Marmite!! Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 I have not been to Tankfest before; now don’t bite me head off, but.... Q. Tankfest, is this a strictly WW2/WW1 only event? A. Yes sorry no other time frames accepted at this event. Paul That's strange as there's mention of Korea & Land Rovers..:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGREDONE Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 That's strange as there's mention of Korea & Land Rovers..:confused: Perhaps I have not explained my comments correctly or how other may read them, so let me try and clarify a bit better……… As I said I have never been to Tankfest or even wish to go, I was using "Is this a strictly WW1/2 event" as an example and not stating the actual criteria for this show. I don’t know what the show entry criteria was. The impression I got from what I have read is if you are not prepared to wear the appropriate authentic gear or bring an appropriate vehicle you aint coming in. ie the Green Goddess incident. All im trying to say is there is plenty of room at shows for living history MV's (dresser ups) and non living history MV's (non dresser ups with their folding chairs alongside)…..isn’t there? and why should you be excluded if you dont dress up. My suggestion for question and answers that could be asked by the events organizer rather than a blanket “no correct attire/vehicle, no entry” stance so that every MV owner has the opportunity to attend and promote this fun hobby. ie Ok Mr Green Goddess, please come in as you have an interesting MV and we are sure that your vehicle will enhance the show, but please dont not park alongside the Screaming Eagles Battle of the Bulge display, which you would not do anyway, unless you wanted to hose them down of course because they are noisy buggers in the evening after they have a had a few drinks. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runflat Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 A couple or so observations: - If you want to be let in "for free", go through whatever entry procedure the show organiser sets out. That's not unreasonable. Don't expect to be let in just because you turn up on the day in something vaguely interesting. - I don't expect buses at truckfest. Similarly, I don't expect softskins and wheeled armour at Tankfest: as has been said before, the clue is in the name. Come to that, I don't epect living history people either. - That said, there has been a move by some promoters in the old vehicle world to create "something special" - Goodwood anyone? I don't blame TM for trying to do the same. In fact I applaud them in some respects. But seeing tanks goes round a dirt ring misses the mark somewhat and in my view denegrates what else they may be trying to do with the event. I don't think they have yet got the right formula. - I'd really like to see one of the major shows go out of their way to actively organise special exhibits of rare vehicles. Organisers of the big events should have enough contacts to be able to pull this off. For example, couldn't TM bring togther the world's collection of X tank for a weekend (like at painting retrospective at the National Gallery) - now that would really be a festival! Come on organisers, show some imagination! Not everyone sees the main attraction as people in fancy dress going "bang" at each other. - Is there still the end of season AWDC/MVT gathering at Bovvy? If not, consideration should be given to resurecting this relatively informal gathering as way of brokering relationships with the traditional MV movement. Being at a different time of year it would in no way undermine the 'main event'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 . - Is there still the end of season AWDC/MVT gathering at Bovvy? If not, consideration should be given to resurecting this relatively informal gathering as way of brokering relationships with the traditional MV movement. Being at a different time of year it would in no way undermine the 'main event'. :thumbsup:those were the days.:-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 - Is there still the end of season AWDC/MVT gathering at Bovvy? If not, consideration should be given to resurecting this relatively informal gathering as way of brokering relationships with the traditional MV movement. Being at a different time of year it would in no way undermine the 'main event'. I fondly remember those MVT End of Season events and the Saturday evening film shows and socialising in the Gauntlet resteraunt........good days. I used to ride my M20 down there for the weekend, about 180 miles each way :shake: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Pearson Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Oh dear, I think I am in trouble. I took my Valentine DD to Tankfest and did not realise there was such a strict dress code! I never wear any uniforms myself as I am not entitled to wear any. If I am driving anything where I personally am on show then I wear a black beret with a brass coloured button on it and I wear black civilian overalls. Do not get me wrong: I would not seek to try and dissuade anyone from dressing 'appropriately' but if it is compulsory then my tank does not go. Strangely, I have run into this ban before at other shows but when I have said "sorry, tank and I can't come then", the ban seems to disappear for some reason. I am sure that other owners of heavy armour have found this to be the case. The reenactors at Bovy were a great part of the show but I suspect that most people came to see the tanks and found the reenactors an interesting addition rather than the other way around. The show is intended to raise money and act as advertising to enable more restoration of the collection, better buildings etc. It is NOT a vehicle rally. I would have thought that anyone enquiring, booking in and turning up with armour of any type would have been welcomed (no matter what they wore?) as they would, in a small way improve the TANK part of the TANKFEST show. Sadly, the same cannot be said of another jeep, another landrover or another jimmy,hard though that may seem. By the way, I used to reenact before getting my tank but it was with the Sealed Knot so the reenactor/vehicle clash did not exist. By the way, my Valentine was a static exhibit only because it lost all oil pressure on the Friday and simple things did not fix it. Anyone got a spare GMC 6.71 engine or bits going cheap? (Or want to donate for a ride/drive?