Derby Worlds

Yesterday Phil and I went to Derby Worlds, held at Castle Donnington Exhibition Centre. Unless I go to Wargamer in December this will be my last show before Partizan next May, which will be on my 65th birthday I see! So, I had preordered some more Trent Miniatures from Duncan at the September's Partizan to add to my 'Lead Pimple' {see earlier entry}. I had also scraped together enough cash to ensure I could do a little impulse shopping if the mood took me, as I expect it surely would any of us presented with the myriad of traders present at the show I was also looking forward to meeting old friends for a chat and hearing about their latest projects and tabletop exploits. I see that the new venue has provoked some strong reactions on the web, but I do like it I have to say: nearer home for a start; loads of convenient and free parking; heaps of traders and some fine games, all under one roof. Granted the light needs getting used to and does render my pictures a little greenish, as you'll see later in the post, and the floor was hard on the old knee after a few hours, but I still think its a better experience than the many roomed University venue. You are, of course, free to disagree with me on this though! There were quite a few nice games on display and I've taken the liberty of compiling a photo montage for any of you who did n't get to the show.
Like a Stonewall's 'Bulldogs and Daschunds' 1914 Mons Salient game ~

Another World War 1 game, the Battle of the Marne, from my old chums at Derby Wargames Society ~

A super 28mm Vietnam War game from a group of friendly chaps down from Border Reivers Wargames Society ~

The Saga Cross and the Crescent participation game featured some smashing buildings from Adrian's Walls. I liked the mosque so much I have ordered one for collection at Partizan next year to add to Byklabad and the Rhanzlistan games ~

A really splendid French and Indian Wars 28mm game by the Old DWA ~

There were many other games on show, but these were the ones that took my fancy the most. No doubt others will have different favourites based on their own preferences. A word here too about the programme: a glossy A5 effort with plan and clear lists and descriptions of the games and traders, so well done chaps! Other show organisers take note, the days of a folded A4 sheet really do belong to the 1980's you know. Finally, what did I buy? Well, here is the stash~

Please note the plastic figures and bases from Warlord Games which were not a purchase, but a freebie in the show entry bag! I bought: Trent Miniatures French and Austrian cavalry for the Wars of the French Revolution project; some Foundry 'unlisted range' early French officers and generals, plus some Austrian cavalry characters for the same project; Indus Miniatures native Rocket Troops for the Mutiny games; some MDF oval bases from Warbases, who else? An Osprey on Foreign Troops in British Service during the Wars of the French Revolution for a bargain £3. And from Lead Adventure Miniatures, a new figure for the 'Empress of Blandings' ~

This wins my vote for quite the most outrageously expensive figure I have ever bought! But I liked the character of the pigs! Sad, or what...