Virginia tank museum heading to Ohio

The American Armoured Foundation's $60 million collection of tanks and other military artifacts is being relocated in a new museum in West Liberty, Ohio.

Spokesman Jamie Shaffner said founder William Gasser has been looking for a new home for the southern Virginia museum for some time. The museum in Blairs, north of Danville, saw 7,000 visitors last year. The museum has been in Southside Virginia since 1999. Besides its armored collection, the museum has hundreds of related items.

Shaffner said the museum's collections will be moving to a former foundry in West Liberty, Ohio, near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The tourist attraction could draw more than 50,000 people per year to the area, West Liberty Business Association President Margaret Hager said.

Trains will haul the museum's 118 tanks and other armored pieces to its new home.

Shaffner said a Veteran's Day opening is anticipated.

Learn more about the American Armoured Foundation at http://www.aaftankmuseum.com/