Vapnartak 2023

 Another year, another crisp February morning start to venture over the border to the Vapnartak show at York.  The Lance & Longbow Society were putting on our 'Lion Rampant' participation game based on the siege of Buda (1541).  Although we only had a couple of members of the public join in there were a good number who stopped and chatted about the rules, figures and general 'colour and pageantry' of warfare in this period.  This was easier in the afternoon as the crowds tended to thin, as they always  do, after the initial rush.

Ottoman skirmishing light horse prepare to advance

Photographs of a larger scale depiction of the raising of the siege of Buda can be seen on the Camisado blog here .  After a busy morning of play in which a closely fought game was narrowly won by the Ottomans, I managed to have a look around the show and see what other games were on offer.  

Also on the ground floor was this "Predator" game by The Bunker.

One of my favourite games was the "Skirmish at Mooste Bridge April 1242" by the Brompton Bankers.  They also use the Lion Rampant rules but base their figures singly as suggested.

I particularly liked the sled.  It is scratch built from various mdf kits

Next to the 'Bankers' was the League of Extraordinary Kriegspielers with their Far East game set in the turmoil of post 1917 Russia.  As is usual the presentation was excellent and demonstrated the possibilities of games set in "the back of beyond"

An overview of the table

Out east there is still a place for cavalry on the battlefield

Some new-fangled technology meets with disaster

Grimsby Wargaming Club had an eye-catching Vicksburg game

As usual at Vapnartak there was a strong trade presence and I think the wargamer should be able to find almost anything they required for the hobby.  The Lance and Longbow Society had a good day with people buying society publications and freezywater flag  sheets.  We ran the game twice with the Ottomans being successful on each occasion.  Thanks to the gallant members of the public who joined in, the many who stopped to chat and of course to Andy, Bob, Steve and Will who helped with the game and Dave and Lynne for providing refreshments.  

One of the main things about going to a show is that it gives us the opportunity to meet up with friends who we may see only infrequently and I would like to thank Alasdair and Phil who both made long journeys to visit Vapnartak to meet up and chat.  It is that sort of camaraderie which is the essence of our hobby.