About me... about wargear. (If you really wanna know)
I guess if you've seen the mainpage you've kinda figured out what this site is all about. Hell, for that matter, the name alone should have given it away.
Strange how some things just never phase out of a person. As a kid I clutched onto any bit of canvas or brass surplus I could get my hands on and what was just-for-fun toys are now, well... even-more-for-fun toys. I kept collecting stuff (camouflage mostly) and got myself a decent collection of uniforms from all around the world.
I'm not sure why but for some reason, sharing pics and info with others is far more satisfying than just collecting for myself. What's really funny is I really didn't consider myself a "collector" of military goods until I got on the internet and started meeting others with similar interests. I also discovered that while I am certainly no expert, I have a fairly good knowledge of camouflage and gear; history and development and the like. I also found more information via the net from collectors who were very generous and helpful. The net also became a conduit through which I could join several of my favorite things... airsoft, camouflage, weapons, gear, the outdoors, photography, writing - OK, OK,... you get the idea.
Inspiration. ("Why the hell is he doing this?")
To say that I thought this up on my own would be ridiculous. For that matter, to even build this site without mentioning my good friend "MM" would be a friggin' crime. When I found militarymorons, I was enthralled with his site and hooked on the idea of doing something similar. While I don't have as much stuff, I wanted to portray my interest in the world of militaria the way MM has.
I guess we differ very much in that I focus on mostly Russian stuff and he's accumulated, well... everything else. Also, MM is a hardcore realsteel freak whereas I'm more into the airsoft scene. At the same time, we have quite a bit in common. You know... what with the love of weapons, gear, militaria and all.
MM has always been very generous and patient and his cult following really enjoys how he shares his photos in a way that displays not just the gear itself but also his genuine fondness for it. MM also does some excellent professional photography for all types of weapons and kit and you can reach him via the link above.
MM in his SAS CRW Impression. Photo and logo by MM and both items used with permission.
In memory
Probably the biggest influence in my collecting and love for all things military was my father, "Terry".
When I was just a kid, he told me all his war stories late at night before I went to sleep. Naturally, he edited out the bad parts and just kept to the lighter stuff... the bond he had with his buddies, all the cold nights, drinking and acting like a fool. He told me about all the GI stuff he used and his M5 fully tracked prime mover for towing the 155mm gun. He told me about all the cool German stuff they scrounged and the weapons they fired. He was a total badass and he played it off like it was nothing; like he was just doing his job.
To me he was a giant. He was my hero. And all the stories of his exploits stay with me remind me of how lucky I am to have been his son. Of all the militaria I have, the items I hold most dear are his dog tags.
Miss you Dad.
One more thing... if any images on this site offend anyone (particularly real operators) please understand that I have the utmost respect for you and what you do for our country. No offense has been intended and I hope that all visitors understand this site is hobby-based and although at times there may appear some real weapons or photos depicting real war or real operators, I in no way intend to glamourize violence or war.
Also - I am NOT affiliated with any group (Political or otherwise) well, ok - except for the Red-Alliance... but that's it!