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyFowler Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Sorry to hear of your engine problem John ! I have enjoyed seeing your tank on numerous occasions ! Hope it is not too much grief to fix :sweat: ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNE15071965 Posted July 3, 2009 Author Share Posted July 3, 2009 John Your appearance in Black has never been a problem, and fits in fine with that Tank of yours. Too all the others, I came on hear to help get more of you into Bovington, but it seems your single minded, I wont change attitude will leave you as a paying customer if you come along. Tankfest is not an MV rally, it is a celebration of tank warfare and the history of the tank over last 90 years. One fact for you, the biggest crowd of the day is when the re-enactors do their mock battle, after which the public leave in there droves. This is why the reenactors where last on this year because in the past the British Army has been displaying to half empty showgrounds. One more thing 10,500 people came to Tankfest this year. 3000 more than last year, so the public like the format. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 JohnYour appearance in Black has never been a problem, and fits in fine with that Tank of yours. Too all the others, I came on hear to help get more of you into Bovington, but it seems your single minded, I wont change attitude will leave you as a paying customer if you come along. Tankfest is not an MV rally, it is a celebration of tank warfare and the history of the tank over last 90 years. One fact for you, the biggest crowd of the day is when the re-enactors do their mock battle, after which the public leave in there droves. This is why the reenactors where last on this year because in the past the British Army has been displaying to half empty showgrounds. One more thing 10,500 people came to Tankfest this year. 3000 more than last year, so the public like the format. I am sure we are all very gratefull for your efforts but i think the point your missing is we are not coming along.Judging by what you have said you had better have a mock battle every show if they leave in droves after ,it may tell you something,I cant believe you have just admitted if you had the battle earlier they would of left in droves,am i going barmy or am i missing something somebody help me out here:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyFowler Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Looks like next year to increase numbers the show should be called battle re-enactment fest then :nono:! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 Tankfest is not an MV rally, it is a celebration of tank warfare and the history of the tank over last 90 years. So why is it full of WW2 Reenactors:confused: CW am i going barmy No more than usual mate... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 Sounds like this is going to turn into the infamous WW2/Post war debate again. There seems to be some form of 'ownership' to certain shows - it was good then, we used to do this that and the other....and so on. We have all done it. But that was then, this is now. People seem to feel rejected by certain shows? Or that certain shows have 'grandfathers' rights to never change. Well life does change - we either change with it or we don't - we just sit back and moan.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 Whilst you are correct in relation to some shows Jack, I feel this is a little different. Anyone who turns up in a Green Goddess and objects to not being let in to Tankfest for free to drive round the arena is a bit naive in the least. It is a tank show and the people go to see the tanks. They may love a good battle but they do not care what colour underpants the Germans are wearing. This seems much more like the living history side trying to make the event their show with their rules. I do not feel, as some do, that living history and mv collecting are inextricably linked. I suppose like most things in life, it's getting the balance right! Like John, if I am told what I have to wear and that I will park my tank in that display etc, then I will not go. If I am asked nicely then maybe! :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 Sounds like this is going to turn into the infamous WW2/Post war debate again.. Don't think so Jack.. it just seems they are concentrating on a certain period & PW is being forgotten, don't forget that the TM has in it's collection vehicles up to the present day, so why focus on a certain period...:confused: This seems much more like the living history side trying to make the event their show with their rules. Looks that way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonsfotos Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 My feelings on this as a non-MV owner but as a 'punter'/photographer who this year has enjoyed his first visits to a few MV events are as follows. With the number of events around the country, surely reason states that there is a place or event for all types. If an organiser wishes to lay down rules for their own particular event then that is up to the organiser. If some don't like that then don't go. For my part, I went Tankfest to see the tanks - pretty self explanatory really being a tank event. The Living History part for me was a bonus and I really appreciated the trouble that the participants had gone to in their various scenarios. At other events yes there is a more relaxed attitude to 'dressing the part'. Fair enough. For a lot it seems simply owning and driving their vehicles, whatever they are, is their reason for being there and seeing so many lovingly cared for - and different - vehicles has made my first year on the scene a delight. It just seems a shame that because an organiser sets rules for their own event, that they get slagged off for it. From the listings in CMV and elsewhere, there are hundreds of events around the country for all types of MV and it seems that TF is being singled out when it isn't even strictly speaking an MV rally/event. I loved TF as there were many tanks in operation that I had never seen and for the trouble that they had gone to with the whole event. On the other hand, I also loved Overlord 2009 for different reasons, but then it was a totally different type of event - wonderful mix of vehicles and very friendly and laid back atmosphere. Well that's my two penn'orth to the debate as a 'spectator'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Can I clear a few things up. In the past the MVT and others have been made welcome to Tankfest. However now due to the limited display area, the organisers including me, have had to make some adjustments to the sorts of things coming to be displayed. The museum has taken the step to provide all it's tank crew with the correct coloured uniforms for the tanks they are driving, I don't think so, Sherman crew member wearing