Made my way to Salute this year with some of the Rejects (Postie and Ray) and still another year without purchasing out tickets beforehand (1 hour and 5 minutes in the fecking queue, my feet never recovered), very unprofessional security shouting and herding us like cattle and security supervisor shouting about Salute crew being inefficient and that they should take over the whole thing, the stormtroopers should have taken charge and no Darth Vader this year?
Finally got in and met my friend and work colleague Vinnie (fellow blogger) and everybody split up and would meet again at 1 o'clock for the blogger meet up, not a lot on the list this year some (15mm modern stuff), a bit from Peter Pig and Old Glory (Old Glory had brought their modern range but just not the 2 packs I wanted to buy, no pictures on the site?)
Salute was in a bigger space this year, muggy hot and the lighting of a mad scientists lab (just missing the lightning flashes), no Bring and Buy this year after a heated dispute last year? Some good looking games, some grumpy gamers, camera not working right which I discovered when I got home (most pictures were discarded), muggy hot (I know I mentioned it already but it really was), good people, good fellow bloggers especially Loki who worked like a drunken donkey on the Warbases stand (kind offer too), Mark who presented me with an unpainted unit of 28mm British Legion figures from Orinoco Miniatures from their Wars of Liberation range 1810-1830.
Some of us also got fudge from Clint (very professionally and fairly handed out, nearly as well as I did), we remained until about half four (Ray was afraid he might have missed something or an autograph hunter), all in all not a bad day but easily done on line but we do like to see figures in the flesh sometimes before buying, thanks Old Glory, two other online companies have annoyed me lately too!
Apologies for the pictures,not very good either but the best of a bad bunch, not in any order, some explanations about them from what I could remember........
The free figure is on it's way to Stefan........
The blogger meet up ........
What you see is the fecking other queue with tickets, Salute explained that Excel wouldn't let two queues move at once, Ray spent the whole time talking to a possible new Reject.........
Loki had at work, the tall iron grey haired gentlemen in the middle.......
Finally found Judge Dredd, my mate Vinnie who left around two and had been searching for him too asked me to find him and get a picture, I found him around 4!!!!!.......
Dropzone Commander cityscape..........
Some pictures from the painting competition......
One of Kyle's entries.......
Excellent 54mm scale elephant......
Carlist war game........
Lovely lancers or the only picture worth salvaging....
Great Roman game........
Shot down in flames.......
Loved the action of the rocket launchers......
Even better action shot.........
Another of Kyle's works, I must find out how he did......
Modelled on Ray..........
What a true monster spaceship from Hawk Wargames.....
Really excellent.......
My favourite game, WW2 Sword Beach assault........
These actually downloaded in order........
Frank Herberts "Dune" or The Spice will flow........
Strange red lighting effect inside........
Is that Sting with the red hair......
Great looking Gripping Beast game.......
An Allan Quartermain game........
Lastly some more Oshiro terrain but the figures have long gone......
Yet again apologies about the quality and lack of pictures, so many games missing but.......
I love the Judge Dredd guy! What a great costume.
ReplyDeleteI think standing online for that long was well worth it for you. It sounds like you had a blast and saw lots of cool stuff and met great people. I really liked the black and white shields. What is that from??
I believe they are Moors?
Delete"Modelled on Ray" - nah, far too handsome! :)
ReplyDeleteNice pics Fran :)
Well said and true Tamsin!
DeleteNo apologies necessary Fran - a great round-up. I especially like the annotated group shot to start, and glad you were included! - as well as Ray!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hariklia!
DeleteGreat photos Mr L! That Sword Beach game looked amazing and I love the model based on Ray!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a likeness!
DeleteGood AAR Fran.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a bust this year. Shame.
Not too bad but we're getting less tolerant!
DeleteAge kicking in on all of us I suppose.
DeleteChristopher
No supposing I'm afraid?
DeleteCool pics Fran,
ReplyDeleteSo much in there I didn't see on my travels. I can't believe I totally missed the painting comp stuff!
