The Polish Army Museum in Warsaw.
In May this year I finally got around to visiting Poland. The first stop on the trip was Warsaw, very much a city for someone who is interested in history.
Due to poor planning on my behalf, the indoors part of the Polish Army Museum was closed when I got around to visiting it, but the outdoors exhibition was open and there was plenty to see and to photograph there.
First off (not unexpectedly) there was a T-34. I’ve seen quite a few of them, but this is the first T-34 with a 76mm cannon, that I’ve seen.
Right next to it, there was a JS-2 tank, the first one I’ve seen.
There was a Hetzer, blown up and abandoned by its crew during the german retreat.
A number of Warsaw-Pact vehicles were to be seen, as could only be expected.
The oddest exhibits were two shells. The one from the 60 cm Mörser Karl had a very special history.
Next to that there was an 80 cm shell from the Dora. I guess that’s the biggest shell I’ll ever see.
This was also the first time I got to see some WW2 soviet aircraft. One TU-2S, one PE-2FT, one YAK-9P, one IL-10 an one IL-2M3. Most of these aircraft had some screw like part at the tip of their spinners. Does anyone know what it is?
Lastly there was some Soviet built jet aircraft, whose name I don’t know, but who cares. The nose art was cool. However if you are into Soviet jets, there is a better place to go. I’ll get back to you on that one.
All in all, Warsaw and the Polish Army Museum are very much worth a visit for modelers and people interested in history. I’ll get back to you with some more. Until then, enjoy the pictures.
Ulf, the "screws" you refer to on the props are the fitting for a Hucks type starter. The engines are not equipped with onboard starters, so a truck was rigged with a motor and clutch device for starting the engines. It's an odd arrangement, but it works just fine!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hucks_starter
Thanks Jaime! I knew someone would provide an answer.
Interesting "field trip", Ulf...thanks for sharing your "tour".
Interesting subjects,like the missiles. thanks for the look see.
Very nice! Enjoyed the aircraft especially. Thanks for posting.
Very cool. Love these small museums.
The Japanese used Hucks starters frequently too. Have long needed a 1/48 Hucks starter truck for our JAAF aircraft. Also BADLY need a Injection molded 1/32 YAK-any Yak. 1,3,7,9, why all the Sturmoviks and no Yaks? Thanks for the great pics, that JS-2 is a mean lookin' one.
Bill, gotta agree. Hasegawa did give us the fuel truck, and a stake bed, so how come no starter truck? Same chassis, I think. Isuzu.A bunch of folks pushing the aircraft wouldn't be a bad thing, either.
Ulf, sorry you missed the interior, I think they have some rare aircraft.
Thanks for posting this, we don't get to see WARPAC hereabouts.
Them BIG shells are inpressive! Wouldn't want to be in the target area.