SD, when I see signs like the one on the Sherman a huge rush of thoughts involving selling the kids or robbing post offices goes through my mind. Sadly Choca, the Panther's not a runner.... yet. Just for you Grossdeutschland: And a few more shots: Tanks everywhere. Chieftain AA prototype: Monty's Roller. And there's always some truly bizarre stuff on sale. Cheers, Adam.
Appearing to be a sensible bunch Stefan, their 'thing' this weekend in the foot-deep mud was largely standing under ponchos having a smoke . Haven't had a proper look through about 600 photos yet though, so I'll see what came out.
Yes - I think it's fair to say that virtually all the vehicles at Beltring are privately-owned ; certainly none of them are from official or semi-official bodies such as the Tank Museum, etc.....
What an amazing array of items our cousins across the pond have amassed for themselves. In the photos, I saw several SdKfz 222s, that panther, a Tiger, the V-2 with launcher it looks like and an amazing Mk IV. I would never leave there.
Sadly the Tiger's a mock-up based on a T55, the fact they're privately owned (Give or take a handful of museum examples) is often what gets me the most while three T55's roar past laying smoke. It really is a surprising armoured force to be in private hands. The lineage of British postwar armour was particularly well represented this year; Comet, Centurion, Chieftain, Challenger... and the Army brought a Challenger2. The most remarkable thing to be in civilian hands is surely the Challenger, the chap acquired a chassis, eventually tracked down a turret, and successfully joined the two together. This led to a visit from the MOD police enquiring just where he'd got a modern MBT from . This year it really seemed to be fully kitted and carrying all the appropriate gear, as this shot illustrates quite nicely: Cheers, Adam.
Well done with the pics, Adam - really great stuff ! Most of the mud which can be seen in your photos accompanied me home clinging to my boots and trouserlegs.....
Phenomenal photos! Thanks Von Poop, Martin and FalkeEins. I'm green with envy at those who were lucky enough to attend! Lucky dogs! I might make a trip out there next year and get waist-deep in the mud myself. Thread rate 5 stars and pinned.
That pretty much is our thing when it rains, best way really More great pics, looks awesome. The V2 is a mockup made by a living history group, not bad eh?
..spend too much effort trying to keep dry (ish) to take many pics - I thought something was wrong when I saw everybody in waders and rain capes...and then the heavens opened ... another close-up of the down-pour (hope this is not too big..)
At the same time as the picture above was taken I was watching the rain turn to steam on a centurion's engine deck. Shell case from the Dora rail-gun (for sale): Some American Gear: British Armour: The Krads and Sidecar mounted bikes had surprising grunt in the mud: Cheers, Adam.
Neil, I love the photo of the Waffen-SS in the rain. It, and the expressions on the faces, perfectly capture the essence of Beltring 2007 !
I'm afraid I can't edit my post however I just learned that on the Thursday someone stole the muzzle break from the SBG's Panther. The mind boggles.