There was good stuff on display Dave.
DeleteYou should enjoy those Orinoco figures - they're lovely!
ReplyDeleteThey really are great sculpts!
DeleteBrilliant Fran, apart from the crapy queues, poor lights and muggy temp. . . The games and figures look excellent and the meet sounds good fun.
ReplyDeleteI need to get fitter for next year!
DeleteGreat pics of some great tables! That is a helluva long time to stand in line.
ReplyDeleteOnly wargamers and women would!
DeleteGood complement of pics AL.
ReplyDeleteThanks mate.
DeleteDid you really get fudge or is fudge code for something else?
ReplyDeleteNo Code I gave most of the bloggers some of my home made fudge (According to Tamsin, I was packing fudge Cheeky mare). I soon ran out though.
DeleteDamn good fudge too!
DeleteDamn good fudge indeed.
DeleteClint - well, it was fudge and you did pack it ;)
Amen sister.
DeleteClint: That is very cool, Clint. That's something I would do if I was ever to show up there. I don't paint but I'd hand out treats. Love that you did that. Very very cool.
DeleteLurker: Last year I was jealous that Tamsin got to meet you and Rayolla. But now that I talk to her more, I'm jealous that you two goobers got to meet her.
Tamsin: What I said to Fran is true. This year I was jealous that those two goobers got to meet you. I'm enjoying your blog and getting to know you.
Cheers to all three, and boogie boogie.
Thank you Ivy!
DeleteOh my gosh. If we could afford it, Tim and I would so come to one of those salutes just to meet you guys. And I would also bring fudge, and cookies, and pizzelles and ...
DeleteWe need to start a fund!
Deletelolololololol.
DeleteHope you're having a good weekend. Tim is watching Ghost Adventures and I just finished making some dough. Pups just ate. Now they are ready for another nap.
Cheers and boogie boogie.
Working I'm afraid but you two have a good one!
DeleteGreat looking stuff - kept wondering when I would see you post from salute!
ReplyDeleteThanks mate.
DeleteFew issues with Salute this year myself but nice write up overall mate.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carl especially the blogger picture.
DeleteIf that's discarding most of the photos because they were bad... You got some good ones, Fran!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the queue from hell and the heat. Guess those go together, huh?
The Dropzone Commander cityscape was cool. So were the figures. Looks like it was worth it.
Nice one Alex.
DeleteGreat photos mate. Blow it off next year and come to Leviathan in Sydney. Queues certainly won't be an issue!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that, any chance of the air fare?
DeleteWow that cityscape is huge, that had to take a lot of work, and some good shots indeed. Looks like a grand time, for the most part
ReplyDeleteIt was for the most part Pat.
DeleteVery nice After-Salute-Report, Fran. Thank you a lot! Your comments are very interesting too.
ReplyDeleteLooking for those British Legion figures painted!
Thanks Juan.
DeleteThat beach assault looks nice and I like the Dropzone Command Cityscape as well. And thanks for taking some pics of the painting competition, that's what I'd be most interested in seeing.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Easter and hope you have a nice dinner!
Egg on toast probably?
DeleteThat's absolutely shitty. I made a ham, noodles, taters, bread and a cheesecake. I even let the Hubby eat off my bare arse, it being Easter and all.
DeleteNow that's a meal and a picture!
DeleteThe Hubby loved it so much he licked the plate clean :0)
DeleteI've come out in a sweat!
DeleteFrancis, I'm so bad I'm good :0)
DeleteDamn!
DeleteExcellent report. Many thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter
Stefan
No problem Stefan!
DeleteVery nice Mate. That model does not look like Ray, he has more hair. Give it a "syrup" and then maybe!
ReplyDeleteMental note to self take a few pics of painting comp for Anne next year!
Ugly all the same!
DeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness.
Is that true.
When I look at the first picture I see...
there is are a lot of men like me, and all mostly to nice, handsome, and happy
Happy Easter
Happy Easter to you too!
