Salute round up

It's a week late, but I thought I should talk about my day out at Salute. Regular readers know this yearly day out in London is always on my social calendar so I am an old pro at navigating the backpacks and trolley suitcases.

Distinguished Opponent and I set out super early from home (Although not as early as previous years due to the new convenience of the Elizabeth Line.) We got to the Excel at around half eight, so managed to join the queue before it got too long. Just before opening I managed to get this photo of everyone behind us:

So many backpacks

When the show opened we decided to head immediately to the opposite end of the hall and work our way backwards. A great tactic to avoid the crowds at the beginning of the show (maybe I shouldn't be telling you all this for next year.) This choice did mean that we hit up Rogue Hobbies stand at the start of the show so I got to have a chat with Louise (Savage Orc Guy) who is on one of my favourite YouTube casts, Jugz. 

	Yes, I am bending my knees and Louise is in her big heels

The Rogue Hobbies Rascal Town range

 

 

Sadly I missed Rob (who was somewhere around) and Peachy missed the show entirely due to terrible traffic on the day. I did sit down though for the Hobbies round-up panel later in the day which Rob seemed to be the unofficial moderator of.

A great panel, I even got to ask a question

Next up a visit to TTCombat was in order. Every year I am tempted to look at their Rumbleslam range so I felt I should finally investigate and I had a go at the demo game.

Concentrating

The basic set has a mousemat ring

"So, I throw you out of the ring"

I apologise that I cannot remember the chaps name, but he did his job well, as despite losing the game I opted to go all in and buy the core game and a couple of extra wrestlers.  I also upgraded to an mdf ring and had it built the day after Salute:

Just needs a lick of paint

I have managed to make a start on my wrestlers

It's a quick fun game and I am already eyeing up some more of the characters.

I had to make a visit to Realms of Tiberium. I had to apologise as the purchase I made from them last year is still on my to do pile. It's a great sculpt, so good that I am finding it a little intimidating to finish. Come back to me this time next year and I might have it done.

Love that middle sculpt

I am looking forward to the release of the new model in the middle of this shot which I am sure will also intimidate me for a while once purchased.

Obviously we had to make a visit to see Annie at Bad Squiddo, whilst the Distinguished Opponent shopped, I sat at the colouring in table and chatted to Annie and Lil. It was a welcome rest for my weary legs at that point.

My best art work this year

Love these vignettes

 

 

Even if my photography is terrible

 

 

The new biker gang

Another new idea at Salute was the kitbash corner. A whole group of artists displaying their work using wargaming supplies (or inspired by) that was showing some unusual pieces of work in miniature.  It was quite busy so I couldn't get many photos but I did get this of work done by Laurence known as "Baharroth the cry of old paint" which was inspiring:

I really wanted to get loads of close up shots of this, but they all came out terrible

I managed to briefly say hello to some online friends from the blogsphere (very briefly as i wanted to get to the next panel) and we did also manage to meet up with the Illustrious Opponent as well. I had great fun even though as per usual it was an unseasonably warm day. I have heard on the internet grapevine that the day was a massive success for most folks, attendance numbers were in the post 7 thousands and close to maxing out the venue capacity, the South London Warlords should be proud of their efforts.

Thanks to the Distinguished Opponent for photography assistance, he is always willing to join me for such an early start on this day out with very minimal grumbling. (Making sure he gets caffeine on arrival at Excel is a must.)