An 'Experienced' Kiwi at Historicon with Rob Shirley As part of his extensive travels over the past few months, visiting historical sites and gaming events throughout Europe and the United States, New Zealand wargaming stalwart Rob Shirley attended the Flames Of War Early-War Nationals at Historicon, and has been kind enough to send back plenty of photographs from the tournament and the other great Historicon events. Historicon provides a historical gaming experience on a scale that dwarfs any event in New Zealand (and in fact in most parts of the world), so this was surely an experience which Rob will remember fondly for a long time.

Above & below: The Historicon registration desk.

Above: After registering at Historicon, there is an events desk where attendees can book into time slots for any of the hundreds of gaming and hobby events throughout the convention.

Above: The busy dealer hall.

Above & below: Some views of Battlefront's area in the Dealer Hall.

Above: Battlefront salesmen Brian Sayman (left) and Matthew Maggitti (right) prepare for a very busy weekend.

Above: The calm before the storm - early on Thursday, the main Exhibition Hall awaits the tide of gaming activity.

Above: One of several side-rooms that are needed to house all the games that cannot fit into the main hall.

Above: Hundreds of exhibitors travel from all parts of the country (and beyond) to host inspirational wargames covering every conceivable theme.

Above: Always a popular Historicon feature, the Flea Market gets going.

The Main Event: Flames Of War Early-War Nationals 2015

Before the tournament got under way, Rob took the opportunity to photograph all of the tables - always a keen point of interest, as terrain can play such an important role in the outcome of any game.

Rob's Friendly Nationals opponents
Round One: Jerry Lane.	Round Two: Ron Wismer.

Round Three: Mike Richards	Round Four: James Best Sr.

Round Five: Mike Mansfield	Round Six: James Best Jr.

Above: The Early-war Nationals prizegiving.

At the end of the two days' gaming, Rob had acquitted himself respectably, landing right in the middle of the rankings. (See the full Early-War Nationals results here for more information...)  But of course, it isn't for glory that one travels halfway around the world to attend a unique convention like Historicon. It's clear that Rob had a fantastic time and met some wonderful people.

Above: Rob with Brigadier General Glenn Goddard (left).	Above (left-right): Bruce Tobin, Rob, Greg Turkich.

Left: GF9's Jason Buyaki (left) and Battlefront's Brian Sayman (right).

From those of us who weren't lucky enough to attend Historicon this year, thanks for sharing, Rob!