News from the Front – Tank Farm Event – 2010

The following is a report from our intrepid correspondent, Mike Momot:

The Tank Farm” Nokesville, Virginia, 21-22 August 2010.  This event is located on the grounds of the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles.  This event was attended by members of the 193rd and many other reenactment units.  WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, the Cold War, and the Soviet Afghan War were all represented.  Two T-34 tanks were present representing yours truly: the 193rd Rifle Division and the 33rd Guards.  Two other members of our unit also represented a Cold War East German Tanker, and a Soviet Afghanets.

The predominate theme of the weekend seemed to be the WWII battle sequences.  Fighting occurred in a brief battle between the “Yanks” and the “Gerrys” but the most impressive display was the Marine assault on a Japanese installation which included a flamethrower in action.  Yours truly, in an effort to capture the photography, got in as close as I could but had to beat feet and retreat.  The heat coming off that thing was intense!  It was like opening up the door on the oven to check on your meal and that blast of heat hits you in the face…and I was 100 ft away!

The reenactors were treated very well with free food and drink.  The event is easy to get to and easy to get around.  Many visitors attended this very public friendly, weekend event and the weather was fine, save for the latter part of the afternoon on Sunday that produced a bit of rain.  This is an event not to miss.  Where else can one get so close and explore this piece of living history.  Also at this event, one could donate to support the museum and register for rides on some of the armored personnel vehicles.  I understand there was a helicopter ride one could sign up for as well but with the price of fuel, I imagine it was expensive.

Remember, it’s “The Tank Farm”, Nokesville, Virginia.  Check it out.  You can also check it out online at: www.VMMV.org Your support is appreciated.

The next event I will report on is: “The Russian Mosaic Festival” at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, Sept. 19th.

Mikhail Andreyevich Vishnevsky

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Comments

4 responses to “News from the Front – Tank Farm Event – 2010”

  1. Bill Donegan Avatar
    Bill Donegan

    Misha,

    I am glad that you got to ride in the tanks that Jim and I got prettied up. We spent lot of time scraping and sanding so that they could be painted.

    Bill Donegan

  2. Misha Avatar
    Misha

    Thank you, Bill. I can see all the work that went into many of these vehicles. And much more work is needed on some others. Please share with us how the Tank Museum can get the personnel to do so and how one goes about this. I noticed some need additional work on the inside as well. I wish I lived a bit closer and had far less commitments than I do. I have 10 years of experience as a mechanic (tanks included) and I am an expert sand blaster as well. This would be right up my alley.

    This was a wonderful event. What makes things like this even more fun for me is my better half is such a trooper with me and my hobby. Hey Jim! There is a feature article for you…The Dedicated Spouse and her Reenactor. Hmmm, maybe we should think about that one. Let’s kick it around gentlemen.

    An event like this is a no brainer for the family when you see kids eyes light up around all this hardware and they see the reenactors. The vets enjoy it too because it gives them a chance to look back and share some stories with the public and their fellow veterans.

    One thing I forgot to mention in this story was the radio controlled tank battles…1/16 scale of course. This gave many of the kids ideas about asking their parents for one of these. Folks, these models are cost prohibitive and I wouldn’t classify them as toys either but an upscale hobby like radio controlled planes. There are, however, entry level items that are more affordable and less likely to get a parent upset if it breaks. You or your child can talk it over with Santa or any other holiday savior like the better half! I know what can happen if you fail to mention a new acquisition…oops! Remember, that’s “The Dedicated Spouse and her Reenactor”

  3. Bruce Oppenhagen Avatar
    Bruce Oppenhagen

    Here is a video made for the new museum using events from this year’s Open House. Check it out:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2vQmBIIvEI

  4. Yuri Drukarov Avatar
    Yuri Drukarov

    Hi all, I enjoyed the event. Loved the tanks and the people. Everyone was very nice and even though this was my first event with the unit everyone went out of their way to be welcoming to me. Thanks!!

    Yuri

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