WMMS 2011 - Alumwell wargaming show

Along with my brother and mates Ade and Jon (WargamingForFun) I attended the West Midland Military Show (WMMS) organised by the Alumwell wargaming club yesterday. The event is actually held at Aldersley stadium in Wolverhampton, a decent venue if you can find a carparking space.

The first display/game that caught my eye was the Battle of Towton put on by Earlswood Wargamings. The game was played on terrain that was relatively simple but very effective. The snow effect was very well done.

The WWII display of vehicles and weapons was very interesting and a real eye opener. The weight of the sub-machine guns took us all by surprise. 

I'm obviously biased but I always enjoy seeing the display put on by the Pensnett Model Makers Society, the emergency service vehicles police cars and sci-fi craft do stand out from the usual military planes and vehicles normally scene at such shows.

Below a just a few photos of the games and displays that caught my interest.

Yorkist (L) hold high ground with Cock Beck in the distance
Towton 1461
Earlswood Wargamers

North East View
Towton 1461
Earlswood Wargamers

Towton 1461
Earlswood Wargamers

Towton 1461

Earlswood Wargamers

Sci-Fi
Pensnett Model Makers Society

Scratch built Sci-Fi
Pensnett Model Makers Society

'East meets West Mekong Delta 1967'

Pensnett Model Makers Society

'East meets West Mekong Delta 1967'
Pensnett Model Makers Society

Leamington and District
Wargaming Club

Battle of Brandy Wine
Birmingham Wargamers

Battle of Brandy Wine
Birmingham Wargamers

J Vaughan
WWII Dispaly

Despite the grim economic situation here in the UK the show and traders seemed busy enough. We played our part and purchased a fair amount of products ("ohh, shiny, shiny" syndrome).

I bought a scenario book for the War of 1812 from Caliver and a few British Light Dragoons to portray the 19th Dragoons for whenever I get round to this project (probably just in time for 200th anniversary for the Battle of New Orleans).

Jon satisfied his dice addiction, picking up several bargain bags of black die and a couple of Mantic Dwarf sets. Ade showed remarkable restraint and 'only' purchased half a dozen paints and a few second hand GW Dark Angel figures. Ade and Jon seem to be attracted to Mantic Gaming system as the rules, lists are free and the plastic figures are considerably cheaper. It'll be interesting to see how far they take it.

My brother out did us all and bought a few packs of 1812 figures from the Matchlock range, numerous    Woodland Indians from the Perry's AWI range, a couple of TYW command figures and book on the Battle of Worcester.

There should be a proper report and gallery on the WMMS website in the next few days.