DeleteI love these pics Fran (especially the elephant and the Roman coast), thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil!
DeleteNice pics mate....still gutted I couldn't make it.
ReplyDeleteYou would have sweated pints mate.
DeleteGreat pics and very nice models Francis .
ReplyDeleteCheers .
Thanks Vincent!
DeleteGreat pics Fran. It makes me realise how many games I missed on the day. Glad you like the figures and looking forward to seeing how you paint them up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark, really appreciated.
DeleteGreat report, Fran; have to agree with you on the admin points; I was a little underwhelmed this year, still enjoyed it though.
ReplyDeleteWe're just getting older mate.
DeleteThanks old boy!
ReplyDeleteNice photos Fran.. and thanks for taking photos of some of the pieces in the painting comp ;)
ReplyDeleteAs far as mine went.. no winners but a few finalists from what I understand! Great meeting you at Salute!
Same here Kyle.
DeleteNice set of pics Fran. These posts are great for us who couldn't attend. I know what you mean about your feet, it happens to us older and less svelte gentleman;-)
ReplyDeleteWell said Bob!
DeleteHappy Easter Fran you still managed some good pics mate!
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon and same to you!
DeleteNice pics dirtbag!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you git!
DeleteThe elephant figurine wins my heart and vote!
ReplyDeleteGood man Dez!
DeleteGreat Pics Thanks for the pic of Judge Dredd he looked great
ReplyDeleteNot a problem but he was an elusive fecker to find.
DeleteGreat post Fran! Sorry to have missed the blogger meet-up, but the games on display were great. Really leased you got the chance to take some great photos of the Sword Beach game!
ReplyDeleteSorry too to have missed you too old boy.
DeleteSome great pics, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteNot a problem Neil.
DeleteGreat minatures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Trey!
DeleteThanks for sharing the pics. It was nice to see you again and having a little chat. Yep you are right. Temperature was way up the only thing missing was the amazonas flair.
ReplyDeleteStifling my friend and a pleasure to meet you sir.
DeleteSome great looking games!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
There were a few damn good ones!
DeleteGreat [pictures of the show mate and nice to meet up, pity didnt talk longer
ReplyDeleteA great pity my friend.
DeleteGreat photos of great looking games - the Sword Beach one is a museum piece!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree.
DeleteYou found Judge Dredd? I love that guy. At least you know the place would have been pretty safe with him around.
ReplyDeleteI too am a Dredd fan but he was a fecker to find.
DeleteOnly a few minor complaints, hm?
ReplyDeleteJust a few........
DeleteLooks like lot of fun. The figurines look lovely. The horses and the men not the bad guys. They cost me my lunch. Darn they are scary.
ReplyDeleteLol!
DeleteWow, I can't remember the last time I stood in line an hour for anything. Looks like the patience lead to a pretty fun time, though. I love the Judge Dredd costume and that elephant mini is probably my favorite of the group. My only regret in this life is that I have not yet ridden an elephant...
ReplyDeleteRide an elephant, very doable!
DeleteNice bunch of pics.
ReplyDeletecheers
Thank you sir!
DeleteLooks you had a fun day out, Lurker. You're lucky you keep meeting normal folk from the interwebs. Only time I tried it was a disaster.
ReplyDeleteIt happens mate.
DeleteThanks for sharing Fran, well done for finding Dredd... Can you find us a sequel now please! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm trying mate!
DeleteRay is always a fantastic model for a miniature... :-D
ReplyDeleteMarzio.
Has he paid you?
DeleteMy brother would totally love this shite :)
ReplyDeleteGood shite too.
DeleteGood group photo. Reminds me a lot of Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper".
ReplyDeleteRay as Judas?
DeleteIt's time for you to post again!
ReplyDeleteYes dear.
DeleteGreat Salute AAR Fran ! Thanks for sharing some pictures for us that didn´t get there, very appreciated !
ReplyDeleteBest regards Michael