Tankfest NW 2019

Since I live in the Seattle area it seemed like a natural move to go to Tankfest NW at the Flying Heritage and Armor Museum this year and check it out. Here are a few photos from the event.

They had a running M4 Sherman with the 76mm gun on it and they took it out for a few laps around their demo arena. Was neat to see it in operation, including some simulated firings of the gun.

Pro Tip for the M4 Sherman demo driver...don't drive directly in front of the Hetzer. ;-)

This is a Type 95 Ha-Go Japanese light tank. It's pretty rusted out, but you can see they've worked hard to try and restore what they could.

One of the very cool exhibits they have is an M48 Patton that is literally sliced open so you can see inside. The other half is just out of the picture to the left.

Here's an M26 Pershing. This one was running as well, and did some of the demos. I was still slightly jaded from having to grind through it at Tier 8. ;-) Moving on...

Hetzer's gonna hetz.

I can't recall exactly but I think this was another M48 Patton. I didn't see them operate this one, but given where it was parked I assume it still runs.

This T-54 put out so much smoke when it was running it was practically camouflaged. 

One of my favorite tanks in-game, the M24 Chaffee. 

Getting There

Getting to Tankfest was pretty easy for me - it's just a 15 minute drive up the road. We had to park at a business park about 5 minutes away from the museum and take a school bus from there. Note: If you have littles and you bring a stroller, it can be a bit of a pain to get that on the school bus - even if it folds. Consider dropping off an adult (and the littles) with the stroller at the museum, then drive back and park - and the driver can take the shuttle and meet up with the rest.

At the end of the event I took the shuttle to the car while my wife and son waited, and I picked them up. Much easier.

Parking is free, by the way.

The Event Itself

There was a pretty hefty crowd and when they're operating the tanks it can be tough to get a good vantage point with all the folks around. I recommend walking around to the far side of the "arena" where the food trucks are. I often found a spot along the fence over there.

The three museum buildings were open and they had a lot of interesting exhibits - both vehicles and aircraft - including a Hellcat and a Corsair, both of which appeared to be in pristine condition.

The food lines can be pretty epic at 12 so I'd recommend either eating before you go, or try to get in line either way before, or way after, the rush. Otherwise you could spend quite a while standing around in a queue.

I Got an M-60 Code!

And by code...I mean picture.

GLHF!