Militracks 2013!

[Ferry_vO]

Only two months to go until the next Militracks event here in the Netherlands, so lets start a thread for those interested!

What's Militracks?


Militracks is a great event for everybody interested in military technology of World War II. At Militracks, mainly German Sd.Kfz. vehicles are in the spotlights during two great days (9AM-5PM). A wide range of motorbikes, transporters, command cars, together with halftracks and tanks are on display during this weekend. Even better, they drive around on the 1-mile circuit around the war museum of Overloon. And you can drive along! A unique happening!

When's Militracks?

May 18th and 19th 2013.

Where's Militracks?

The Liberty park, Overloon, the Netherlands. Not too far from Venlo and close to Belgium and Germany if anyone from those countries is interested!

What's the price?

12 Euro at the entrance, but tickets can be bought online for 10.50 through their facebook page.

For that you'll get access to the park and also to the museum with an impressive collection of over 350 vehicles!

Taking a ride on one of the vehicles will set you back 5 euro for a kettenkrad or bike, 20 for a half-track or 50 for a tank.

For more information, keep an eye on their website: http://militracks.nl/militracks-18-en-19-mei-2013/
and their facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Militracks-SdKfz-event/101081073382928

What you missed last year:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7684.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7738.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7751.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7810.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7812.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7992.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_8056.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_8039.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7770.jpg

And if you are interested in vintage military stuff, there will be about 100 stands where you can spend a lot of money!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks2012/IMG_7672.jpg

One tip: Be there early! No parking anywhere near the museum so expect a bit of a stroll to get there.
Last year I went on Saturday, and it was quite crowded.

I will be there this year, as will hopefully be some other members. Lets use this thread to pick the best day!

[Jagdflieger]

Ferry,

I'd love to join you at Militracks 2013. Too bad it's 5,000 miles (8,000 Kilometers) from me!

I do want to get over for the Arnhem (Market Garden) festivities one of these years and while the events are at different times, it sure would be fun to get to both of 'em.

[Ferry_vO]

I do want to get over for the Arnhem (Market Garden) festivities one of these years and while the events are at different times, it sure would be fun to get to both of 'em.

If you do come over, let me know. As you may know I live right around the corner...

[Daveroo]

man id love to go to that show...i started buy the magazine "Military Machines international" just because of the coverage of militracks....and i dream of seeing the museum someday...they have one of the best softskin collections in the world i think..

ferry can i rent your bat tube to sleep in?? :icon_eek:


and were you able to see the ..16? was it Kettenkrads all together last year?.....that must have been something...

[Ferry_vO]

Sorry Dave, I only have a shower... :icon_lol:

They had about twenty kettenkrads there, and sixteen made the record attempt. Quite impressive to see, but hearing, seeing, and feeling the T-34 roaring through the forests was much more impressive to me.

[robcap]

Ferry,

I'm thinking to go 19-5.
I have a party on saturday, have to be there in time.
I'm sure sunday is no problem. Let's see what the other guys do.

Cheers, Rob

[brad kaste]

I wouldn't mind riding in anyone of the military vehicles shown above. But, if I could chose only one,...it would be the Russian T-34 tank. Hands down!
(Great photos posted!)

[Daveroo]

im a retired plumber and it seems i cant spell bath tub......gosh oh mighty....as i said before i dream of that place....i wish i was a gazilionair ...id offer them a bazzillion dollars to buy the entire american collection and bring it to my Museum...



ack

[Francois]

Am planning to visit on Sunday 19th......... on the motorbike if nice weather :-)

[Francois]

Oh I forgot: WONDERFUL photos Ferry !

[Ferry_vO]

Rob, Francois: I would prefer Sunday as well. :)

Francois: Thanks! Hopefully we both can take a few more this year! Had to do a bit of climbing to get to some locations but I'm sure that will be no problem on your motorcycle boots. ;)

[robcap]

Good, that's 3 of us already, and it seems Sunday is the day!
It's fixed in my agenda now, see you then.

R.

