After a comment I made on the 2000ad chat room last night about getting to Hi-Ex I have been thinking about it whilst I was at work last night. I was going to fly up from Kent and stay in a B&B but after mentioning it in the chat room how's about this idea-
I hire a minibus from Maidstone and drive up the country picking people up along the way until we reach Inverness. We would set off early on Friday and get up there Friday night at whatever time. We would start the return journey after it has all finished on Sunday night.
Now the price would all depend upon getting as many people to travel up as possible. This would make it a lot cheaper for everyone in these current times. I would like all to pay the same amount no matter how far up the country you live so it's fair for everyone.
Say for instance we hired a 7 seater type van (or larger) and it cost £200 for 3 days and say the fuel was £300, then we would divide the £500 by 7 if it was full. So everyone would pay just over £70 which is not too bad.
Obviously this all depends on the amount of people who like the idea, the vehicle and the fuel and who knows we could try and get a deal on a B&B place for the group to stay at!
Anyway if anyone likes this idea get your name on here and I'll get in touch and we'll see how things evolve.
John
You're a bloody genius, CF!
If you start to get some interest here, then we could maybe stick this up on the HiEx site too...
I might be up for that coming from Oxford.
Cheers,
Wake
Travelling ShedCon? That sounds like a bloody good idea.
You have peaked my interest anyway. Looking at the prices of flights to Inverness I think getting a cheap flight to London and taking the minibus the rest of the way would work much cheaper. This means I have more money to spend up there. This really is a fantastic idea CF.
I'm going to TENTATIVELY stick my hand up and say I'd be interested in this. I say "tentatively", because I'd sort of had the idea of taking the whole family up to Hi-Ex as I'd read it was very kid-friendly, and the missus has always wanted to go to "scote-land" (but especially "Eden-bo-ro". I doubt she's even heard of Inverness. Maybe I could just tell her it IS Edinburgh...) and so I'd be nabbing four seats- two of which would be full of bouncing hyperactive children. Probably not condusive to the atmos that CF was hoping for.
But, should that plan fail and it ends up with just me going- absolutely yes, I'd be up for that! I could easily make it Maidstone.
SBT
Yep another tentative.
Could always arrange to meet at various places on a 'direct' route up north to leave cars at people's houses etc, otherwise it could take a couple of days to get up there in an old bus!
But good job that man
Interested.
Never been to a Con and never been to Scotland despite living in the Lake District for a good while and being quite close to Scotland.
That's an idea - I'm in Manchester, a decent halfway stopping point, and I know there's a few others in the area.
If this takes off we may fill more than one ... we may even get ourselves a CONVOY! I'll bet you've got the radios CF! Ten ten!
Cliff!
Excellent work
Just twittered this (@HiExComicCon)
I'd like to go, if you'd have me. I sure could use the distraction of a Con.
I'm in Ely, near Cambridge.
Blimey, if I get permission from the missus (yup, I'm a wussy) I'm definitely up for it. Pick me up at Sunderland?
I'm a moderately likely, coming from Milton Keynes/Newport Pagnell.
Why do I get the feeling that in ten years we'll all be watching a movie version of this trip, written by Richard Curtis, with the lot of us played by ageing ex-sitcom stars and the obligatory Mark Hardy and Hugh Grant?
SBT
All of us can't go, if there's a huge accident, the board is dead.
This is a brilliant idea !
( not the huge accident bit - you'd be off my patch so I couldnt do my jaws of life rescue on you all I'm afraid- best drive careful instead )
this has to happen now, with live video feed & docu-style interactive madness !
Can't wait !
Quote from: Garageman on 17 September, 2009, 11:35:22 PM
All of us can't go, if there's a huge accident, the board is dead.
And therein is the dramatic irony that fuels said future Hugh Grant/ Mark Hardy movie:
A bunch of hardcore 2000AD fans show their love of the comic by hiring a double decker bus to make it to a convention in the wilds of Scotland. They crash and die and as a result the comic's circulation halves and is cancelled. Eep.
SBT
I heartily endorse this idea and think it should happen.
Of course I'll be taking the trusty Bolt-mobile up to Jockland as I'll have a boot full of top quality comics to sell, but if I was just going up as a punter this would be ideal.
Quote from: Dandontdare on 17 September, 2009, 06:30:06 PMIf this takes off we may fill more than one ... we may even get ourselves a CONVOY! I'll bet you've got the radios CF! Ten ten!
