Reflections of an extremely green rookie

[okko]

For all the new members on here wondering about getting involved - yesterday I took the plunge and joined up with the Wings of Glory group at Leeds Armouries . I must confess I was a little hesitant, after all I had limited experience of the game and even less knowledge about the history of aeronautics and no experience of gaming in general. That statement is however slightly wrong - in that in the mid 1970s I had diligently painted up a regiment of Napoleonic figures motivated in part by quite a torrid liaison with a French girl whilst hitch hiking around France. I was proud of my creation (although the Battalion of the Kings German legion did not win back the French girl) and took it along to a wargames club one cold January night . It was clear almost immediately I was viewed with suspicion - my knowledge of an obscure Peninsula skirmish was not up to scratch , general conversation was "limited" and I had used the wrong colour Black . I realised that there was one big obstacle to gaining entry to this club - in that I had a "Life". I put my figures away never to see light again and finally sold them on Ebay 35 years later.
Earlier this year I had decided to buy a pack of wings of glory on a whim having never really thought much about World War One and still finding my way around this forum decided to go along to the event staged at the Wonderful Royal Armories in Leeds . My wife was fully supportive (the caveat being it was an opportunity for her to go shopping in Leeds ....- (although the 7am start was a bit of a shock when I broke the news at 6am ). So hesitantly I turned up - I had however put my wife on speed dial should I need extraditing from a re run of my 1975 experience.
Well for all the new people out there with no experience of gaming wondering about going along to a Wings of Glory event - I can report I had a great time. The Members of this forum I met were Friendly , relaxed, inclusive and welcoming. There was some witty light hearted banter and most importantly - it was great fun. I was not made to feel my lack of Knowledge was an obstacle to their Public display show.
My advice to new forum members - give it a try and go to some of the events being arranged on here , and if necessary for reassurance - have someone on speed dial .

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

David it was a real pleasure meeting you at the Armouries. You dived in at the deep end and not only came up swimming, smiling but went away with a nice brace of victories. I can now say that David is no rookie pilot but an experienced, honourable but deadly opponent. Doncaster beware.

As David has mentioned to all those who are hesitant of taking that step and playing in public give it a go, you never know you might like it.

I am sure that any wishing David to regal to them his magnificent exploits, has he mentioned he downed 2 in 1 game?, will willingly accept a pint or three as he does so.

Neil

[flash]

Congratulations on taking the plunge David - I can see SWMBO's shopping trips may become more frequent in the future !

[Hedeby]

I assume David wrote his kind words before he saw his wife's bill in Harvey Nicholls !!!!! - welcome aboard David.

[Flying Helmut]

Glad you had a fun time David!

It was a pleasure to welcome a new pilot to the display/participation game circuit.

Hope to see you at more events, and I look forward to reading more about your WOG experiences.

[milcoll73]

glad you enjoyed it. yeah, wog minis gamers are nowhere near as clannish as mini gamers of ages past.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Good to hear you had a good initiation to the world of Participation games Dave.
Many of us have had similar experiences with local clubs. I only visited mine twice. The second time to see if it was really as bad as I thought. I then went away and started my own club along with Captain Kiwi.
The chaps are mostly harmless, and come in a variety of fun sizes and expertise.
I am only sorry that I was not there to meet you myself, but other Duty called, ie my Annual Regimental Dinner.
However, I will be at Vapnartak at York next Spring, and of course the Annual get together at Doncaster Air Museum in September amongst others, so with any luck our paths may cross, and your good lady will have the chance to meet the other Wings Widows, who are also very good at spending money that has nothing to do with small aircraft.
'Til then fly safe and watch your six.
Rob.

[clipper1801]

Welcome to the fun, fellowship, and the fray!

[Nightbomber]

Great you delved in the world of enormous social fun ever experienced by most of us. Enjoy shooting down little minis and sharing kameraderie on the ground. I mean in the Mess.

[Boney10]

Glad you had a good time David, look forward to meeting you at another event

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Welcome to the fun, fellowship, and the fray!

Think you got it just about right there Dave.
Rob.

[OldGuy59]

David,
Welcome to the 'drome, from Vancouver Island, Canada.

Yes, the Wings group tends to be a bit more laid back on the "Historical Accuracy" topic. It helps that most of the black&white photos of WWI planes don't provide the kind of reference that mini painters like to obsess over. When you can't definitively say that a particular plane had black or red paint (let alone the wrong colour of black!), it stops the nitpickers in their tracks. And, when my research on Battle of Britain planes basically came back to "if you don't have a picture of the plane on a given day", you can't tell what it had for the entire paint scheme, let alone markings and styles of roundels.

Much more relaxed group, we are. And much more fun to play with.

Oh. Ahh, you might want to watch out for the one or two individuals that have issues with particular releases of miniatures (representation of the airframe/wings), though. Sore spot or two that might provoke a heated tirade. No violence, nor any danger of personal injury, nor recriminations of personal characteristics should be worried about. But veins pulsing in a forehead or two could be expected.

Just saying.