jumpwings Posted May 17, 2012 Share #226 Posted May 17, 2012 I'm just sitting here pondering, I mean, it's interesting that the OP is on about getting out the box, trying something different than the usual airborne, and yet it's turned round to be about stuff that's definitely lodged in the box... :w00t: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 17, 2012 Author Share #227 Posted May 17, 2012 To begin with I was berating the plethora of wannabe 101/506ers which seem to populate most UK shows at the moment...and apparently it's a similar story in the US too? However, I don't have any issues with the properly organised airborne reenactor groups who've clearly demonstrated their proficiency and dedication here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAAA Posted May 17, 2012 Share #228 Posted May 17, 2012 To begin with I was berating the plethora of wannabe 101/506ers which seem to populate most UK shows at the moment...and apparently it's a similar story in the US too? However, I don't have any issues with the properly organised airborne reenactor groups who've clearly demonstrated their proficiency and dedication here. I concur Ian A very good thread started up by yourself which has opened up the debate in regards to one of the most popular impressions out there, the 101st Airborne and the Airborne in general, but I guess the question can be opened up to all Specialist and Elite Forces impressions, they are of course the most done units in the hobby and that may be because the majority of those doing it could not aspire to do it for real but can just choose the patch and the uniform off the shelf and go away and do it. Of course I personally have no problems at all in this, its not real after all. Like all debates and subjects they evolve with every post and this one has too and it has come around to a very positive conclusion and that is if you are going to do a popular impression, do the very best you can, let those who don’t get on with it, bring the younger lads on board if you can and use your imagination to improve individually or as a group, either doing the subject matter or any other unit you may move onto as ones imagination runs wild. I think it is safe to say all of us in the hobby have a very vivid imagination after all Regards to all Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveS44 Posted May 17, 2012 Share #229 Posted May 17, 2012 After reading 12 pages on this topic, I don't think I want to get into reenacting anymore. Some of the comments are kind of a turn off. The only people that notice that one is not wearing exact replica or period correct items are other reenactors or collectors. For that matter most people that go to see these events as spectators don't even notice the insignia on your shoulder. - Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 17, 2012 Author Share #230 Posted May 17, 2012 After reading 12 pages on this topic, I don't think I want to get into reenacting anymore. Some of the comments are kind of a turn off. The only people that notice that one is not wearing exact replica or period correct items are other reenactors or collectors. For that matter most people that go to see these events as spectators don't even notice the insignia on your shoulder. - Dave Most of these events have admission charges...potentially costly for the average mum, dad and two kids! Don't you think that reenactors have a moral obligation to put on as good a display as possible for these paying customers? To me, that means doing it as "right" as possible. Whether they recognize that your patch was made in Taiwan or not is neither here nor there, IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king802 Posted May 17, 2012 Share #231 Posted May 17, 2012 Most of these events have admission charges...potentially costly for the average mum, dad and two kids! Don't you think that reenactors have a moral obligation to put on as good a display as possible for these paying customers? To me, that means doing it as "right" as possible. Whether they recognize that your patch was made in Taiwan or not is neither here nor there, IMHO. :thumbsup: I quite agree. For the average family it's "entertainment" but should be educational and as historically correct as possible. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king802 Posted May 17, 2012 Share #232 Posted May 17, 2012 It won't come as a surprise to those that know me (considering my background) to learn that my 4 year old son is showing quite a keen interest in WW2 and the Army in general. Little boys ask questions and i don't want him to think that most 101st Airborne soldiers were over 40 and carrying excess weight around the waistline. It may just be a bit of fun to most but as a point of personal pride i would not wear a uniform of any branch of service without at least looking the part both in dress and physical shape. Each to their own, it is after all a Free world thanks to the very people we honour. I may add i'm not finger pointing - just my own thought's on the subject. