The rural road led to the ultimate destination of a comfortable drive – the Munster Panzer Museum, a tank museum that is a dream for enthusiasts. This place is amazing. First of all, the entrance fee is only 8 EUR! Is there any other use for 8 EUR in life that can be considered as valuable as this? I confidently say no! The displayed vehicles are impressive, ranging from the A7V (replica) to the Leopard II. Notable German tanks that are absent include the Panzer II and anti-aircraft tanks like the Wirbelwind and the Jagdtiger. If you consider only German tanks, the collection here is on par with renowned museums like Bovington and the Kubinka Tank Museum. (Actually, the Tiger I is a resin replica, though.) Stepping into the exhibition hall evokes a sense of sadness because, in a few hours, I have to leave this place. The real-life versions of the tanks, which I built models of since elementary school, are lined up here. It’s overwhelming, and I don’t know where to start looking.
There are some vehicles with ropes around them, but unless specifically prohibited, you can touch, knock, or even lick them as long as you don’t climb on them (that might be wrong). Due to spending too much time leisurely inspecting the earlier exhibits, and perhaps influenced by teasing messages from my wife, I had to rush through the latter part of the exhibition, especially the post-war displays. Well, I’m not very knowledgeable about that era anyway, so it’s okay for me. Exiting the exhibition area, I was surprised to find an exhibit allowing entry into the turret of a Leopard I tank! Seriously? It’s cramped! It’s hard to see outside! Yet, still excited, I headed towards the exit, only to discover more exhibits – Merkavas, S-Tanks, M113s, and more. With time seriously running out, I reluctantly rushed through, leaving behind a desire to return with a ladder and spend a whole day exploring.
Unquestionably, the Tiger tank (replica). If I recall correctly, my classmate Kobori had a 1/25 scale model with a detailed interior structure that made me insanely jealous. I wouldn’t be surprised if that impactful memory later led me to embrace Bandai’s 1/48 scale models in my later years.The 88mm anti tank gun model I assembled for Christmas in the fourth grade, without attending the church service. I left it unpainted, then received comments like “What a waste!” from my elder brother’s classmates in junior high. In later years, I learned how to paint and attempted to paint it, but applying Model Color directly from the can proved challenging for the anti-aircraft gun. I ended up losing all the details. After that, I also assembled and played with an 1/76 scale from Eidai but I got bored and sold it to a friend. When my father found out, he gave me a good scolding.Schwimmwagen. I’ve seen it in various places, including the German museum, but seeing it here alongside tanks gives it a different atmosphere. It’s a favorite vehicle of mine, and starting with this one, I felt like I began with 35, then 48, then 76 in new scales.Number 5 hunting tank “Rommel”, no, you shouldn’t use that name.In front of the Sturmtiger. The ridiculously large main gun is a 38cm rocket launcher. It’s just insanely massive, isn’t it?The armor of the Sturmtiger, with a thickness of 150mm, is extraordinary!Zündapp’s sidecar. This round engine and the fan-like muffler bring back memories. I believe it was combined with the 88mm gun as an accessory. The shift lever’s external pivot point looks a bit challenging to grip, but it might be designed to prevent breakage in case of a fall.I love Hetzer’s style. I assembled Bandai’s 1/48 model after SchwimmwagenPanther middle Tank. Oh there is a cute miniature tank, too.Kettenkrad. Of course, I assembled the early version with a die-cast engine from Tamiya’s 1/35 scale. During that time, I had already abandoned Model Color and was painting with Pactra-Tamiya. I even threw away those crumpled bottles with the paper sleeves during a move.Everybody knows this shapeCenturion. I made it with Matchbox’s 1/76 scale. I like the disproportionately long main gun.I don’t really have a favorite among the US & USSR tanks from WW2, except maybe the KV-2, so I tend to lump them all together. Oh, time is running out now. The reflected boy was as excited as I was, passionately spending time taking lots of photos.Cutaway model of the T-55. Since the former East German army used Soviet tanks, the newer vehicles don’t have rarity, so they are often displayed with cutaways showing their interiors.For some reason, I really like the Marder. The design of this turret? is great. I only had the small one from Roco. I probably bought the Tamiya one, but I think I sold it without assembling.Leopard 2 is cool, isn’t it? The mechanical details at the tip of the barrel are amazing.The girl standing on top of the outdoor exhibit Leopard. What is she looking into? Come down soon! I also want to go up! Although there’s not much time, I can’t just leave without getting inside the car, so I wait patiently.For now, here’s a picture of Merkava-chan with only the chain guard. When you touch it, it makes a clattering sound because it’s made of resin. It’s like a plastic model.S Tank. I was able to buy Tamiya’s 1/48 scale version cheaply. Even if you call it a Vulcan, it won’t be understood.Munster is home to a German Army base. This road also passes through the training grounds. I took this while driving. It might be prohibited to take pictures.
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