Collings Foundation acquires Jacques Littlefield collection

[r_hufschmied]

Speaking of the Panther, is it now 100% restored? My recollection is that it was not finished at the time of Mr. Littlefield's passing; did his staff complete the restoration?

It's 110% finished, I say that as no wartime production Panther was nearly as spotless. They fitted the turret on the day he passed. He lived to see it a runner though, he drove it himself for the first turretless testdrive.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Consider this a final warning.

I am sick and tired of every thread which mentions the Panther being derailed by certain members.

I have cleaned the thread up.

One more mention of this idiotic return to Poland stance and people will be removed from the forum. Do not take this as an idle threat.

Cheers, Ade.

[tony james]

Does anyone know what was done to the original turrret that was pieced togeather ?

[Panzer Rob]

Does anyone know what was done to the original turrret that was pieced togeather ?

Good question! Hopefully somebody knows the answer which they can share with us.

Rob

[Asbjoern]

To my understanding of several thready about the restauration the turret on the tank is a reconstruction using certain parts of the original turret. Due to the intense welding during the first restauration attempt of the turret tit was out od scale in many ways so they had to reconstruct it by using new plates to get a turret according to the "factory spec".

So nothing of the "old" turret should be left over except for some cracked armour plates...

Jens

[nemps]

Here is a movie about Littlelfield and Weatcroft Panthers, and also info about turret:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFla-SuBPPc

[Skyhawk]

Hi,

Jacques Littlefield may he RIP as he is most certainly missed.......

As Military collectors we should all be a little thankful for men such as Jacques, Paul Allen, Kermit Weeks, etc. They have used a portion of their fortunes to resurrect military vehicles, aircraft, and other historical items for the masses to enjoy! I hope a small selection of the Littlefield collection ends up with the Flying Heritage Collection located at Paine Field, WA. I am a big fan of the Collings Foundation as well, and have been able to experience the B-17 and B-24 in their collection!

Operational WW2 aircraft and tanks combined in a single site may seem a strange combination. The key word is "operational" as the aircraft are flyable and the tanks are driven! This combination is already occurring at the FHC!

I look forward to the efforts of the Collings Foundation to preserve the best of the best from the Littlefield Collection.

Image from the FHC:

[Bullitt]

original panther turret

Hi

Does anyone know what was done to the original turrret that was pieced togeather ?

the remains of the original turret lies in the backyard with other unrestored vehicles.
the major parts that were re-used on the newly made turret was the front+ gunmantlet.

ciao
Bullitt