More Helltrek than Convoy! ;)
I live in
cursed earth Scotland so its ok for me to slag it. Ive always wanted to go to Hi ex as it sounds ace. If everyone else goes then I must try harder to get along.
I am a definate for this. Got clearance from the wife last night.
Haven't been to a con in ages (2005, San Diego Comic Con), so I look forward to this.
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 18 September, 2009, 10:08:23 AM
I am a definate for this. Got clearance from the wife last night.
Haven't been to a con in ages (2005, San Diego Comic Con), so I look forward to this.
Great news, Locusts!
In fact - this thread is one of the reasons to love this board! Where the hell else would you get something like this!?
QuoteGot clearance from the wife last night.
Highland clearance, you might say.
The van has to have a big badge of justice on the front!
Quote from: uncle fester on 18 September, 2009, 11:25:28 AM
The van has to have a big badge of justice on the front!
Van? I think it has to be called an H-Wagon for this trip!
QuoteThe van has to have a big badge of justice on the front!
Or an effigy of Bad Bob Booth.
If enough of us bring video cameras to document the Helltrek, it could be quite entertaining. I volunteeer to edit it together!
If enough of us do this, it could be a seminal experience (he says with no hint of irony). However, there is one person who, geographically, is probably ruled out- so to make it entirely representative of the board when future generations come to view the footage, I suggest a Guy Fawkes style Thryllseeker attached to the roof, fist raised against oncoming traffic.
SBT
Okay, today I'm on the costings mission. I'm going to be looking at everything from a 7 seater up to a 15 seater. Will have more on that later.
No chance Logan could wrangle an APC?
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 September, 2009, 12:08:51 PM
No chance Logan could wrangle an APC?
In that case, someone at some point must yell either "prepare for immediate dust off!" or "marines, we are leaving!".
Then our trip will be perfect.
Tell you what- if this does work out It would be fantastic to try to time it to coincide with your journey, cause once you get past Edinburgh-Glasgow there is really only one route you can take.
RAC- I reckon that you could do worse than to make sure Commando gets one of the Con posters next year- to display prominently in the van.
We have to nuke the con from orbit, it's the only way to be sure!
That's a great idea CF!
I'm having to wait until the last minute before committing to Hi Ex. I should really see what our domestic situation is like. Our impending arrival will be about four months by that time.
So I can't commit to your bus idea, but if there's a spare seat at the last minute, I may jump on at Perth!
All the best with that.
- Trout
One other thing I meant to add: whether I'm aboard or not, I demand a squaxx-infested rest stop at my house! We're about 20 minutes from the A9, and maybe two hours short of Inverness, here in the wilds of Cal Hab.
- Trout
Quote from: King Trout on 18 September, 2009, 01:14:38 PM
One other thing I meant to add: whether I'm aboard or not, I demand a squaxx-infested rest stop at my house! We're about 20 minutes from the A9, and maybe two hours short of Inverness, here in the wilds of Cal Hab.
- Trout
Yeah, riiiiiight. Having (fairly) recently had experience of four month old children, nappies, feeds and screaming, I very much doubt we'd even be fully parked outside your house before you and the missus were running like fun down the motorway, headed for a plane abroad, leaving a small bundle and instructions on your doorstep, and a note reading "back in two weeks, thanks guys!". I've got your number Mr Trout.
SBT
Curses! Foiled again!
Bugger it! Hi Ex, it turns out, clashes with my daughter's fourth birthday. It's a definite no from me.
- Trout
sounds like a hoot, the collective noun for geeks must now be: a busload?
(http://www.foxearth.org.uk/glemsfordPictures/charabang.jpg)
Whoa! Can we all come round for Ice cream with Rose? I'm sure Mrs Trout would love to have a couple of cars full of nerds turn up :)
A great plan! Just pretend you've broken down, and all the Dredd T-shirts are just an amazing coincidence.
not Ice cream, cider with Rose....
Okay, new update. I've been to a firm that is just on the way into town and asked them for quotes for the trip and here are the prices.
7 seater £210
9 seater £255
15 seater £285
17 seater £315
For CDW they add £10 a day so that's £30 and also I can pick the vehicle up the night before for an extra £15 so I can set off very early to start the pick ups.
So if we go for the 17 seater it'll cost £360 for the whole trip and all we do is add the cost of fuel.
