Northgate Woods
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2007
- Messages
- 1,525
Gentlemen,
My name is Howard Woods and this is my first post. I have been a keen reader of this Forum since June, 2007 and a very serious collector since August, 2006. Prior to that I was a Tamiya model builder for some 25 years. I enjoy reading the Forum for its humorous and educational insights into the world of Toy Soldier collecting. Some of you may have seen my name mentioned in a few threads lately re my first trip out of my beloved Australia to the US of A. Hence the reason for this post. A post of thanks to many people.
Firstly, I visited LA for the West Coaster Show. I did not see any of LA because of room trading, talks and dinners involving Toy Soldiers. The final day being the Show itself was amazing. I had to pinch myself many times to see that I had not gone to Toy Soldier heaven. In LA I was greeted wonderfully by manufacturers, retailers and collectors alike. So to the following I extend many, many thanks. Mike & Myska (Sierra, Our Hosts)
Larry & Wendy (March Through Times) Craig & Woody (Old Toy Soldier Home) Matt Murphy (Hobby Bunker) Peter Wang (Figarti) Bruce Hebron (Metal Shed) Pam & Harold (Brunton Barracks) Richard Walker (Britains) and a fantastic young couple who I was very impressed with Mark & Sandy (Build-a-Rama).
Collectors Steven Cheong, Carlos (desk11desk12) Michael (the Kilted One) Joe (joesgis) and my three constant room traders and drinking buddies Marc (Beaufighter) Jason (Panzer Ace) and Chris Munro (soldier01) who looked after me like royalty. Thanks mates. Footnote for Simmo: Chris enjoys a beer, but not while he's building San Pablos. Apologies to anyone missed .
Secondly, I slipped down to a beautiful little town called San Antonio to visit Kings X and The Alamo. Here, I met Martin Vasquez, a true gentlemen from Kings X shop. We spoke at length about the Alamo and Santa Anna. A very helpful and knowledgable young man. Visited the Alamo, took a boat ride around the River Walk and finished up at the Mad Dog British Pub. Enjoyed a burger for dinner and a few pints served by some very short kilted young lasses. Very interesting night.
Thirdly, moved onto the Big Apple, for the famed New York Symposium. Missed this event in 2009 because of Bushfires on the home front and was keen to see these marvellous NY collections of mine host Louis Badaloto, the most enthusiastic bloke I have ever met and one of the three Muskeeters. The others being Larry (hurry up Louis) Lo, Hans (what are you doing Louis) Henrich and Mark (where have you been Louis) Hoffman. Four of the greatest and generous guys you could ever wish to meet. The four days were magificent. The trip to Highland Falls to meet Tony (Joe Pesci) and his lovely wife Marilyn at the Toy Soldier Gallery cost me plenty, but well worth it. That day I met two outstanding guys, the imfamous Tom Dubel (tdubel) and the Grey Goose himself, Clive ( I don't mine being called a Pom) Gande. Sorry Mr. Moderator. The fabulous Dinners and the visits to Louis' home, Mark's office and Larry's apartment to view some outstanding years of collecting will always remain in my memory bank. Meeting other collectors such as Doug Luna, Mike Garner, Brad Lewin (jazzem) Ron Phillips (The Capitol One) Tim Tyler (Troops50) of Troops of Time from down south. Sorry I mentioned Sherman, Tim. Thought we were talking about a tank. Once again if I have missed anyone please forgive. A huge thanks to all concerned.
I then flew home via Honolulu (I needed a few days R&R to recover from this adventure.) But before I close this post, do you think I have forgotten someone? Yes, I have left the best until last. A huge, huge thanks to the leading man in this movie, the rock star himelf, Andy C. Neilsen, his beautiful leading lady, Helen Mok Sargeant and the up and coming supporting actor Patrick Lee. These three guys are the best, looking after me in LA and then Andy in the Big Apple. Many thanks to K&C. Cheers Howard
My name is Howard Woods and this is my first post. I have been a keen reader of this Forum since June, 2007 and a very serious collector since August, 2006. Prior to that I was a Tamiya model builder for some 25 years. I enjoy reading the Forum for its humorous and educational insights into the world of Toy Soldier collecting. Some of you may have seen my name mentioned in a few threads lately re my first trip out of my beloved Australia to the US of A. Hence the reason for this post. A post of thanks to many people.
Firstly, I visited LA for the West Coaster Show. I did not see any of LA because of room trading, talks and dinners involving Toy Soldiers. The final day being the Show itself was amazing. I had to pinch myself many times to see that I had not gone to Toy Soldier heaven. In LA I was greeted wonderfully by manufacturers, retailers and collectors alike. So to the following I extend many, many thanks. Mike & Myska (Sierra, Our Hosts)
Larry & Wendy (March Through Times) Craig & Woody (Old Toy Soldier Home) Matt Murphy (Hobby Bunker) Peter Wang (Figarti) Bruce Hebron (Metal Shed) Pam & Harold (Brunton Barracks) Richard Walker (Britains) and a fantastic young couple who I was very impressed with Mark & Sandy (Build-a-Rama).
Collectors Steven Cheong, Carlos (desk11desk12) Michael (the Kilted One) Joe (joesgis) and my three constant room traders and drinking buddies Marc (Beaufighter) Jason (Panzer Ace) and Chris Munro (soldier01) who looked after me like royalty. Thanks mates. Footnote for Simmo: Chris enjoys a beer, but not while he's building San Pablos. Apologies to anyone missed .
Secondly, I slipped down to a beautiful little town called San Antonio to visit Kings X and The Alamo. Here, I met Martin Vasquez, a true gentlemen from Kings X shop. We spoke at length about the Alamo and Santa Anna. A very helpful and knowledgable young man. Visited the Alamo, took a boat ride around the River Walk and finished up at the Mad Dog British Pub. Enjoyed a burger for dinner and a few pints served by some very short kilted young lasses. Very interesting night.
Thirdly, moved onto the Big Apple, for the famed New York Symposium. Missed this event in 2009 because of Bushfires on the home front and was keen to see these marvellous NY collections of mine host Louis Badaloto, the most enthusiastic bloke I have ever met and one of the three Muskeeters. The others being Larry (hurry up Louis) Lo, Hans (what are you doing Louis) Henrich and Mark (where have you been Louis) Hoffman. Four of the greatest and generous guys you could ever wish to meet. The four days were magificent. The trip to Highland Falls to meet Tony (Joe Pesci) and his lovely wife Marilyn at the Toy Soldier Gallery cost me plenty, but well worth it. That day I met two outstanding guys, the imfamous Tom Dubel (tdubel) and the Grey Goose himself, Clive ( I don't mine being called a Pom) Gande. Sorry Mr. Moderator. The fabulous Dinners and the visits to Louis' home, Mark's office and Larry's apartment to view some outstanding years of collecting will always remain in my memory bank. Meeting other collectors such as Doug Luna, Mike Garner, Brad Lewin (jazzem) Ron Phillips (The Capitol One) Tim Tyler (Troops50) of Troops of Time from down south. Sorry I mentioned Sherman, Tim. Thought we were talking about a tank. Once again if I have missed anyone please forgive. A huge thanks to all concerned.
I then flew home via Honolulu (I needed a few days R&R to recover from this adventure.) But before I close this post, do you think I have forgotten someone? Yes, I have left the best until last. A huge, huge thanks to the leading man in this movie, the rock star himelf, Andy C. Neilsen, his beautiful leading lady, Helen Mok Sargeant and the up and coming supporting actor Patrick Lee. These three guys are the best, looking after me in LA and then Andy in the Big Apple. Many thanks to K&C. Cheers Howard
