Saturday 28 April 2018

Hammerhead Show 2018


Today's haul from the Bring and Buy at the Hammerhead show near Newark saw a huge increase in my 15mm Napoleonic collection. This pile of 424 figures cost me just £45. Primarily Old Glory with a few minifigs early Austrian artillery thrown in. The Portuguese will serve nicely for the Peninsula war scenarios Chris will be putting on.

I'm slightly pained that I forgot to take my digital camera, but running on just two hours sleep meant that I was likely to leave something behind. I only just remembered to print out the tickets, which I did while contemplating yet another torrential downpour out the back window. The flooding around here can be ridiculous, as when I witnessed the canal boat stranded in the middle of a farmer's field some weeks back.

Nevertheless the turnout at the Show itself was very good, despite it being rescheduled from earlier this year (again due to weather conditions - snow that time). I must say I've wondered if Newark hasn't experienced an overkill of Wargames shows with three situated there over the year: Hammerhead, Partizan and Other Partizan. The difference with Hammerhead is that it gives a good balance of trade stands and participation games. The latter being a successful feature of American shows apparently. It's nice that it gives the customer an all round experience of gaming and socializing, rather than just trying to empty your wallet.

Speaking of which, I've noticed that as I get older I'm more inclined towards a degree of comfort (even at a Wargames show). Some of the first things on my mind when stepping through the doors these days are "can I get a cup of tea?" and "I hope the toilets are decent!!" I can imagine Napoleon himself uttering these same sentiments on the way to St Helena. Thankfully Hammerhead comes through with the goods. Excellent facilities including two Cafe areas with plenty of seating, and bathrooms suited even for an Imperial posterior!

Monday 16 April 2018

Salute, 2018

Salute 2018 came and went. In all a very enjoyable show, if only a little exhausting. It's quite a different experience when running a game or stall and I'll be looking forward to being an average punter at Hammerhead and Partizan.

The "Druid" participation game we put on for Wargames Illustrated was enjoyed by both young and old. The table (by Dave Marshall) attracted a lot of attention in itself. As mate Chris mentioned, it was probably the busiest of all the games. At one point the prospective players were about three deep on all sides.

I won't publish too many photos, as I'm sure others will be putting up many of the same. Instead I'll just post a few eyecatchers. The amazing warlord aircraft carrier for instance, and the Bolt Action game next to us complete with Stuka's and an amphibious landing. Amazing stuff. Oh yes, and the WW1 replica tank!!







Monday 9 April 2018

Upcoming Salute 2018 Game for WI

Once again this year myself and club member Chris are travelling down to Salute 2018 to run the Wargames Illustrated participation game. The offering this time is a Celtic Fantasy style skirmish game called "Druid" (not the old board game of the same name!). It involves tribes of fierce warriors led by a druid and champion who fight over resources with which they can weave powerful spells. Each tribe have different special attributes and weapons at their disposal, and certain sacred sites on the board which influence them. You can check out how the board was constructed in the latest issue of Wargames Illustrated (April).

If you're visiting Salute this weekend, drop by and have a go!