Landships II

In the last few weeks, I have gotten away from the CENTCOM area of operations to take a two artillery (FIRES) related courses (Weaponeering and Collateral Damage Estimation) in Vicenza, Italy.  It is quite a beautiful and friendly city.  While there, I visited the Museo del Risorgimento up on the ridgeline overlooking Vicenza.  There are five Austro-Hungarian (KuK) artillery pieces in the outdoor display.  There is a small 3,7cm infantry gun in the indoor display.  Two are KuK 15cm Feldhaubize M.14 and two KuK 8cm Feldkanone M.5.  There is one KuK 8cm mountain gun that I cannot find the designation for without my notes back in the US.  All of the pieces are in very poor condition, but at least preserved and not rusting.  The heavy field howitzers are all missing their recoil mechanisms, elevation gearing, traversing gearing, range drums, and breech blocks.  The 8cm guns are nearly as bad but have their recoil systems.  The odd 8cm mountain gun with the bronze barrel is in the most complete condition but is missing its breech block and a lot of small parts.  All but one 8cm FK M5 have wheels that have been incorrectly built without any dish.  It is a nice museum with a modest collection of helmets, sabers, rifles, pistols and art work from the region.  I would say it is a good local collection.  The three focus points are the 1848 Revolution, WW1 and WW2.  The museum was free, the staff very friendly, and you get a great view of the city from the walk or drive up the its location on the ridgeline. The language of the displays is all in Italian even though I did have a German speaking fellow give me good directions to the museum just past the large chapel.  Glad I visited, but wish I could help them restore the artillery.   Photos are attached.