Role play scale tank driving ranges in the UK

[Jerry Carducci]

You’d think as large as this country is we would have something like this somewhere but no, sadly we don’t. At least not one well known and accessible to us ‘regular’ folks.

(Sniff )

Jerry

[Stephen White]

Really interesting, thought provoking ideas.

There's a huge gap between tooling around with our models on flat surfaces and an all-singing two sided battle re-enactment.

The latter is unachievable. I was fortunate to command the first British Army Opfor (Opposition Force) in Canada and we ran simulated combat training for exercising battle groups with direct fire laser simulation of weapons from small arms to tanks. Latterly, we also had a simulation of indirect fire, artillery etc. Nevertheless, you could never really make it a truly realistic all arms battle, although it was excellent, demanding training. To do it in one sixth is a very tall order indeed.

The problem with a lot of online games is the tendency to see tank v tank as realistic whereas real operations involve the action of surface, air, electronic etc. In other words, simulating all-arms battle is a huge challenge. Yes, you could have lots of bangs and make it look good but it would never simulate real combat, so why bother?

On the other hand, at an individual vehicle level, there is a lot you can do. Young tank commanders have to spend months learning how to move tactically across country, how to enter and leave a fire position, how to operate in built up areas, how to cross obstacles without getting shot, there is a host of tactical skills we could simulate and practice if you had the right terrain.

And it's horses for courses, by which I mean that tactics vary between nations and between historical periods and in different terrains. The way you operate in open country eg deserts, is very different to operating tactically in rolling hills or close wooded country.

At TankFest, we've tried (and largely failed) to create some terrain to make it possible to show tactical movement. A dedicated terrain would be a great asset to have and would really add a lot to our enjoyment.

I've got the low level armoured tactics manual for the British Army somewhere and would happily dig it out and post a few relevant bits if anyone were interested.

Good luck Tony, it's a great project to pursue.

[Charles A Stewart]

Hi folks.

I acknowledge that not everybody has access to an area of ground with which to allow their pride and joy to run free. We started developing this area during lockdown(2020) at the end our garden, it isn't massive but allows two, maybe three vehicles to run. The lumps and bumps are formed over rubble(the tip was closed ) from another DIY project.

The project has become a bit of a learning curve, both to establish wild flowers(triffids), keeping the running area clear and keep the grass mown. an idea of this can be seen here:-

I have attached a couple of photos to illustrate where we are presently(minus triffids).

Work has stopped due to the concrete nature of the ground we are all experiencing in the UK.

Once summer is back with us we will be happy to entertain(limited numbers though), like minded enthusiasts.

And yes Stephen, I for one would be very interested in your observations on Low Level Armour whatsits, please

Take care

Charles

[Tim Page]

That looks terrific Charles.
Id love to see a big cat in the snow photo if thats possible.

Cheers
Tim

[Peter Quambusch]

Hi Tim,

Different playground, but cats in the snow (of last winter)...

I have no clue, why they turn upside down...when you klick on them, they are correctly displayed....

[Marco Peter]

You rarely see snow in Australia!

[Tim Page]

Very nice Peter.
Many thanks for posting the pix
Cheers
Tim

[Charles A Stewart]

Hi Peter
Lovely photos in the snow.

I have found that a minor edit of the photo helps to keep them upright. For example a little "cropping" or "resizing". I had this issue when I first started on the forum, hope it helps.

Cheers
Charles

PS I am sure there is a link regarding this issue somewhere to.

[Jerry Carducci]

Hi Tim,

Different playground, but cats in the snow (of last winter)...20170107_125923.jpgIMG-20210208-WA0008.jpeg20210208_125713.jpg20210208_131215.jpg20210208_131255.jpg20210208_131349.jpg
I have no clue, why they turn upside down...when you klick on them, they are correctly displayed....

Peter never have run any of my models in the snow what are some of the issues or preparations you need to make to operate in the snow? Thank the gods it doesn't snow here in my part of California normally although temps below 0 aren't unknown in winter; one year it snowed sufficiently on the upper elevations of a local mountain that some folks were trying to ski and snowboard...

Jerry

[Peter Quambusch]

Hi Tim,

Different playground, but cats in the snow (of last winter)...20170107_125923.jpgIMG-20210208-WA0008.jpeg20210208_125713.jpg20210208_131215.jpg20210208_131255.jpg20210208_131349.jpg
I have no clue, why they turn upside down...when you klick on them, they are correctly displayed....

Peter never have run any of my models in the snow what are some of the issues or preparations you need to make to operate in the snow? Thank the gods it doesn't snow here in my part of California normally although temps below 0 aren't unknown in winter; one year it snowed sufficiently on the upper elevations of a local mountain that some folks were trying to ski and snowboard...

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

There are no special preparations necessary to run them in the snow. Getting them back inside is more of an issue, as the snow geting stuck in the drive gear, tracks etc. starts to melt inside.... and then you have the tanks standing in a little lake... Thus you should have a room with a "waterproof" floor.
However, if the snow is too deep, the tanks belly up and have to be recovered, like in real life.

Cheers
Peter

[Bryan Brown]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was advisable to leave the tank out for a while to become the same temperature as the outside this stopped the tracks being swamped/covered in snow as it was ran.

[Graham Ord]

see topic viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2909
Its in the Panzer IV section.
Graham Ord

[Gary Rafferty]

Hi Tony,

Count me in absolutely cracking idea, I'm in Essex so not to far for me to travel so an added bonus!

Cheers
Gary

[Robert Tanzer]

As you know Peter, you have my favorit Cats.

Robert T

[Robert E Morey]

Awesome playground Liam - I love that bridge! Amazing!
Best regards,
Bob