Definitely No Sign of an Economic Downturn in London (1 Viewer)

[UKReb]

Hi Guys

Just got back from the Capital after a long day travelling both ways but well worth the trip. Most of the photographs I took UKBOD has already posted so no point posting repeats suffice to say a wow of a show with no sign whatsoever of a credit crunch effecting our hobby.

Arrived about 10.30 and met Simon (Wraith) recovering from just having melted his credit card he told me that he had just left Rob having oxygen administered in the K&C room after spending this year and next years budget in one hit. I thought this does not bode well.

Entered the hall had to wait sometime before I could introduce myself to Shannon (who was extremely busy on her Beau Geste stall) by saying "Hi Maam I've come for ma badge" took her a minute to work out who I was but I got my frog wearing his tin hat. Attempted to get into the K&C room it was like Macy's on sale day absolutely heaving when I spot a friendly face coming towards me it's Rob still looking dazed being escorted by Blood & Guts and an MP, apparently Tony had ordered them to not let Rob out of their sight until he had paid- I said to Mrs Reb "You gotta get a picture of this"

Long chat with Rob who introduced me to James (Eazy)-thanks mate really enjoyed chewing the cud with you. Looked for Mackenna who had PM'd me that he was coming but not to tell Tony- unfortunately never got to see Chris as he had got a personal invitation to visit St Pauls Cathedral (How does he do it? last June he was at 10 Downing Street). As we went to leave the K&C room a cockney spiv approached the missus and asked her if she wanted to buy some knock off nylons.

He was arrested soon after this shot was taken.



Then scoured both halls practically every dealer I spoke to had the same story business was thriving and Dave on TM Terrain told me he was selling a lot more in the States than he had ever done due to the poor performance of the GBP. Those First Legion Napoleonics really are absolutely superb as are the new Collectors Showcase Zouaves.

However, when I spoke to John Gittings (JG Miniatures) to pick up my pre-order of new foliage he had a reversal of fortunes plenty of business this side of the pond but a noticeable drop off Stateside.

Long chat then with Richard (Britains) about the new releases for 2009 as you can see by UKBOD'S pics really superb figures especially those Confederate Generals Hood, Longstreet and Hill-thanks for those Ken and putting up with my continual badgering these past six months.

few photos here trying not to repeat whats already posted
Little Legion

I Like what this guy had done with some metal kits in dio form bit pricey though.

I ended up about 300GBP lighter but got what I came for-I'll post them at a later date when I unpack them. Left about 1330 hrs as I promised the lady a lunch up West before catching the train back home.
A great day and well done Tony and the Neville family for putting on yet another spectacular TS event

Reb

 

[thebritfarmer]

Thnaks Reb for your review of the show and the photos. Looking forward to seeing your new purchases in an upcoming dio

 

[OldDragon]

Good to hear that interest in the hobby is not dampened ... and so many wonderful looking releases coming soon down the road.

Thank you for sharing and the nice pics.

OD

 

[Deitz]

Thank you posting pictures from the show. Glad to hear there is no apparent sign of a downturn. I wish I was there. Look forward to additional pictures.

 

[1879fanatic]

Reb,
Thanks for the postings. Loved that you stopped by LL. You showed me what I want on the top right!
Mike

 

[Mister Dave]

Great reporting, Reb. Really love the photos and hoping to see more soon. Did you run into Jeff and Simon as well? Looks like y'all had an excellent day.

MD

 

[Deitz]

Reb,
Thanks for the postings. Loved that you stopped by LL. You showed me what I want on the top right!
Mike

Mike,

I wonder if the tents you can see on the right were from Little Legion, possible new dioramas. These are not on their website as of yet.

Reb, thanks again for the pictures.

 

[1879fanatic]

Mike,

I wonder if the tents you can see on the right were from Little Legion, possible new dioramas. These are not on their website as of yet.

Reb, thanks again for the pictures.

Brian,
The Bell tents look keen with painted pole tops,etc...Glad you noticed too from Reb's picture
Mike

 

[Rob]

Hi Guys,

What a show!.I really think this was one of the most enjoyable shows i've been to,and i've been to a few now!.My credit card is a bit swollen this morning but i'm a very happy man.It was so good to meet up with so many fellow collectors and Treefroggers.