American jacket and helmet but with black trousers or coveralls and what appear to be modern British Army boots, smacks a bit of don't do as I do, do as I say. As the organisers of the show you are entitled to lay down ground rules, I have no problem with that, if I don't like the rules then I don't go but you and your crews must also adhere to these rules or your credibility goes straight out of the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoelH Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) Removed: - No Longer applicable. Edited July 5, 2009 by JoelH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Why black? every other bugger wears olive.I think its all pritty much by the way,the plane truth is as far as some of us older enthusiasts are concerned is,Yet again a lot of our money was spent on a project that turned out to be not what was expected.and if we had known beforehand we wouldnt of agreed with the plans or the money.This musuem is now a business where the public comes first not the exhibits,i understand the money has to be raised but what next a theme park,why not makes economic sense,dont forget when pandering to the public they get easilly bored and your going to have to come up with something new each year,Goose racing is good they had it at Military Mayhem the punters loved it,mind you make sure yours are properly dressed.Wish you luck anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Sounds like this is going to turn into the infamous WW2/Post war debate again. There seems to be some form of 'ownership' to certain shows - it was good then, we used to do this that and the other....and so on. We have all done it. But that was then, this is now. People seem to feel rejected by certain shows? Or that certain shows have 'grandfathers' rights to never change. Well life does change - we either change with it or we don't - we just sit back and moan.......... We mostly moan about the way you younger whipper snappers want to fix that which isnt broke.Not all change is for the better we have to fight it unless its proved to be of benefit.over 700 new laws passed all restrict your freedom of movement and ability to live a normal life.Dont forget to register your vehicle so it can leave the country on holliday. This Tank musuem debate is as far as i am concerened nothing like the ww2/post war debate,its a simple fact that this establishment has had a large amount of our money and has now become a business bit like football clubs of today.Now i know lots of us older members dont agree with what they have done with the money.i think our main objection is the way we are told what we can and cant do or photograph.Have what ever show you like what ever era you like but arrange it so it suits all mv owners if thats who you want to attend for free of course to support you. The way this was handled made me feel like i was back at school getting a rollicking from the Headmaster. This only goes to reinforce the fact that i have said for ages ,we had the best times and i will have to try and make a spell so you can come back with me Jack and see it for real.Imagine no repro Tents.ration packs or other kit,all proud we had the real thing bit of history. I have fond memories of Bovy,MVT.AWDC combined events as i am sure lots of members on here do.Theres as much chance of me returning as there is of getting in another helicoptor.:-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 when it isn't even strictly speaking an MV rally/event.! This is of course correct,my main objection is the dictatorial way we were informed as to there requirements.Glad you enjoyed it look forward to the photos.Cheers cw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Interesting points. I agree entirely with Adrian and Catweazle that there does not have to be a forced link between the two worlds of MV and LH. It morphs on it's own but they have to maintain their own momentum separately. A chap I know attended TF this year and he was a firm sketpic of LH and he loved what he saw. To me this was a success for the organisers. BUT, big BUT - he'll still be doing his own thing away from it. I don't believe in enforcing a 'never the twain' any more than I could support a full merger. Over my dead alternator. Variety rules 100% in terms of subject, event and attitude. That is what makes the military hobby world so cool to me. Nothing I've been involved in down the years has bettered it. That we can have a friendly adult debate says it all, despite the passions. I am reserving more concern in hearing that John can get the DD fixed. Having a ride in her is a memory I cherish. See you all soon. MB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I am reserving more concern in hearing that John can get the DD fixed. Having a ride in her is a memory I cherish. See you all soon. MB Snapper we are traveling down to bovington next weekend to try and get Johns DD running again hopfully will be moving at W&PBig Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Cheers Al - Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) [ So a jacket and a helmet make a correct uniform and you admit he was the best dressed:shocked: Personally I couldn't care less what they wear but to make statements that they are all wearing correct coloured kit and then be proved conclusively wrong!!! You have shot yourselves in the foot. A statement has been made that no repro kit is on show during the day, you cannot seriously believe this, much as the re-enactors try to use as much original kit as possible a lot of repro or converted kit is in use. Since the organisers appear to be living in cloud cuckoo land I see no purpose in prolonging this discussion and I won't post again on this subject. Edited July 5, 2009 by Degsy fb deleted his post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I think that the rules and regs as laid down by the tank museum are their's and their's alone, we can all judge at to where we go if we do not agree with some things. Living history can be very hard to get right in a lot of peoples eyes, be it lack of "real equipment" and the cost of sourcing this, so a compromise has to be made me thinks, and good luck to them all. I think that having a general discussion on the merits of this thread is good and should be in the same vein as all discussions we have here on the forum, hats off to the people for disclosing the information, I think we need to therefore cool down and continue the thread before things get personal. At the moment there are some good views and bad views, but that is life and everyone to their own (as they say) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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