Well worth a look, they have some interesting weapons and vehicles including a firing 88 .....and it is really an 88 ! http://www.panzergroupsouth.com/
That looks kind of interesting. I couldn't find their address listed on their web site.Any idea what town they are in?
A friend sent me the link. the collection is owned by Benton Bennett and their shop is located in a warehouse in the North side of Knoxville. I have emailed him to find out when they have events or how one may visit. Will report back. Gaines
Wonder how much an 88 round would cost to make. Have to mill the projectile. Would they have to make the brass cartridge as well- or reload an original?
Good question Poppy. I saw a program of handmaking 37mm cannon shells for firing and they turned the case outb of solid brass !! Did not mention cost but matching time is not cheap. If memory serves me correctly they were casting lead shot as it was purely for the fun of shooting. An 88 would be a different matter all together. But owning a Stug 3 would not be cheap !
Great stuff, Gaines. Got briefly excited about their 'Stug', as I did not recognise it from any of the preserved lists, but it appears to be one of the replicas built from a 432 (As I believe is their Pz.III). Splendid job they've done in making it look 'right'.
I'm moving to Knoxville....the outriggers/base of the 88 seem to move a significant amount in the video....appears to be not seated ...great thread, thanks GT...I just commented on Price's restored vehicle thread, --love to see these ''modern'' videos of the ''old'' weapons.... here is a video of the same group...I see no movement of base https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaUypxmWAaw Poppy, in the video comments , they say the hard part is sourcing parts
My friend in Knoxville said it was best to use the contact link to check on events and visits. He did mention their chief restorer was in the UK shopping for more stuff for the collection.. Bronk, appreciate your observations on recoil. I suspect most cannon in the 75-88 range are shot today with lighter charges and projectiles thus lighter recoil. They may not dig them in as much as a result or be as concerned about repeat accuracy... Gaines
I wonder if that might be a Mr Crompton. Or the chap who seems to be behind many of the 432 conversions. I forget his name. Karl something maybe. 88 on cruciform would usually be secured to the ground with large spikes hammered through the trail. You can see them mounted on the guns in transit. If attending an event, surely you'd have to try and see one where the 88 was fired. Not exactly a lot of chance to see that...
roger that...I did see some other videos of 88s and they sure looked like they were firing underpowered ammo
I like these chaps' style. Appear to be a reenactment group - but sensibly finding the equipment a more interesting angle to present to the world.
Can't help feeling it may not be exactly wise to put a large lump of lead under that much heat and pressure
I'll wildly, and I do mean wildly speculate that the heat and pressure would be similar to those in a high powered rifle, and they can fire cast bullets. Not the best thing for accuracy. Depending on the alloys used, lead would probably take it better than machined aluminum. Again, just guessing though. Edit: Hmm, even a blind dog catches a rabbit once in a while. Pressures seem pretty constant for rifles no matter the bore: Found this: