Tank Museum part two; Tank Heaven in Devon!
Hard to believe, but I had to work hard to cut the photos down to 100 (maximum file size), and considering I didn’t get around the whole exhibition, I think it really shows the quaility of the museum’s subjects. There is something for every lover of armour, with very, very few replicas. Most of the photos are of WW1 and II – I figured (maybe wrongly) this is where most modelers’ interests would be.
I’ve picked out some personal favourites in the main article, but honestly the whole experience was fascinating.
Some early armour. It defies belief the conditions that crews had to endure.
As if being in the trenches wasn’t bad enough before the tanks started rolling in…
A couple of Panzer II’s. The second is a ‘Luchs’ model (German for Lynx, following their tradition of naming their tanks after big cats) and is one of just two surviving units. Another is being built up from the ground in the US (http://panzerfabrik.net).
And a lovely Panzer III.
Louis G, these are dedicated to you…
A nice set piece with a T34 and Panther facing off.
Of corse there is a very large gift shop, with a large model kit and book section. For once I resisted and just bought a T-Shirt. George, the last photo is for you, oddball…
David.
75 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 21, 2017
Wow….quite an extensive collection, huh..? Thanks for sharing.
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
Ayuh, a lot of tanks. The vast majority have seen action of some description, so there’s a real sense of history and the battle damage has all been left intact. For me that was a very real reminder of what the crews went through.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on August 21, 2017
They have one of each of the important ones! The scheme on that Panther do attract the eye! I’d be nervous crewing something that eyecatching.
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
I totally agree, Bernard, that Panther is an absolute beauty. I can feel an order to Vallejo coming on…
Louis Gardner said on August 21, 2017
Thank you David !!! These are all very special photos but I sincerely appreciate that you posted the ones that show the Panther and it’s internals. I didn’t realize that the 75 MM mounted on the Panther could penetrate armor better than that of an 88 mounted on a Tiger. I learned something here.
Thanks again for sharing these pictures with us.
Take care my friend and best wishes from the “other” side of the pond.
Louis Gardner said on August 21, 2017
That’s a great picture of you standing beside “Fury”. This is a great collection. Thanks again.
Louis Gardner said on August 22, 2017
The Panther kind of resembles a Pink Panther with the red primer base ….. love the humorand thanks again my friend.
Robert Royes said on August 21, 2017
Nice!!! Woof Woof.
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
Don’t give me those negative waves, Rob.
Louis Gardner said on August 22, 2017
And don’t fire a paint canister at a Tiger. Even if it does paint a pretty picture !!!!!! I’ve been working on the rail road.
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
Nobody said nothing about locking horns with no Tigers, Lou.
Robert Royes said on August 22, 2017
Make deal. make deal deal .
david leigh-smith said on August 23, 2017
“Maybe the guy’s a republican”
California Steve said on August 21, 2017
Thank you David that was a treat. What a collection! I loved your photos.
The gift shop looked great. I gotta get the Sherman T shirt! That is waaaay cool.
Thanks again,
California Steve
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
California Steve, you are very welcome my oddball friend.
The difference between a guitarist and a bass player? The guitarist gets chicks, the bassist gets gigs…
Couldn’t resist!
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on August 22, 2017
David, good one!
Robert Royes said on August 22, 2017
I’ll tell that one to my son[He’s a bass player].
david leigh-smith said on August 23, 2017
Sorry about this, California Steve – what’s the difference between a drummer and a bassist? Usually about half a beat…
But believe me, I’ve heard all the guitarist jokes!
neil foster said on August 22, 2017
I would love to visit this place but Devon is such a hike from leafy Cheshire,maybe one day I’ll get there ,until then these are the best I’m going to get ,thanks for sharing.
N.
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
Neil, it’d make a great weekend away. Thoroughly love that part of the world; the Jurassic coast is amazing, beautiful forests, cider, great beer. I’m based in London (although originally from Edinburgh) and can’t spend enough time there.
Very best, Neil,
David.
David
Anthony Conway said on August 22, 2017
Great photos David. Thanks for sharing. Love the panther. I reckon we might see a few in that scheme.
Louis Gardner said on August 22, 2017
I have one like it in a 1/35 Dragon box. So we just may ……….
david leigh-smith said on August 22, 2017
Given your skills with armour, I’d love to see that, Louis.
Çetin SARF said on May 28, 2018
This is really a treasure island. Hope to visit some day. Thanks for sharing David.