WWII Reenacting Discussion Thread

[MK]

Is anyone here involoved with WWII reenacting? Anyone?

 

[Captain Krunch]

No, but I would like to. I'd like to join an Army Air Forces group, but I don't think there's any in the LA area. Years ago I saw some at the Dayton Air Show and it looked like a lot of fun.

Here's a link to one WWII reenactment board I found:

http://ww2reenactors.proboards20.com/

Seems to be pretty comprehensive, but who knows how much traffic they get.

 

[kent]

I've never actually gone out due to the nice expense of the thing, but I know a few who love it. One of those things I'll have to do when I have more fedoras than I can count.

--Kent

 

[EarthAngel]

[hand raised]

There are 6 of us in the SF Bay area (California), 1 in the central valley and another outside of San Diego, CA, who have jumped into the deep end with costuming as USAAF's 8th Air Force bomber/fighter pilots. We have been jokingly call it "Vintage crack." We are about halfway through our hunting and gathering of the correct (historically accurate) jackets, crush caps, insignia, shoes, rank, khakis, etc.

Most of us have found historically accurate leather jackets, A-2s. We have decided not to form a particular unit/squadron/group, but rather give ourselves some artistic freedom to express ourselves via patches, graphics and nose art for our individual jackets.

We plan to use our costumes to do a photoshoot at Castle Airforce Base (outside of Modesto) and get permission to take some photos among bombers that are parked there. And in some cases, for local conventions and swing dance events. We also got some ladies interested in doing WACs.

--Evans

 

[MK]

That is interesting. I would think there would be a lot more in the bay area.

 

[EarthAngel]

I am sure that there are more here in the BA, but we are less WWII reenactment concious, and more into the costuming aspect. The genesis of the project was looking for something different to wear to local conventions where everyone else is wearing Goth. sci-fi, spendex, or furries.

It's been a fun ride, and I am learning more about our armed forces in Europe. We decided to focus or costuming around the USAAF 8th AF, who were stationed in Europe. A follow-up project for those of us with deeper pockets (not me!!) are going to put together a Pacific Theater fighter pilot. I guess, there are differences.

--Evans

 

[Bogie1943]

Yes indeed I am. I am with the 5th Ranger Battalion HQ Company and soon to be with a local group who does Easy Company 101st Airbourne. There are several events in Ohio and the surounding states, it's something I enjoy greatly. I also do AAF, as some of you all know from the QM get together this year. I have a lot of dress uniforms but just two field uniforms at the moment, soon to be my Airborne.:cool2:

 

[Wild Root]

Yes, this is Wild Root and had a lovely time at Camp Roberst this last weekend! The C.H.G. had a battle at the historical Camp Roberts up north. It was my first time out and it was a blast! I was with the 352 and that's a German outfit. All my best friends go German and we had a good time. One of my friends has a real WWII German Kubelwagon, a 1935 Ford truck and a real Pack gun. There were a lot of cool things that were there that would take to much time to list.

Want more info? Just ask!

Wild Root.

 

[MK]

Hi there Wild Root. I would love to speak to you about that....especially since you are in the LA area. Do we know you by a different name?

 

[Wild Root]

Yes, this is Rob Smith. I'm Joseph's vintage friend. I think I did mention that I was going to a battle when we had pizza a few weeks ago. Any way, feel free to ask any thing about the reenacting stuff and I will try and get you some more info on it MK!

And Remember to use Wild Root Cream oil for a nice healthy shine! Remember the name... Wild Root Cream oil!

 

[MK]

Hi Rob.

Sorry.

I have a mind like a sieve.

 

[Wild Root]

Hey, not a problem MK! I wanted to tell you of a fun time coming up this Monday night at the Argyle Hotel! Dean Mora's band it playing and it's a Hollywood costume party. So, if you can make it, come as who ever and have a good time with us. I'll be there, Joseph and some other friends of mine that are in to WWII reenacting! If you mention LAHA (Lively Arts Historical Association) and you can get $5.00 off the cover charge.

Take care.

 

[indiana]

Im getting ready to start Fox Company 2/506th 1st Platoon. 101st airborne, soon, but i need to save up to buy the gear, because im only 13. PS it is a company of all minors.

 

[Wild Root]

That's cool Indiana! I know when I was 13 it was hard to save up cash too. But, best of luck in that! When you have some cash saved up, you can find a lot of original gear or get all repros. Or a mix of the two. I know the guys to talk to about good repros and where to find the original gear that will make the repros look original! Have a good one bud.

Have a good one,

 

[kent]

Ah, I remember skipping lunch to save money when I was 13. People don't mind giving you food until they notice there's a habit there. Of course, starving in school does wonders for your attention span. Good thing I learned to sleep while sitting up in highschool. How much are school lunches now?

 

[ITG]

How much are school lunches now?

Well, I bought my lunch for the first time in over 2 months or so (I usually bring a frozen Healthy Choice). The adult meal was $2.25. I think the kids at my school are charged $1.75. If they are on Free/Reduced lunch program, then it's cheaper.

 

[indiana]

Ours are $1.60 or go ala carte and pay more... thats a good idea not to eat! hahaha

 

[Herr Doktor]

MK,

I'm involved in WWII reenacting and Living History here on the East Coast. I belong to a couple of American units (Airborne and "Leg" Infantry).

For those interested in AAF impressions, if you're out this way in June, I suggest attending the Reading (PA) WWII Weekend. Usually the first weekend in June. Lots of planes, and a very good flea market for original equipment. On the unfortunate side, not alot of vintage mens clothes...mainly uniforms.

I'd be happy to answer any questions through PM, if anyone has some.

Best (and Happy Thanksgiving),

Chris

 

[MK]

Where do these guys get their info? Is there a voice for that hobby? What I am getting at is.....how can I get the word out about our Queen Mary event and get input from guys in that hobby?

 

[Matt Deckard]

Go to the places they hang out and have alot of leaflets.

Wild Root would know more... he is and know reenactors, and he knows when all the events are happening.