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveS44 Posted May 17, 2012 Share #233 Posted May 17, 2012 Don't you think that reenactors have a moral obligation to put on as good a display as possible for these paying customers? Yes I agree. But to poke fun at someone because of their weight, age or say ummhuuuh & walk away because they are just starting out or don't have the money to have all the best stuff is not helpful either. Not everyone has the time to join a formal group. Be happy that they are helping to keep this hobby going & at least trying. You can offer pointers to the new guys or kids on how they could improve there get up. Otherwise new guys might be turned off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr01 Posted May 17, 2012 Share #234 Posted May 17, 2012 After reading 12 pages on this topic, I don't think I want to get into reenacting anymore. Some of the comments are kind of a turn off. The only people that notice that one is not wearing exact replica or period correct items are other reenactors or collectors. For that matter most people that go to see these events as spectators don't even notice the insignia on your shoulder. - Dave What a shame! Just by putting on a uniform you create an unforgettable impression for the youngest who might encounter you at an event. If you stoop to explain something to a child while in uniform you make a far greater impression than if you bent over in some baggy saggy shorts and gave everyone a far different impression. The guys I know who do impressions might be older than the norm but the impressions they provide are more important than what is perceived to be "age appropriate". If you have something to show and a story to tell then go ahead and do so in the way you originally intended. Seek advice if you choose but in the end the decision to do what you want is entirely yours alone and any ridicule should really be considered unsolicited advice. Good luck and I hope to see you at one of my airshows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAAA Posted May 17, 2012 Share #235 Posted May 17, 2012 I will be honest, I do not do this for the public, first and formost I do it for me and the Men and Women of the group I run, however if we are supporting an event and have made a comitment to the organisers you can bet we do our very best to represent the unit we have elected to represent to the best of our ability, be that Airborne, Special Forces, Armoured, line infantry, or REMF's No point in doing it otherwise. As for age, a whole different subject, but anyone who has been in the wrong place at the wrong time will know combat puts years on you and those fellows on the line in WWII sure look older than their teenage years. Personally the youngsters in the group keep me thinking young and while I can out march those half my age I think I will carry on for a while yet. Regards to all Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAAA Posted May 17, 2012 Share #236 Posted May 17, 2012 I will be honest, I do not do this for the public, first and formost I do it for me and the Men and Women of the group I run, however if we are supporting an event and have made a comitment to the organisers you can bet we do our very best to represent the unit we have elected to represent to the best of our ability, be that Airborne, Special Forces, Armoured, line infantry, or REMF's No point in doing it otherwise. As for age, a whole different subject, but anyone who has been in the wrong place at the wrong time will know combat puts years on you and those fellows on the line in WWII sure look older than their teenage years. Personally the youngsters in the group keep me thinking young and while I can out march those half my age I think I will carry on for a while yet. Regards to all Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cco23i Posted May 17, 2012 Share #237 Posted May 17, 2012 Heck you guys can always be stylish like us ground crews! Thanks to Doug Monce and Miss Amanda Lee for the photo! See we can't even look good in our coveralls so we have to hang around starletts! :thumbsup: Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr01 Posted May 18, 2012 Share #238 Posted May 18, 2012 Heck you guys can always be stylish like us ground crews! Thanks to Doug Monce and Miss Amanda Lee for the photo! See we can't even look good in our coveralls so we have to hang around starletts! :thumbsup: Scott Is it my imagination or does she look wooden......or maybe even cardboard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrely Posted May 18, 2012 Share #239 Posted May 18, 2012 But to poke fun at someone because of their weight, age or say ummhuuuh & walk away because they are just starting out or don't have the money to have all the best stuff is not helpful either. This has been brought up before on several forums - there are just different reasons that groups reenact. Some are there for interaction with the public, and to 'preserve history'. Some are there to 'bust caps'. Some are there for a deeper understanding of historical experiences for their own right, and to 'live history' in at least some small way. And all of these groups are a valid addition to the community. All are thrown in to the same general environment and given the same constraints, but you can instantly tell which group a given event favors. It isn't anyone else's place to argue that a given group is ruining the entire hobby, but perhaps it can be said that their presence at certain types of events can greatly detract if the rest of those involved would rather go at things a different way. None are wrong, but to play devil's advocate there are just as many people who might be turned off by a group with an emphasis only on shooting blanks or setting up perfectly manicured displays as opposed to getting minute details correct. In other words, if someone is so unmotivated to reenact for one reason or another that they allow a single individual to turn them off from the hobby, perhaps 'reenacting' in it's many incarnations just isn't for them. Your mileage may vary... