Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
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Post by Jerry-ADK on May 29, 2014 8:04:32 GMT -5
I really respect 2ndBat's approach to this. He has assembled several allied and German kits over the years and loans them out at events to fill in the gaps. And also, he builds rifles to go along with them. Since some of us have means to procure and build up loaner kits to use at our games(and are in the process of doing that now), that would help to get rid of the farbs or non period stuff that may show up. So far I feel we have been very good about outfitting players at events, thanks to 2ndBat and others for that. The gear is not perfect, but looks the part. As we form units and become more organized in our events and planning, this will only get better. There is no reason why that option wouldn't work for WW2AS, new players can try out the hobby, and join up if they like. No more excuses about not having the right gear, because we will kit them out. And no more complaints by die hard reenactors about modern gear all over the place. This is the direction things are going here. As said above, the more than casually interested individual will naturally want to build up their own kit with time. We should definantly direct that individual towards making good choices in gear just as other reenactor hobbies do when a newbie wants to build their kit. But you know what? I went Airborne with my first kit, it's just natural I guess to go for cool. But now I have a basic infantry impression that is my main stay. I can't blame anyone for wanting to go elite at first, more boots on the ground is a good thing wether it be grunt or super soldier.
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stuka
Sergeant
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Posts: 1,205
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Post by stuka on May 29, 2014 9:59:48 GMT -5
It should be noted that this thread has gone so off course that we circled the globe at least 3 times haha
I just find that entertaining =P
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Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
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Post by Jerry-ADK on May 29, 2014 10:30:52 GMT -5
It should be noted that this thread has gone so off course that we circled the globe at least 3 times haha I just find that entertaining =P me too
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Post by patrickl29th on May 29, 2014 16:14:18 GMT -5
My original point was that there was always pretty cheap U.S. (infantry) uniforms at AtTheFront, so everyone doesn't have to go nuts when they see cheap m42's lol
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Post by aldrich on May 29, 2014 16:30:12 GMT -5
I have participated in both blankfire and airsoft for a few years now. I would say that you can't use blankfire as a model for airsoft. While similar, airsoft and blankfire are intrinsically different in how one experiences them. We have to promote airsoft reenacting for what it is, so people can experience the most out of it. Blankfire, by nature, is very introspective. As the participants cannot actually do anything to the other team, it causes them to focus on themselves and their unit. Emphasis is placed on tactics and out maneuvering the enemy rather than eliminating them, and looking good while doing it. To a degree, both airsoft and blankfire are based around personal performance. But since blankfire lacks that raw competitive edge with combat that airsoft has, personal performance is measured by appearance and unit cohesion. By focusing on these things, you make up for the fact that the guy you clearly shot now five times wasn't looking and has no idea you shot him. With airsoft, we have that competitive edge with that ability to "hit" the other guy. Naturally a tremendous amount of focus is placed into this fact. To truly get the most out of airsoft, one must truly compete. Both teams must try to achieve their objective. But sometimes, this causes people to lose focus on the WWII side of things. The trick is to find a balance. I feel this is all in the presentation. If everyone looks 100%, but you are just doing traditional airsoft, it is still just airsoft. Why bother being authentic? Why not just go to a modern event? Who will we captivate to be authentic then? The entire experience must be crafted to invigorate the players, captivate their imaginations into a WWII setting, and the airsoft used to truly immerse themselves into the now visceral combat. Therefore, even if you lose, you still feel great in that you were part of this awesome environment! No beginner is going to have a good starting impression. Mine was as Flaggrantly Wrong as they come. But it was through that impression that I came to events, became hooked, and became dedicated enough to invest in a quality impression. So if someone is dedicated enough to start off airborne and invest in this kit, no problem! It is up to us then to get them hooked to not just good airsoft, but WWII airsoft, then their enthusiasm will take care of the rest.
The trick is not to have people make the effort to do something, but have them want to make the effort to do something.
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shiftysgarand
Corporal
BangbangbangbangbangbangbangbangPING
Posts: 1,165
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Post by shiftysgarand on May 29, 2014 16:32:26 GMT -5
My original point was that there was always pretty cheap U.S. (infantry) uniforms at AtTheFront, so everyone doesn't have to go nuts when they see cheap m42's lol And mine was simply to point out that there are now cheap, high quality M42s out so people may purchase them if they wish.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on May 29, 2014 20:35:52 GMT -5
Well said and unteresting perspective Aldrich.
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Post by insterburger on May 30, 2014 15:48:11 GMT -5
Excellent insight, Aldrich. To your point, I would rather have someone on my airsoft team who can hit his target, work in harness with the rest of his squad, hear and follow orders, and show initiative when needed, but whose postwar breadbag is the wrong color, than someone who is a perfect rendering of a WWII soldier down to the last stitch, but who doesn't have a clue how to fight as part of a cohesive unit.
I should say, as much ground as this discussion has covered, and as many differing opinions have been heard, it's lovely to see how everyone has been so polite and respectful of each other even in dissent. It says a lot about the quality of the people drawn to this hobby.
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 24, 2014 1:32:42 GMT -5
Nonetheless, infantry stuff can be gotten for waaaaaay cheaper, and IMHO it looks cooler. The SS were hardly elite- that statement holds no truth at all. Oh boy, just going through the thread and saw this post and it sure is an old one. Lol but LSSAH is completely right. The image of the crack elite troops of the SS was very much more an early war thing. When the war started dragging on, the majority of the SS were conscripts, and weren't trained very much too "elitely". I personally thing that the most elite unit of the German forces was the FJ. Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
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Post by luftwelle93 on Jun 24, 2014 10:42:12 GMT -5
Ha,this reminds me of a post of another forum about SS reenactors.One guy posted in Axis History that "I have seen W-SS and paratrooper units who are more interested in going to McDonalds and can't march more than a 1/4 mile. So much for elite." :DElite units was never a thing for me,to me the hard fighting infantryman is where its at.Though I would never portray SS (airsoft or reenacting) I have to say I do like the smocks.
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 24, 2014 11:33:42 GMT -5
Oh gosh...I had the best picture of a really fat FJ reenactor. But apparently he passed away so I don't touch it anymore
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stuka
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Post by stuka on Jun 24, 2014 11:41:56 GMT -5
reminds me of dasreich and his stormtrooper ss kit or w/e lol
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Post by aj czarkowski on Jun 24, 2014 11:57:18 GMT -5
Ha,this reminds me of a post of another forum about SS reenactors.One guy posted in Axis History that "I have seen W-SS and paratrooper units who are more interested in going to McDonalds and can't march more than a 1/4 mile. So much for elite." Lol! reminds me of dasreich and his stormtrooper ss kit or w/e lol Oh God haha that was crazy
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 24, 2014 23:16:21 GMT -5
His very own 1st SS Das Reich unit
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