Hello All
During last weeks tour of the Jacques Littlefield Tank Collection. They let me know that had finally given the German Panther its first test run. Mr. Littlefield and his amazing team have spent I think over 4 years and many millions of dollars, to restore this Panther back to its original condition.
This particular Panther was I believe discovered in a Polish River, where in the dead of winter the retreating Germans had to cross the river to avoid destruction from the Russians. They sent one tank across, the ice was not strong enough to hold it, so it sank into the mud. Having no heavy equipment and with the Russians in hot pursuit. They set charges and blew off the turret, to prevent the Russians capturing it.
The body of the tank lay there your many years covered in mud, being preserved. It was only in a drought that the local farmer whose land this river is on discovered the tank. It was pulled out and eventually sold.
Jacques heard about and was able to purchase it and bring back to the USA for restoration. Every part of the tank including the complete interior and wiring has been replaced or restored to its original factory condition.
The Turret has been built and is not yet finished but should be soon. So I cannot wait to see the finished item.
The following video is provided courtesy of Dave Smith who was lucky enough to be there.
German Panther Video
I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did.
Best regards,
Mike
Sierra Toy Soldier Company
During last weeks tour of the Jacques Littlefield Tank Collection. They let me know that had finally given the German Panther its first test run. Mr. Littlefield and his amazing team have spent I think over 4 years and many millions of dollars, to restore this Panther back to its original condition.
This particular Panther was I believe discovered in a Polish River, where in the dead of winter the retreating Germans had to cross the river to avoid destruction from the Russians. They sent one tank across, the ice was not strong enough to hold it, so it sank into the mud. Having no heavy equipment and with the Russians in hot pursuit. They set charges and blew off the turret, to prevent the Russians capturing it.
The body of the tank lay there your many years covered in mud, being preserved. It was only in a drought that the local farmer whose land this river is on discovered the tank. It was pulled out and eventually sold.
Jacques heard about and was able to purchase it and bring back to the USA for restoration. Every part of the tank including the complete interior and wiring has been replaced or restored to its original factory condition.
The Turret has been built and is not yet finished but should be soon. So I cannot wait to see the finished item.
The following video is provided courtesy of Dave Smith who was lucky enough to be there.
German Panther Video
I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did.
Best regards,
Mike
Sierra Toy Soldier Company
