WinterCon 2014 Canberra

WinterCon 2014

 

WinterCon is the Canberra Games Societies little brother miniature wargaming convention. There is only one hall in use not 2 and a half; there are only a few purveyors of fine wares for the miniature gamer or equivalent. Yet there is still plenty to offer the gamer, miniature painter, or even Cosplay participant. Two nice additions this year were a painting clinic by Meg Maples from the USA, what a great idea. Pity I did not have the two days might have taken up this opportunity. The other was some nice Cosplay people and a Steampunk stall selling or at least displaying some very nice clothing and accoutrements for those so inclined.

 

A quick stroll around on the Saturday left me wanting a game. There was a  Warmachine/Hordes event (what is it with these guys, 2-3 have the most beautifully painted minis and then it is hard to spot so much as a lick of paint on the rest of the 40 or so participants) they also had a learn how to play set up which was very clever.

Flames of War had their own mini campaign based on the invasion of Normandy, this looked really good and I love how they theme the campaign each year. 40K had the usual lot and possibly a kill team version too?

Impetus in 28mm what nice bases. Hmmm another project I want to start. Bolt action was there with some nice 28mm WWII. Is it just me but should there be artillery on the table in 28mm games?? Maybe they are objectives. X-Wing was being played as a competition; first I have seen that in Australia.

But the real eye opener for me was Dead Man’s Hand in 28mm on some very very nice tables. Cowboys just does not do it for me but after seeing the tables and minis……….oh no…….

 I spent a little at a couple of stalls and well ended up playing in the demo game of Infinity against my son who promptly whooped my proverbial. This game has fascinated me for a while and well I got home and on the Sunday gave both my lads a game. Yep gonna give this one a go at last. The other highlight was a brilliant Pegasus Bridge game using 28mm British Paras against a mixed bag of SS PZ Grenadier Veterans and some everyday Heer and lesser troops. The rules were Chain of Command, another rules set that has caught my eye.

Well enough of the chat on with the show.

Pegasus Bridge Chain of Command in 28mm

Infinity display board, this was used later in the day.

The 2X3 board my son and I fought over with a choice of teams in the back ground. The gentleman that ran it was Nim from Canberra and very good he was too.

 Thanks Nim.

Gendarmes for a late Medieval/Early Renaissance Impetus Competition, mind you I could have sworn I saw Carthaginians on a table too.

40K Imperial knights, I still play 40K and WFB and love looking over the fantastic painting done by participants.

Dead Man's Hand only one of may fine tables. Tempted........

A burning PZIV after being hit by a PIAT from a window the night before, in the game. The poor chap with the PIAT was in the middle floor looking through the middle window and shortly after I arrived just about every thing German that could shoot at him did so. Note the smoke and fire marker, with glowing LED inside....coooool.

 

Sad loss, a great friend and Club member.

Sadly around a week ago our club lost one of our great members. Intriguingly if this is read by others outside of Australia the name may be recognised due to his premier painting skills and ability to knock out entire armies at a very high standard in excellent time.

Colin Jones, Col for short, passed away after a long battle with cancer and other issues and is dearly missed by his wife and family. He will be sorely missed by all at our club too. Col had not been attending for around 2 years due to ill health but had still helped out with painting advice and the odd game at his house. Though not much of a naval gamer I had the chance to sink his Bismarck in a War at Sea game around 3 months ago. In actual fact his sunk most of my ships but hey it sounds better this way.

Col was ex Royal Navy serving on HMS Eagle I believe and then he joined the RAN. After serving as a naval police officer he joined the department of foreign affairs and worked in Thailand, Russia and China all the while indulging his passion for miniature wargaming and painting. He is remembered in Australia for turning up to a model painting competition in Perth Western Australia and winning 11 out of 12 of the events! Warhammer Fantasy as played in Australia has been privileged to see his work appear in 30 armies out of 120 at a competition held in Canberra only 5 or so years ago and his worked appeared in White Dwarf on occasion as well. He helped hundreds of kids (young and old) indulge their passion for miniatures and was a true gentleman and inspiration to all. Judging painting competitions instead of entering them just so he would give us all a chance.


You will be missed Col, thanks mate.

Col on the left of the pic.

Next time a little comment about WinterCon at Canberra. Or how to shake the cobwebs from the brain.

I know it is July but this is from June.

A couple of images of commission work first up and then some club night games from June. Not much to say really as it has been a pretty ordinary month. Lets hope July is better. At least there is WinterCon to look forward to.

I was happy with the Verdi Gris effect

Different Angle

Nice Model but needs to be in the air I feel.

I think this is called an Executioner, Malifaux mins are rather nice to paint.

White Irish vs the Brettons In Saga

I tried the Normans vs the Anglo Danes and well gosh you get some Fatigue racked up against you.

Final Result guess who's Normans failed?

A return of a long lost member with his Space Marines only to be whooped by the Nids of Doom

Late in the Month we had another meet but I forgot to take photos worthy of display. Blood Bowl was fought along with this nice game of Scots Vs Vikings with a very close victory to the Vikings. The Scots were purchased less than a month ago and the 4 points are on the table with a solid paint job. Now that is quick in my books.

 

As noted above WinterCon in Canberra is almost upon us and I am really looking forward to a couple of participation games. If you are not sure of Where it is held just Google Wintercon 2014 Canberra and all the details will be forthcoming.