Manoeuvres in miniature

Press, 12 November 1977, Page 6

Manoeuvres in miniature

; Models of soldiers, battle--ships, warplanes, tanks, and artillery, as well as a smaller collection of model civilian objects, are on display in the Horticultural Hall this week as part of a fund-raising effort for a military museum at Ferrymead.

The focal point of the display', however, is a big table covered in green baize — the site of serious battle manoeuvres by the War Games Society.

Grown men move their model soldiers and artillery into strategic positions, describing their manoeuvres in military jargon and totally absorbed in their miniature martial exercises, with the seriousness and dedication of a commanding general. In other displays, tiny replicas of tanks from both world wars vie for attention, juxtaposed with scale models of Transport Board buses, modern racing and saloon cars, and a moon rocket.

At the end of the room is a model railway, with three trains running on separate tracks, complete with lifting road barriers and flashing warning lights. The display will be open at the Horticultural Hall during afternoons and early evening all week.

The Ferrymead Military Section, which organised the exhibition, was formed about a year ago to collect, restore, and display all types of military equipment. The collection will eventually be housed in the section’s own building at Ferrymead. It will include military equipment, such as antiaircraft guns and the 25-pounder gun, as well as badges, flags. military uniforms, swords, and shell cases.

The organisation welcomes any gifts of military equipment that could be used in the display at its new headquarters. Display picture, Page 11