German Reenactment Campsite discussion

[Ardennes]

I know we have a variety of reenacters here, and I believe for the most part, they are higher on the desire to be authentic and do things right.

My question is for those that will go so far as to set up an accurate campsite / field encampment for displays or tacticals or training. What type of tents are used? How about camouflage netting? crates and other furniture?

I've seen and used the staff tents by tentsmith; used large zelt tents, and even seen a few civil war type tents employed - all were nice and each had their good and bad sides. Does anyone use anything else?

I believe the Germans used a cotton type net with small bits of cloth for pattern disruption. Is there any post-war surplus out there that anybody would recommend as acceptable?

I tend to believe that the basic household items, that are a plain style, european (hopefully) and period make nice additions - such as wash basins or accessory cooking items - but I'm open to learning what others use/recommend.

I'd like to encourage units in my area to improve their displays and was looking for ideas. Please post away!

Thanks -

Mike

[Andy Harris]

I used to do reenacting in Oregon, and we were fortunate to have had the use of WWII-era bunkers at Ft. Stevens (near Astoria) and barracks at nearby Camp Rilea. At other times, we used zelt tents.

[Craigob]

I handsewn one of my tents, wasnt too hard using period photos for reference.

pic with all the cr*p i hump around with me

[Ardennes]

Now that's what I'm talking about

So far we have a similar set-up coming together - several tables, cookware, Luft radio, rifle rack....zelt tents lined up off set from the staff tent - the canopy or vestibule you've made with the zelts is another thought I've debated as would be the use of netting.

Other thoughts or examples. I have seen war-time photos of FJ encampments going so far as to have helmet "tables" ...but I'm not ready to go that far...other ideas for additions are wanted.

Mike

[Stroodle]

2nd Panzers Field Kitchen
Stroodle

[Craigob]

yeah you took some great photos of our kitchen at last years gap..

heres a link showing more from the same event

http://www.grossdeutschland.com/file...ing/index.html

and past ones

http://www.grossdeutschland.com/photos07.htm

[feldjager]

We use a post war Russian tent (1960s) which was modelled on the German tents, so it's 'in the style of':


It is about 6 metres long:

This is from about half way along.

We also use the Tensmiths repro staff tents (very good copies) and a number of original tents. Because we represent a rear ecehlon unit, we don't rely as heavily on zeltbahns.

Apologies for the poorly placed tree!

Dave

[Craigob]

Always a pleasure seeing your set up Dave

on your noticeboard, what material is the white base?, I use a cork one but i like the look of yours. also whats the font you use for the Anschlagbrett wording ?

[feldjager]

The base material is 12mm plywood. Those drawing pins are inserted carefully with a 2lb lump hammer...!

The font is based on the correct DIN1451 used by the Wehrmacht for marking everything. This was painted freehand by someone in the group.

[Brian S.]

Great setup! Where did you find the binders with holes in the spines? I have searched high and low here in the US, but have yet to find them. I have come across a few period binders, but the were way too expensive for use in the field.

[feldjager]

Great setup! Where did you find the binders with holes in the spines? I have searched high and low here in the US, but have yet to find them. I have come across a few period binders, but the were way too expensive for use in the field.

They are the cheapest, nastiest ones I could find in Staples - I made replica spines for them to cover the modern label. There is a US Staples - www.staples.com , maybe they stock them or something similar.

[BergführerKiser]

Grüß Gott Kameraden,

Here are some photos of our "Lager Edelweiss" that we do for a living history display at Reading, PA. We use Tentsmith tents, zelts, and period mountain tents.