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Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 12:15 pm
by John Wilson
The original bridge was replaced in the early '90's (I think), it hasn't been disposed of though, it makes up part of the museum exhibits.
I can only imagine it was replaced as there was a need for a working crossing over the water and maybe it was felt that a fifty odd year old piece wasn't safe or up to the job?

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 2:42 pm
by Tychsen
The one in my photos is the bridge these taken in the mid 1980's.
As John says the original bridge is now part of a small museum complex which is located on the Caen side of the canal - on the left just as you cross the replacement bridge - a small shop , museum complex , the bridge itself can be walked around 360 degrees , also on site sections of a Horsa and Hamilcar gliders which an be inspected at close quarters.
Various art. guns and smaller display iems are also on site.

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:55 pm
by Tychsen
The last Tiger in Normandy.
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Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:09 am
by von bock
thanks james for the pics , the tiger sure needs some work, its a pity its left outside i think its time these vehicles are moved indoors before we lose them to the weather i.e Rust !!!!

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:56 am
by Tychsen
Alan , I would be inclined to agree with you - this girl does need some attention and when you look into the engine compartment and see the rusting maybach surrounded by beer tins , cary out rubbish and broken glass it seems sad when you reflect on it.

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:05 pm
by von bock
Its a sad state of affairs such a magnificent machine and inportant part of history left to decay and being used as a rubbish bin it is really sad i think

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:30 pm
by Tychsen
On a better note - the collectors fair at Vierville sur Mere - extreme West end of Omaha Beach.
I met this gent ( US Dealer Mr.Nicholas Rizzo from CA) over for a holiday and to take in some of the Normandy fairs.

No heavy sales pitch just a good natured , friendly , reasonable gent doing what he likes to do.
He did say that he was enjoying himself "selling a few items" genuine WW2 gear being sold often cheaper than the reproduction gear , he did say that there were a few "tyre kickers" around , just there to knock and and not even thinking of buying but that's life :wink:

The fairs are good fun - some amazingly good deals can be had but you have to "talk" to get a good deal - some initial asking prices are way too high , all good fun and games.

A friend came away with an excellent result - a well marked almost mint kriegsmarine stopwatch , (Hanhart) 60 second sweep for well less than 300 Euros, this and a head rest for a 10x80 far better than eBay !
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Anyone wanting to get some good US gear why not give him a call at WWIIRMZ@aol.com
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St Mere Eglise was also quite good but very cramped for space lots of vehicle parts , guns , uniforms of all nationalities , traders from Uk / Europe , for 4 euros you could kill a few hours no problem.

St Pierre sur dives ( SE of Caen) - no photos unfortunately but an amazingly good day - soem amazing stuff - you want anything from a lafette stand to a inert round - it was there.
Some very rare things - fantasic range of Luftwaffe flight gear at one stall gear head gear but expensive , one German dealer had the most amazing display of period SS photos all rom a private individual , all nicely framed but again expensive .
The old horse stables in St Pierre - venue for the fair - packed out .
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Some good results.

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:10 pm
by KB Martinsen
Great thread! I'm heading there for the first time this summer, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Re: NORMANDIE

Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:14 pm
by Paulkd
Love that barn, i get pizza from the takeaway in the street opposit and eat it in the car park!

I stay in Vimoutier, where the Tiger is. Vimoutier was home to the signals of the 1st SS so I feel at home...