|
Post by SfcMigs on May 1, 2015 23:20:30 GMT -5
The purpose of this thread is to start some chatter and get a feel for which direction we should and can go here in the North East. A couple of months ago I floated out the idea of having another event at Ground Zero in Wolcott, CT. But as most of you know, the biggest problem with GZA is the cost. Unless we have attendance in the area of 25+ players, cost would be at least $60-$70 per player. I am fully prepared to explore this avenue, but I need some positive feedback that my efforts would not go for naught.
I am open to any and all suggestions as to scenarios, dates and so forth. But I would like to get a feel and get some feedback from at least our recent "regular" players I have seen recently.
I'm hoping to have something in June before it gets too hot. So if we can chime in here and post your thoughts and preferences, I'll try and get something going.
Looking forward to hearing back form you all,
Migs
|
|
|
Post by viper on May 3, 2015 7:54:14 GMT -5
Sorry for missing the last event. Situation with my mother.
I can see if we can get a break from Lester. I'll let you know this week.
How about Feel Good Farms as a possible alternative or Amsterdam, New York?
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on May 3, 2015 11:33:02 GMT -5
It would be great to get something going Migs, you have my full support for what ever. Id play a GZA if it is under or around $60, No problem here.
|
|
|
Post by insterburger on May 3, 2015 12:54:40 GMT -5
I've been looking for alternate venues, but it's not an easy task. There is no real framework for this other than knowing someone who knows someone.
As for GZA, if we can get regulars there, it could be an opportunity to recruit. I do have quite a bit of loaner weapons, gear, and uniforms-- mostly German but also a bit of US stuff- which might be a way to get modern airsoft guys into the field. Given that every time I loan out a bunch of stuff there are always lost or destroyed items, I would have to put them out there on a rental basis, with some sort of apparatus in place to make sure that any major loss or damage will be covered. But I could probably get at least 7-8 guys outfitted and most of them armed.
A cheaper (or free) field would probably be better, simply because the expense will definitely make this difficult for a lot of younger players, who are the very people we're trying to get in.
It would pay to look into what it would cost at Nate's field in Amsterdam, or other NE fields.
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 3, 2015 14:01:21 GMT -5
All good responses. I'll try to comment on each post in order.
Glad to hear from you Viper, you (and Snake Doc) are always missed at these events. As for Feel good farms, I spoke to the owners way back in 2011 and they were very nice and agreeable, but the problem for me hosting there is the distance for me. It's 5+ hours away and hard to set things up in advance. I think Piper would be the correct person to run that venue as he did in The Guns of Breecourt Manor event in 2010. I believe he lives in the same town as Feel Good Farms.
As for Amsterdam, Don't really know the owner of that field, I think Josh or Ray could help out with that field.
As for cost at GZA, ever little bit helps. Problem is even if Lester brings down his price, we still need decent numbers there to make it work. Having 10-15 players would barley cut it. I'm always up for playing, but we really need at least 10 a side.
As for finding new venues, couldn't agree with Mark more. Very hard to do. It's something that needs to kind of fall into someones lap who knows a guy, who knows a guy. But given the fact that we're always looking is a good thing.
There is something I'd like to throw out there. Sam Johnson and I are friends on FaceBook and he IM me that he has attended airsoft games at the closed Nuclear power plant at Shoreham Long Island recently. Pictures looked really cool and this would be a great venue to have an event. Problem is, I don't know who to contact and what the cost would be to rent this place. I'm working on finding out more and hopefully this is something that could work for us. I do have some thoughts on WW2 scenarios at this facility, but first things first.
Great to hear from all of you and let's keep this thing going.
Migs
|
|
|
Post by insterburger on May 3, 2015 14:43:11 GMT -5
I should add: I did hear back at long last from the guy who flaked out on the field in CT. He was very apologetic and without delving into his life story I guess he was having massive business problems which he's still dealing with. I have a bit of a "once bitten, twice shy" attitude with him and his field, but under a certain set of conditions that avenue may open up again in the future-- although I would need absolute carte blanche from him before setting up another game there.
