SCHWARZENEGGER'S BIGGEST GUN!Warren E. Motts discusses Arnold's M47 Tank! Reported By: Randy Jennings Tuesday, April 17, 2001 For Arnold and bodybuilder fans alike, when we hear the state name Ohio, our thoughts immediately go to the well-known successful Arnold Classic. But if you think the Classic is the only reason for Arnold fans to journey to Ohio, you couldn't be MORE WRONG. An equally impressive Schwarzenegger MUST-SEE experience awaits you all. A bit of Arnold trivia: When The Oak went AWOL from the Austrian army to compete and win the Jr. Mr. Europe Competition, what was his military occupation? That's right, a tank driver. And where can Arnold fans get to see his tank up-close and touch the barrel of the biggest gun the Terminator has ever fired? Right again, at the Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio just a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Columbus.  When The ARNOLD FANS journeyed to the 2001 Arnold Fitness Weekend, you can bet your sweet apple strudel that we made it out to the Motts Museum to see Arnold's M47 tank - the ultimate piece of Schwarzenegger history. We met with Warren E. Motts, the museum director, who gave TAF an exclusive interview about Arnold's tank and the day it was delivered by its Austrian owner.
WM: Our museum was formed out of the need to preserve, protect and display items from military history. This area of history is often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood. Military history was and still is the backbone of American and world historical accounts. Although many museums contain military items, the Motts Military Museum is unique because it encompasses all periods of military history with all countries in which the United States has been involved. The purpose of the Motts Military Museum is to bring Military history into its proper perspective by the collection and preservation of personal stories and memorabilia from the men and women who served in our military. I myself served in the military between the Korean and the Vietnam War and was not in combat. I was the NCO in charge of photography for the 37th Infantry Division, Ohio National Guard. Arnold is a true patriot as well and his tank is just one highlight of the hundred's of the museum exhibits. TAF: How did Arnold become reacquainted with his old friend - the M-47 tank he drove 30 years ago? 
WM: When I asked how he got the tank he said, in the early 1990's the
Austrian Minister of defense tracked down the tank by it's serial number and
demilitarized it and turned it over to Arnold who had it shipped to the USA.
At the time it was shipped to the nearby Easton Center in Columbus, Ohio for
its "Planet Hollywood" / "Planet Movies" Grand Opening.
TAF: And how did you manage to obtain Schwarzenegger's tank that he drove in the Austrian Army? WM: Once people were aware of it's nearby residence, the museum received many calls saying we should get the Schwarzenegger tank to display it here. At the time, I wrote a letter to Mr. Schwarzenegger asking him for the tank. A short time later Mr. Jim Lorimer and his wife came in to check out the museum for Arnold. Mr. Lorimer felt that Motts Military Museum was the place for Arnold's M-47. Many people and organizations wanted the tank but in the end Arnold chose our facility to preserve his story and his tank. TAF: What can you tell our readers about the history behind Schwarzenegger's M-47 tank? WM: His tank was originally built by the United States for use during the Korean War in the 1950's. Many of these tanks were given to NATO Countries during the Cold War. This particular tank was given to the Austrian army in the 1960's; Arnold was trained in the M-47 and was a tank commander. 
TAF: Can you tell us of your personal experience on meeting Arnold? Did he
stay long and have a friendly chat with you? If so, what topics did you
speak of?
WM: When I first met Arnold I was very taken with him. He was very personable and very easy to talk with. We talked about his experiences in the Austrian Tank Corp. and how he kept his bench press and barbells in one of the boxes on the side of the Tank. Shortly after he arrived, Mr. Schwarzenegger had to get in and take the M-47 for a test ride. It was amazing to see that instantly he remembered how to drive it. Within seconds he was racing across the field in his tank like a pro. Because we were a little worried the tank was so old, someone joked that we might need to call the National Guard if Schwarzenegger throws one of the Tank tracks (laughs). After he had driven the Tank for roughly 10 minutes, he again related additional stories from his days in the Tank Corp. I am very pleased to have Arnold's Tank on display at Motts Military Museum as the Museum was founded as a remembrance to the men and women who have preserved freedom. 
TAF: Did Arnold seem sad to leave his tank behind and did he promise to come
back and see it again?
WM: I could tell that the Tank was very special to him and that it brought back many memories from his days in the Austrian Army Tank Corp. but he also knew at the Museum the Tank would well taken care of. As he was preparing to leave he looked at us and said "I'm glad to have my Tank at Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio and...I'll Be Back." TAF: Can Arnold fans look forward to ever finding a souvenir replica for purchase of Arnold's tank anytime soon? WM: At this time we are working on an additional display on Arnold in the Museum with plans to possibly get his military uniform and other items during his army days. Unfortunately we have no souvenir for sale; however, we do have a brochure on Arnold and his Tank available at the Museum. We are sure the patriotic Oak will be back one day to drive his tank again and to deliver more pieces of Schwarzenegger military history to The Motts Military Museum. When you go to visit Arnold's tank and meet Warren at the museum, tell him The ARNOLD FANS sent you.  To plan a trip to The Motts Military Museum, please call: (614) 836-1500 or visit on the web at www.mottsmilitarymuseum.org. ---------- |