SALUTE2017: First reactions

I sat down this morning to write a detailed blog entry about my first visit to SALUTE in five years ... but when I realised that I had over one hundred photographs to add to it I decided to take my time and to write a short 'first reactions' blog entry first.

My overall impression was good. It has improved considerably since the last time I went, both in terms of organisation and content. I still had to queue to get in ... but this took place in an area right next to the hall and was properly marshalled. Once inside I was struck by the sheer number and variety of games that were being staged and the fact that there were far more participation games available.

The trade stands seemed to be doing good business, and there was lots of room to walk around between the stands and the games. I particularly wanted to visit the Perry brothers stand to look at their new TRAVEL BATTLE game and the Continental Wars Society stand to chat to Ian Dury and company. I managed both ... and walked away with a review copy of the game and a box full of plastic and diecast military vehicle.

I will be writing a review of the TRAVEL BATTLE game as soon as I can. It seems to have had a mixed reception, with some wargamers being very enthusiastic about it whilst others have expressed views that it is too expensive and rather limited. I am going to reserve my judgement until I have properly reviewed the game.

I managed to meet quite a few people whilst I was at SALUTE, including several other bloggers (Legatus Hedlius, Alastair, TamsinP, Ray Rousell, Postie et al), a few old friends, and some of my regular blog readers. This social side to the hobby is one aspect of wargaming that is often overlooked, but informal meetings at shows like SALUTE really do cement the online friendships that have developed over the past few years.

Will I go to SALUTE2018? Well based on yesterday's show, the answer is a resounding 'YES' ... assuming, of course, that I am in the UK at the time!