Well I'm back from the Boro, and its fair to say that I'm knackered. It is becoming an effort to take a game to the shows. Even with using lighter terrain boards the effort takes its toll on me.
So was it worth the effort? Yes and No. I promised Tom and Dave that I would put a game on, and their shows are always for good causes, so yes it was worth the effort.Its also nice to talk to various people who come to stand and have a bit natter about wargaming things. It was also good to do a bit of shopping to replenish my paint stocks, and also receive a free figure from Graham Cummings great Jacobite figure project. The range is very very good.
The no, it wasn't worth the effort concerns the turnout. But then again, the weather was poor, the venue was never the best and the trade was so so. So overall I'm pleased we put on a game although I did get beat by Colin. You will have to forgive the standard of the photographs as the lighting in the hall has always been very poor, and I didnt take my floodlights.
John had created a river crossing scenario for the game, which has never been my strong point, crossing rivers that is. My Franco/Austrian army struggled to make any headway crossing the river in a vain bid to capture the only bridge. The Hanoverian/ Hessian army however just seemed to keep throwing sixes at all the relevant times. So I was beaten again.
Todays show was the final one at the Southlands, and may also be the final show organised by Tom and Dave. These two have run shows around Cleveland for many years and they have always been good events. The pair were always keen to try new things to interest attendees, from dropping the entrance fee to 50p! to inviting different hobby clubs to put on various displays, the pair have combated terrible disabilities to put on good yearly wargames shows.
Excellent game Robbie, pity could nt stay longer and see the game through to its conclusion. Your figures are pretty amazing, what wargaming should all be about!!. Enjoyed the show overall although as you say, not as well attended as others in the area. Dave Clements Parade Ground, in the old hall on Prince Regent St in Stockton was my first ever wargame show back in 1980 something.
ReplyDeleteSorry I didnt reply sooner John,
DeleteI got beat, needless to say. The lowering of the command status was an interesting feature as units became shaken.
Thanks Robbie.
Thanks for a great game Rob.
ReplyDeleteSee you on Sunday for another bashing no doubt.
DeleteThanks Robbie.
The game looked good and you know what it does seem to get harder to make the effort to put games on at shows. May be an age thing!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad about the shows attendance but the spring show was always the weaker of the two the guys used to organise, lets hope they come up with something for next year.
Glad you like the figure, now lets see it painted!!
Evening Graham,
DeleteTom and Dave always throw a lot into their shows, but Im not certain they intend to continue. I always thought their original shows were great.
Regarding that wonderful figure, I have asked Dave Jarvis to work his magic on it, so Ilook forward to taking some photographs for you.
Have you found any more information about the old Campaign Miniatures range by the way?
Regardless of whether the show was any good Robbie, I just want to say your game and figures look very nice indeed from these photos. I think your basing is particularly effective. Thanks for showing them.
ReplyDeleteChris
Thanks Chris,
DeleteThe bases are easy to do, it was an idea I pinched from Games Workshop.
Thanks Robbie.
If the turnout was as poor as you infer I seem to have made the right decision not to go. As Grahan says the spring show was always the weaker - we gave up trading at it and ran games for a few years- but decided not to do this one in either capacity as I'm now in the run up to Salute.
ReplyDeleteIts a shame you didn't go Andy, I know some people who didn't attend because you weren't there.
DeleteThanks Robbie.
PS See you at Salute.
Its always a pleasure to view your armies. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThats very kind, although sometimes humping the stuff about gets a bit chewy.
DeleteThanks Robbie.
What a wonderful looking game. I would have played in it had I been there, but it is a long way from Chicago.
ReplyDeleteI know that hosting a game can be very exhausting, but we all do it for the love of the game and we must hold to the belief that what we are doing is helping the hobby in some small, but important, way. Somewhere, someone will have either seen your game in person or through your blog and they saw something that inspired them: either to paint some 18th Century figures for their own army, or to haul out their own collection and play a game. Keep doing it because it matters.
I am hosting two games this weekend at the Seven Year War Association convention, and while I fret over all of the required pre-game preparation of packing figures and terrain and game equipment , and while I know ahead of time that I will be exhausted come Saturday evening, I know that it is all worth it.
Itotally agree. I think its probably a combination of standing a longtime and talking rubbish to people who make the mistake of standing near the game when I'm there.
DeleteI must admit I would love to have a command in your games, but then I would also love to attend an American wargames show.
Thanks Robbie.