Atomic Bombs Can Be Fun

The Atomic Testing Museum



When MRS Bunkermeister and I were in Las Vegas recently when we were not at the range shooting machine guns, we visited the Atomic Testing Museum. This museum tells the story of the atomic testing facilities, people and events from the middle of World War Two until the end of the Cold War. I got a nice tee shirt with a photo of Atomic Annie a cannon in service with the US Army for about 20 years from the early 1950s, and a couple of books. They had an interactive display that similated an above ground atomic test. Very cool with vibrating seats and a big gush of wind. Once we got back to the hotel we did practice our "decontamination" skills.

Whenever I travel, I try and look for hobby shops, book stores particularly used book stores, museums and places of historical interest. Museums can be a great source of unique items and information. One of the books I got was a reprint of a report from the 1950s showing the results of the test firing of the Atomic Cannon. They had some interesting photos and a TO&E of firing batteries and sections. Good stuff for my Cold War US Army.

Research can make wargames much more enjoyable. New scenarios, new rules, new weapons can be revealed to you with a bit of research. This is particularly true if you check out of the way sources. Naturally, the Internet is full of great stuff, but libraries, museums, and historical places can have interesting collections of information. Check out military bases too, many have museums and even vehicle collections and gift shops!