ba64
Private
"Boris"
Posts: 53
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Post by ba64 on Jun 25, 2008 15:31:01 GMT -5
I as a Russian Armored Car owner from Wisconsin would like to know how many military vehicles both soft skinned and armored are out there in airsoft land. If you have a vehicle or are working on one, please sound off. I would like to start a list of owners and the vehicles home bases. It would be nice if we could start to rally all the military vehicles for national airsoft events.
Troy
BA-64, owner/driver
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Jun 27, 2008 9:42:02 GMT -5
Well since you include works in progress, there will soon be a Kooblekar replica finished for the 3rd Pz Gr as you are already aware. I hope before August 08. It should sport an AEG MG-34 so it will be for more than carting around the big-shots.  Also, since you include works in progress - we've contracted with a successful tank designer for a 3/4 scale full steel and metal tracked replica of a German Hetzer. It will have a Chevy drive train, 45-mph cross-country ability, and both a remote controlled MG-42 and Nerf Rocket main gun when finished. It will be four tons of combat capable Airsoft fun. Estimated delivery in under one year. Look for this at next summers events. |
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant 
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 28, 2008 13:14:14 GMT -5
I've always said the Hetzer would be an ideal German weapon system. Small size, badass looking and quite capable. I am very excited to see the progress on this addition. Very cool!
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Post by m5a11943 on Aug 4, 2008 8:07:39 GMT -5
This is something I am working on for us. I am a member of the 70th Tank Batt.
and they are thinking about including us in an event. One thing I suggested is
I will get one of those 50's from "Killbucket" to mount on one of the vehicles.
I'm also working on the axis end by contacting the 2nd Panzer.
It's just a matter of getting our foot in the door.
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Post by nieb15 on Aug 9, 2008 2:02:45 GMT -5
I'm currently working on getting the funds and base parts for either a Willy's Jeep, or a VW Kublewagon. I haven't decided yet. If I get enough funds (if a few more people join in), I might even build a halftrack. I'm going to be using a go kart for the base. Not one of those cheap ones, ones like this cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L10858916.jpg. Either that or a Utilty Vehicle like this www.schmidtandclark.com/Yamaha-Rhino-ATV/Yamaha-Rhino-ATV.jpg. I may even go the complete custom route and start from scratch. My original plans for the halftrack called for two old snowmobiles (same model of course) and take the drive systems from both of them for the rear. So we'll see what I decide to do. Money is the problem. |
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Post by m5a11943 on Aug 13, 2008 8:18:42 GMT -5
This is where common sense comes into play. Why spend your own money and waste so much time. The vehicles are out there and the people who have them want to use them.
Find them and talk to them. Get involved in there events and they will want to do the same for you. I'm asked by the 70th when and where. As long as it does not interfer with their events or we could work in conjunction with their events, it's a real possiblity.
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Post by bluecrabofpain on Aug 13, 2008 20:42:31 GMT -5
WALKING STUKA!!!!!!!  I'm sure it could work... somehow. |
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Post by Jager.Drü on Aug 18, 2008 21:00:57 GMT -5
This is where common sense comes into play. Why spend your own money and waste so much time. The vehicles are out there and the people who have them want to use them. Find them and talk to them. Get involved in there events and they will want to do the same for you. I'm asked by the 70th when and where. As long as it does not interfer with their events or we could work in conjunction with their events, it's a real possiblity. The thing is a lot of military vehicle owners don't want their stuff shot by bbs or generally used roughly. Tracked vehicles owners even more so, as they are just a pain to get a trailer to move and the gas to run them. There are a few people like Schmitty. He brings his stuff out. Almost every event something happens to it where it gets broken some how. |
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ba64
Private
"Boris"
Posts: 53
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Post by ba64 on Aug 19, 2008 17:23:16 GMT -5
As of right now we have had a WW 2 re-enactor bring his Willy's jeep to one of our MOA events. WW 2 vehicles do add a nice touch to our events here in WI. As for BBs marking the paint..OH YES! My BA-64 Russian Amored Car is full of little round scuff marks, but then my BA-64 is no show car, it's a rut in the mud and run over small trees kind of car. I will be going down to Rockfor,IL. this Sept. 27th for the Midway Village WW 2 Event and check with some of the re-enactors I fall in with. The 2nd Panzer will be there and a friend of a friend who has a US Weapons Carrier. Last thing to touch on is the cost of hauling ones vehicle.