[Francois]

I now have special boots for such occasions..... that I can ride AND walk with ! :icon_lol: CATERPILLAR !

[robcap]

:bump:
Soooooo.....
Who's joining us then?

Cheers, R.

[Francois]

IF it is nice weather, Nina will........ :eek:

[Ferry_vO]

:bump:
Soooooo.....
Who's joining us then?

Cheers, R.

Sadly not a lot of feedback or confirmations Rob..

There is now a list of what's to see, maybe this will get more people to come..:

Operational:

BMW R75
BMW R12
Bussin NAG
DKW RT100
DKW NZ350
Ford Maultier
Ford V 3000S
Horch 901 Typ 40
Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer
Kettenkrad
Kübelwagen
Opel Allrad mit Werkstattkoffer
Opel Blitz Feuerwehrwagen
Opel Blitz Werkstattwagen
Opel Olympia
Schwimmwagen
Schwimmwagen Trippel
Sd.Kfz. 250
Sd.Kfz. 251
Steyer 2000A
Stöwer mit LW-Anlassanhänger und Aggregat
T34
VW Käfer
Wanderer Typ 40
Zugmaschine 1-T
Zugmaschine 5-T
Zugmaschine 8-T
Zündapp DBK 250
Zündapp KS750

*** Needless to say that some of these will be available in larger numbers than one only! ***


On static display:

Opel Blitz Werkstattwagen
Renault FT-17
Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper sWS
Stromaggregat Junkers
Stromaggregat Phänomen
Stromaggregat VW
and possibly our Panther!

http://www.militracks.nl/deelnemende-voertuigen/

[Francois]

Only illness can keep me from turning up there...... so fingers crossed :-) Impressive list !

[Jagdflieger]

I wish I was going. Have fun and be sure to post some photos for us.

[Ferry_vO]

Don't worry Dave! I'm sure that between Francois and myself we'll take more than a few photos that day, especially if the weather's as good as it was last year...

[robcap]

:bump::bump:
Bumpetiebump

E-tickets are on my disk ready to be printed tomorrow.
I'm coming with my son, a friend and his son.
We'll see each other there, I guess, and maybe some more people.

Cheers, Rob

[Francois]

E-tickets? Where do I get those !?

[robcap]

http://militracks.nl/militracks-tickets/

You even get a discount ;-)

R.

[Francois]

Tops! Printed !

and.... <blush>.... Ferry mentioned it in his original post already. I forgot ......

See ya Sunday !

[Ferry_vO]

Bring an umbrella...... The weather's showing little signs of improvement over the weekend unfortunately..!

Still going though, wouldn't want to miss it!

As for the others: I know Ome Joop (André) was interested, as was Cees Donker and Warrant but I haven't heard from them in a while.

[Francois]

I'll have my motorcycle rain gear, Nina has an umbrella..... we'll manage :-) See you on Sunday !

[Daveroo]

well ya know..if someone paid for my airline ticket..and accpted my luggage at their home from UPS or Fedex ( with the high cost of traveling with luggae these days ya need ship em to your destiation first now)and pay my way in to militracks and ofcourse feeds me..and heck..wipes my chin too.....

ill go.........:blind:



PICS please gentlemen...

[Francois]

:icon_lol:

Yes, I'm afraid you'll have to settle for pictures ;-)

[Ferry_vO]

Weather forecast improving a lot for Sunday!

[Francois]

Here's hoping ! :applause:

[Jagdflieger]

good luck with the weather guys! I hope the sun shines on you and all those tracked vehicles.

Remember to get some good photos for us poor people that couldn't attend.

[Daveroo]

a little mud wont be bad....keep the dust down and make those tracked rigs more fun...keep the small kublewagans in check eh?

[Ferry_vO]

Just a short summary: The weather was just perfect today, not a sinlge cloud! Yesterday it was raining and it will be raining again tomorrow so we were extremely Lucky today. The attending vehicles were pretty much the same as last year, just a few new additions. Now for some photos!

