Anyway, we got rid of quite a bit of stuff, although for some reason 15mm painted figures, at knock down prices weren't selling?
I always get a buzz attending wargames shows, I know I should be used to them after all these years, but somehow I still cant wait to stroll around a show.
On the AMG forum, there is currently a discussion about the announcement that Front Rank will no longer attend any shows, and whether this is a good or bad thing, some posters agree, some dont. Personally I think its a mistake by the company, but what do I know, but what better way than to keep your company in the public's eye, and please dont give me the guff about the internet.
Physically seeing the products, talking to the dealer, and then comparing opinions with other wargamers must promote the range you are trying to sell. I always think of Hinchliffe, and Essex who dont seem to attend any shows now, some wargamers aren't aware that Hinchliffe still produce their ranges, and pay inflated prices for secondhand metal due to this.As for Essex, 20 years ago, their 25mm ranges were the figures to buy, now one rarely sees them on a table.The figure ranges are still out there. Wargaming is about inter action between like minded people, and that includes solo wargamers. What can be better than to chat about some figure, rulebook or paint technique to another wargamer. Who wants to be a miserable sod.
Leading on from that, I do know that there are a lot of wargamers that never attend shows and rarely buy magazines. The great Donald Featherstone would always bemoan the wargamer that didnt buy his magazine, and I always thought he had a point. Wargames magazines, love them or hate them, are a showcase for the hobby, again the internet has its place, but magazines still have an important role in the hobby. So if you can afford it, buy them, even if its to cut out the pretty pictures.
Anyway, back to the Border Reivers show.
I thought the show was pretty busy, most of the day, and certainly up to 1.00pm. The venue has plenty of parking, a decent canteen, and I understand is reasonable to hire. The only downside is the crap lighting, but that is a common complaint across the country.
I seemed to spend more time chatting to other wargamers, so much so that I didnt take any photographs! A first for me. Game wise, the stand outs for me, were the cheeky chappies from the Westerhope club, with a Zulu game, and what appeared to be an Oldhammer game with some nice figures and terrain. Sorry again that I didn't take any images.
As regards the traders, of which there were many, Leven Miniatures www.levenminiatures.co.uk had some beautiful 6mm buildings at very reasonable prices. I had to buy some of their Napoleonic ranges for the Blucher games.
Due to gabbing on, I missed out on buying the new Ottoman turks from Warlord games, although I managed to buy one commander, and very nice they are to.I still managed to end up buying quite a bit of stuff, including more paint, and bases.
So Border Reivers as a show was for me a success, great crack, something to look at, and a nice buzz at the show. Support your local wargames show.
The poster at the top is for my next local show, where I promised I would put on a game.A nice venue, full of trains, free to enter, free car parking, and now wargamers. What more could you want?
Hi Robbie, it was good to catch up with you briefly at the show. I agree with your comments re meeting the Traders and likeminded folk at a show. I always have a good natter with for example your man with Hoka Hey wargamers and i ended up an Irish renanissance army as a result ! See you at Wear Valley
ReplyDeleteI could have sworn that I had already answered youre comment John, but hey ho.The next time you bump into us, speak to John as he is busy building up the very same army.
DeleteRobbie- Although I see Front Ranks point- I don't agree but then I know a good few Trade outfits who hate shows and IMHO view their customers in much the same way. I'll name nemes privately face to face but not here- some are obvious some not so . There are plenty both wargamersand traders who hate any kind of human element in our hobby to them it is merely a numbers game.
ReplyDeleteNot my stle at all.
I heartily agree with you other points however- you have to get out amongst 'em ! What is the point of sitting in your bedroom playing with yourself ! (all double entendre entirely intentional )
As it happens I had a long chat with Jason at Newark on much the same subject and we agreed that one of the dangers facing us is simple Po-faced self centredness from those who hate laughing-as in life as in our hobby !
Dum Vivimus Vivamus !
Andy,
DeleteThe hobby has always attracted some pretty strange people over the years, which has never helped when I've tried to explain the hobby to ordinary people. I suppose if they hadn't been attracted to wargaming they would have probably pestered their mother's more, so I suppose the hobby has probably saved them from doing time.
Robbie,
ReplyDeletePartizan was, for me at least, a good example of a show. Friendly traders willing to spend time with their customers. Games with appeal and presented in a visitor friendly manner for the main.
Not sure I could persaude my better half to make the trip to see your game but I wish you all the best withi it.
Alright Paul,
DeleteIt would be a long way to come for a small show, although the trains are nice to walk around, and there is a good selection of model trains to buy as well. Re your post on AMG, I cannot understand the thinking of Front Rank really. If they cant be bothered maybe they should sell their business to someone who can be. Personally I think they will suffer for it.