I just had my BA-64 down in Indiana for a event and tolls are more then double when you have a trailer, gas per mile isn't great when pulling and some fields want a cert.of insurance. But it's all worth it when the first Pak-38 round fired misses you and you can charge the Pak with your turret gunner sweeping the gun crewbefore they can reload.
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Aug 20, 2008 18:08:05 GMT -5
Since you include works in progress - we've contracted with a successful tank designer for a 3/4 scale full steel and metal tracked replica of a German Hetzer. It will have a Chevy drive train, 45-mph cross-country ability, and both a remote controlled MG-42 and Nerf Rocket main gun when finished. It will be four tons of combat capable Airsoft fun. Estimated delivery in under one year. Look for this at next summers events. As some know and others will learn this project is dead in the water because the tank designer (AKA Will Foster) is unreliable and has dropped off the face of the planet. He also stiffed me and other players and didn't keep his promised engagement with us for August 08. So be it. I'm able to deal with it. Plan B is in full effect with another builder and this one is close enough to keep my eye on. Plus I can help. I might just learn something. Cool. A German Armored Car is in the planning stages. Too early to tell when yet but I'll post progress here. UPDATE - Will and I have communicated about his no show and he is very sorry and plans to attend the next event instead and is proceeding at length on the Sdkfz 250/1 design. I'll see what he comes up with and maybe this plan won't be scrapped. I'm a sucker for someone who admits they are in the wrong. ba64 - your contibutions are much appreciated and hopefully at your October event folks will recognize your efforts with generous donations for gas and tolls. ;D |
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Post by sir veilance on Oct 8, 2008 18:23:57 GMT -5
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Post by sir veilance on Oct 8, 2008 18:49:10 GMT -5
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Post by 9thsshohenstaufen on Oct 9, 2008 12:57:16 GMT -5
This is where common sense comes into play. Why spend your own money and waste so much time. The vehicles are out there and the people who have them want to use them. Find them and talk to them. Get involved in there events and they will want to do the same for you. I'm asked by the 70th when and where. As long as it does not interfer with their events or we could work in conjunction with their events, it's a real possiblity. The thing is a lot of military vehicle owners don't want their stuff shot by bbs or generally used roughly. Tracked vehicles owners even more so, as they are just a pain to get a trailer to move and the gas to run them. There are a few people like Schmitty. He brings his stuff out. Almost every event something happens to it where it gets broken some how. I can tell you this, from being in a vehicle-intensive blank fire unit, vehicles are a MAJOR commitment in terms of time and cost. Sure, we'd love to bring our stuff out to every event we do, but, that is just not practical or realistic. First off, before a big piece ever gets near a field, it requires hours upon hours of maintenance and preperation. Fluids need to be checked, engines needs to be inspected, weapons test fired, minor repairs fixed, electrical gremlins chased down, etc. Then, one needs to figure out the logistics of getting it to and from the playfield. For things like halftracks, stugs, and tanks, that means a Low Boy. So, you better be familiar with setting up a shipping contract, and having the money necessary to pay for this. Then, plan on building an extra day before and after each event into you "event time" for the transportation time needed. So, instead of heading out to that weekend event on Friday, plan on taking Thursday off as well, and the following Monday. (Can't transport big loads in some state on Sundays). Now, go to where the vehicle is stored. Hope the trucker shows up on time (they almost never do). Load the vehicle on the bed. Secure it down. Secure all gear that may be lost in the transport (schurtzen, stuff hanging off the side like tow cables, etc.) Now, race up to the event site, wait for trucker, hoping they can find the place (as they are usually remote), and that he can get in and out of the area. Unsecure the vehicle. Unload vehicle. Set up pickup time with trucker, and hope he remembers how to find you again. Set vehicle up, hooking up gas lines, test firing weapon, replacing all the picks, shovels, shurtzen, etc that you had to take off for over-road transport. Fix things that need attention (something always does). Double check again all fluids and such. ONLY NOW can you begin to start feeling like you are at the event by