Private Tank Museum (1 Viewer)

Peter Reuss

Peter Reuss

2nd Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 22, 2005
Messages
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"We received some pics from Chris McKenna - I include them here ...


"Toured Jaques Littlefields private tank collection in Palo Alto
California this weekend. Thought you might like the pics of his
personal collection. All I really know about the guy is that he likes
tanks and he's got some bucks. The private collection sits on his
"farm" which is a 500 acre parcel in the Bay Area.
Just the land, and where its located in the Bay area is a statement in
itself. Its one thing to collect the scale model or toy and put it in
your living room.
Its a whole different world to see it, touch it, and know the story behind
it.

Take Care
Chris McKenna


Tank Tour 047.jpg

Tank Tour 049.jpg

Tank Tour 039.jpg

Tank Tour 012.jpg

Tank Tour 034.jpg
 
I'd love to see that some day, I see the StUG and it reminded me of an AFV magazine, I believe it was # 60 or 61. it had an story about a series of knocked out STUG's sitting on the Syrian border where they were knocked out by the Israely defense force during the last conflict. Apparently the Syrians were still using them. What a great restoration project!
Ray
 
That's unbelieveable. I've heard about this collection but can you imagine having your own Matilda? Ahhhhh, from my lips to God's ears (Pete acting as intermediary, of course).
 
Amazing stuff, I recall seeing a documentary about this guy on tv last year.
 
MORE MORE MORE MORE...get the idea. Can I have some more please:)
 
Just curious, does anyone have a remote idea of what it might cost to own any of these babies........Love that MATILDA.....Michael
 
maddadicus said:
Just curious, does anyone have a remote idea of what it might cost to own any of these babies........Love that MATILDA.....Michael
Click to expand...

At one stage you could pick up ex military vehicles for a song but I fear those days are over, especially those from WWII. I got to meet the owners of this museum some years ago: http://www.hwy.com.au/~milmuse/main_Exhibits.html

The museum is well known in Australia but I suspect it's rather low key compared to some of the big collections in the US and UK, but they do have some rare Aussie stuff. They have a very rare flame thrower Matilda, make em an offer they can't refuse :)

Edit: But be quick as it may become a Buy it Now item, it is retired you know.
 
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These are great pics.I too saw the programme about this museum,vey interesting.Really like that Stug and Matilda which looks exactly the same as the one at the IWM.I love that camo scheme and had to buy K&C's Matilda.

Rob
 
Wonder how he acquired these and in what shape they were acquired because they appear to be in fantastic condition.
 
Hello all:

Yes this collection is overwhelming to see. All of his pieces are restored as much as possible to original condition. Littlefield has I think 6 full time mechanics, in 3 full size shop bays, who work on restoring his pieces. When I was there they were working on restoring a Panther tank and I think they were a couple of years into it and 2 million in cost. The level of resortation detail is amazing, they were even putting cloth electrical wiring into that Panther.

As far as cost on the tanks themselves they claim they arent that expensive because they have to be restored. But it costs between 10k & 20k just to container and ship them to Palo Alto. Then you have to hire a lowboy from the dock and have it dropped off. Im sure the logistic details of finally getting the piece to Palo Alto are a real pain.


If you would like to see more pics send me your email and I'll shoot some to ya.

Take Care
MCKENNA
 
Cheers Chris:

Was this the museum visit organized by Sierra Toy Soldiers? If so, I will have to check and see if they will do this again in the coming months. I imagine there is a proving grounds/obstacle course/track there for vehicle demonstrations? Thank you for sharing the pictures which I enjoyed very much.

Tally Ho,
Beaufighter
 
Beaufighter

Glad you liked the pictures dude. The trip was organized by Sierra. He does have somewhat of a proving ground there but he doesnt really operate too many tanks out there. All of the tanks and vehicles are kept in a warehouse and stored without fuel. This is done for restoration purposes to prevent corrosion and what not. So when he wants to fire something up, he has to have a whole team of mechanics go down there and fuel, oil, and grease it in order to get it to start.

Take Care
MCKENNA




Beaufighter said:
Cheers Chris:

Was this the museum visit organized by Sierra Toy Soldiers? If so, I will have to check and see if they will do this again in the coming months. I imagine there is a proving grounds/obstacle course/track there for vehicle demonstrations? Thank you for sharing the pictures which I enjoyed very much.

Tally Ho,
Beaufighter
Click to expand...
 
There is some talk that these little visits are going to be a thing of the past. There is to be one more show and that will be it, due to the owners advanced age.
 
What a shame. I will make a point of really trying to make the next one when & if it happens. Thanks for the "Heads Up."

Beaufighter
 
Im pretty sure Vampire could be right. I heard that Littlefiled has a pretty serious bout of cancer. I wouldnt miss the next tour if you have your heart set on it.

See you at the Westcoaster

MCKENNA
 
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