On an absolutely fabulous Spring day in mid-April, sunny, temperature between 65 and 70 degrees, MagWeb journeyed to West Point, the US Military Academy, for PointCon XXI, held in Eisenhower Hall. West Point is an absolutely beautiful location at a strategic bend in the Hudson River, and the hilly terrain adds to the sense of interest. Of course, having such a wonderful day doesn't do you much good when you are indoors, right? Wrong. The ballroom in the Hall has huge windows that look out over the Hudson, plus numerous doors and a terrace that runs along the side of this huge brick building. It's one of the most marvelous convention settings you could ask for, and the sunny day made the entire ballroom bright.

Welcome

The convention attracted about 100-125 people or so, and fatigue uniforms were apparent throughout. Although the convention started on Friday night (6. p.m.), we arrived on Saturday morning, somehow driving through the middle of a bicycle race in the hills west of West Point in the process. No, we didn't hit anybody...

On Saturday, there were three gaming sessions of approximately four hours each, with plenty of space between tables. The showcase event was the Alamo refight (last seeen at Cold Wars), again presented by Major Pete Panzeri. In addition, he presented his Custer's Last Stand game. Both are visually impressive, with thousands of 25mm figures and exquiite desert terrain. The Alamo is a sight to behold.

Todd Kaeser again ran the WRG ancients miniatures tournament, attracting a number of people. There was a Squad Leader boardgame tournament as well, plus a wide variety of miniatures, and board games--open gaming was welcomed.

William Keyser ran more From Valmy to Waterloo miniatures scenarios--only he has ditched his 5mm for 15mm--same terrain, just larger figures. I saw an overhead projector on with an aerial photo of WWII Berlin, Germany for use with the game B-17. Lots of Spearhead modern version tank-vs-tank games were scheduled and played. Saw an old Milton Bradley Shogun game in action, next to a Battle of Britain game. Columbia Games ran its Eurofront WWII game, starting from 1939. There was even a sci-fi miniatures game represented -- Warzone , in which a variety of aliens and ordnance-wielding marines from the future duked it just to the right of MagWeb.

West Point History Lecture

At 12:30, Prof. Steve R. Waddell lead an hour-long tour and talk on the bluffs outside the Hall. Sadly, I could not attend--somebody has to stay at the booth--and am much the poorer for it. MagWeb VP Tibor Vari did and enjoyed the talk immensely, finding Waddell's historical summary of the creation of West Point, from its early days across the river virtually in the swamp to it present state. The idea that a variety of engineers build a fort and then realize there is another overlooking hill higher up seems absurd, but stranger things have happened in military history.

When Tibor returned, I finally took a break outside--a 20-minute walk up the hill from the Hall to the open air "artillery trophy case." I made up that term, but it is quite true. Basically, dozens of cannon were taken as spoils of war from Revolutionary, War of 1812, Mexican-American, Civil, and Spanish-American Wars and placed atop the bluff overlooking the Hudson River. There is a monument in the middle, with many photographers taking advantage of the sunny day and sweeping views. Sadly, of all the days to leave the camera at home...

In any case, a brisk walk was just what I needed. I picked up some magazines and a game at the show to add to the MagWeb collection, and I was sorely tempted by a variety of other games. As always, I enjoyed walking around to various tables and meeting the attendees. Tibor headed to the Visitor's Center and Museum, located a short car drive away (or 45 minute walk) from the Hall. He reports that old tanks, Atom Bombs, dioramas, and uniforms held his attention.

And 6:00pm came too soon, and we packed up and headed home, driving through the nearby Bear Mountain state park for a scenic, if longer, route home.

To say I was impressed with Pointcon is an understatement. Excellent locale, superb facilities, and friendly folks make this a must attend event if you are anywhere near the military academy.