Out of the Shadows (1 Viewer)

[Footman]

Hello, After lurking around and reading all of the K&C posts for the last two years, I decided to join up. I have always enjoyed reading the posts and have learned a great deal from everyone. I previously collected the DML 1/6 figures & vehicles and was able to fight off the 1/32-1/30 addiction until I saw K&Cs Napoleonic range. Since then, I have sold off almost all of my 1/6 soldiers (along with model car/planes/etc.) to fund my toy soldier affliction.
My favorite K&C set at this point is the Gepard and The Rammjager jet and Halftrack combination.
I went to the Chicago Show last year for the first time, leaving at 3:00 am Saturday morning and driving the 730 miles northward from Atlanta (with a couple of Stephen King books on CD to keep me awake), and returned home the next day, Sunday, after the show. Meeting Andy on Sunday was a great experience. After a 1500 mile trip, I am ready to do it again this year, except I plan on leaving at 2:00 am and driving faster.
-----My question is, do I have a problem ? , Should I seek counseling ?
What are some of the distances you have driven to be see a show and purchase/look at K&C and other toy soldiers ? Thanks.

 

[4th Hussar]

1500 miles !!!! With the price of gas it might be cheaper to fly., but then my butt is only good for 150 miles at a stretch

 

[Spitfrnd]

Welcome out of the shadows mate. 1500 miles in two days just to see the show certainly shows some degree of "dedication". That's not something I would do any more but if you enjoyed it, why not. Frankly I think counseling, like many modern medical treatments, is over rated. Have a chocolate sundae instead and make sure you have enough caffeine for the trip.

 

[nmrocks]

Welcome, as for counciling, you'll get all you need on what to buy next from this group and free of charge!!
Ray

 

[Mister Dave]

Welcome out of the shadows mate. 1500 miles in two days just to see the show certainly shows some degree of "dedication". That's not something I would do any more but if you enjoyed it, why not. Frankly I think counseling, like many modern medical treatments, is over rated. Have a chocolate sundae instead and make sure you have enough caffeine for the trip.

Welcome Footman. I too am a fan of road trips, but yours takes the cake.

Never mind our esteemed colleague's medical advice and always check the source of such advice in future.

Caffeine has never been associated with any significant health problems so consume away. Chocalate sundae....good in moderation like most things. Counseling, or psychotherapy is highly user dependent and only as good as what you bring to it. Modern medicine in the US is a very impressive entity in terms of capabilities, but is overshadowed by access and cost issues....let's blame the insurance industry for these.

Good luck with your trip.

MD

 

[sceic2]

-----My question is, do I have a problem ? , Should I seek counseling ?....

Naw, your just as crazy as all of us are And, if we all went to counseling all the shrinks in the country would be busy for years!!! YEARS I TELL YA

 

[Rob]

A very warm welcome to the forum

Rob

 

[JPB]

Welcome

 

[gk5717]

I met someone from Atlanta at last years show who did a similar driving time frame. I wonder if that was you!
Although after talking I found out he was a member of this board but can,t remember his id.
Gary

 

[Leadmen]

Welcome to the forum. I hope you have a safe trip. My four hour drive does not seem that bad compared with driving from GA. Leadmen

 

[OldCelt]

Hello Footman and welcome.
Try Amtrak 1-800 USA RAIL there may be an overnighter to Union station Chicago from Atlanta. Sleep and rest on the way up. Sweet dreams clutching your new toys in your arms on the way back.
Any way you get there just GET THERE!.and have fun.
O.C.

 

[Youngster]

Welcome aboard! Good to have another Atlanta area collector!

 

[theBaron]

I've driven to Annandale VA for Ed Gries' show, that's about 220 miles, maybe, from the Lehigh Valley. If I had to go any farther, I think I would have to arrange lodging overnight, or consider flying. The Amtrak suggestion is an interesting one, though. Travelling by rail is actually an almost-forgotten pleasure. I travelled around Germany with the Bundesbahn, and I've always thought it was a shame that passenger rail couldn't compete here.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Observer]

One day I will make it to the Chicago show, after all I live in Toronto so the drive isn't too bad.

But, I did fly to London last December to attend the London show. Does that count for bonus points?

Suffice to say, I went with a suitcase inside a suitcase and came back with two full suitcases.

 

[Larry Allen]

Welcome Footman!
I too am relatively new also but I am very glad that I started to jump right in here and participate in some discussions and ask questions. The wealth of knowledge (at least about Toy soldier collecting and military history) is tremendous.

1500 miles is a looooog way. Ever hear the bus ads, "Take the BUS and leave the driving to us". Must be a bus you can get. Gotta' be cheaper than gas and wear and tear on car AND YOU.

So what is your main interest or time frame?

 

[Footman]

Larry,
Probally like everyone else my interests change over time. I started with
K & C Napoleonics, then WWII, Rev. War, John Jenkins F & I War, then K & C WWI, now back to K & C WWII. I sold the JJ figures and K&C Rev War and am trying hard to stick with WWII, but it is difficult with so many great figures being released.
To everyone, thanks for the responses, I will be consuming mass quanities of sugar and cola products on the trip. I drove a Mazda to Chicago last year, great gas mileage, for some reason my car was slower on the way home -- could it be the two tons of polystone vehicles and metal soldiers crammed in the back hatch and seat ? Possibly.

 

[Mister Dave]

This all sounds very exciting. Funny how the collecting focus changes so dramatically from time to time. I hate to think of all the lovely things I've bought and sold over the years.

Remember, caffeine...no proven long term health problems, sugar....moderation is good, toy soldiers....also no long term health problems identified, though acutely must be concerned about back injuries while unloading the heavy cargo from your mazda upon arriving back home. Also, some sleep is desirable.

MD

 

[Sans Culotte]

Bienvenue and don't worry about this so-called addiction. In time, it will all seem like a dream; "too flattering sweet to be substantial." At least, 'til the funds run out! No, think of it as an art collector thinks of art..... as an investment. Or, pit your particular "addiction" against that of someone else from Atlanta who collects vacuum cleaners. There, don't you feel better already?

 

[Louis Badolato]

Welcome aboard Footman! I hope to meet you in Chicago . . .

 

[kilted vampire]

Hello, After lurking around and reading all of the K&C posts for the last two years, I decided to join up. I have always enjoyed reading the posts and have learned a great deal from everyone. I previously collected the DML 1/6 figures & vehicles and was able to fight off the 1/32-1/30 addiction until I saw K&Cs Napoleonic range. Since then, I have sold off almost all of my 1/6 soldiers (along with model car/planes/etc.) to fund my toy soldier affliction.
My favorite K&C set at this point is the Gepard and The Rammjager jet and Halftrack combination.
I went to the Chicago Show last year for the first time, leaving at 3:00 am Saturday morning and driving the 730 miles northward from Atlanta (with a couple of Stephen King books on CD to keep me awake), and returned home the next day, Sunday, after the show. Meeting Andy on Sunday was a great experience. After a 1500 mile trip, I am ready to do it again this year, except I plan on leaving at 2:00 am and driving faster.
-----My question is, do I have a problem ? , Should I seek counseling ?
What are some of the distances you have driven to be see a show and purchase/look at K&C and other toy soldiers ? Thanks.

Welcome to TSA Toy Soldier Anonymous. Repeat after me:" I am powerless over Toy Soldiers and my life is unmanageable." Now look for a sponsor and give him/her all of your toy soldiers. Please click on my profile for further directions. I will sacrifice myself for your mental health.