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Post by alte110thpzgr on Dec 23, 2006 13:18:35 GMT -5
This should be printed and handed out to any one interested in the hobby, Well done! All (and this includes the newbie’s and greybeards): WWII reenacting is what you make of it. This is a hobby (keep that in mind) where modern-day men (and a few women) attempt to recreate the WWII-period as best as they can with varying degrees of success. It doesn't matter if you wish to do Viking, Roman Legion, RevWar, 1812, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Nam, or any of the other periods currently being done. You WILL encounter individuals who will be helpful and nice as you begin to collect the needed gear, uniforms, and weapons needed to participate in whatever event your "unit" decides to attend. You will also encounter some of the most pigheaded, stupid fools on the planet in this hobby of reenacting history (WWII reenacting is not alone in this; this problem is in every period of reenacting). You will quickly figure out those who you wish to be with. This is an expensive hobby, far more so now then it was 20 years ago. Authenticity has improved, but the result has driven up the costs as well. What was good then is now considered unacceptable in many circles. Check and double-check before buying something for reenacting. Just because a dealer says, "It's perfect for reenacting," doesn't make it so. Start with an easy impression. Don't go crazy and spend thousands of dollars (which is easier than you think) on an impression that you later wish you hadn't because you will never get your full money back. Easy impressions are Russian, Partisan, GI infantry, British infantry and German infantry. These impressions are somewhat "generic" and you can move from one unit to another (GI to GI, Russian to Russian, etc.) without too much problem. Hard and expensive impressions are Waffen-SS, Airborne (of any country), and armor (you will need a vehicle for this). The first two require specialized uniforms, equipment and sometimes weapons to do this properly. Weapons will add a new dimension to your new hobby. Guns are NOT toys! They are not cheap (except for those doing Russian/Partisan) and can put a major dent in your wallet. Once again, check and double-check prior to buying. It is best to join (at first) a local unit that does what you're looking for. The best way to find units is either on this board or on the unit listing that is linked through the At the Front (a well-known dealer) website. Talk to the unit members (face to face is best) and find out if this unit is what you want in both authenticity and friendship. Shop around. Levels of Authenticity. This may be the single biggest problem you will encounter in this hobby. Each unit and organization will have varying degrees of authenticity and standards of enforcing them. Check before joining. Regardless if the unit is hard-core or farby, it's your dollar and your time, and you don't have to join them if the level of authenticity doesn't fit your desires. Remember, this is a hobby, not the real military. No one is forcing you to join and no one is forcing you to stay. Hobbies are meant to be fun, and WWII reenacting is one of the most enjoyable hobbies on this planet. See you on the “battlefield.” Jay
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Post by Sumner29er on Feb 19, 2007 9:33:35 GMT -5
I need a cheep weapon, do any of you know where to get some? Ok, what' cheap? Cheap to may not be cheap to someone else. What kind of weapon? Details man, details.
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Cpl Hoffman
Sergeant
The Best Of The Best, The Finest, The Airborne
Posts: 222
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Post by Cpl Hoffman on Feb 20, 2007 17:44:22 GMT -5
im new but im a shooter, im 13 and turnig 14 in march. im rwally exsited to join a unit when i become of age. But Sargent, if you want to join a unit and be active you need a rifle.(thompsons are upwads of 25,000.00 for the reciver but mp40 i don't know) a simple m1 garand junker is around 650- 800 and a carbine (spelling?) is around the same correct me if im wrong. My point is that this hobby [even repos] are not Cheep the hobby is not worth it if you dont want to put the effort time and money into it. but if you have finacial problems then you may have to wait b/c this in no way can be a cheep hobby. [german rifles are a round 500.00 but i think russain is around 75.00]
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jimmy51
T/3.
Can you feel the love?
Posts: 264
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Post by jimmy51 on Mar 15, 2007 15:19:01 GMT -5
this forum has been of great help since I joined it.
thanks everyone!!!
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sgttom
2nd Lieutenant
COMBAT!