This sounds a great idea and would certainly do away with the ackward looking around at the Con trying to put names to avatars.
i'm in Paisley so I'd only come if you were struggling to fill the bus as otherwise I'd be doing someone out of a seat who's got further to travel. The other downside is that by the time the bus got to me the smell of B.O. and Wotsits would be intolerable!
Anyway put me down as interested (and interesting!) and we'll see what happens.
I take it the person with the most letters published gets to ride shotgun?
QuoteI take it the person with the most letters published gets to ride shotgun?
We're flying Grant over now are we..??
What Goggans of 30 letter fame? Pah he'd be lucky to secure a spot on the roof rack with that feeble effort.
I think it's Floyd that you want to suggest but I was refering to Megazine letter only!
Quoteby the time the bus got to me the smell of B.O. and Wotsits would be intolerable!
He's right guys- you won't much care for the smell o' weegies, especially after their dinner.
;D
Latest update.
Okay everyone this is what we need to do, so gather round.
First off, the minibus (sorted once we confirm numbers, but I think if we could get 14 on board we should go for the 17 seater. More space for all our gear and things) I will pay for this up front and when we actually arrive at Inverness we can see how much fuel we have used and divide the cost between us then. It'll be easier this way.
Next up is the lodgings. Now has anyone been up there before, as it would be good if we could all get into 1 B&B or a load near each other.
Next up would be if all who are definately going could pm me there real names, address's and phone numbers (mobile would be best).
Once we start to get the confirmations in we can plan the route. Sadly some people will have to get along to the nearest pick up location as even I can't drive for 24 hours.
At the moment I'm thinking of leaving at 04:00, so if you live near me you'll be getting up early, yes that's you Large48.
Anyway that's it for now.
John
QuoteAt the moment I'm thinking of leaving at 04:00, so if you live near me you'll be getting up early, yes that's you Large48.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLc8cZdhLI
Hi folks I'm going to be in Inverness tomorrow and I'll see if I can get to a few B+B's for you. I think it's a great idea to get a minibus for the trip. I was at both the previous Hi-Ex Cons and they were pretty cool.
Cheers Dangermouse3597 that's a great help. I've looked at the tourist info site but first hand knowledge always beats that.
John
Early bookings will help- I was late booking last year and was lucky to get a place.I'm sure I linked some nearby B&Bs on last years thread. I'll do some checking back and link it here.
What are the exact dates? I'll do some investigating for B&Bs as well.
Here are the dates
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/2000ad%20Sites/2857_1113384765785_1561904879_27257.jpg)
Now I did watch this on ebay but there was no way I was going to be allowed to bid for it but this would have been the perfect vehicle for the journey, well for about 4 of us ;D
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/2000ad%20Sites/Be3Y7QBWkKGrHgoOKkEjlLmYq-kBKcfBjHk.jpg)
That's exactly what came to mind when it was mooted! Can't you get it anyway and do an 'A-Team' with your army knowledge, to make room for another ten or so?
SBT
I presume now is too late to put my hand up? If it is, good luck to you all and I'll find another (less fun) way up there.
PM me your details Mike as it's going to be first come first served until we reach the magic number.
Done.
Let's face it this has got 'Blair Witch' scenario written all over it.
Friends hire a ride that breaks down in the middle of nowhere when-
I sincerly wish you brave souls good speed, good journey and a great Hi-Ex. :)
QuoteLet's face it this has got 'Blair Witch' scenario written all over it.
More like Final Destination 2...
-Bouwel-
any places left? id like to go. never been to anything like this!!!
PM me with your details eggsonlegs, as when the places are gone that's it.
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 18 September, 2009, 09:16:27 PM
Let's face it this has got 'Blair Witch' scenario written all over it.
Friends hire a ride that breaks down in the middle of nowhere when-
I sincerly wish you brave souls good speed, good journey and a great Hi-Ex. :)
....when a dinosaur in a kilt comes over the horizon and proclaims loudly "YOUSE ARE
CLAIMED, PAL!"
Okay I've had quite a few confirmations to the trip, so if you want to get on board do it soon. I shall put a list up in the wee hours on who is a definate up to now. One last thing what to call the trip, it seems that the name has already been mentioned earlier, hows about-
Hi-Ex! Hell Trek 2010
Yeehah!
I dunno about Blair Witch or Final Destination, but I feel this has 'Are You Being Served: The Movie' written all over it.
I, of course, am Mrs Slocum. And Mike Gloady is Miss Brahms.
Note: This all depends on whether my legs allow me to get up by March- damn you Derren Brown!
SBT
This is a beautiful thing!
