Carronade 2026

 I went to the Carronade show in Falkirk today. This was held in a new venue, Falkirk High School. This is a large modern school building with three good-sized halls and other rooms. The halls were well-lit and allowed plenty of room between the games. It was a real joy not to constantly bump into the visitors as you are running a game. The car parking was reasonable, never enough of course, but no worse than the old venue and schools are not designed to cater for large numbers of cars. I understand that public transport at the weekend isn't great, but friends who came by bus got there OK. One downside was the absence of catering, but this was signalled well in advance, so most folk brought sandwiches. The phone signal was poor, although I personally had no problems. Overall, I think the venue was an improvement.

There were 38 traders present. Not many of the big names, but this leaves room for smaller firms that you don't see at other shows. I was busy running a game all day, so I didn't get around much or visit the extensive flea market. However, there was no shortage of visitors carrying bags of goodies.

Twenty-eight clubs came and put on a mix of display and participation games. A few from south of the border, but a good turnout from Scottish clubs. The standard of games was very high. I was running the GDWS participation game, the battle of Banja Luka 1737, using Lust for Glory rules. There was a steady stream of visitors keen to discuss both the period and the rules. Many await their publication eagerly. We played the game twice, and the Ottomans won both times. A historical outcome as well. To the Strongest players picked up the rules quickly, and young players were quickly correcting me. In my defence, we are on version 30!

Other than the games around me, I only had a brief opportunity to visit the other halls. So, my apologies for this less-than-comprehensive selection. I would have liked to spend more time chatting.

Given the date, D-Day games were not in short supply. This was Sainte Mere Eglise, by the Dumfries club, with a very fine church model. Bolt Action.

This picture does not do justice to Ian's (Flags of War) wonderful take on the Battle of Falkirk Muir 1746 in 28mm, using his lovely figures and, of course, flags.

More D-Day with Pegasus Bridge, using Fireball rules, which I have never heard of before. Gourock club.

Battle of Pondicherry 1761, from the Cumbria club.

Another picture that doesn't do justice to the massive Cannae game in 28mm from the Westerhope club using their own rules.

If there were a prize for the best-named club, The Grumpy Goblins from Kilmarnock would win it. This is Stargrave using 35mm figures.

Yes, more D-Day, this time on a massive scale by the Glasgow Warhogs.

Zulu Wars in 28mm.

As tank battles go, they don't get bigger than the Battle of Prokhorovka. Tyneside club using Spearhead rules in 10mm.

The Glasgow Veterans Hub, using the ACW Warlord's epic figures, in large numbers.

Glasgow Tradeston, moving from the Clyde to the Nile with this Egyptian v Sea Peoples game. 

As always, a big thank you to the Falkirk club. They are always there to help, and it takes a lot of work to put on a big show like this.