Sorry I haven't posted or shared much since I joined. It's been a busy fall, which included a trip to England for two weeks, during which the unquestionable highlight of the trip (and maybe my life!
) was the Tiger Day festivities at the Bovington Tank Museum over an entire weekend in mid September. I sprang for the premium package for my partner and me (where they also include 6 hours of tours, lectures, meals, and "tank cuddling" as the museum director put it), which was expensive but worth it IMO. Tiger Day itself was great, but packed with people and quite a scene. Seeing Tiger 131 running was just awesome, but I only wish it ran longer, and that they would at least have turned the turret!But it was the next day when we had the premium tour that was truly special. It was a small group of only about 20-25 people, and we had almost the whole museum to ourselves as it was a Sunday and not many visitors. Actually getting to clamber onto Tiger 131 and look inside, as well as a Panther, Panzer III and other vehicles was just amazing. And we had virtually all the mechanics there to answer our questions, as well as a lecture/Q&A with the legendary Mike Hayton and the museum director Richard Smith. And the food was pretty good too!
But maybe the highlight of highlights was totally unexpected. When we first arrived for Tiger Day, I was ecstatic to see a beautiful Stug III sitting out in the Arena, because, well, it's my favorite all time AFV (I won't call it a tank, 'cuz it's not!). I was expecting it to be part of the show, and was really disappointed when it just sat there through the entire show. I think the only thing it did was act as a place for the announcer to put his water bottle!
I found out the next day from one of the mechanics that it was supposed to run, but it's engine was prone to overheating and so they decided not to chance it, plus it was on loan from a private owner. But, they told me they had to drive it back to the maintenance garage at some point that day. So, by flashing the prettiest smiles I could manage, combined with just shameless begging, I got them to agree to move it after we finished our lunch, so that I could run outside and see it driving and maybe get some video. Mike Hayton was instrumental in allowing this to happen, for which I will be eternally grateful. So, here's some video from that day, starting with my favorite one, the Stug!
One thing that struck me about Tiger 131, and also the Panzer III and Stug, was how quiet it was. I was expecting a roaring rumbling deafening sound, and though it's not exactly soft, it's nowhere near as loud as some of the British tanks like the Churchill. It is a smooth sound, almost purring, with just a touch of deep rumbling, but most of the noise seems to come from the tracks. Compare that to the Matilda, Churchill, even the Comet, all of which are loud and noisy, basically what I was expecting from the Tiger. Another thing I noticed was almost no obvious exhaust smoke from the Tiger (and the other German tanks)! What little there was quickly dissipates and most of the time it's invisible. The tracks do kick up some dust, but you can tell by the color it's not smoke. Also, there is heat distortion above the exhausts, but it's almost colorless. Hmmm, might make you rethink all those smoker units on those Tigers, huh? Once again compare that to the British tanks, which give off copious amounts of visible exhaust. I'm no expert, but is it because of the engines and fuel types? The Germans used gasoline/petrol, while the British (and Soviets) used diesel. I've always thought of diesels as noisy, smelly, and loud!
Anyway, hope you enjoy. I had a blast and will never forget the experience.
I've got some projects in progress, so hope to post some build threads soon.
I believe 131's engine was rebuilt relatively recently; but I'll have to check that. 