The nuclear facility sounds intriguing. Let us know how that develops.
|
|
|
Post by viper on May 3, 2015 20:08:32 GMT -5
Joe, let me speak to him on Tuesday, store closed Monday. Are you available tomorrow for a phone call? Viper
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 4, 2015 12:28:22 GMT -5
Joe, let me speak to him on Tuesday, store closed Monday. Are you available tomorrow for a phone call? Viper Yes, I can talk until noon and then after 4:30PM. Have apts in between. Good luck, Joe
|
|
|
Post by matthew1943 on May 4, 2015 21:22:50 GMT -5
I am so happy to see this! Yesterday I went to GZA (in my WW2 Impression) and managed to find a couple other WWII airsoft enthusiasts. I pointed them to this forum, but currently we are trying to start at WWII event down here at GZA. We talked to the managers of the field (Bernie and Jolly) and then said they'd be down with it so long as enough people showed up. At the very least we could, like said above, cause a great turnout with our WWII kits and try to recruit while having a blast! Here's the link to the Facebook discussion page on this: www.facebook.com/groups/1078741172153134/
If the link doesn't work just look up "Second World War GZA Players".
Edit: Also anything before June, or at least before the very end of June would be great for that's when I ship to BCT.
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 4, 2015 21:39:43 GMT -5
I am so happy to see this! Yesterday I went to GZA (in my WW2 Impression) and managed to find a couple other WWII airsoft enthusiasts. I pointed them to this forum, but currently we are trying to start at WWII event down here at GZA. We talked to the managers of the field (Bernie and Jolly) and then said they'd be down with it so long as enough people showed up. At the very least we could, like said above, cause a great turnout with our WWII kits and try to recruit while having a blast! Here's the link to the Facebook discussion page on this: www.facebook.com/groups/1078741172153134/
If the link doesn't work just look up "Second World War GZA Players".
Edit: Also anything before June, or at least before the very end of June would be great for that's when I ship to BCT. This sounds pretty good. One question, What kind of event would this be? I know from past experiences, these are usually 10-4 type events that Jolly does. Would this be that kind of thing? It's OK if it is, especially if the main purpose is to recruit new blood for a more all out full day or weekend event there. I joined your facebook group and would really like to learn more. Migs
|
|
|
Post by ssgjoe on May 5, 2015 8:45:47 GMT -5
If things get planned and you guys have a good amount of loaner kits, I can advertise this on Facebook in the multiple modern airsoft groups I'm in. Might peak some interest in the hobby lol
|
|
Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
|
Post by Dracul on May 5, 2015 14:30:37 GMT -5
Nuclear Plant? Sounds like a good place for that legendary Norway water plant sabotage mission, spearheaded by the British. Oh look, I just happen to be building a good amount of British kits. Hehe
Anyway, I'm more than interested to attend the next big game. If I make it, that's more loaner kits for both Allies and Germans we can loan out.
|
|
|
Post by matthew1943 on May 5, 2015 14:53:11 GMT -5
I am so happy to see this! Yesterday I went to GZA (in my WW2 Impression) and managed to find a couple other WWII airsoft enthusiasts. I pointed them to this forum, but currently we are trying to start at WWII event down here at GZA. We talked to the managers of the field (Bernie and Jolly) and then said they'd be down with it so long as enough people showed up. At the very least we could, like said above, cause a great turnout with our WWII kits and try to recruit while having a blast! Here's the link to the Facebook discussion page on this: www.facebook.com/groups/1078741172153134/
If the link doesn't work just look up "Second World War GZA Players".
Edit: Also anything before June, or at least before the very end of June would be great for that's when I ship to BCT. This sounds pretty good. One question, What kind of event would this be? I know from past experiences, these are usually 10-4 type events that Jolly does. Would this be that kind of thing? It's OK if it is, especially if the main purpose is to recruit new blood for a more all out full day or weekend event there. I joined your facebook group and would really like to learn more. Migs We aren't sure yet ourselves, we just made the group over the weekend. The original group, when we discussed the idea, would ideally like to do a dedicated WWII event, with nothing but period kits, essentially like the events made by the WW2AA. However, like said previously that is ideal, and I know how costly and time consuming something like that would be. For that to happen we would need a big turnout, probably around 30-40 players at minimum. If something like that turns out to not be possible, then the standard 10-4 style game that is normally played at GZA would be our next best bet. We would most likely mingle with the regulars there, and try to raise some interest into our hobby. Also, thanks for joining the group! Feel free to ask any questions there as well. Also, the facebook group name has changed to Second World War & Historical GZA Players, for those who plan on joining.
|
|
|
Post by insterburger on May 5, 2015 15:41:47 GMT -5
Obviously knowing the date will be vital to committing fully, but assuming it's a date I can make, I'm in. If serving in an officer/command function, I can provide a good number of FULL loaner kits and weapons, mostly German but a few US, as well as some heavy weaponry and other enhancements.
|
|
DRK
Private
4 Shoei MG-42's; 3 Shoei MP-44's
Posts: 143
|
Post by DRK on May 6, 2015 11:25:39 GMT -5
Hello Gentlemen, I'd like to offer some help to make a game happen within the area.
