2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Apr 8, 2016 12:20:02 GMT -5
This large annual living history event is coming up and sounds like something folks in the NE might want to support, participate in or at the very least attend. There is typically lots of great displays, armor and lots of folks in period impressions. Perhaps a WW2 airsoft presence could be arranged?
They have their own Facebook page for more info and contact information.
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Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
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Post by Jerry-ADK on Apr 8, 2016 14:26:51 GMT -5
I'm going to be there. It Should be very good. We are going to be digging a mortar pit and a machine gun position. We actually have a period mortar that fires homemade Nerf rounds using black powder that we will be using during the event. There will be a flame thrower demonstration as well as lots of armor. There will be a Hetzer and the Tiger from Saving Private Ryan there being driven around and used during the tactical display. Those are just 2 that I know of. Lots of other vehicles too, trucks, half tracks, jeeps, Kubels, pak guns....excetera If you live close don't miss out.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on May 14, 2016 14:44:29 GMT -5
A reminder that this event is coming up quickly! Would love it if a lot of our forum members attended this!
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Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
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Post by Jerry-ADK on May 27, 2016 22:33:41 GMT -5
Well, I thought I would give a quick report on this event which just happened last weekend. It was a total success for its first year and looks like with all the publicity we got this time, next year will be even bigger. All in all we had over 200 reenactors representing Germany, Great Briton and USA. There were 4 tanks, a Sherman, a Stuart, a Hetzer and a Tiger. The tiger was the one from the movie Saving Private Ryan. It was actually a T38 modified to look like a Tiger. But the Sherman and the Hetzer were both war time originals. I think the stuart was a modified tank too, not sure. There were many more vehicles as well, 2 German Ford troop trucks, a 1940 and a 41. 2 BMW motorcycles with side cars, a Kublewagon, several Jeeps, a Bren carrier, a 251 german halftrack, and a US halftrack. Most of these vehicles got lots of use over the weekend as you can see in the video I will link at the bottom. There were 4 working flamethrowers that we used to demonstrate flamethrower tactics. The public could also buy a ticket and fire the flamethrowers and have their picture taken. That seemed very unsafe to me, but no one got toasted. All in all a great encampment, lots of immersion and ambiance for the WW2 enthusiast in us all. One of the highlights of the weekend was when my whole infantry squad GR914(German) loaded into the 41 Ford and went out on the town of Orange Mass for ice cream. Believe me, we got some looks while driving through town singing Wenn die Soldaten! People really received us well and enjoyed the event. We had over 5000 visitors come through over the weekend. Public reenactment battles are quite a different expeirence than a airsoft skirmish as you can see from the video, they are short and intense. The scenario was slightly scripted as it is a show and certain areas are off limits because of Pyrotechnics or lumbering tanks rolling around. You wouldn't want to get squished or blown up for real! You can see me several times in the video of the 2nd battle. I am in the forward German position towards the end of the battle, I am the guy lighting the egg granade and throwing it, then a minute or so later the Brits charged us. You see me again running around with my rubber bayonet tackling a few Tommies. I also picked up about 3 guys in my unit who want to go to one of our airsoft games. I think it is helpful for airsofters to get into Blank Fire, I would recommend it to any of you who have not yet attended a BF event. Not only to try and get our hobby legitimized by the reenacting crowd, but because it is a awesome experience just being there. Massachusetts WWII Weekend VideoI will post some pics I took as soon as I can get them off my phone.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on May 28, 2016 20:35:46 GMT -5
Great footage! So glad at least one of our members participated. The vehicles weapons and assorted details were fantastic. Hopefully you made lots of great contacts.
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Post by iamthedevil on Jul 10, 2016 11:00:41 GMT -5
Ive been a memeber for awhile but i was there as one of the flamethrower instructors. I shot the german and us one as a marine. I had my bf mp40 in the main battle. Fun time sad for whoever missed out. Always collins foundation. Or next year
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