Posts: 843
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Post by sgttom on Oct 14, 2007 9:22:35 GMT -5
Hi I am new to reenacting and I am wondering if I join an Infantry reenacting group what is the minumum equipment to get started according to your experiences. So far equipment and uniform wise I have a M43 Field Jacket, a Wool shirt 45 shoulder holster, 45 pouch, bandage pouch,Pistol Belt, M1 helmet and liner jeep cap. thats all what else will I need.
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Post by Elijah2 on Oct 14, 2007 10:46:41 GMT -5
Hi I am new to reenacting and I am wondering if I join an Infantry reenacting group what is the minumum equipment to get started according to your experiences. So far equipment and uniform wise I have a M43 Field Jacket, a Wool shirt 45 shoulder holster, 45 pouch, bandage pouch,Pistol Belt, M1 helmet and liner jeep cap. thats all what else will I need. You would be best served by waiting to make most of your purchases until after you've actually joined a unit. That unit would give you a better idea of what you'll need, and better yet, those places that they'd recommend for purchasing them. This way, you won't have to worry later about having spent money on items that you don't use, don't need, and can't unload.
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sgttom
2nd Lieutenant
COMBAT!
Posts: 843
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Post by sgttom on Oct 15, 2007 15:31:37 GMT -5
I am 13 too so I could join a Reenacting Group at this age. I don't need a Liscence if I just bought a Airsoft Thompson right.
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Artgunner
1st Lieutenant
My Baby '42 WC52
Posts: 2,161
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Post by Artgunner on Oct 15, 2007 16:46:12 GMT -5
I am 13 too so I could join a Reenacting Group at this age. I don't need a Liscence if I just bought a Airsoft Thompson right. ...and if you own a tank you can do as you wish! Young people are always welcome. They may be to young to participate but keep in mind that you are our future. Good luck, brother! Artgunner
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Post by larrydabird on Oct 15, 2007 20:49:37 GMT -5
Hey I'm just getting started into the whole reenacting scene. I don't have much for gear that I would want to use although I do have a lot of my grandfather's stuff but as I said I don't want to use it. I'm saving up this winter to get my impression started and basicilly what I was wondering is how At the front's package deals are? I don't care if it is reproduction stuff and as far as what I've heard at the front has top notch stuff. Just wanted to know what you guys thought about thier Infantry package deals.
Thanks for any help!
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Post by charleyfoxtrot on Nov 13, 2007 21:35:08 GMT -5
OK I am new to this stuff as well. I have been doing my homework, reading, talking to folks, etc. I am almost ready to jump into this, but I wanted to ask a question first. I'd like to do a US infantry impression. I am a pretty big guy. Obviously there weren't any fat guys going oversees in the army, but I would still like to do this. I have seen some pretty snarky remarks on other boards about "fat reenactors". Is this a hobby where I am going to spend lots of money to be put down constantly or is it generally pretty excepting. I know there are individuals that I will encounter both ways, but whats the trend?
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Post by scratch monkey on Nov 14, 2007 9:50:01 GMT -5
OK I am new to this stuff as well. I have been doing my homework, reading, talking to folks, etc. I am almost ready to jump into this, but I wanted to ask a question first. I'd like to do a US infantry impression. I am a pretty big guy. Obviously there weren't any fat guys going oversees in the army, but I would still like to do this. I have seen some pretty snarky remarks on other boards about "fat reenactors". Is this a hobby where I am going to spend lots of money to be put down constantly or is it generally pretty excepting. I know there are individuals that I will encounter both ways, but whats the trend? There's probably not any sort of trend. Some people will sneer at you and others won't. Some units will not let you join and others will. It's probably not worth getting upset about because the guy deriding your fatness as "farby" is probably farby himself because he's either too old or too tall or too something that most soldiers in 1944 weren't. This is a modern hobby and not a time machine. Just find a group of people who you enjoy being with, spend your time learning, and don't mind the detractors.
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Post by Boogiewoogie on Nov 14, 2007 10:26:59 GMT -5
Fat...did someone say fat? No, I am not going to pull out the pictures. Find a unit and to heck with them. I look at it like this. They can call me, old and fat. I wore that 101st patch for real. Most of the ones spouting that never will. They ought to worry about meeting my standards vs me meeting thiers.