setting up your camp, changing into your kit, etc. During the morning of the event, plan on waking up extra early, to again, prep the vehicle. Make sure it starts, test fire guns again, etc. Go out, have fun. Hope to God that the vehicle does not break down, and that no one is stupid around it and that you don't accidently hit anyone or anything with it. Armor is an a-hole magnet, and will attract every wanna-be Dick Winter and Rolf Steiner looking for their moment in the sun by taking out an enemy vehicle. Hope to God they remember not to get too close and that you don't hurt them. Ok, now that the event is over, you can relax. Well, sort of. Unhook all gas lines, stow things away, make sure things are covered and secured. The next day, while everyone is breaking camp and heading home, you are prepping the vehicle for transport. All the cool stuff that makes if look good has to again come off, and be secured. After that, if you can move heavy stuff on Sundays, you are then stuck waiting for the trucker, who is almost always late. Otherwise, you get to hang out an extra day and night for Monday. Now, when you really can relax and hang out, everyone is already gone. Ok, whenever the trucker arrives, now you have to re-load the vehicle, and lash it down. Drive to where the vehicle is stowed, unhook everything, and unload the vehicle. Pay the trucker (always a pain, especially with diesel at around $4 a gallon). Then, secure the vehicle for when you can get back to it and attend to whatever things need to be fixed or looked at (there is always something). Then, drive to your house, and start to post-event unpack/shower/eat/collapse routine. So, as you can see, having been doing this for a few years, getting a vehicle bigger then a jeep/kubel out to an event is a big undertaking, and quite costly as well. Easily, you can expect to spend 2 to 3 times more cumulative time then the average "got my gear in my Honda" partipant does with regards to attending an event, and many many more dollars as well. Please don't take this as a rant: Its not. It is merely an attempt to shed some understanding as to what it takes to get a piece in the field. Its not easy, its not cheap, and its something that the faint of heart should try and do. So, the next time you wonder why more vehicles are not showing up for events, think a little bit as to what all is involved in making that happen. Its not that guys who own this stuff don't want to take it out and play: Its just that the logistics, when you are doing it from a hobbyist perspective, are enormous. |
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Post by sir veilance on Oct 12, 2008 15:14:05 GMT -5
"If I were a rich man....part 3!!!!" www.mortarinvestments.eu/vehicle.php?id=130I wonder how much shipping would be from the Czech Republic  The same place just sold a T-34/85 for around $50,000  That's cheaper than some of those gross SUV's!! But I guess if you really wanted a T-34 you could convert a Tiger I to look like one ;D |
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Post by zzs8mm on Oct 27, 2008 1:11:12 GMT -5
www.milweb.net has a bunch. Not sure if anybody has been to the site before.
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ba64
Private
"Boris"
Posts: 53
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Post by ba64 on Oct 29, 2008 14:27:07 GMT -5
Armored vehicles in airsoft are a lot of fun and we proved it at Autumn Advance. Vehicles trading shots at each other and anti-tank gunners on foot made for a challenging event The down side... both vehicles suffered damage, but then this is combat. My BA-64 armored car had it's headlight taken out by a tank round and the tank lost a boggy wheel to a bent axle. Still it was a great day of chasing infantry around. I hope to see more vehicles and larger games.
Troy
aka: Boris
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Post by 101airborne on Nov 7, 2008 16:00:40 GMT -5
I really wish we could use full scale replica vehicles ex. Tigers. But the thing is a full scale Tiger is HUGE, it would be the same size as a real tank. But most airsoft fields would not be big enough to use a real scale tank, it would be hard to drive without hurting someone. Trees would need to be cut down, but it would be fun!!!
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Post by Rock of the Marne on Nov 7, 2008 16:51:14 GMT -5
im gonna be Mr. Obvious here. find a bigger field to play on lol jkjk i do think any armored vehicle would be awesome to have on the field. how about a Plane loaded with a coupl .30s that would be awesome
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Post by 101airborne on Nov 8, 2008 15:49:33 GMT -5
I always would love to see half scale tanks, half tracks, and jeeps rolling down the road. Bundle it up with anti tank troopers and more, you have one of the best airsoft games ever!
