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Hans Beerbaum,
our host and
owner of the
Pacific Coast
Armor and
Artillery Museum
Tim (aka "Ivan")
DuPertuis
displays his
pseudo Soviet
tanker uniform.
Ed Ludwick
tries his hand
at the controls
of the T-34.
IPMS
Santa Rosa
out for a spin.
The legendary
German
Flak 88.
BMW R75
motorcycle
with sidecar.
Eric and Roger Mark
show off the
MG42 on the
heavy mount.
IPMS Santa Rosa Visits
the West Coast Armor and Artillery Museum
Last September Mark DeBacker arranged for IPMS Santa Rosa members to take a private tour of the West Coast Armor and Artillery Museum north of Petaluma. The museum is owned and operated by Hans Beerbaum. Two major pieces in his collection include a working T-34 and working SdKfz 251d. Other pieces include a German "88" anti-tank/aircraft gun, a WWII German 105mm howitzer, a running BMW R75 motorcycle with side car, a pair of Japanese 150mm howitzers, a Japanese 47mm anti-aircraft gun, several machine guns and other militaria. At the open house, several members of the Museum worn WWII uniforms and demonstrated the equipment.
Click on the picture above and see the SdKfz 251 in action!
This "SdKfz 251d" is actually modified from a post-war Czech model OT-810. (The same modification was used for the half-track in "Saving Private Ryan".) It has been painted to represent the late war 1srt Panzer Division. Hans acquired it from a by gentlemen in Sacramento who imported a batch of 10. Hans fired it up and gave us a once-in-a-lifetime ride.More detail photos below.
Click on the picture above and hear the T-34 in action!
This 30 ton Soviet T-34/85M main battle tank was the primary tank used against US forces in both Korea and Vietnam. This variant is almost unchanged from the version that rolled into Berlin in 1945. Hans bought it from a dealer in England about 4 years ago and still has some restoration to go. The photographs are deceiving, since all the engine covers are open. It is actually it is in driveable condition. Unfortunately, the day we were there, it was suffering from a balky clutch and we were only treated to the sound of that mighty engine.More detail photos below.
If you are interested in getting to know these pieces of history in intimate detail by helping preserve and restore them, please consider joining the West Coast Armor and Artillery Museum. Membership is $30 for adults and $15 under age 18. Please contact Hans Beerbaum, 5881 Roblar Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952.
New photos by Ed Ludwick added 12/01.
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