About two weeks ago, I was brought to the Verkhnyaya Pyshma Military Museum. This museum is located in a satellite town of Verkhnaya Pyshma, few km from Ekaterinburg.

I was told it would be a treat for me as I have spent many years in the U. S. military. It was a delightful to see these vehicles on display for the viewing public.

The War Memorial near the museum's entrance:

The assortment of vehicles ranged from early Soviet tanks and U.S. wheeled vehicle, up to include a Soviet jet fighter MIG-21, and both a partial and complete submarine. The wide assortment of artillery and mechanized infantry vehicles of the different wartime eras is a treat for both young and old alike.

When I first entered the military, my position was in field artillery. I was assigned to an MLRS (multiply launch rocket system) battalion; this was a time when the military was departing from using howitzers.

MIG-21, the main rival of American's fighters in Vietnam war on display in the museum:

At the museum it was very interesting to see the MLRS concept being used in the WWII and post-war conflicts where USSR was involved.

The U.S. did not field the MLRS until the early 80s. The Russia version is wheeled with the rocket pack sitting aft of the rear tires. With that being said, there is a new addition to the U.S. MLRS and it is the HIMARS. This vehicle has the fire power of the MLRS, yet it is a wheeled vehicle as the maintenance required for track vehicle can be overwhelming. I am sure this was figure out by Russian well before we put wheels on the MLRS (on photo: Soviet BM-13 named Katyusha - the first MLRS in the world):

When I was deployed for the second time, I was able to see what these vehicles are capable of. What I found interesting at this museum was how these older track vehicles were able to be maintained in a wartime environment.

With extreme weather, hot or cold, the limitations of rubber and metal parts are a problem to maintain. Even with today's better understanding of chemistry, the weather would prove to be too much for our advanced vehicles. Other than the required maintenance, I was also amazed by how confined the driver and crew must of been. I am sure the heat must have been overwhelming in warm climates.

T-18, "The Freedom Fighter Comrad Lemin", the first Soviet tank named after the Russian Revolution leader Vladimir Lenin. It was the first Soviet tank that was put on mass production in USSR:

The legendary T-34, Russia's main battle tank in WWII:

The U.S. Military development of the Stryker vehicle was an idea based on a modular vehicle. The MLRS used the chassis of the Bradley fighting vehicle to reduce cost and parts. The Stryker was developing as a wheel vehicle that can be made into many different configurations according to its mission. I saw an example of this in the museum. The concept of not using specific only vehicle was something Russia has also considered.

A couple of US vehicles that were used by the Red Army in WWII:

It is great to know that a memorial is placed at this location to remember those who fought in the Second World War. A symbolic reminder is to not let such sacrifice being forgotten with the display of an eternal flame.

The vehicle at the museum is a permanent testament of what comes out of need to defend one's country.

A Soviet submarine and a patrol boat:

For more pics clic here

Photo: David V. and E1.RU photographer nicknamed 719

How to get to the museum:

From Ekaterinburg: follow the Kosmonavtov avenue (Проспект Космонавтов) through the Uralmash area. After you pass the crossing of Kosmonavtov avenue and Shevskaya ul. (улица Шефская), keep going the main road. On your right, you see a city sighn - "Welcome to Verkhnaya Pyshma town" (Добро пожаловать в  Верхнюю Пышму) - you are on the right way. Then you see a road crossing with a traffic lights. Turn left and keep going the main road till you see the museum.