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ba64
Private
"Boris"
Posts: 53
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Post by ba64 on Dec 17, 2008 18:34:31 GMT -5
This last weekend (Dec.14) I helped haul a 41 Ford truck from MN. to WI. to become a German WW 2 troop truck. The WI. fleet is growing! A little bit of a side note: on this trip to MN. we came across a 222 German Armored Car project that has stalled out. It's a home built hull sitting on too small a frame and the owner has done no work on it in the last 4 years. If I didn't already have a Russian Armored Car...this 222 would be a great project!
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Post by zbear on Dec 19, 2008 14:44:23 GMT -5
Is the 222 for sale?
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 19, 2008 15:34:21 GMT -5
Yeah it is for sale actually. He wants $3,000 for it. He doesn't feel he'll ever get it finished. Here are two pictures. You'd be buying the shell. The frame and engine would be better off used differently. Build a frame to match the shell and put the engine in the back.    |
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 19, 2008 16:41:12 GMT -5
What is fabricated out of? It appears to be sheet metal which of course would be fine. With these types of projects the body is the easy part. That hard part is hooking up steering. pedals, brakes, seating and electrical etc. so the thing actually works. It looks quite good and would be awesome of course.
Probably should be on a four wheel drive frame with large off road wheels. Why do you suggest rear engine?
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Post by kilroy9thss on Dec 19, 2008 21:55:10 GMT -5
its to tall the shell its self would need to be rezised smaller but nothing some cutting and welding wouldnt finish
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ba64
Private
"Boris"
Posts: 53
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Post by ba64 on Dec 22, 2008 13:19:13 GMT -5
The originals had the engine in the rear. With the engine up front, there is no room for the drivers legs and the driver would have to be moved way back off of the driver's windows. Yes, it's welded steel about 1/8th inch thick.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Dec 22, 2008 13:34:27 GMT -5
Perhaps a VW bus chassis.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 22, 2008 18:13:41 GMT -5
I think with oversized tires and wheels the scale would actually look quite nice and it wouldn't look too tall at all. A VW bus unfortuately had a tub rather than a chassis which would vreate challenges requiring quite a bit of reinfocement however you would also have the advatnage of air cooling which would eliminate the problem of radiating the vehicle and all that plumbing.
This would be an awesome project to see someone finish.
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 22, 2008 19:18:13 GMT -5
Our planned solution in MOA is to use a stout 4x4 frame with tubular steel add-ons welded where they need to be to support the shell we end up building. I want a thicker shell in spots like the front end and the fenders but otherwise the 1/8" steel used in the one shown is thick enough. I had considered his shell but it needs work and he priced me out of my offer. Plus, I'm thinking my fabricator will do new construction economically. We'll see. <fingers crossed>. I might copy the dimensions pretty closely as I can't tell it from the real thing. I think with a wider wheel base and a slight change to how the shell is mounted on the frame, it would pass muster. Certainly so for lowly airsoft. (Of course I am kidding). My powerplant will be a full-bodied American V-8 with plenty of umphh and it will be mounted on the rear chassis. A VW engine would not be powerful enough. Plus you need power for the 4-wheel drive, and power for a motorized turret. I've been told the real one was hand crank but I figure motorized is better for our needs figuring shorter engagement distances and the need to turn the turret more often. It will be a simple two button controller on a cable. Left or right, and then POW-POW-POW. Arghhhg! ;D
Anyhow ours is still on the drawing boards but parts and equipment are being acquired and work begins this winter.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 22, 2008 21:59:59 GMT -5
I agree that you'll want/ need more power than is afforded from a VW van but I doubt a V8 is essential since the armor is of course not legitimate from a weight perspective. I agree that unlike an earlier comment I think visually this guys dimensions are pretty accurate. I''ll be surprised if you can get a comporable effort fabricated for any less than the $3K but with a supportive enthusiast who has the skill you probably can.
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Post by kilroy9thss on Dec 22, 2008 22:29:17 GMT -5
our 222 is mad with a vw bus along with our new one we r working on, right length has the engin in the back already so u wouldnt have to work to hard puts out alot of power. bus would be the way to go in easy and accuracy, and i dont think putting wheels on that would help just not the right dimensions
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That's cheaper than some of those gross SUV's!!