Its always a joy to catch up with the Neville brigade and i must say they always make you feel very welcome.I'd like to thank Tony,Mike,Dispatch Dave,Catherine,Susan,Dispatch Daves mum for all their help at the show.I'd also like to thank Dispatch Daves mum for the lovely Pastie i had on the way home,it was delicious!.

Myself and Simon then had a long talk with Andy which was great,all i'm going to say is 2009....OH MY GOD!.Thanks Andy.

It was really nice to meet up with Chris (Mckenna77)a very nice surprise as i had no idea he was coming,Simon,James,Glyn(RAMC) and Bob (UK Reb).I was very pleased to catch up with Bob and his charming good lady as i kept missing them at previous shows,its always a delight to meet them as they are such nice people.It was also a pleasure to meet Shannon again and she looked very busy at the treefrog table and seemed to be under siege at times.As Bob said it was heaving at the show but yet at the same time had a very relaxed atmos about it.I spent my customary hours pacing up and down the K&C tables like a caged animal,then Simon and James arrived and we started agonizing over what to buy.

Myself and James headed off for a spin round the show.Checked out amongst others Britains,Conte,TM Terrain (love the buildings they are making)Collectors showcase and all points east.We also had a look at JG Miniatures whose stuff just gets better and better.Loving the new Arnhem Gardens and buildings,and they were a very reasonable price.

We also of course visited Figarti (always good to meet up with Clive)and were knocked out by some of their new stuff.

We then retreated to the bar sank a couple and planned our respective collecting strategy for 2009.Thanks James always good to see you mate.

So i headed home with a couple of drinks inside me and a couple of K&C bags in my hands,a very happy man.

And what did i finally choose after all that agonizing?.I got the new 8th Army Ambulance(superb),Tank Ambush,Mine sweepers,Arnhem Jeep and trailer,Arnhem Piat set and four Arnhem single figures.

Roll on 2009,its going to be a stonker!!

Rob

 

[UKReb]

Mike,

I wonder if the tents you can see on the right were from Little Legion, possible new dioramas. These are not on their website as of yet.

Reb, thanks again for the pictures.

Hi guys
Those tents were as you can see on the LL stall and they were literally flying off his table as were some neat looking Officers wooden privy's (washrooms) that he had. While I was buying a couple of his battle damaged walls- at I must say a very good price- another collector bought four of the bell tents.

 

[Rob]

Those LL officer WC's were cool wern't they.I have a small collection of LL/Trophy Zulu stuff,whenever i go to London i'm tempted to restart it.Their hand to hand sets are really good.

Rob

 

[Capitolron]

Rob and Reb

Sounds like a great show this year ! Wish I could have been there to share a pint or two !

One year - I am going to make that LONDON SHOW !

Can't complain too much about travel this year - I did see Paris and Berlin

But, already informed the wife - next year might be a Christmas Trip to London !!

 

[Mister Dave]

Rob and Reb

Sounds like a great show this year ! Wish I could have been there to share a pint or two !

One year - I am going to make that LONDON SHOW !

Can't complain too much about travel this year - I did see Paris and Berlin

But, already informed the wife - next year might be a Christmas Trip to London !!

Funny......I was thinking the same thing myself.

Sounds like a near perfect day to me.

Thanks again for all the updates, gents.

MD

 

[Rob]

Guys,would be cool if you made it next year,always good to meet fellow treefroggers.

Rob

 

[Russell]

Reb, Thanks for the news and the photos. Those LL figures looke great.

 

[Wraith]

Another great show. Managed to meet up with Rob ,Glyn, Bob (and of course, the delightful Trudi), James (at long last!), Clive, Tony (who was present for the entire show this time - well done mate), Dispatch Dave, the Neville Clan, Mark and David from TM, Andy C. and of course, Shannon. Enjoyed catching up with you all. Managed to miss a few of the other forum members in attendance - must get better at this organisational thing.

Managed to spend way more than I intended and ended up taking home, from K&C, the EA09 Eigth Army set (can't be long before it's retired - that's my excuse anyway), the EA Crusader, the Russian Tank riders, a couple of the Big Red 1 guys and a Brit Para. Also got the Wittman CC figure at a reasonable price. I ordered the Full Monty from Clive at the Figarti stand. Luckily he realised what I meant, otherwise that might have been a weird show. Got some scenic bits from JG, masonary for the Arnhem houses and some of the ferns (thanks for the recommendation Reb!). Got some recast Herald 7th Cav for my lad for Christmas (I just need to get my finger out now and build the fort) and lastly, a Conte terrain piece - the garage in the bocage, which you hardly ever see this side of the water.

