Hammerhead 2016 Sat March 5

[Tonx]

Hammerhead 2016 is going to be graced by two more Punters - I have never driven one of these things before so let's hope I don't crash and end up on the S***s table!

Cannot get any sense out of anyone about Cosford which BTW let the 75th anniversary of the Avro Lancaster go by without any razzmatazz ...

Also Hammerhead's significance has won the day: Last year our first game ever. This year as Dual-Players new to the full-time WGF scene ... See everyone there

[Hedeby]

About time for a MkIII Lee Enfield with a scope on the header maybe ?!

Ooh I will have to speak to the editorial committee about that one...

[Boney10]

Only a couple of weeks now for this.
Current status is three tables

WGF Flying Helmut, Ill leave it up to Tim to decide how he wishes the games to run on here, Hedeby, please assist.

WGS Wing Commdr Kyte will be running this one, again Rob
Ill leave to you the scenarios you wish to run.

Tim &Rob, let me know if you wish me to bring anything for these tables, mats cockpits etc.
SoG I will run, scenarios will be SoL action , frigate action, blockade running or whatever the punters require.

We should intend to be at the location for 0900 ready to set up and have a quick look around.
Any further helpers please give a shout and to which table you would like to assist on.
Look forward to seeing you there for my first show of the season.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Chris I was intending to attend but unfortunately I can't.

[Boney10]

Ok Neil sorry to hear this and hope you are ok soon.

Currently we have WW1 Flying Helmut and Hedeby, Sog Boney10 and Maverick, WW2 FO Kyte, so helpers needed for WW2
Of course anyone turning up can assist where they wish, I believe we have 4 tickets per table but I will confirm so we have 12 tickets for this show

[Tonx]

WW2 FO Kyte, so helpers needed for WW2

This is a possibility for us two - what time do we have to be at the event for in order to assist the WingCo?

We are coming to Hammerhead 2016 anyway - all I might need is a quick stop enroute at Newark Air Museum for a shop only flying visit ...

[johnbiggles]

Rob, the Whirlies and Mossies are good to go, plus 109s, 190s and Spit IXs

[Boney10]

Thanks Barney and John, if you chaps could assist Rob , I would appreciate it.
Barney look to get there between 9 and 930 to help set up, doors open at 10 but we need to be ready to go for that time.
However depending on your health any time really.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Rob, the Whirlies and Mossies are good to go, plus 109s, 190s and Spit IXs

Good to know John. i take it everything is in TRAIN then.
Rob.

[Tonx]

Thanks Barney and John, if you chaps could assist Rob , I would appreciate it.
Barney look to get there between 9 and 930 to help set up, doors open at 10 but we need to be ready to go for that time.
However depending on your health any time really.

Chris I have noted this in my diary. I really hope that this is the start of a fresh year of Membership free of health complications unlike last year ...

Marion and I would be delighted to help the WingCo out with WW2 and we will aim to do our best - will we be OK getting in to assist / what do we need to do or can we both get in with free admission tickets if we help set up etc.

[Flying Helmut]

Tim &Rob, let me know if you wish me to bring anything for these tables, mats cockpits etc.

Hi Chris
Could you bring the sticky medal sheets, and a few contact cards if you have any left?
Ta

[Rebel]

Only a couple of weeks now for this.
Current status is three tables

WGF Flying Helmut, Ill leave it up to Tim to decide how he wishes the games to run on here, Hedeby, please assist.

WGS Wing Commdr Kyte will be running this one, again Rob
Ill leave to you the scenarios you wish to run.

Tim &Rob, let me know if you wish me to bring anything for these tables, mats cockpits etc.
SoG I will run, scenarios will be SoL action , frigate action, blockade running or whatever the punters require.

We should intend to be at the location for 0900 ready to set up and have a quick look around.
Any further helpers please give a shout and to which table you would like to assist on.
Look forward to seeing you there for my first show of the season.

Hi Chris
I already volunteered for the Sails game see Post#45 above. I will be there for 09.00 to help in setting up.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Tim &Rob, let me know if you wish me to bring anything for these tables, mats cockpits etc.
SoG I will run, scenarios will be SoL action , frigate action, blockade running or whatever the punters require.

A few cockpits would be useful Chris.
Rob.

[johnbiggles]

I have discovered I can bring the caravan up for £10, so we will be there nice and early to help set up.
The train is still 2d at the moment, so Rob, will you be entraining for the day?

