Steve 82 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 (edited) Last weekend, I managed to break from my work in the Arabian Gulf and spent a glorious weekend in the capitol of Oman – Muscat. While reading through the tourist information in the hotel, I came across a mention of the Sultan`s Armed Forces Museum. Frankly, the write-up was very brief (I had not discovered their web page at that time) and, my expectations not too great. How wrong I was. The following is therefore a short report on my visit including, some typical images of the outdoor exhibits (the internal displays are of similar quality). Hope you find it informative and of interest. The museum is conveniently located, just off Bayt-Al-Falaj Street in Ruwi District (one of the main N-S highways running through the City) and, easy to access by taxi or personal car. Oman is very civilised for driving – generally quiet roads and well-behaved drivers! Passing through a brief security check, we made the short drive to the car park and pulled-up next to the Ferret `gate guard` before walking up to the reception hall. Even the museum building itself has its own history. The structure was originally an operational fort (Bayt-Al-Falaj Fort) which, due to its importance eventually became the army HQ. As with all good defensive positions designed to resist siege, the fort even has its own water supply direct from the nearby mountains ! Paying the nominal entry fee, we were warmly welcomed and assigned our guide for the visit - Staff Sgt Youseff. He is a former helicopter crew-member and, knowledgeable museum guide who patiently answered all my questions throughout our time there. The museum indoor displays trace Oman`s military – and indeed countries history from Persian Empire times through to the present day. Many graphical displays / maps, weapons (blade / firearms), uniforms, equipment and model dioramas are spread-out through the numerous rooms leading off the main corridoors. Due to the extent of the larger museum items ( the vehicles, aircraft, small ships and, full size dioramas), the `hardware` is by necessity located out of doors. The weather was a bit hot (45 degrees C) at the time of the visit, but nothing that a good sun hat would not cure. If you can chose your timing however, then I would recommend the cooler season October–March and, allow at least 2 hours - probably closer to 3hrs, to take everything - in. The outdoor display area is very attractive with lots of leafy shrubs and cover. The exhibits themselves are quite large and the authorities clearly went to a lot of effort to restore and transport them to this location. The exhibits fall into the following categories: · Army and Royal Guard : the emphasis is 1960`s and onwards – with a heavy bias to British-equipment. Notably, the Royal Guard exhibits and the Sultan`s Limo`s have special sun covers ! The displays also include several full-sized dioramas with an army of manequins in current uniforms. All dioramas are fully accessible / walk through and include a fighting position, two different command posts and artillery battery`s. · Royal Air Force : The aircraft selection is more international - though again, with a strong British influence. · Royal Navy : This included 2 vessels – a wooden dhow-type vessel (not unlike the current fishing vessels in the region) and, a very recent looking surface-surface missile boat. I did enjoy climbing aboard and looking over what appeared to be quite modern weaponary and systems Finishing-off the tour, we made our way back to the reception area, where we engaged in some interesting conversation with the other serving staff members – plus of course the customary visit to the souvenir shop ! As I found-out when leaving, the museum has a modest web page ( www.safmuseum.gov.om ), and I suggest you check on that for further information. Overall therefore, a very nice quality museum into which a lot of thought and effort has been invested – both in terms of setting-up and maintaining. If you visit Muscat and, you want to find out more about Oman`s history - then a visit to the Sultan`s Armed Forces Museum will not disappoint. Cheers Steve 82 Saladin Ferret Armoured Car Chieftan Bedford ? Mk III - Desert Mk III Ambulance LR Mk III Fire Tender Land Cruiser Landy half-track - front Landy half-track – side Armoured Car Edited August 22, 2011 by Steve 82 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve 82 Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 (edited) Part 2 Iltis FC soft-top I want one of these for doing the shopping…..Panhard VBL The Sultan`s Limos Command Post – External Command post (one of the rooms) Battery Bell Beaver Hunter Strikemaster Provost T Mk52 Skyvan -1 Skyvan – 2 Skyvan – 3 Edited August 21, 2011 by Steve 82 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve 82 Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Part 3 Ship - Front Ship – Rear 1 Ship – Rear 2 Bofors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretfixer Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Great Photos Steve, thanks for sharing. I wasnt aware of this Museum at all! This post was particularly interesting for me, as My father was Seconded to the Sultans Forces during the Sixties. I particularly liked the Photo of the Saladin! Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike65 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Aero trainer Great pics, thanks for posting. This looks like a Percival Provost to me. Did they use it under a different name? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve 82 Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Hi Mike, Just checked my pics of the internal displays and I think this aircraft was described as a Provost T Mk52. Cheers, Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recymech66 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Superb photos thanks for posting, a couple of my mates are posted there at the moment on loan service. Hope in the next few years I'll be able to get the job out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin craig Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 The Saxon variant appears to have the driving position reversed from what I recall in the UK usage. Cana anyone comment to that? The Centaur half track is very interesting as only a handful of those exist. The Land Rovers appear to be based on Pinkies but are lacking some kit, wonder what a more detailed set of pics would reveal, i'm wondering if they were left behind by MOD? The 101 Ambulance reminds me of the Santana version of the same vehicle. Nice museum when you consider the size of the country. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevpol Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Very nice piccys, interesting museum! Never seen landlocked ships before. Can I have the landrovers please? Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recymech66 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 The Saxon variant appears to have the driving position reversed from what I recall in the UK usage. Cana anyone comment to that? The Centaur half track is very interesting as only a handful of those exist. The Land Rovers appear to be based on Pinkies but are lacking some kit, wonder what a more detailed set of pics would reveal, i'm wondering if they were left behind by MOD? The 101 Ambulance reminds me of the Santana version of the same vehicle. Nice museum when you consider the size of the country. R Yes the UK spec Saxon driving position is on the right side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Part 2 I want one of these for doing the shopping…..Panhard VBL Me too !!!! I guess it can be deemed a mid sized hatch back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike65 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Me too !!!! I guess it can be deemed a mid sized hatch back? 2 doors so good be a sports model. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I love the land-locked corvette(?) with the MM38s on the stern ... Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berna2vm Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I like it all ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
challenger Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Steve, I will try this! Don't suppose you can remember if the Chieftain in the museum had the ridges in front of the Gunner's sight as circled in the picture. Not all of the Oman vehicles had them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon_M Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 I love the land-locked corvette(?) with the MM38s on the stern ... Andy When you said land-locked Corvette I was looking for a Chevrolet .... :shocked: Nice set of pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
challenger Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Just found another photograph and the answer is --- no it hasn't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 I love the land-locked corvette(?) with the MM38s on the stern ... Andy I was confused and thought of a Chevrolet like Gordon. It took me a while to figure it out. :blush: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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