Tag: paper armies

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wargame shows wargaming

Hammerhead 2023

This years Hammerhead was very busy – the car park was full and early on. This site is no good for public transport being well outside Newark with no bus services to the site. The car park is therefore a good measure of attendance.

Inside the main hall it was extremely busy. Traders were doing lots of business or rather had many visitors. How much was being spent was another matter.

The participation games looked well patronised.

One change was the second hall that held mainly the DBA gamers was not open this year. So the DBA gamers were in the main hall. Much reduced in number post covid19 and perhaps some were grateful for the hubbub around them while others maybe longed for the quieter setting of the second hall. Earnest stuff though!

I spent little – in fact just a set of transfers on the day!

Normally I have a few things in mind but not this time. I was tempted by some paper boys books, see below one of the participation games, while Helion publications on Franco Prussian and Hungary 1848 wars almost made me part with some cash. Osprey have published yet another book about late roman britain – my interest was that it covered Gaul as well – but not enough to make a buy – yet. Some 1/72 plastic kit armoured cars nearly captured me. In the end I was happy just to look.

A few games I did snap all looked fine. I forgot to go back and play the Spanish Civil War game (GB30 a very spanish civil war by Three shirews gaming) or get a pick – it was very lively.

Similarly no pick of Anarchy in North Yorkshire 1138 (GB15) by Red car Iron Beards: Using the versatile Lion Rampant ruleset for a small skirmish. I had a good chat with them – hope they find a new home and grow again.

GA03 Gaslands on show – but I am guessing this product has run a bit low on gas since its spectacular arrival?
It remains an interesting alternative that is easily accessible – Homefront Gamers offered a good set up.
Not much scenery tempts me although I have a soft spot for sunshine buildings – maybe thats a winter thing? TD19 Charlie Foxtrot Models was busy.
GB01 Ice Slaughter – Lake Priepus by Like a Stone Wall Wargames Group I think.
GB17 Edge on Flat Figures don’t seem that tempting.
However – face on I think they are more than impressive. And these are 10mm – much smaller than the original sets. So en masse they look good.
My only purchase! Pendraken TD10 to the rescue………

Hammerhead offers an excellent variety of gaming opportunities. When you add in the trader range it is definitely a show to consider.

For me there was the added social aspect – it is a welcoming show.

Compared to VAP 2023, Hammerhead was clearly well organised on the day. It benefits from being on one level although it perhaps lacks facilities to be much bigger – the second hall only really works on fine days I guess!

The emphasis on participation brings a greater variety of games, it seems to me.

In that sense the two shows being close together on the calendar are complimentary.