[Flying Helmut]

I have discovered I can bring the caravan up for £10, so we will be there nice and early to help set up.
The train is still 2d at the moment, so Rob, will you be entraining for the day?

Tuppence, that's cheap!

[johnbiggles]

Ah, proper money jokes....showing your age a bit Tim.

[Flying Helmut]

Guilty as charged, M'lud!

[Rebel]

I have discovered I can bring the caravan up for £10, so we will be there nice and early to help set up.

Seems a bit steep for a simple regurgitation!

[Hedeby]

I have plenty of cockpits etc

[Boney10]

Hi Chris
I already volunteered for the Sails game see Post#45 above. I will be there for 09.00 to help in setting up.

Thanks Reg, missed it, See you there

[Flying Officer Kyte]

The train is still 2d at the moment, so Rob, will you be entraining for the day?

No problems John. I will have her in steam on the day.
Rob.

[Tonx]

It's now just under a fortnight to go to Hammerhead 2016 ... This has come up fast!

[flash]

I was browsing the March issue of Miniature Wargames with Battlegames magazine (#395) and they have an article featuring the layout of Hammerhead 2016 - including a page of thumbnails from 2015 featuring a shot of WoG with Johnbiggles & one of his brood in frame and one of SoG with Boney10 at the helm. So we are well represented. There was also a feature of a 1/600 air gaming entitled Eindecker that may be of interest to some.

[Tonx]

There was also a feature of a 1/600 air gaming entitled Eindecker that may be of interest to some.

Aircraft by Tumbling Dice probably they do living wonders in 1/600 Scale. On the Hammerhead 2015 Official Photos video on Youtube Part 1 shows a full shot of Marion and I actually playing the Tumbling Dice public participation scenario (mine was the highest score of the day / compared with Wings Marion didn't like the game mechanics) and Part 2 shows this same photo as well as a nice one of the WingCo with Marion sat beside him. There is also a S***s photo I think but we are well represented on this front too.

[Ringbolt]

It has been a while since I last flew, but if there is a spare kite on the WWI table, I would love to come along.

[Flying Helmut]

Jez!

Great to hear from you again!

There will be quite a few spare kites on the WW1 table, if I have anything to do with it!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

It has been a while since I last flew, but if there is a spare kite on the WWI table, I would love to come along.

Do come along Jez. There is always a spare Kyte, but I am usually under the table, not on it.
Rob.

[flash]

...On the Hammerhead 2015 Official Photos video on Youtube Part 1 shows a full shot of Marion and I ....

Had another look today, those photos are in there too Barney - in fact the one with John features Rob & your significant other too.

[Spring-Chicken]

I will be dropping by for a game of WGS with the WingCo all being well.

[Tonx]

Some news just in - nothing is taking place at RAF Cosford on this same date involving Wings of Glory.

So we can both attend with a clear conscience now

[David Manley]

Some news just in - nothing is taking place at RAF Cosford on this same date involving Wings of Glory.

So we can both attend with a clear conscience now

Vulcans at Hammerhead then?

[flash]

Illogical....

[Tonx]

Vulcans at Hammerhead then?

I am afraid not because like Tim (Flying Helmut) recommended to me about last year's Derby World Wargames XH560 and now XM595 too may be inventive and symbols of ingenuity however they are firstly not Official and secondly do not represent the true WW2 ethos of the game. This on reflection I agree with along the lines of how our aim at such events is to represent the game appropriately and in the correct context as opposed to demonstrating quite extreme aspects of what the game can do versatility-wise. Another Member politely supported these views but I cannot remember who this was. My Chase The Vulcan game idea never really went beyond being a suggestion anyway because I felt that it would receive a mixed reception. I did question at the time the usage of non-Official aircraft from Shapeways and AIM and the like at such events however the responses I received were fair and maintained the ethos / concept of the game which is WW2.

Also on reflection the pair of Vulcans may be unique but at the end of the day they are still both Trophy Aircraft - one trick ponies if you prefer. This school of thought also accounts for why the Avro Lancaster Dambuster Edition would also make an ineffective game representative added to which people need to have accumulated playing skills and experience in order to participate in a dam attack. Much more worth our while to utilize much more out of box Game Ready aircraft types which can do as many things as possible. Such as using the Messerschmitt Bf.110C-7 as both a fighter and a light bomber for example.

