill ( Who has no plans to get to London for a long time)

 

[Tojo72]

It looks like a really great place,and it sounds like you had a great time.If I ever get across the pond,I need to make a stop there.Also it's great that your wife supports you in your hobby,mine is really a good sport with my activities,here she is with me at Aberdeen last time,at least looking like she is having a good time :

 

[S P Hammerton]

Greetings and Salutations David

I and several others from the Cornwall Scale Modellers wil be at Bovington for Tankfest on the 26/27th of June, we'll be there for the Sunday.

There are going to be traders, living history, and there will be a whole bunch of rolling steel in action in the main arena over both days.

I'm looking to score a new telephoto zoom lens in time for the show, and as my DSLR can also shoot HD movies, I'll see what I can manage by way of images.

Simon

 

[iowabrit]

When I was in the Army I was stationed at Bovington for 2 years......... this was back in the 70's and a lot has changed in the museum since then but when I finishd my days work in the hangar the museum was about a 500 yard walk away AND being in uniform, entry was free. I went back in 2002... it's still a great day out, as is Duxford.

 

[shawngehling]

Sweet,
In my best "Oliver" voice. More Please...
Shawn

 

[f1matt]

I second that. I`d like some more.

Matt

 

[DBridges]

OK, I think I can post up some more :cheer:

One of the most impressive parts of the museum for me was the First World War hall, which had quite a few different tanks. One of the most interesting to me was this Mark VIII International.

Also interesting to see was the Vickers Independent. What was even more interesting was the fact that this Vickers, along with many of the other tanks in the museum, had oil drip pans under their engine bays...

I was surprised at how impressive the Black Prince looked up close. If you like the Churchill, you should really like the Black Prince!

Very awesome to see a KV-1 up close.

One of my favorites in the museum was the Tortoise. Makes me want to finish the one I've had sitting ready for paint for so long.

Another impressive First World War tank, in addition to Little Willie, was this Mark IV Whippet. If only Tamiya, DML, or someone would start making kits of the FIrst World War tanks!!!

If anyone wants me to post up a picture of a particular tank, let me know.

David

 

[S P Hammerton]

It appears that the lottery money has been well spent, the new display spaces indoors have been well received.

I think the outside demonstration arena is not so popular though. :angry:

The Health & Safety idiots got involved and now the vehicles can't get up to a decent speed. Also the main viewing area is too remote from the action.

It's not as if they let boy racers loose in their vehicles, they are all highly trained expert drivers.

Simon

 

[f1matt]

That's a museum I have to see at least once in my life. Why does it have to be on the other side of the pond?

Matt

 

[shawngehling]

Really Kool, Thanks.
Shawn

 

[Tankbuilder]

DBridges wrote:

OK, I think I can post up some more :cheer:

Snipped:

Another impressive First World War tank, in addition to Little Willie, was this Mark IV Whippet. If only Tamiya, DML, or someone would start making kits of the FIrst World War tanks!!!

If anyone wants me to post up a picture of a particular tank, let me know.

David

EMHAR of England does a WHIPPET, a Mk IV FEMALE, a Mk IV MALE, a Mk V FEMALE - MAlE or HERMAPHODITE (your choice) and a TADPOLE. They also make some British infantry too. The EMHAR tanks I have are all 1/35 scale but I understand that 1/72 scale are also available.

Cheers from Peter

 

[S P Hammerton]

According to a friend of mine in our model club, the Emhar kits are a bit of a nightmare.

Simon