In northern New Jersey, there is a 70+ acre field known as C&C Airsoft field in the city of Stanhope. The owner is a friend of mine for 9 years and is always up to offer out to private events of it doesn't conflict. If interested I can PM the email address to set it up.
I am also interested in playing, I currently have THREE Shoei MG-42's being worked on with box mag's being made along with a Shoei MP44. The field is very unique, it has a large bluff over looking a flat grassland known as the "air field". a great mockup for a grassy landing scenario, there is also a sizable dirt road that was added stretching half the field to help with transport. But as of right now vehicles are not able to be used for "in play". RON (rest over night) is also NOT possible, I know that would be really helpful for those coming a long way.
As for that nuclear plant on LI, the organizer that was running the dual events is called MSATO with his call sign of crossfire. He is a good friends with Bernie and GZA. But the past event was promoted as the last event due to cost and lack of access to the field in the future. Even with the numbers he got for the turn out the price was still a bit high. Whomever saw Gordak at the event tell him I said hi, I bought my first mp44 from him back in 2007.
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 6, 2015 17:43:22 GMT -5
Hello Gentlemen, I'd like to offer some help to make a game happen within the area. In northern New Jersey, there is a 70+ acre field known as C&C Airsoft field in the city of Stanhope. The owner is a friend of mine for 9 years and is always up to offer out to private events of it doesn't conflict. If interested I can PM the email address to set it up. I am also interested in playing, I currently have THREE Shoei MG-42's being worked on with box mag's being made along with a Shoei MP44. The field is very unique, it has a large bluff over looking a flat grassland known as the "air field". a great mockup for a grassy landing scenario, there is also a sizable dirt road that was added stretching half the field to help with transport. But as of right now vehicles are not able to be used for "in play". RON (rest over night) is also NOT possible, I know that would be really helpful for those coming a long way. As for that nuclear plant on LI, the organizer that was running the dual events is called MSATO with his call sign of crossfire. He is a good friends with Bernie and GZA. But the past event was promoted as the last event due to cost and lack of access to the field in the future. Even with the numbers he got for the turn out the price was still a bit high. Whomever saw Gordak at the event tell him I said hi, I bought my first mp44 from him back in 2007. Very interested. PM sent
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on May 7, 2015 13:23:25 GMT -5
This all sounds good! Welcome back DRK, Mathew1943, and Viper, it looks like our options are improving dramatically. Seems like that is at least 2 new options for fields besides GZA or Lashes, which we can still use if we want. There is also the field Brownian was going too last year in Albany, which he said was good. They didn't have a dedicated WW2 themed event but were certainly open to it. That could be another easily reachable field for all of us in the NE. I have no Beta on it as Brownian was pursuing that option for us. He has been gone for a bit on the forum but I'd like to hear his response. He has bean bearing the brunt of hosting events over the past couple of years and I wouldn't want to step on his toes by pursuing the Airsoft Albany option to see about it.
But i am certainly excited to do something soon! Wether it be a full on WW2 emersion event or a "10-4" run and gun to get new recruitment. Hopefully you guys will plan something on a weekend where I can attend, but no matter what, by hook or crook, I will do my best to attend and support it. If we do the run and gun, we should consider going all out for recruitment. Set up weapon and gear displays and direct people to our site if the format of the game and the venue allows us too. We should try to spark some interest in kids, and those players who are on the fence about making the plunge into WW2 because they havnt found us or know where to go for games and info? There are a bunch of would be players out there who just don't know about us yet.
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 7, 2015 20:34:30 GMT -5
All great suggestions Jerry.
About a year or so ago I put together a "how to" guide that can be handed out at such recruitment events. I'll have to read it again as it may be a little dated with some info, but overall, I think it will give the curious a very good road map as to how to get into our hobby.
The weapons and web gear displays are always an eye catcher and I think we can all provide some really cool stuff to entice the new.
BTW, I reached out to the field owner in NJ on his facebook page and I'm waiting to hear back from him.
Stay tuned everyone,
Migs
|
|
DRK
Private
4 Shoei MG-42's; 3 Shoei MP-44's
Posts: 143
|
Post by DRK on May 7, 2015 22:48:23 GMT -5
The kids today love video, perhaps filming some kits broken down and explaining it all.
