The traditional start to the UK wargame show calendar is Vapnartak, held at the York Racecourse on Sunday 6 February. This is a fine venue, accessible and with good parking. Due to the pandemic, it was a lot more spread out this year, with the games situated on the top floors of the stand, the rest being the trade stands. It seemed pretty busy, and there was a long queue to get in when I arrived at 10am.
Being the year's first show, I had a long list for my pals and me. My haul reflects my wargame butterfly status! While I buy online, I wouldn't have bought or even known about a number of the items. So, shows still matter.
There appeared to be fewer games this year, but that is just an impression. The most visually stunning was this Back of Beyond epic. Cavalry, trains, balloons and aircraft - it had the lot.
Mark Backhouses' new Strength and Honour rules for 2mm ancients were on show. I struggle with anything below 15mm these days, but I get the concept. The game was the Scottish clash at Mons Graupius AD83 or 84.
The Rapid Fire guys had a very nice Arnhem game.
Sharpe Practice
The Italian Wars from the Lance and Longbow Society.
Something Samurai.
A grand strategic WW2 game, which looked a lot of fun.
And finally, The War of the Worlds.
It was certainly worth the effort. And thanks to the York club for organising it.
Thank you for posting these photo's, I would have liked to attend this show but its a bit far from Devon to York. You report is very much appreciated especially as PAW with is normally held the same time was not run this year.
ReplyDeleteWillz.
That is a bit of a hike. My brother lives in Devon so I know that is a journey.
DeleteI did want to go, but I’m saving my £££’s for Hammerhead 2022 at the start of March. It looks like you had a good time 😀
ReplyDeleteThat is a show, in fact all of the Nottingham based shows that i must try and get to.
DeleteLooks like it was a good show- shame I had to miss it.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
I went to uni in York years ago but it's a bit too far to go for a day trip from Hampshire these days.It looks like a great show. (Incidentally I made the armoured train on the Back of Beyond photos)
ReplyDeleteAnd excellent it was too. Game of the show for me. I sympathise with the travel particularly in February. I spent an hour going nowhere on the A66 going home!
DeleteI must admit to being underwhelmed by the show. There was no publicity about what was on and what was not so the fact that there was no bring and buy and fewer games meant that it was a bit of a wasted trip for me. Certainly OK for those just wanting to shop with the traders though, which I am sure was the case for the majority of those attending.
ReplyDeleteThat is fair comment. It certainly felt more like a trade show and even then there were a couple of traders listed that I contacted who said they wouldn't be coming. I understand the reasons but better communication would be helpful.
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