-Latest update-
Here is the list of participants so far:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. SmallBlueThing
3. Dandontdare
4. Mike Gloady
5. PeterWolf
6. locustsofdeath
7. Gavin Leahy
8. Roger Godpleton
So as you can see we only have 6 places left, so get your places booked. As I have said in the PM's once all 14 are in we can really get down to the details of the route.
John
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 18 September, 2009, 10:17:35 PM
I, of course, am Mrs Slocum. And Mike Gloady is Miss Brahms.
You know me so well, Mrs Steev. *coy gesture, blush*
WE GOT OURSELVES A CON-VOY!!!!
I'm freeeeeeeeeeeee!
Except I'm not. I can't go. :'(
You'll have to wait for the 2011 Hell Trek ;)
I was just about to play Rogue Trooper on the Wii but I've just found the official Inverness B&B site, hurrah! So I'm just going to have a quick look at what's on offer for up to 14 people.
http://www.invernessbedandbreakfasts.co.uk/ (http://www.invernessbedandbreakfasts.co.uk/)
Can I just say that this is indeed a wonderful sight to see. This message board truly is the most wonder place on the web.
I can't believe PW is coming- There are going to be some interesting conversations in the bar!
Man, this is the coolest thing ever! Any chance the bus could sort of swing by my place and pick up me and the missus? Dublin's not THAT far off the route, right?
Hmm... Guess we'll just have to slum it in an airplane like last year and the year before (though last year there weren't any flights from Dublin to Inverness, so we had to drive to Belfast and fly from there).
Hope you guys can pull this off: Hi-Ex is the best comic-con in the world!
-- Mike
Man, all the groovy folks in the bus AND all the fine folks who'll be there otherwise. This is going to be amazing. Can't wait.
I'm forming a mutie gang so I can ambush you all.
Roasted helltracker, now that's good eatin'!
;D
I'm sorry Zarjazzer but I have been fully trained in ambush drills, so we will be prepared for any attack in the wastelands ;)
The thought occurred to me how fortunate I am to be embarking on a helltrekk with a fellow called "Commando Forces" as our coordinator. I fear you not, Zarjazzer.
-Latest Update-
Here is the list so far-
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. SmallBlueThing
3. Dandontdare
4. Mike Gloady
5. PeterWolf
6. locustsofdeath
7. Gavin Leahy
8. Roger Godpleton
9. Buttonman
Welcome aboard Buttonman.
As you can see there are now only 5 places left for the event of 2010, get off your chairs (Derren Brown willing) and get in touch.
John
Bah! *shakes clawed tentacles* You helltrekkers are too well prepared, guess it's back to munchin on spine thorns and roasted rad -lizards for me. Or if things get real bad, KFC.
:)
it does sound like a fun fine trip though.
Looks like it's going to be a good group. Might one of the greatest things this board has ever accomplished.
I am looking forward to meeting everyone, both my Helltrekk mates and those at the con...I also wonder who the last five helltrekkers will turn out to be... ???
Hi folks try http://ballifearyguesthouse.co.uk I've worked in this place and it looks clean and comfy the kitchen looks clean too. Before you book anywhere else ask me about it and I'll run it past my Sister as she works for Visit Scotland (in the complaints department).
Thanks for the pointer, Dangermouse. Appreciate it.
No worries I'll also point out that it's only a few minutes walk from Eden Court. I'll possibly end up in a B+B or hotel myself so I don't have a 15 mile drive which will mean I can have a dram or 2 with various attendees.
I suppose we better start organising the bloody thing then...
Yes ;)
Please set up a webcam in the Landraider, please! I want to see the exact moment when Peterwolf eats Godpleton's sandwiches!
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 19 September, 2009, 11:18:03 PM
I suppose we better start organising the bloody thing then...
Tch! Bunch of comics dealers, bunch of guests... How hard can it be?
Okay I think the next stage which we need to get on top of is the accommodation. With 14 of us do we go for a combination of the following-
1. 7 twin rooms in one location, if possible.
2. A variant of rooms in one location including singles, family, twins, etc...
3. 2 locations close together so everyone can be put up in twins.
4. Etc, etc....
I think it would be better if we all managed to get into the same place and take it over. This will be dependent on the following.
Space to park the H-Wagon.
Enough rooms for us all.
Proximity to the event.
If any fellow travellers want to have a search all the better. I've looked at a few places but at the moment I have found a few places but they have Double's, as well as twins, singles, family, etc..
