Military Vehicle Restoration

Period armored and wheeled vehicles

This unique hobby involves a love of history and the vehicles that helped make it. Many of the original vehicles have been destroyed, some are rusted hulks while the fortunate ones have been placed in museums. They are in static diplays, where they are not moved. However this does not allow you to experience their power and versatility. Rebuilding these vehicles and returning them to their operating status is a major achievement. Most of the parts must be totally remanufactured and there few individuals still alive that had originally maintained these relics. Reconstruction and display of old vehicles, carefully refurbished to original condition is this hobbyists goal. Many owners rent or let their vehicles be used as authentic period vehicles in movies. If you have ever seen a WWII US Army jeep in a parade, chances are it was repaired and maintained by a restoration enthusiast. The US Army has a museum dedicated to historic vehicles at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen MD. It is open to the public and is a wonderful collection of technological development. The vehicles are in static displays but they cover from WWI to the present and you can see and touch them up close.

A local group provides the opportunity for enthusiasts and volunteers to get their hands dirty. Anyone locally interested in starting this hobby should check out the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles website.

VMMV

Special Activities

Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles

Open House - October of every year

WWII Vehicle Showcase

Photo's of these vehicle were taken at one of the VMMV open houses. Nothing compares to standing beside one of these vehicles and seeing it up close. The photo's shown here are only a small selection of the vehicles they place on display during their open house.

M3 Scout Reconnaissance Halftrack Frontline transport for units probing the enemy lines. Three 30 caliber machine guns for opposition and brush roller for tough undergrowth.

Anti Aircraft Halftrack Ground support to protect troops from low flying strafing enemy aircraft. Four quad mounted 50 caliber machine guns to rake the sky.

M7 Priest Artillery Putting the extra artillery punch where it's needed, for the attack or in defense. It's value is only as good as it's reach.

Self Propelled As ground units advanced at fast pace though rough terrain they needed the artillery to be able to keep up. Used by the US and given to it's ally England. Who nicknamed it Vicar.

Greyhound Armored Personnel Carrier Infantry needed to be able to keep up with armored tanks. This was one way to get there.

Stuart Tank Fast light tanks used to support reconnaissance units. Used by the US and given to it's ally England. Who nicknamed it Honey.

Grant Tank First main tank design used by the US and given to it's allies at the start of the war. This early version has the riveted hull. A true land battleship with two main guns. The Sherman tank was the next in line, and you can see the similarities.

Sherman Tank Main battle tank of the US army throughout World War II.

Mass Produced This tank was manufactured with constant upgrades throughout the majority of the war and was used by allied nations as well.

Chaffee Tank Medium tank produced later in the war to fill the role of the outdated Stuart.

Wolverine Tank Destroyer Heavier gunned to take on thicker later war German armor. The turret was open topped to allow more room for the larger gun and it's crew.

Lee Tank First main tank design (Grant) used by the US and given to it's ally England. Who promptly changed it's name to Lee. How appropriate for Virginia. Seen with a later version of crewman.

German Hetzer One of the many German armored vehicles that fought against the allied troops.

Light Tank Destroyer Designed to be small and hard to hit as it lie waiting in ambush for allied targets. Who nicknamed it Vicar.

British Valentine Medium Tank England's main tank in the early part of the war. British armor unit's were bolstered by the arrival of US Lend Lease Stuart and Grant tanks.