The first thing that greets you in this hall is the Mark I
tank of 1916. It was the first type ever used in action (see FAQ and the Collection page)
and has the characteristic tail wheels on the back.
Over on the left we show how the tank evolved; there is a model of the design by Leonardo
da Vinci, a full size replica of a Knight in Armour on his horse and then the 1904
Wilson-Pilcher motor car. (see FAQ for information on Wilson the inventor) Beyond
the car you can see the 1909 Hornsby 'Little Caterpillar' tractor and you can read
more about that on the Collection page.
Going round to the other side now, take a look at the Peerless armoured car. This was
built in 1919 but it serves to show how tanks developed from armoured cars. If you
check out the Projects page you can read how we plan to change this display for 1999.
Just for now, though, come through into the WORLD WAR I hall.