Kettenkrad:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4480_zps5401be75.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4480_zps5401be75.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4577_zps8dfd6d92.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4577_zps8dfd6d92.jpg.html)

Sd.Kfz.250:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4489_zps9bbd0561.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4489_zps9bbd0561.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4642_zps6b89eb54.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4642_zps6b89eb54.jpg.html)

Sd.Kfz.251:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4639_zpsc8e2d006.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4639_zpsc8e2d006.jpg.html)

Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer (A real WW2 one, not a post-war Swiss one.):

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4604_zpsb1113c63.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4604_zpsb1113c63.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4767_zps995d4d98.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4767_zps995d4d98.jpg.html)

Sd.Kfz.7:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4496_zps0cd99ec2.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4496_zps0cd99ec2.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4638_zps25b23f1d.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4638_zps25b23f1d.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4657_zps9a77f530.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4657_zps9a77f530.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4705_zpsce337e4a.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4705_zpsce337e4a.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4719_20_21_tonemapped_zps9d896994.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4719_20_21_tonemapped_zps9d896994.jpg.html)

[Ferry_vO]

Demag D7 (Sd.Kfz.10):

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4558_zpsf7fcf98f.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4558_zpsf7fcf98f.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4574_zps5feb69fa.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4574_zps5feb69fa.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4588_zpsd51d9dec.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4588_zpsd51d9dec.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4664_zps3d421f46.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4664_zps3d421f46.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4779_zpsb832418e.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4779_zpsb832418e.jpg.html)

Opel Blitz:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4533_zps244b58f3.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4533_zps244b58f3.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4609_zps4ece8b7c.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4609_zps4ece8b7c.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4782_zps7b53a544.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4782_zps7b53a544.jpg.html)

Stoewer Kfz.2; this one was found in the 'Falaise pocket' area and the nose is still in the Original paint:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4553_zpse5c93f6c.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4553_zpse5c93f6c.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4596_zps49e62f86.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4596_zps49e62f86.jpg.html)

[Ferry_vO]

Horch 901; here the driver's door is still in the orginal colours:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4631_zps1bbf92cf.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4631_zps1bbf92cf.jpg.html)

Ford Maultier:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4645_zps588ee315.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4645_zps588ee315.jpg.html)

Austrian Steyr:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4648_zpsce5a55fa.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4648_zpsce5a55fa.jpg.html)

The museum's Leopard A1:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4652_zpsefb8de07.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4652_zpsefb8de07.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4853_zps17f5c6c6.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4853_zps17f5c6c6.jpg.html)

German army bicycles:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4729_zps71af13f6.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4729_zps71af13f6.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4728_zps9a4e2603.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4728_zps9a4e2603.jpg.html)

BMW and Zundapp bikes with sidecars:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4689_zpsde129349.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4689_zpsde129349.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4737_zpse27c7a1c.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4737_zpse27c7a1c.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4838_zpsb84c08db.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4838_zpsb84c08db.jpg.html)

[Ferry_vO]

The museum's Panther tank, back in it's original colours and moved outside just for this event:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4743_zpsc21b7545.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4743_zpsc21b7545.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4755_6_7_tonemapped_zps588d4350.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4755_6_7_tonemapped_zps588d4350.jpg.html)

Here's how it looked back in '44 after it was disabled by British PIAT anti-tank weapons:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4744_zps5bce8418.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4744_zps5bce8418.jpg.html)

Want to buy old WW2 stuff? There was plenty of that at the market!:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4793_zps438eb9e9.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4793_zps438eb9e9.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4798_zps5c970027.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4798_zps5c970027.jpg.html)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4792_zpse9c55c15.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4792_zpse9c55c15.jpg.html)

Original 'Dora' railroad gun shell in the museum:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4812_zps97cb4121.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4812_zps97cb4121.jpg.html)

Another new addition to the museum's collection, an IDF Super Sherman:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4860_zpsf906be60.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4860_zpsf906be60.jpg.html)

This T-34 didn't drive today unfortunately:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4825_zpsa7db53a9.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4825_zpsa7db53a9.jpg.html)

[Ferry_vO]

And one last photo, with a question for the tank experts: What is it..? Not a Pershing, Walker Bulldog or Chaffee I think but I can't find what it is, and no signs around to give me the answer..:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Ferror/Militracks_2013/IMG_4855_zps21e44e90.jpg~original (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/Ferror/media/Militracks_2013/IMG_4855_zps21e44e90.jpg.html)

[robcap]

Nice pics Ferry, it was a nice day, and nice seeing you and Francois again:jump:

[Jagdflieger]

Wow!!!!