Would be better to bring one of the Vulcans to Doncaster 2016 in fact then let anyone whose interested have a go at conventionally bombing a target ...

[Hedeby]

Jez !!! welcome back, such a shame you and your beer couldn't make our last Doncaster gathering!
Will be great to fly alongside you/against you at Newark..

[Tonx]

Hammerhead 2016 here we come ... We have made the early start.

See everyone there

[Tonx]

Just returned from Hammerhead 2016 with the first report of what has been an excellent day. WGF and WGS plus S***s all saw at least two games played on the three tables which were reserved at the event. Much to everyone's relief the WingCo (Rob) was able to attend the event despite yesterday's news from Mrs Kyte (Eileen) about his eyesight. Marion and I made the early start in order to help set up and also get in free as a result successfully but the only thing this meant was that we left before the game trophies were announced. WGF was defending one of these trophies having picked it up last year.



The first public participants were noted at the S***s table soon after doors opened to the event at 10 AM sharpish. Marion and I stayed as planned with the WW2 table to support the WingCo in running the first game which featured action over the desert between the RAF and Italian AMI. This produced one of the biggest surprizes of the day when Marion scored two kills as well as one partial as assisted by me and almost made an Ace in a day with this result!



Throughout the morning all three tables either received attention or were joined by members of the public. After a spot of lunch all three tables started a new game in the afternoon with the WW2 table staging a Train Busting game as hosted by Johnbiggles. This was very well attended and featured ten aircraft on the table at the same time which were either attacking or defending a train in Northern France. This I understand was based on a scenario played last year which Marion and I missed back then but thoroughly enjoyed this time around. The Allies destroyed the train successfully and then legged it: The game ended with quite a spectacular chase as the final Westland Whirlwind WW2 Fighter (flown by me) came haring across the table with the last Bf.109E left in the game (as flown by Amy) in hot pursuit! As the Bf.109E caught up with the Whirlwind two long-range shots were fired scoring 0 and then 2 damage points. But the Whirlwind made it to safety and the game was declared an Allied Victory.



Cheers Everyone! What a great day out this was ...

Bring and Buy: Once again there was somebody selling WGS in the morning but I personally didn't check this out. A Galland Messerschmitt Bf.109E was picked up again but this time for £6.00 failing to beat the record set last year when one was picked up for £5.00. During the afternoon one lucky Member was quick to spot a S***s Starter Pack plus five extra ship miniatures as the seller was setting up and ended up bagging the lot for £70.00 - Marion and I would like to wish them luck as to our knowledge this haul represents the fact that they now play all three games: WGF WGS and this one! As for what we returned home with thanks to Chris (Hedeby) the DH.4 Mug was finally able to add his first Airco DH.4 to an expanding collection of WGF and that unlike last year's £50-plus haul we returned with was it.

Traders: Other than the Bring and Buy activity reported the only other Trade Stand on site with Wings of Glory accessories and for sale was Red Eagle Miniatures. Throughout the day they offered a selection of Wings of War WGF for sale at £20.00 each although without a list of what we already have in our fledgling collection Marion and I did not pick anything up from here. The big shock however came from the Caliver Books direction who turned up at the event with NOTHING for either Wings or S***s on offer. I mean ... WHAT??! I know they have been criticised especially in the wake of Vapartnak earlier this year for high prices but to turn up at Hammerhead with nowt - well that just beats me!

To Conclude: Marion and I left the event after the end of WW2 Game 2 so we never got to hear which games were receiving the event trophies this year. This is normally announced around 3 PM but we left at around 2.30 PM with kittens to feed back at home. Last year the WGF table picked up one of the event trophies and we hope that this was retained - no doubt we will all find this out as further reports from the event come in. One thing we did note was that last year's top-scoring game which was based on the Mad Max films was not present this year. Neither were our Bolt Action friends from SARGE Wargames Doncaster dressed distinctively in their uniforms however Tumbling Dice was present - just not putting on a public participation game this year. Finally I hope Chris in return for his DH.4 Mug To DH.4 favour was able to see inside Avro Vulcan B.2 XM594 which is located at neighbouring Newark Air Museum - as did anybody else who was hoping to do the same.

[Rebel]

Nice report Barney. Good to see you and Marion again.
Reg

[Yell]

Much to everyone's relief the WingCo (Rob) was able to attend the event despite yesterday's news from Mrs Kyte (Eileen) about his eyesight.

