Author Topic: Fred Ropkey, WW2 Armor Museum (Read 898 times)

hubsonfire · « **on:** August 13, 2005, 10:05:37 PM »

Any one heard of this guy? Apparently he's an ex-Marine, with a very impressive collection of WWII era vehicles and weaponry (primarily armored vehicles, but also some AA guns, and a handful of Korean/Vietnam era vehicles as well). A friend and I stopped by today and had a quick look around. I was astounded to find this on a farm out in the middle of nowhere, and hope to get back there soon for some pics.

Off the top of my head: The PT boat from Apocalypse Now (apparently the only operational, original PT left- they run it around a local lake on occasion), the tank from the movie entitled, appropriately, "The Tank", some assorted scout and command vehicles, a Model 95 Japanese Tank, M3, M4, M8, Willy's, Chinese knock off of the BMW motorcycle, Several Versions of the Sherman. Models of the Sherman vary, but it seemed that he had 3 extremely similar. One with a short barreled 75mm, and 2 longer barreled guns, which I believe he said were 75 and 76mm? One or two others with cast hulls, as opposed to the welded plates of the earlier hulls. Also has some amphib tracked vehicles, a Scorpion from Vietnam (believe he commanded a unit in Vietnam, he's fairly deaf), a self propped gun (105 maybe? Projectile is the size of my thigh) from the first Gulf War, some kaw and harley bikes of modern manufacture (The Kaw was bought brand new in full mil spec, has 3.5 miles on it), and some other more recent tanks. Outside he has a MASH Humvee, few deuces, 40mm, 3", and i think 5" on naval mountings. He's got one vietnam era vehicle that is completely original, and they're hoping to restore. The guy called it the Meat Chopper- tracked platform with twin 40mms on it. That cannon is so much more intimidating in person.

Anyway, I'm going to try to get back and get some photos that I can post. I'm still stunned to have found this place.

Urchin · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2005, 10:34:32 PM »

RE: the Sherman, there were 3 different guns on production models, so he very likely does have a short 75mm, a long 75mm, and a 76mm.

Maverick · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2005, 10:48:09 AM »

Where is this place?

Rino · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2005, 09:25:50 PM »

Just to clarify, I think the boat in Apocalypse Now was a PBR,
Patrol Boat Riverine. Not nearly as fast, but several times more
manuverable than the PTs.

Alot smaller too, as PTs were 77-80 foot long.

hubsonfire · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2005, 11:22:59 PM »

Regarding the boat: Yes, incorrectly referred to it as a PT. I'm not very well versed in things naval. PB (xxx) on the hull.

It's located about 2 miles off of I-74, roughly 40 miles west of Indianapolis, Indiana. Borrowing a camera and hopefully heading out there in the coming days. I'll try to get pics of everything WW2 vintage, and a more complete list of models. I'll post the number, proper address, and directions at that time.

Maverick · « **Reply #5 on:** August 15, 2005, 10:56:14 AM »

Cool,

Right now I am about 40 miles East of Indianapolis.

Krusty · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2005, 11:09:42 AM »

"The Tank" was about a soviet tank in Afghanistan during the '70s and starred (i believe) Dolph Lundgren

Rino · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2005, 07:11:09 PM »

The twin 40mm AAA gun was the M-42 Duster..got to see one
at the Reading WW2 weekend a couple years ago. They also
had an M-16 there.

That museum sounds like fun, maybe the next time I'm in Indy

F4UDOA · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2005, 09:08:03 PM »

Krusty,

"The Tank" was with Jason Patrick.

A GREAT movie with amazing scenery. I luv that flick.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 15, 2005, 10:19:42 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by F4UDOA
Krusty,

"The Tank" was with Jason Patrick.

A GREAT movie with amazing scenery. I luv that flick.

And what was different about that "Soviet" tank

Dan/CorkyJr
Who also like that film

hubsonfire · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2005, 12:37:12 PM »

Heh, I even looked at the autographed poster by the guestbook. The movie and vehicle in question is "Tank", with James Garner. Not that great a movie, but I'm still going to dryhump the tank.

F4UDOA · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2005, 02:50:47 PM »

Guppy,

It has been years since I have seen it, I wish I had a copy.

My first guess is that it had an Afgan soldier stuck to it treads (Eeww).

I just remember it looking like a T-72 with the rounded turret but not much more. I have to see it again.

Grits · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2005, 12:35:58 AM »

There was a WWII predecessor to the M-42 duster, the M-19 40mm GMC.

This is from Korea, but it was deployed in mid '44. I sure hope the LTAR's never get one of these.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 17, 2005, 01:59:26 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by F4UDOA
Guppy,

It has been years since I have seen it, I wish I had a copy.

My first guess is that it had an Afgan soldier stuck to it treads (Eeww).

I just remember it looking like a T-72 with the rounded turret but not much more. I have to see it again.

It's an Isralli T55 regunned with an American 105mm cannon.

Not sure what the Israeli designation for it was, Ti-67 I think, but I remember thinking the cannon was wrong for a Soviet tank, and then seeing images of ones the Isreali's had used

http://www.jedsite.info/tanks/tango-numbers-su/t-55_series/ti-67/ti67-intro.html

Dan/CorkyJr

hubsonfire · « **Reply #14 on:** August 17, 2005, 05:26:07 PM »

Scored a Digital Camera (only 2megapixel though), I'll try to grab some pics tomorrow.