Great photos and thanks for sharing. That museum is on my list of places to go.

That last photo is of an M-18 "Hellcat" tank destroyer. A fast, but lightly armored vehicle with a high velocity 76mm main gun. Reputed to be one of the fastest armored fighting vehicles ever.

Hellcat link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M18_Hellcat

I'm surprised that the vehicle crews did not dress up authentically. It is quite popular here in the States for reenacting clubs to dress up and portray soldiers from our Revolutionary War, Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish American Wars as well as the 20th Century conflicts. It's most fun to watch them and often you can shoot blank cannon shells through their ordnance.

[Ferry_vO]

Thanks for the answer Dave! Interesting to read the Hellcat is powered by an R-975 radial engine.
Most of the vehicles driving around came from Germany and I don't think they would like (Or even be allowed!) to dress up like WW2 german soldiers.. Spectators aren't allowed to wear German gear either.

It is a great museum with a large (300+) vehicle collection, but most are allied vehicles. The armour driven around this weekend all came from other museums and private collectors around Europe. There's the Panther and a pair of 34's, but there are no German half-tracks in their collection.

[stiz]

love the tits or wheels sign, so true! :icon_lol:

[Francois]

It is specifically forbidden to wear German uniforms and gear on this event. Maybe not so obvious to our American brethren, but even after 70 years AND with neo-nazi groups still GROWING here in Europe, things are very much sensitive in that respect.

Seeing all the wonderfully restored equipment drive around with a bunch of tourity-clad visitors on top is indeed a bummer for us military types ..... :kilroy:

[Ferry_vO]

Well, there's the 'Santa Fe' event late June that has the focus on the Allied/American side of WW2 with reenactments of course!

[Francois]

Yup, AND a few others I am sure.......wish I had more time and money :-) Oh, and Nina decided that I definitely am NOT going to buy that Willys front to start my own jeep.......

[Ferry_vO]

I MIGHT go to the Santa Fe event, as it is the last weekend of my summer holiday, but I also will attend an event surrounding the closure of the MLM on Saturday as I got an invitation from an ex-volunteer to go visit.
Last year they drove that Hellcat tank during the Santa Fe event, and also an M3.

[VinFlyer]

Very nice photo-report. Shame I couldn't make it this year, hopefully next time.

[Francois]

While I am still wrestling through my 680 photos, first reports start appearing on Youtube already..... http://youtu.be/BstTpbPKZ9c

http://youtu.be/P3BcjsSvlzc (http://youtu.be/BstTpbPKZ9c)

[Jagdflieger]

Ferry and Francois,

Thanks for the answer on my question. I suspected the same even before I asked it. I understand the sensitivities of Europeans, but the fully restored vehicles with authentic markings just beg to have a similarly dressed crew.

At any rate, love the photos and I wish that I could have been there! I hope to get to Europe again later this year and I want to put the Netherlands on the schedule If I can, I will shoot you guys a PM and hopefully we can hoist your best dutch brew and talk about "Sonderkraft Farhzeuge mit Ketten und gepanzerte Kampfwagen."

By the way, perhaps 20 years ago, while on leave visiting my parents in Western Colorado, we were driving on Interstate 70 between the small towns of Debeque and Parachute and there was a SdKfz 251 parked in the sage desert with no one about just north of the highway. It wasn't painted authentically, but was camouflaged none the less. It was in the middle of nowhere. I never could figure that one out.

[Francois]

Since we were talking about this a while ago........ http://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/dambusters-celebration-hijacked-by-nazis-outrage-as-visitors-to-wwii-remembrance-event-defy-ban-on-ss-uniforms.html