This produced one of the biggest surprizes of the day when Marion scored two kills as well as one partial as assisted by me and almost made an Ace in a day with this result!

The game ended with quite a spectacular chase as the final Westland Whirlwind WW2 Fighter (flown by me) came haring across the table with the last Bf.109E left in the game (as flown by Johnbiggles's eldest daughter) in hot pursuit!

That is good news I wished Rob well when that happened and kept my fingers crossed.

This is a proud moment for female Wings of Glory players but I bet you were proud too Barn.

Now THIS I would love to have seen ... Well done John's daughter!

Well that was nice of Cavalier Books wasn't it ... But if everyone is frowning upon their prices for Wings of Glory equipment maybe this is why they chose to exclude the game not support it?

Glad it was a good event

[redcoon2]

Sounds like a bang-up time. Just a bit of curiosity...how did the same "Hammerhead" come about?

[Tonx]

Danielle: I thought the idea of me pegging it across the board like a bat out of hell would amuse you. No word of a lie had I not been able to outrun her John's daughter Amy with the advantage she had could very well have shot me out of the game! By the way Cavalier Books is actually called Caliver Books and what they did really annoyed me yesterday

Thomas: My guess was that Hammerhead derived from the way that hammers were used by ancient civilizations as weapons. Then I read the posting from Chris (Boney10) below and encourage you to look at that - it is as interesting as the name of the event itself

[David Manley]

Maybe the organisers are particularly fond of a certain variety of shark? Or the fighters in Space: Above and Beyond?

[Boney10]

From the organisers

Why Hammerhead? The reason for this is simple, it was the first sensible name to come out of the COGS members heads (the chairman’s head actually). It is non-controversial (No Armageddon protests!) and can just as easily apply to a fish as a weapon of war.

http://www.hammerheadshow.co.uk/history.html

[Nightbomber]

Marion! What a record!
Great you had fun, chaps.
I am very pleased to see Rob's desert mat.

[Yell]

Danielle: I thought the idea of me pegging it across the board like a bat out of hell would amuse you. No word of a lie had I not been able to outrun her John's daughter with the advantage she had could very well have shot me out of the game: On that note I am terribly sorry but I didn't catch her name - if I do discover what it is I will edit it into my Event Report.

Look through the Doncaster 2016 thread until you come to the wifi service discussion. There is another possibility in Derby World of Wargames 2015 - the one you had to miss because an instructor at FT went down with appendicitis anyway.

OR ask John I am sure he would be happy enough about this to tell you

['Warspite']

I would just like to thank everyone on the WW1 table for a good game yesterday and my first in a public venue. I thoroughly enjoyed myself even if my SPAD XIII did catch fire. Luckily the game ended before I did!

I was also lucky enough to find a Wings of War SE5a with unopened cards on one of the trade stands and my friend Graham grabbed the other one that they had. Considering one went for £56 on e-bay the other week I felt £20 was 'reasonable'.

Warspite (Barry)

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Marion! What a record!
Great you had fun, chaps.
I am very pleased to see Rob's desert mat.

Thanks Andy, but I bet you aren't half as pleased to see it as I was.
Rob.

[johnbiggles]

Hi, to all interested parties it was Amy who chased Tonx across France with her Bf109, the same who sparked the notorious "Fokker scandal" at Doncaster 2014.
Both she and Hannah (daughter number 2) were playing that day with varying degrees of lethality.

[flash]

...I was also lucky enough to find a Wings of War SE5a with unopened cards on one of the trade stands and my friend Graham grabbed the other one that they had. Considering one went for £56 on e-bay the other week I felt £20 was 'reasonable'. Warspite (Barry)

Score !! Nice find Barry, they're as rare as rocking horse poo and worth the twenty quid investment. Glad you had a good day out.

[Tonx]

Hi, to all interested parties it was Amy who chased Tonx across France with her Bf109, the same who sparked the notorious "Fokker scandal" at Doncaster 2014.
Both she and Hannah (daughter number 2) were playing that day with varying degrees of lethality.

John I will put this into the posting I wrote yesterday. That really was a very good game and Marion said how impressed she was that both Amy and Hannah play Wings of Glory.

I will look up the Fokker Scandal of Doncaster 2014 (how come nobody named it Fokkergate?) on here if anything was posted about it

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Well done to all ad to the jammy so ad so' s picking up the bargains.

Triples is confirmed, so I'll see you there.