Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Share #1 Posted April 29, 2011 "The Tank Museum" at Bovington, Dorset, UK, is generally regarded as having the world's finest collection of historic armoured vehicles of all nations. Many of the exhibits are unique in that they are the only remaining examples anywhere in the world. For example, the "tank" as we know it was invented here and so "Little Willie", the world's first functioning tank, is fittingly preserved here...as is the world's only running Tiger 1. A recent re-development has meant that all the exhibits are now housed indoors, unlike Aberdeen PG in the US where many prize exhibits are exposed to the elements and are sadly slowly deteriorating with the passage of time. My visit to the museum was a package entitled "The Tank Experience", a private, whole day visit which included a guided tour of the exhibits, a behind-the-scenes look at current workshop projects, riding in various tanks and, the highlight, driving them around the ranges! The following pictures will, I hope, convey the flavour of the day. Obviously, as a British museum, many of the exhibits are of British origin. However, as this is a US forum I've included largely American vehicles, though some will be in British markings. Captions will be added as necessary for additional info. Arrival! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #2 Posted April 29, 2011 The new entrance and viewing tower overlooking the arena. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted April 29, 2011 Current attractions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted April 29, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted April 29, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted April 29, 2011 A rusty M4 hull. Nothing is wasted. Such hulls are cannibalised for spare parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted April 29, 2011 A British Sherman Firefly seen from the viewing gallery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #8 Posted April 29, 2011 "Little Willie", the world's first tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corpsmancollector Posted April 29, 2011 Share #9 Posted April 29, 2011 Fantastic stuff Ian, how was it driving around in one of those mean machines?! (I'm sure there will be pictures in due course) I visited Bovington last June for their annual 'Tankfest' which is an amazing event. It's great to see old WWII armour flying around the viewing arena and kicking up dust in the June heat! Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #10 Posted April 29, 2011 A British Mark 1. I went inside this one. It must have been a nightmare experience being a crewman! Exposed engine...the heat...the fumes..the noise...plus being shot at! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted April 29, 2011 The world's only running Tiger 1...captured in Tunisia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #12 Posted April 29, 2011 A Sherman DD with floatation-screen erected. Deployed with mixed success on D-Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #13 Posted April 29, 2011 M24 Chaffee light tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #14 Posted April 29, 2011 M3A1 half-track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #15 Posted April 29, 2011 Achilles Tank Destroyer. A US M-10 re-armed with a British 17 pounder...the equivalent to the German 88mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #16 Posted April 29, 2011 The first Sherman (an M4A1) supplied to Britain under Lend-Lease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #17 Posted April 29, 2011 Early Shermans featured fixed Cal.30 MGs in the glacis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #18 Posted April 29, 2011 Turret casting detail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #19 Posted April 29, 2011 76mm Sherman HVSS. I rode around the arena in this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #20 Posted April 29, 2011 Crossing an Engineer bridge...on dry land! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #21 Posted April 29, 2011 Self in commander's cupola. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #22 Posted April 29, 2011 Vehicles in storage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #23 Posted April 29, 2011 Ex- Canadian Army M113 APC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #24 Posted April 29, 2011 M113 engine compartment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted April 29, 2011 Author Share #25 Posted April 29, 2011 US Army M113 APC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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