Courier Dispatch News

Courier and Falcon Sponsor
Historical Miniatures Gaming Day

by Dick Bryant

"The Gathering of the Clans", so called because its goal was to gather all of the Historical Miniature Gaming Clubs in New England under one roof for gaming and comraderie. The attempt was moderately successful with 156 attendees representing 16 clubs participating in 30 different games.

Various manufacturers and hobby suppliers contributed over $1000 in gift certificates to be given away at the event. In each game, one side chose, by ballot, the best player on the opposing side as the recipient of the prize. Prizes were also given for Best Painted Army used in the games (Napoleonic Bavarians by Walter Hames of Somerville, MA); BestTerrain (Tarawa Island by Dave Waxtel of NYC) and Best Scenario. Best scenario was determined by the participants in the games. Each player rated the scenario on Playability, Balance, Preparation, Realism, and Fun. The winner was Dave Parker with a Knighthood and the Middle Ages scenario, while Mike Brooslin was a close runner-up. All these winners received gift certificates. Many thanks to all those who contributed:

    Connoisseur
    Falcon Miniatures
    Frying Pan & Blanket
    GDW
    GEO-HEX
    GHQ
    Greenfield Hobby
    Irregular Miniatures
    Lyzard's Grin
    Minifigs
    Modeler's Mart
    MWAN (c/o Hal Thinglum)
    Pendragon Miniatures
    Ral Partha
    RSM
    Savage & Soldier
    SIMTAC
    Stone Mountain
    The Armory
    The Courier
    The Ship Shop
    Wargames

Dave Wasters TARAWA: Prize-Winning Terrain (with ubiquitous soft drink can).

No dealers were invited. Rather, flea market tables abounded and did a very brisk business. There was no game fee, one entry fee covering it all. This was much appreciated by the attendees. Another idea tried here was that of forced shut-down of all gaming for 45 minutes between 3 1/2 hour gaming periods to allow for refreshments and pit stops. This kept the game tables relatively free from food litter and allowed a breather in long games. Games scheduled for more than one period had to stop for the 45 minute break and resume after. This is something I would like to see at all conventions. Anything to keep all that garbage off the tables.

Though this was less than a break-even outing on the part of the sponsors, they plan to make this an annual outing since so much enthusiastic support was given by all the clubs in the area. A larger, though hopefully less expensive venue will be located for next year and a limited number of dealers will be invited.

More Courier Dispatch News About the Hobby.

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