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PANTHER TO STAR AT TANKFEST 2019

Discussion in 'Armor and Armored Fighting Vehicles' started by PzJgr, Mar 28, 2019.

  1. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

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    Oh if I would live back in the UK

    A Second World War Panther tank will be appearing at TANKFEST 2019 for the first time, thanks to the French Tank Museum and World of Tanks.

    [​IMG]


    The 50 ton German war machine is part of the collection at the Musée des Blindés in Saumur. The restoration of the Panther and its transportation across the Channel has been generously funded by TANKFEST sponsors, World of Tanks.

    It’s the second time The Tank Museum’s French counterparts have demonstrated a highlight from their collection at TANKFEST, following the appearance of the French Char B1 last year under a similar arrangement.

    Museum Director Richard Smith said; “The Panther is an exceptionally important vehicle from the Second World War and it will make a fantastic addition to our arena displays at TANKFEST.

    “This will be the first time a Panther has run at TANKFEST and there are currently no other running examples in the UK, so this presents enthusiasts with a fantastic opportunity to see one in action.

    “Transporting such a large vehicle this distance is quite an undertaking, so we would like to thank our French counter parts and our sponsors World of Tanks for making this possible.”

    The Panther is to be joined by The Tank Museum’s own running armour and other guest vehicles at the spectacular June 2019 event. These will include a T-34 and Sherman Firefly – the Panther's key Allied adversaries.

    Find out more about TANKFEST and buy your TANKFEST tickets here.
     
  2. Carronade

    Carronade Ace

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    Didn't Hitler say that in 1940?? ;)

    <yes I know there were no Panthers in 1940.....>
     
  3. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    That'll look nice alongside the Gibb Jagdpanther.
    Might have to pop along.
    (They're doing a second one too. Workshop Blog | Jagdpanther Tank Kent | WW1 Tank Collection )

    I think maybe four Panthers currently under UK running restoration, though that might be including the JP... not sure.
    ATS's job for the Aussies at AAAM.
    Mr W seems to be moving on with one, & has mentioned that there's another three on the 'to do' list.
    Mind's gone blank on the others... Maybe we'll see a Zug again, possibly even just from The Wheatcroft Collection.

    Capture.JPG
     
  4. Takao

    Takao Ace

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    4 Tigers!!!!!
     
  5. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    He's long been collecting bits.
    A much-missed 2T member was even involved in archive work to pinpoint where fragments might be, while sworn to public secrecy..

    Only from piecing together past comments & pictures, but I suspect the four consists of two of each type, unless he's found JT or porsche bits somewhere. (Any Tigger would raise the 6 survivors by a significant percentage, but a running P would be another level.).

    Cannot imagine the work involved, though. As the impression really was of fragments.


    Only seen a Jagdpanther run.
    That Saumur visitor has really got me thinking.
    Missed the Bov Tiger exhibition.
    Missed the Tortoise & St. Chamond.
    Time to see some moving tanks again...
     
  6. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

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    I've been following the Wheatcroft Collection on FB and they have been scouring Europe for those Tiger parts.
     
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  7. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    This is what they had to deal with:

     
  8. Takao

    Takao Ace

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    I had heard that they had bits and pieces of 2 King Tigers, but the 2 Tiger 1s are news to me.

    Let alone, that the restoration process on all 4 is underway.
     
  9. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    This looks to be the Panther Ausf. A which Saumur provided for the 2014 commemorations at the Falaise Gap....

    [​IMG]

    ...I must say that the idea of seeing it in motion is tempting.
     
  10. Takao

    Takao Ace

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    Very tempting!
     
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  11. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    Oh, yes ... for looks, sound and charisma it's rather the Porsche 917 of WW2 armour.......:cool:
     
  12. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

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  13. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    Remember the Panther's odd ausf sequence, Ike:
    D, A, G.
     
  14. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

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    Got it. Them Germans always making things difficult
    :salute:
     
  15. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

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    That Panther running down the street, I wonder if it jarred some old guy's memories?
     
  16. Takao

    Takao Ace

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    I've only had the pleasure of seeing running "ersatz" German armor...Tiger-34, replica Stug, and Czech 251. Have yet to see some of the real stuff. Running german armor is few and far between here on the US east coast.
     
  17. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

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    That is what kinda sucks Takao. Also I wasted time visiting castle/Roman ruins when I lived in Germany instead of visiting all of the WWII sites or digging up my cache of unused, tightly sealed crate full of MP40s or Knights crosses.
     
  18. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    Was a time I'd have recommended a trip to Beltring for what was probably the best/widest selection of running armour in the entire world, but it appears to be a shadow of itself now.
    Tankfest at Bov probably holds the crown now. Followed by the Frenchies that are sending this Panther over, though they've a fair few unique machines too.

    Was discussing best we'd seen with a mate the other day. After musing between Jgpzr IV, 38t, Tigger & Jagdpanther for their sheer 'bloody hell, that's unusual' value, I eventually chose seeing Bov's original WW1 mk IV lumbering about years ago. Truly unique, and now over 100 years old.

    Aware how lucky we are to have Bovington. Might go down over Easter if it's open.
     
  19. George Patton

    George Patton Canadian Refugee

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    Visit Canada. I may know a guy.....

    *insert von Poop screeching here*
     
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  20. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    Gah.

    It's true, though. He probably does know a guy.
    May day coming up.
    Go North, old men.
     

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