 |
Phalanx and Fiasco
|
Two northern shows at the later end of 2003 that I made a point of visiting were Phalanx and Fiasco. I had been given the offer of a report on these events from a couple of members from a club, that shall remain nameless. Always happy to cut down on My workload I accepted with alacrity. Unfortunately the promised reports have not yet appeared, and I fear will not judging by the lack of response I have received from the prospective authors.
So my apologies to the host clubs for the delay, and for the sparcity of the reports, as I did not take my usual notes and am having to rely on memory, but I hope the pics will speak for themselves.
Phalanx 2003
 |
I enjoy my annual visit to St Helens, if only to engage in my traditional debate with the hosts of the Bring and Buy over their attitude to cheques (for details see previous reports on the show). It is also a chance to meet up with other NW gamers and have a good chat.
 |
The first thing that struck me though was a number of empty tables, and this annoyed me. I know that Graeme Spencer works very hard at making the show a success, and one day shows are notoriously hard to attract folk to, but Graeme has an excellent track record in doing so. For a club to promise to provide a display game and then not turn up without informing the organiser is an awful thing to do. At least if notification is given the host club has a chance to rearrange a display, or at least make sure the empty tables are not left in the hall, as they give a very bad impression to visitors.
 |
That said the games that were on display were of a very high calibre. Games Workshop had the youngsters gathered around their table most of the day, while mailed Fist presented a Seelowe game, with the German steamroller stalled by Dad's Army, I will not forget the cry of, "they shot the vicar" as I passed the table. I was interested in the Sabretooth Games display featuring the Warcry combat card game and introducing there new Lord Of the Rings combat hex game which seemed very interesting and is sure to attract the younger end of the market as well as us veterans.
 |
The North Hull lads presented the Franco Prussian War battle of Froeschwiller-Worth, and as usual gave us a game displaying the best in terrain and modelling skills, with masses of troops in action. On a nearby table Kallistra gave one of their superb 10mm fantasy displays and the Fantasy and Sci Fi Society had a host of young gamers heavily involved in one of their popular games. Kallistra wer also displaying a new terrain concept, interlocking plastic hexagonal blocks which can be textured or painted as you wish. It seems and interesting approach to light and variable terrain for gaming.
 |
All too soon I had to leave the show as I had a lacrosse game in the afternoon, but as usual well worth the visit and no doubt I will be there in 2004. On the way out I noticed a superb group of cossacks on the bring and buy, and at a bargain price, but I had to let them go as the B & B would not take a cheque....... oh well!
Fiasco
 |
One of the things I really like about Fiasco is that setting off early on a Sunday morning it takes less than an hour to get to Leeds, what I hate is the cost of parking when you get there. having said that though the Armouries Museum has to make money somehow to maintain the excellence of its display, and if you have not been to check them out.....shame on you!
 |
Again I like Fiasco from a social point of view, I get to meet up with a bunch of mates and catch up on the gossip. There are always some interesting games on show, and the trade are usually out in force. The problem is that the venue is not perfect for such a popular show. The main room is so cramped at times that it is very uncomfortable, and because of the normal adult wargamers disregard for those of smaller stature, I got heartily p****d off with Richard being hit in the face by backpacks when trying to check out the stalls. I know backpacks are useful things, but for God's sake take them off in the show and carry them in your hand, show some consideration for others please.
 |
The upstairs room is very poorly lit on the left hand side, so it is difficult to make out the detail on goods in the extensive Bring and Buy. On the otherside of the room the glass windows let in loads of light for the traders, but then you cannot see the displays properly as the light is behind them. Stuck inbetween are the display games, which when I was there never seemed to get off the ground, sandwiched
between two crowded aisles that did not allow anyone to stop and take an interest. Is there no way in which the first floor landing area can be used for one or two of the larger display games? This would allow the upstairs games to be moved into the main hall and the B and B and trade to be reorganised upstairs to make use of the light and space better? Maybe not, but I think it would be a big improvement.
 |
the display games themselves were a mixed bag both in terms of subject and the quality of the terrain and models engaged. That is not to say that the enjoyability of the games is necessarily in proportion to the skills of the terrain maker displayed, as it was obvious that loads of peole were having fun around table where the terrain was a green cloth and a few rocks. I could not drag Richard from the Wakefield and Ossett Wizards Tower game for example. However some games really stood out, inluding an excellent World War one trench system from I think The Ilkley Lads, the Napoleonic encounter from Stourbridge and District wargames, and the Aliwal, Sikh Wars, display from East Leeds wargamers.
 |
The Lance and Longbow Society rolled out their excellent Shrewsbury display, and also handed out sweets and a colouring pack to youngsters, who also
received the excellent services of History Alive who provided a child minding service. The kids were kept occupied
colouring in historical pictures and building models of Armada period ships. This is a very welcome innovation and an excellent service to the hobby, so I hope they receive the full support of gamers and show organisers.
 |
Despite the drawbacks of the venue I still find Fiasco a show well worth the visit, and one with the advantage of having a family focus thanks to the museum and it's regular events.
Please remember to mention Wargames Forum when contacting traders!