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumpwings Posted May 18, 2012 Share #240 Posted May 18, 2012 To begin with I was berating the plethora of wannabe 101/506ers which seem to populate most UK shows at the moment...and apparently it's a similar story in the US too? However, I don't have any issues with the properly organised airborne reenactor groups who've clearly demonstrated their proficiency and dedication here. Ye said: "Why can't WW2 re-enactors see beyond the 101st Airborne?! Seems that virtually every show I attend is over-populated with wannabe paratroopers ranging in age from 10 > 70!! Are we still in the grips of "Band of Brothers" fever?! Is it down to the convenient "off the shelf" availability of almost everything you need to dress up as a D-Day paratrooper?" Then I guess hinted at the "off the shelf thing", and "90% is repro", but no mention of "serious groups" or such like... Ye then said: "I felt/feel like saying "There was more to the US Army in WW2 than paratroopers!" Where are the armored troops...the regular infantry...medic detachments...artillerymen...signals etc. I could go on, but you catch my drift? I don't know about the reenacting scene in the US, but I daresay the airborne is probably at risk of becoming over-represented there too? So, come on guys...a little more originality...please? Thank you!" So yer main thrust was the plethora airborne re-enactors, and I've concluded it in my last post according to the OP... But seeing as it's developed into that, what is the difference between a squeaky clean all the gear which is repro re-enactor, or a squeaky clean all the gear is original re-enactor? Both have to have big chequebooks... Personally, the repro guy will more than likely be able to accurately display as it was in combat, all dirty, scruffy, and unkempt, unlike the parade ground impression one tends to do wi original gear, and understandably so, I mean, it is original, right, so ye'd be really silly (and disrespectful as we all claim to not be) and slightly "naughty"? Some people would say all that original gear belongs in a museum, some would say that it deserves to be shown - I'd agree (and agree with both BTW), but inevitably it get's shown by a bunch of auld fat, men pretending that they are still young, fit, and in prime physical condition (and has a special beer belly disappearing mirror)... Sorry, I don't get this looking down ones noses at those whom we deem as lowly scum who deserve nothing but contempt, "serious re-enactor" gimme a break, that excuse is used to justify being a snob, meanwhile still playing at soldiers ... In reality though...They are all "wannabe" 101st/506 ers... Sorry for my "armchair re-enactor" soapbox... I'll do some catchy up now... :thumbsup: :w00t: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumpwings Posted May 18, 2012 Share #241 Posted May 18, 2012 I will be honest, I do not do this for the public, first and formost I do it for me and the Men and Women of the group I run, however if we are supporting an event and have made a comitment to the organisers you can bet we do our very best to represent the unit we have elected to represent to the best of our ability, be that Airborne, Special Forces, Armoured, line infantry, or REMF's No point in doing it otherwise. As for age, a whole different subject, but anyone who has been in the wrong place at the wrong time will know combat puts years on you and those fellows on the line in WWII sure look older than their teenage years. Personally the youngsters in the group keep me thinking young and while I can out march those half my age I think I will carry on for a while yet. Regards to all Lee I have to say there's only 1% I have to slightly disagree on: "those fellows on the line in WWII sure look older than their teenage years" but it didn't put beer bellies, or tentage under the chins, grey hair, or make their hair fall out... But apart from that, I agree with everything and think it's well put :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lengruesser Posted May 18, 2012 Share #242 Posted May 18, 2012 Liberation Festival Pilsen 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cco23i Posted May 18, 2012 Share #243 Posted May 18, 2012 Is it my imagination or does she look wooden......or maybe even cardboard? Oh NO she don't look cardboard! It might be the lighting and such it was overcast that day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share #244 Posted May 18, 2012 Liberation Festival Pilsen 2012 Is that a real "Ma Deuce"?! Heavy piece of kit to hand over to the ladies! :pinch: Nicely re-created scene. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumpwings Posted May 18, 2012 Share #245 Posted May 18, 2012 Here's another one (show some imagination ... Please), please, can people do other than K rations... The amount of folk asking if I can do them a K ration is hurtful>... :think: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darktrooper Posted May 18, 2012 Share #246 Posted May 18, 2012 An "out of the box" generic infantry or airborne impression is fine with me, as a STARTING POINT. It's up to the individual to take the initiative to research a specific unit that strikes their fancy or a unit to take the initiative to actively recruit/ train/ educate to bring him into the fold. I.e. you have a guy who comes out to an event and really doesnt have a unit to fall in with, and is just hanging by himself, a unit (any unit could be the grave diggers for an example) it would behoove a unit to take him under their wing, who knows he may join! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share #247 Posted May 18, 2012 An assortment of individual impressions at "Flying Legends 2011". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share #248 Posted May 18, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share #249 Posted May 18, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share #250 Posted May 18, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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