As usual I went camera in hand and shot far too many pictures! This was the first real test of my new flash diffuser and I am pretty happy with the results. The next step is for me to work out how to increase depth of field in my pictures... but that's a subject for another post on another day. Anyway here's my final selection of pictures from Sundays event:
Once I'd arrived (and calmed down a bit) I went down into the main hall and started by working my way round the display tables. I was very impressed with the quality of some of the games on display and there were a few I hadn't seen at shows earlier in the year. One of my favourites was that by Southend Wargames: Keep Your Head Down Fritzie Boy. The terrain was very well put together but I also enjoyed the quality of the painting on the miniatures. I had a long chat with one of the guys on the table and I was impressed with his knowledge and enthusiasm of the period. The table got a nomination for Best Demo Game but lost out to the excellent Hotchwald Gap by Shepway Gamers.
During the course of the day several readers of this Blog recognised me and said hello and I have to say I got a real buzz out of meeting them. It's always good to know I'm not talking to myself. In particular I bumped into The Angry Lurker and Ray of Don't throw a 1 and (after a bit of schmoozing) got myself an invite to their groups next game! Thanks guys, I'm really looking forward to it.
Once I'd gone round the display tables I put the camera away for a while and explored the traders. I didn't have a long list of things to buy this year but I managed to buy a Platoon of M4A1 76mmSherman's for FOW, some US Decals, 2 cans of Black GW undercoat and the latest Kevin Dalimore painting guide.
Some of the traders mentioned visitor numbers, and therefore takings, were down this year. Attendance did seems a little less than last year especially as the whole show was concentrated in the main hall and balcony (last year they also had a lower hall for the Bring & Buy). I'm not sure if this was just poor advertising as one trader suggested or if gamers have finally been hit by the economy. Our hobby can be expensive but compared to the price of a Football season ticket or boozing I think playing with toy soldiers is actually very good value for money.
I hope you enjoy the pictures.
You are a damn good schmoozer and do not let anybody tell you otherwise, good pictures by the way as always.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee
ReplyDeleteThe advertising was aweful.
John
I did think the SELWG website should have been better updated. Aside from the new date it was the same page as last year and had very little other info on it. A pity because other than that I thought it was a very well run show.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report - I really need to pop over the pond and attend a UK game show!
ReplyDeleteThese are some great pictures and dioramas.
ReplyDeleteSeems you had great time, except for the drive to the SELWG show. ;)
The drive was 'eventful'. Once I'd crossed Tower Bridge and headed south via Elephant and Castle I was totaly lost. The Sat Nav kept telling me to turn left when I couldn't and I seemed to be stalked by a crazy taxi driver who was unreasonable close to my rear bumber! By the time I got to Crystal Palace I was feeling a little stressed out!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that I had a great day and really enjoyed the show. Its not too large but still has a good selection of traders.
Bumber??????? I am worried about you.
ReplyDeleteFreudian slip!
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos, I think I'll get me one of those diffuser thingimybobs! The number at the show were definitely down from last year, I only got took 2 hits from the rucksack mob this show, usually it gets into double figures, Grrr!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your photos, thanks for sharing them. I very rarely get down to London shows, I'm just lazy. The photo slideshow brought the games and displays to life, once again thanks.
ReplyDeleteTony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Great Photos, thanks for making the effort and sharing.
ReplyDelete