Seem to recall watching a program about him (wheatcroft) Having the only German E boat in existence left and restoring it.
As a WWII fanatic the answer would be clear, but there is something creepy about him sleeping in Hitler's old bed. That does seem to cross the line between fascination and obsession... a very complex character by that account.
Yeah, he was telling me he's currently engaged in a total restoration to bring it up to fully operational ... ... good job Mrs Smug doesn't read this forum, I haven't told her the full story yet!
I guess it all comes down to your personal circumstances. If you totally want to wind down, the one in france may be the best option. If you want to wind down but spend more time with the family, the Essex job may be best. If you don't actually want to wind down i'd look at the Dorset/France option. I guess salary is a factor as well. FWIW, i'd go with whichever one would make Mrs Smug happier, but then i'm an old softie,
Just read that he thinks he can get 2 Stuka's flying. May just wat SAFC need in their training drills to encourage a higher press
Would have to be Wheatcroft for me and taking a quick look at the Wheatcroft Collection Facebook page, he's doing Sherman tanks now as well so maybe starting a new focus on the Allies and not just the Axis.
Oh and BTW, you just took several hours of my life up there @Smug in Boots ! Lol. But seriously, thanks, I love my WWII history and that gentleman has some serious things there.
Ha ha, got to admit that as a female reading about it was quite creepy, but I’m sure Mrs Smug is a lot more adventurous than me!
.. Good advice mate. She didn't like the 'French' lady so halted the meeting after 10 minutes, I was stunned! Essex was interesting, self made millionaire with 90 machines, from huge quads to JCB's, for his various landscaping projects. We've asked them to give us a proposal. So it's off to see Mr Wheatcroft in Dorset .... ... looks like quite a pad. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pinterest.com/amp/pin/474848354450577344/
I know I should mate but I can't resist going for the interview tbh. This a collection that only a few people in the world have ever seen, some would give anything to get in there. So, as I see it, this is a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity' ... ... and Mrs Smug should've calmed down by Christmas
The whole day was incredible mate, great project and the owner is a really good bloke. The house is a fabulous old place with endless rooms one of which is a very grand chapel. The project was very tempting and his collection truly world class. Sadly Mrs Smug wasn't totally comfortable with the set up. To quote Jules, from Pulp Fiction, 'cause my girlfriend's a vegetarian, which pretty much makes me a vegetarian'. Basically if she's happy then I'm happy and life is easy. I'm disappointed, as it was the chance of a lifetime, but at least I got to see the place which is usually totally private. So we're off, on Monday, to a new place near Carcassone in SW France which is a semi retirement job in the sunshine. It's looking after a fabulous, but little used, estate in the Languedoc countryside. There's all the usual stuff, big pool etc, and cheap flights to East Midlands airport where the family is. Not as exciting as I'd like but Mrs Smug deserves a period of calm ... ... it can't be easy living with me
well keeping the good lady happy is the right thing to do, and on the plus side, you got to see that collection, which i'm guessing was amazing. hope Mrs Smug likes the new place then, and you can enjoy this next stage in your life. I actually dont think living with any Sunderland fan is easy for our respective spouses, although i'm betting your good lady puts up with an awful lot more than most.
What a mistake, France has become a beautiful prison It's fabulous here but we can't get home and friends & family can't come here. The pool was glistening today and the sun shining but we didn't bother going in, wtf.
I spent the day in lovely rainy hendon trying to match tartan material on a huge three piece. Alcohol hand washes and sharp tools dont mix. Jealous? Nor, thought not!