"NJ Con - This IS Your Daddy's Miniature Wargame Convention" Topic

A brief review on my blog:

link

But in a word: GREAT Con!

(Okay, two words…)

Well Done, NJ Con.

Regards,
Keith F.

I missed this year but hope to get back there in 2016. It is a friendly, intimate con, well worth a look for those in the Northeast.

What kind of games did you see or had a chance to play? Was there a respectable vendor turnout (sorry, I have never been so I'm uncertain if they attend). Is there some form of a flea market? The folks in Williamsburg have done well in mid-August and I was wondering if this would be similar in mid-June up north.

Very interested. Thanks for posting.

Erik

BigErik,

I ran two StarGrunt games in 15mm. There was a Martian Front game next to me. I saw Dave Waxtel running a Napoleonic game (and I could hear the Guard's March playing).

Saw an AWI Black Powder game that looked really good. Western Gunfight in 28mm. Naval games as well. Sci-Fi starships. Plus there was an Ancients tournament along the two rows of tables along the back wall. It seemed to me to reflect what one would see at Cold Wars and/or Fall In! – which isn't surprising, as it's a lot of the same people.

I would judge about 1/2 a dozen vendors – I bought some 15mm terrain from HAWKS and a Rebel Aces from On Military Matters. There were some pre-painted 25/28mms historical units for sale as well.Edit: And someone was selling Old Glory 15s – Windsword or some such.

Their website still has the list of games – I would suggest checking it out.

Missed the flea-market/bring-and-buy – possible 12 banquet tables in a dedicated room. The rooms setup was neatly close together, so one could walk from registration to the vendors to either the flea market or the main game room. There were at least two smaller rooms, hosting a single game each, as well.

FWIW, NJ Con reminded me of Cold Wars circa 1990 or Havoc/The Gathering of the Clans up in CT back in Jim Persella's day.

Best regards,
Keith F.

Thanks so much Keith. I will definitely shoot for attending next year. Sounds like the gaming was fun and I have wonderful memories of those Cold War conventions of the '90s. Thanks again!

And, yeah, I should have thought to go look at the website.

Erik

I wasn't able to attend this year owing to obligations involving a fund-raiser last night. I've attended NJ Con for several years, and it's always a great pleasure – small, friendly, manageable.

I went two years ago. Plenty of games, enough vendors to shop all with a great selection and the flea market is handle by members of the event staff so you don't have to hang around to sell stuff but can play in the games or shop.

I've missed the last two years due to work not my unwillingness to go.

Looking forward to next year.

It was really excellent! I played a great Muskets and Tomahawks game. DO NOT miss this next year!!!
Tim

Hoping to sort through all the photos I took this weekend and post them here on the TMP. Had a great time!

TRU

Hm, sorry I missed this… sounds like fun! Cant wait to see some photos!

I have never been to any con, ever and have not played a table top game in quite some time. I went on Saturday, since I work right down the block from it. It was a rather small affair, (I do not mean that in a bad way). A few Vendors and a pretty decent little bring and buy. The tables were believable but nice. It was good to see people playing. It was mostly historical with some AQoTMF, I saw a Battle Tech, (one of my first games), Two older, (I'm 43), fellows playing Canned Vland table and there was quite a few smaller tables of Saga.

No Pictures??
Clif

Thanks to the kind offer of John R., there are now two pictures of the general convention.

link

Regards,
Keith F.

I posted a review of NJCON at link

This is a great convention! Everyone that is looking for a great time should attend this one. It is really different than the HMGS conventions.

Here are some photos from Friday and Saturday. Enjoy!

link

TRU

I enjoyed finally getting to see Saga in action.
I've been interested in the game, but never got to play (or watch anyone play).

The gentleman moderating the Saga tables was kind enough to set up a demonstration battle between Vikings and the Welsh, and taught me how to play. I really enjoyed it!

This was the first time I went to NJ-Con. It's a nice little show. I'll be sure to go next year (work allowing). :)

Keith F wrote – "FWIW, NJ Con reminded me of Cold Wars circa 1990 or Havoc/The Gathering of the Clans up in CT back in Jim Persella's day."

….. Jim Parcella – That's a name I have not heard in some years – A true wargaming character who was taken from us far too soon. BTW, the Havoc and Gathering of the Clans events are/were actually MA events. Havoc is still a going operation; Gathering of the Clans more or less ended with Jim's passing.

- – -

NJCon is a small but very efficient and well run event. The games are of uniformly good quality. The convention staff are friendly and very responsive and helpful to the GM's. The physical facility is comfortably large for the attendance, with nice level tables, plenty of chairs and more than adequate room between game tables. Easy Parking: check. Air conditioning: check.

We'll be back next year.

B

Blutarski – thank you for the correction. It's been far too long.

Kind regards,
Keith F.

Had a GREAT time as always. Good and various games for all. Thanks again all

Thank you to all our great Game Masters, Vendors, Staff and Supporters. We could not put on this quality of a show with out you all.

Looking forward to another great year @ the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center

NJCON-FITE Staff