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on May 8, 2015 6:24:36 GMT -5
There is a companion website to this forum, which is out there on the web. It has not been updated in years because of the original Admins of WW2AA have left us. It has the format to be a good intro to the hobby if it was updated. In fact it was the first place I found a couple of years ago and it of course directed me to the forums. If the site were jazzed up a bit with more photos and video that could be a helpful tool for new recruits. But we have no Admin rights for it to update things. I have some experience with web design, been slowly working on one for my own unit. I would be willing to work on another if I had the permission to do it. But this may be a whole separate thread I could start for discussing that idea. The good thing is once people have found this forum they see that it is relatively lively and active with applesauce loads of detailed info and discussions going on. But a flashy sharp well maintained web page is a good thing to get the word out. Also a dedicated WW2AA YouTube channel could help too. There we could post all our stitch Nazi stuff and vids of our games. I have one movie that I made from our Battle of the bulge game a couple of years ago.
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 8, 2015 9:46:27 GMT -5
There is a companion website to this forum, which is out there on the web. It has not been updated in years because of the original Admins of WW2AA have left us. It has the format to be a good intro to the hobby if it was updated. In fact it was the first place I found a couple of years ago and it of course directed me to the forums. If the site were jazzed up a bit with more photos and video that could be a helpful tool for new recruits. But we have no Admin rights for it to update things. I have some experience with web design, been slowly working on one for my own unit. I would be willing to work on another if I had the permission to do it. But this may be a whole separate thread I could start for discussing that idea. The good thing is once people have found this forum they see that it is relatively lively and active with applesauce loads of detailed info and discussions going on. But a flashy sharp well maintained web page is a good thing to get the word out. Also a dedicated WW2AA YouTube channel could help too. There we could post all our stitch Nazi stuff and vids of our games. I have one movie that I made from our Battle of the bulge game a couple of years ago. What site are you referring to?
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on May 8, 2015 12:42:12 GMT -5
WW2AA.com
Gordak's original site
|
|
shiftysgarand
Corporal
BangbangbangbangbangbangbangbangPING
Posts: 1,165
|
Post by shiftysgarand on May 8, 2015 19:57:32 GMT -5
Setting up a central WWII Airsoft Association Facebook page I feel would also be a good idea. Many players who are interested in WWII are on Facebook, but are unaware of or never check this forum or ww2aa.com
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on May 8, 2015 20:36:53 GMT -5
Setting up a central WWII Airsoft Association Facebook page I feel would also be a good idea. Many players who are interested in WWII are on Facebook, but are unaware of or never check this forum or ww2aa.com that's a great idea Shifty, I would definitely contribute to that.
|
|
stuka
Sergeant
The one and only
Posts: 1,205
|
Post by stuka on May 9, 2015 2:30:45 GMT -5
er this is a thing, not a group but a page, think a group would be better but I wonder who is running it =P www.facebook.com/ww2aa
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on May 9, 2015 8:42:33 GMT -5
yah, who ever is running that page has posted stuff currently. It would be nice to know who it is. Looks like it may be someone from the Midwest scene. There is one of the Midwest events posted on there.
|
|
|
Post by matthew1943 on May 9, 2015 9:37:23 GMT -5
I think getting an updated Facebook page would be great, even if it's only dedicated to the players of the North East, though hopefully you could make some of our Midwest allies admins to the page as well so we could administer double the content and attract double the amount of players we would otherwise. In other news the GZA event that was discussed earlier now has an official date and price. The Date: May 30th-31st The Price: $25 per person (normal GZA price). Synopsis: The event will be a WWII only player event from 3:00PM EST starting on the 30th, then mixing into a normal GZA Sunday skirmish game the following day. The GZA guys are also letting us camp out in the parking lot, right by the field, so we can play overnight and so we can also set up static displays like you would see in a WWII reenactment. I think this will be a great way to recruit some people to the field of WWII Airsoft and in general be a fun time to meet some new people and bring out your tents and other equipment. More info here: www.facebook.com/groups/1078741172153134/permalink/1080324701994781/
|
|
|
Post by aldrich on May 9, 2015 9:46:56 GMT -5
Interesting on the existing WW2AA facebook page. I don't think it is one of us in the midwest, even though one of our events is posted. If it is, no one has mentioned anything.
|
|
|
Post by insterburger on May 9, 2015 13:10:30 GMT -5
Ugh, the 31st is the worst of all possible days for me. The 30th might work, but it seems like the event is really all about Sunday anyway given the late start time on Saturday. Will see what I can do and keep you posted, but it's not looking promising.
Too bad it's not the following weekend-- the actual anniversary of D-Day no less!
|
|
|
Post by SfcMigs on May 9, 2015 14:13:54 GMT -5
I'll be there for Saturday and Sunday morning. Probably can't stay past 1PM on Sunday as both my boys have Ice Hockey that day. I'll bring my gear and set up a display before open play starts on Sunday, but will probably have to leave a short time after that.
Thanks to Evan for organizing this. Great Job!!
|
|