Martin
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Post by diablo363336 on Nov 14, 2007 11:09:58 GMT -5
Fat...did someone say fat? No, I am not going to pull out the pictures. Find a unit and to heck with them. I look at it like this. They can call me, old and fat. I wore that 101st patch for real. Most of the ones spouting that never will. They ought to worry about meeting my standards vs me meeting thiers. Martin awww c'mon martin, I love the vast array of healthy guy pictures we always pull out. Ditto on the rest. If everybody in this hobby was what they were in WWII, it would be a hobby of about 100 guys. My favorite "farb" moment was when a German re-enactor was heckling a friend of mine in a different unit and he responded in perfect, fluent German. And the German re-enactor couldnt understand a word of it. Do what you want to do, enjoy doing it and learn all you can. To hell with everyone else...
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Post by pfckinney on Nov 14, 2007 12:30:45 GMT -5
Diablo - Great story! Good for your friend! In my own experience that is ALOT of fun. I don't speak fluent German, but I do understand it, curtesy of my husband and dad. I always get a kick out of responding to a comment made in German that I wasn't supposed to understand and the startled look it gets is priceless.
Charleyfoxtrot: There's a place in this hobby for everyone. Just ignore the hecklers and have fun. Think this way: Are any of us really authentic in weight, hairstyle and height?
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Post by Boogiewoogie on Nov 14, 2007 13:19:02 GMT -5
I have been messing with impressions that fit my age and build lately. That is just a personal impression and goal.
Martin
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35divmp
Captain
I reject your reality and substitute my own!
Posts: 2,648
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Post by 35divmp on Nov 14, 2007 13:35:58 GMT -5
I have been messing with impressions that fit my age and build lately. That is just a personal impression and goal. Arrrrgh!!!! That statement just makes me want to write any number of snide remarks..... Must remain calm and restrain myself. For now. Jay
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scruffylookin
T/Sgt.
"Hey Joe, do I have to carry this satchel charge, thirty cal all this other crap too?"
Posts: 405
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Post by scruffylookin on Nov 14, 2007 19:05:20 GMT -5
OK I am new to this stuff as well. I have been doing my homework, reading, talking to folks, etc. I am almost ready to jump into this, but I wanted to ask a question first. I'd like to do a US infantry impression. I am a pretty big guy. Obviously there weren't any fat guys going oversees in the army, but I would still like to do this. I have seen some pretty snarky remarks on other boards about "fat reenactors". Is this a hobby where I am going to spend lots of money to be put down constantly or is it generally pretty excepting. I know there are individuals that I will encounter both ways, but whats the trend? Well, I certainly won't win any skinny contests. www.easy506th.org/images/training_weekend_2007/pages/training_weekend_2007_016_jpg.htmThere are people out there who feel I am doing a disservice to the veterans because I am a very large guy. I weigh as much as two wartime paratroopers. But, my devotion to the hobby, and my unit in particular are appreciated by the only people (in the hobby) that I care about... the other members of the unit I am in. It seems that you are on the right track. Reading, learning and accumulating knowlege is the biggest part of this hobby. Next step is to look into the units in your area and get a feel for thier expectaions of you, and also, thier expectations of themselves. Good luck in your search and welcome to the hobby Chad L.
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Post by boosigns on Jan 21, 2008 23:24:13 GMT -5
Hello all, I'm looking for a unit in central Pa. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have always been a WWII buff and want to start becoming reenactor. Thanks.
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44currahee506
Corporal
I'm Sorry..I Promise I'll start takin' my hits!
Posts: 133
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Post by 44currahee506 on Jan 22, 2008 19:21:25 GMT -5
boosigns ..basicly you first want to figure out what type of impression u want to do..for example....American Infantry or German..or any other nationality and branch
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Post by fubar on Jan 31, 2008 21:28:49 GMT -5
Hi, i'm from france. I'm in Michigan for 6 month. In france i'm a ww2 reenactor with the dday ovelord group. We are doing the 82nd airborne and the 29th infantry reenacting.
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