The 'question time' for TSTV was informative and entertaining (coming soon to a web channel near you) and the K&CUK evening bash was excellent. I'll cover that tomorrow,

All in all, a good, if expensive day.

Simon

 

[Rob]

Nice to see you there Simon amd congrats on the Crusader,really have to see that Tank in the flesh to realise how good it is.

Rob

 

[Rob]

Another great show. Managed to meet up with Rob ,Glyn, Bob (and of course, the delightful Trudi), James (at long last!), Clive, Tony (who was present for the entire show this time - well done mate), Dispatch Dave, the Neville Clan, Mark and David from TM, Andy C. and of course, Shannon. Enjoyed catching up with you all. Managed to miss a few of the other forum members in attendance - must get better at this organisational thing.

Managed to spend way more than I intended and ended up taking home, from K&C, the EA09 Eigth Army set (can't be long before it's retired - that's my excuse anyway), the EA Crusader, the Russian Tank riders, a couple of the Big Red 1 guys and a Brit Para. Also got the Wittman CC figure at a reasonable price. I ordered the Full Monty from Clive at the Figarti stand. Luckily he realised what I meant, otherwise that might have been a weird show. Got some scenic bits from JG, masonary for the Arnhem houses and some of the ferns (thanks for the recommendation Reb!). Got some recast Herald 7th Cav for my lad for Christmas (I just need to get my finger out now and build the fort) and lastly, a Conte terrain piece - the garage in the bocage, which you hardly ever see this side of the water.

The 'question time' for TSTV was informative and entertaining (coming soon to a web channel near you) and the K&CUK evening bash was excellent. I'll cover that tomorrow,

All in all, a good, if expensive day.

Simon

JG Miniatures are just getting better and better arn't they.I love their buildings and with the gardens at the rear would make a large and realistic dio.

Rob

 

[Rob]

Forgot to mention it was also good to meet up with Hoogri and his mate,good to see people come from abroard to these shows,shows our hobby is still thriving!

Rob

 

[Eazy]

Another great show. Managed to meet up with Rob ,Glyn, Bob (and of course, the delightful Trudi), James (at long last!), Clive, Tony (who was present for the entire show this time - well done mate), Dispatch Dave, the Neville Clan, Mark and David from TM, Andy C. and of course, Shannon. Enjoyed catching up with you all. Managed to miss a few of the other forum members in attendance - must get better at this organisational thing.

Managed to spend way more than I intended and ended up taking home, from K&C, the EA09 Eigth Army set (can't be long before it's retired - that's my excuse anyway), the EA Crusader, the Russian Tank riders, a couple of the Big Red 1 guys and a Brit Para. Also got the Wittman CC figure at a reasonable price. I ordered the Full Monty from Clive at the Figarti stand. Luckily he realised what I meant, otherwise that might have been a weird show. Got some scenic bits from JG, masonary for the Arnhem houses and some of the ferns (thanks for the recommendation Reb!). Got some recast Herald 7th Cav for my lad for Christmas (I just need to get my finger out now and build the fort) and lastly, a Conte terrain piece - the garage in the bocage, which you hardly ever see this side of the water.

The 'question time' for TSTV was informative and entertaining (coming soon to a web channel near you) and the K&CUK evening bash was excellent. I'll cover that tomorrow,

All in all, a good, if expensive day.

Simon

It was really great to finally put some faces to names and meet people at the show. Also it was cool to get the Treefrogger pin from Shannon.
My purchases were... K&C Arnhem Recce Jeep, new FJ mortar, FJ grenadiers and FJ returning fire sets.
That was supposed to be my limit but i spotted a retired set that i really really wanted. It was a K&C US para set called "Flank Attack".
It was a set i'd missed out on originally so when i saw it I had to buy it even though it cost a bit more than i'd have liked.
It's a great set though and combined with my other US para sets is like recreating the second episode of Band of Brothers!

My final purchase was a two figure set from Little Legion - a hand to hand combat set of a 24th foot soldier and a Zulu.
I'm a big fan of the Little Legion stuff - there is a great deal of imagination goes into the poses.

Anyway that's it till March then. Next time we'll have to organise our meet ups a bit better than just randomly bumping into each other. i think meeting in the bar sounds like a good plan! It was great having a couple of drinks with Rob and chatting about what we'd bought and what was coming next year.