Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hi guys, I had an amazing weekend and I got to drive a WWII tank. For one of my dear friend's 40th birthday, he wanted to take us all "Tank Balling". So, in the pouring rain, we got in the car and headed up to Leicestershire. WE arrived at a place called Armourgeddon <a href="http://www.chaospaintball.co.uk/armourgeddon.php" target="_blank">http://www.chaospaintball.co.u k/armourgeddon.php</a> A few moments after we arrived, Neil and his extended family arrived in a strech Hummer Limo. We set up the marquee, and the bouncy castle was inflated and then it was time to get ready. We put on special tank suits and kevlar helmets (thank god I've lost a load of weight, otherwise I would have never been allowed to participate). And headed for the tanks. The torrential rain and floods meant the mud was almost like quick sand. Stepping into it, I sank about 2 feet in and got stuck. Trying to get out, I fell into it head 1st! Repeat 5 times, lose and find wedding ring, lose a boot, take 2 grown men to pull it out and you get the idea. So I got a spa mud bath and testostrone driving fun all in the same day! Plus it made people laugh! We were then given a safety briefing on the tanks (like if we touch the exhaust - we will stick to it and they will have to scrape the charred flesh off. Or if there is a fire, death is quite likely). Some of our younger warriors decided to pass at that point. Then into the tanks. I was the first to drive, and boy, you have to be small and a contortionist to work in these things. But after taking ages to get in the driving seat, we were off. There are two levers to steer the tank and a gas pedal. Sounds easy, but in the middy conditions it takes lot of skill to stay the course and control the gear ratios. Very cool. Next up I became a loader, and learnt how to charge, load and fire the cannon. After that I learnt how to aim using the series of winches - I thought we would have cross hairs and mechanics to aid, but nope. It was a case of cranking the turrent around and the barrel up and down. And all of this through a steamed up periscope 1 inch tall by 2 inches wide. A real challenge. In our team I was the best at aiming, so that was my job in the battle. My old friend and colleague Mark was loader (he was quite fast), and the shortest member of our group was driver. Onto the battle field against another tank, we moved and fired 9 times (ammo are paint balls about the size of a ping pong ball). I hit them 6 times and it was a tie! Great fun. But after doing it, I have a new level of respect for the artillary. The conditions are cramped, it is hard work, and it would be scary to be under fire. The men and women who have served and do serve in these machines deserve a lot of respect. After the session it was out of the tank and I was hosed down in cold water brrrrrr (given the ambiant temperature was 12 degrees C or 54F - in July!!!!!). I had to throw my boots and socks away, too muddy. We then returned to the party area for more bouncy castle fun (Mike and Jess had a blast while we were in battle), some lunch and birthday cakes. After the field based party, we packed away and drove the hour drive to Neil's house for the "real" party that included the rest of his friends and family. It was a fantastic day, and if ever anyone gets a chance to try it, I urge you to give it a go. Pictures will no doubt follow later this week.
Originally Posted By BeautysBeast Ibet this is the first ever tank ballin post on LP.Sounds like a one of kind experience.Where do u find these cool things to do?
Originally Posted By friendofdd That sounds a wonderful adventure. The Brits are so cool. I admit when I read the title I thought it would be about driving an american car of the sixties, though.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks guys. It's funny, I feel like there is often far more interesting things going on in the US. I guess the old addage of the grass being greener always applies. It was a very cool experience, that is true. And FoDD - I remember my Uncle used to have a Studebaker and my Granmother had an LTD Station Wagon, so I can see where the tank analogy came from!
Originally Posted By Mrs ElderP And this is the topic I should have refered to! This is the problem I run into when I read the threads oldest to newest, instead of the "correct" way! Anyway, glad you had fun!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo It was pretty cool Smeds. I think you and Mr Smeds could get a kick out of this one.
Originally Posted By disney pete Dave sounds fantastic cant wait for the pics,nice one on the weight loss amigo im trying that myself at the minute.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove That's so cool. So happy you had a blast! My husband was in Armor in the US Army. That equals tanks, and he loved his time in them, especially the M1 Abrams. What an experience of a lifetime!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo My respects to your husband SoThisIsLove - not as easy as it seems. Not at all. Cheers for the kind words Pete, I still have a long way to go, but I've lost a 3rd of the overall weight I want/need to.
Originally Posted By Mr X Wow...sounds like fun! So, did you just walk around barefoot for the rest of the day?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thankfully I had the forethought to bring changes of clothes and footwear!
Originally Posted By Mr X Clothes, I understand (probably even socks)...but I would have been SOL cause I NEVER bring an extra pair of shoes anywhere!
Originally Posted By Mr X As I sit here in the middle of "rainy season"? Oh, and we had a typhoon last week. ;p
