Wow, lots to say!

Ok, I attended the Gaming in Education day in Baltimore on Saturday, and I for the most part, liked what I saw. The vendors area was predictably blah, I was hoping Wargamers was going to bring some 20mm, but sadly, only their Essex 15mm made the trip. I did have a good day in the Flea Market, and found some items I could use for 20mm WWII. As for games..the pickings were good, if sparse, and I did three games yesterday. The first was an Ambush Alley game where we insurgents were pretty hapless till our mortar finally found the range. I then played a MTB game hosted by Buck Surdu..it was a bit confusing and the rules were a little too loosy-goosy and card dependent for me. Then, I played in a North Point scenario (there were THREE North Point games that day), it was fun, but the homebrew rules were meant to handle larger units I think and the scenario was a bit more smash mouth-frontal assault than most of the GMs work, but hey, I like buckets of dice games! But, yeah, the casualties were reaching ACW/WWI levels.

What did I think overall?

Pros:
- Easy access to public transportation and food, with good airy venue that was well lit.
- More space= More events
- Security was in evidence.
- Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.

Cons:
- Food at the convention hall wasn't cheap.
- It's a hike to the amenities (Starbucks, ATM, etc).
- Parking might be a challenge, though it is said the Orioles are going to be away this H-Con.

My recommendation? If you're coming in from DC/NOVA, or local..park your car at BWI or a point along the Baltimore Light rail. It's a real easy thing to deal with, passes are $3.50 all day and the stop's across the street. The train runs till 12:35 AM and if you're staying that late, you might wanna reconsider driving. BWI's parking is $8 a day uncovered and $10 a day covered..if you want to go totally public transport...take the B30 express from Greenbelt metro to BWI, and catch the light rail from there..be advised though..the last bus back to Greenbelt is 10:45 PM. But, it got me there and back with very little fuss. Cost one way? $3.50 for the light rail day pass, $3.00 for the express bus one way and $1.85 on the metro...$8.35 is my total 1 way cost for a trip of about an hour and a half, including wait time.

I'll have some pics up soon, but I think all in all, we're looking good for 2010 and 2011. I canceled my hotel room and plan on shuttling back and forth for my con attendance.

SCORE!!!

Guess I found a way after all to get to Baltimore this weekend! I am going to be taking the B30 from Greenbelt Metro, to BWI and then a light rail connection to Camden Yards and the CC! Talk about doing one's research, eh? Guess I get some historicals goodness, and talk about low cost solutions for Historicon next year! Now, if I could get somebody interested in sharing the hotel room I have reserved that weekend in the adjoining hotel....

Been a fairly good week thus far, things are beginning to pick up again

Ok.
It's been a productive weekend, sort of. I got my entry for Ambush Alley's Raid contest done, but I think it probably needed a lot more polish IMHO. Oh well, an improved version of it will be in the "Blood Upon The Risers" project of mine. I missed the Britannia contest deadline on the Guild, but with all that was happening, making it might have been a bit much to expect.

Speaking of Ambush Alley, I picked up their new Operation Uruzgan supplement. It's nice and though I don't play Afghanistan or Iraq, it's got some good sci-fi adaptability for a little sci-fi universe I am gelling in my noggin. More on that later.

I am also trying to score a ride to the HMGS Game Day , so if anyone in blogland out there is in the DC area and going, I can split gas money or come to some arrangement? Let me know care of this blog. Blackstone, already know this month is bad for you, so I know the answer already. It's cool.

I promise more activity soon, but I just wanted to keep everyone apprised, as it has been quiet of late. Ta-Ta for now all!

Not much to report

Have had a lot of RL intrude as of late. So, not much gaming going on, though some nice acquisitions recently, I'll have photos up soon. (really, I promise). Just wanted to let folks know that I am still alive and such and things will get more active soon!

What's been going on and future plans.

Hey all,
Well, I am winding down the summer. It's been a good, but quiet summer on the gaming front. Fall with Assembly Point and the HMGS gaming day in Baltimore seems to be offering more exciting opportunities. My hobbies have taken a slight backseat as I have had some medical issues to take care of..they're minor, but a sign I am not getting younger.
I managed to finally get my hands on some VERY nice M4A1s with 76mm...now, I'd like to get some more M4s and M4A1s as I've been inspired to get working on building up enough to do a platoon or two from my Grandfather's old division. There is a lot happening on the 15mm front, and the lead pile grows...so I'd really better do something to cut it down to size.
An apology to Dwin..those minor medical issues precluded us getting together this past Friday. Give me a call when you can.
I want to talk about this blog as well. I know again, this is sort of my place to muse about doings in the hobby, and that I've been quiet these past two months, but I want to hear from you, the reader a little bit about things you might want to read. There's a lot on the plate and I do want to make time for it..but isn't that what winter's for? Catch up on the painting and such to get ready for next summer's con season? I will say I appreciate the support I received from many of you out there. Considering the path I have taken lately, it's been good to see I am not alone in my assessments of the hobby. Keep the comments and well wishes coming, and here's to a more active September!

Finally, an update, Some WWII FoF AARs

Ok, it's a very pic heavy update this time, a couple of short Force on Force WWII games, Both games were very bloody draws, with the Germans getting the worst of it. I still have a lot to learn about the rules, as Dwin and I have found out. But, the rules have done as promised. And believe me, they deliver. I hope to have some WIP photos and some other items, especially the long promised 15mm TFL troops shortly. I also picked up some interesting purchases, such as the two Flames of War Art of War books. They are good value for the money and between them and the Artizan guides, you really can't go wrong in the painting department.

More soon!

Sorry about the hiatus.

Work and home have been slightly busy, but I have some in progress projects as well as an FoF WWII AAR I want to put up. Am bringing someone new into the fold and hoping all is well. It's been a lot of fun lately. In any event, look for more here soon.