I've texted most just now to say that once the 14 are on board I shall be phoning everyone up to have a chat and gather ideas. This Wednesday a few of us will be in the chat room, so we'll make a start then.
John
/There is a Travelodge 1.7 miles out from the town centre.That wouldnt be a problem to me but it might be for others.Also there are no communal areas in these places.No lounge and no bar etc but definately the cheapest option.
Cheap rates if booked in advance - 19 quid a night if booked up very soon.
Will be back with more results but the average price for a room in a B+B seems to be about 40 to 50 to 60 quid plus the double room problem .
I am going to compare prices of B+B to hotel chains for example that can be cheap .
There seems to be a Holiday Inn Express in Inverness. I use them a fair bit with work and they're not bad. They have a free all you can eat breakfast and communal areas with bars.
-Bouwel-
Why cant these B+Bs specify exactly how many of each different type of rooms they have ?
This makes it necessary to have to send an email just to ask how many single or twin rooms they have which is a simple bit of info that they should provide anyway.
[i am looking on VisitScotland]
The Taravelodge and Holiday Inn are both about 20 minutes walk from the venue.
I'm okay to do whatever the group decides as far as a hotel or b&b goes.
Let's stay in the castle!
WTF!
According to Google, the walk is actually something like 50 minutes!
Ummm... no.
Internet sources aren't as reliable as human/print ones. I take anything on the web that hasn't come from the keyboard of someone I know with a small rock of salt.
Anybody know the area well?
Quote from: Bouwel on 20 September, 2009, 06:18:12 PM
There seems to be a Holiday Inn Express in Inverness. I use them a fair bit with work and they're not bad. They have a free all you can eat breakfast and communal areas with bars.
-Bouwel-
I just called their front desk because they dont specify their room rates on their webpage.
I thought i called a wrong number because the person who answered just said "hello" so i had to ask if i had called holiday Inn Inverness which was confirmed then i asked what the room rates are and the person at the desk says "hang on a minute..." then i was put on hold and waited 3 + minutes and then i was cut off.
With regard to bars n stuff- As long as you have more than one designated driver you could all sit in the Ramada talking shite with us and then hop in your minibus to the B&B. Parking at Eden is really good- The Bolt-mobile was parked there for a whole weekend two years ago and survived unscathed. So you could all leave the mini-bus at Eden- get drunk and then the designated driver can take you all home. Then back in the following morning for more hilarity and comics!
QuoteI just called their front desk because they dont specify their room rates on their webpage.
Plugging the dates into the website we get £72-£89 per room.
You have to put the dates in to get the prices as they change from day to day, hotel to hotel; there's not one fixed price. But they're miles better than Travel Lodge.
-Bouwel-
We have, of course, a deal with the Ramada.
(it's not up on the website yet- we're waiting for the relaunch of it...)
Anyway.
Room rates there are £75 + B&B for a double/twin and £60 for a single per night.
If you're booking there, make sure they know it's for HiEx to get the rate!
Maybe we ought to try for the Ramada; that way most of the bunch will be together - and no designated driver needed... :D.
I don't mind in the slightest where we end up staying, as long as it has a roof and a bed then it good enough for me.
If the twins at the Ramada are £75 per night (fnar, fnar) then that equates to each person paying that for the two nights. Which sounds good to me.
[just seen the previous posts ]
Ramada Inverness is quoting 85.00 per night for a twin room but upon calling them to confirm this they are saying that they are pretty booked up for that time to fit in a party of 14 but having pressed them further they are saying that there is a possibility to fit us in subject to a call to group reservations during weekday office hours.
But with this hotel you get a pool and all the rest if they can fit us in which is far better than a B+B for the same money .
What does anyone else think of a hotel instead of a B+B ?
Even better than that is the RamadaEncore Inverness has 7 twin rooms available for the march dates @ 65 quid for a twin room for 2 nights which is bloody good .
I just called reservations who confirmed this 15 minutes ago.[0800 1000 783]
[Beware calling the front desk at the Ramada Encore Inverness as whoever it was who answered was a bit clueless and hardly speaks English and she said the hotel is fully booked for that weekend yet i called reservations on the above number who confirmed the rooms are available]
http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/control/index?variant=uk&as_srp=SR6&cid=ra_SR6sep_st_adword
QuoteRamada Inverness is quoting 85.00 per night for a twin room but upon calling them to confirm this they are saying that they are pretty booked up for that time to fit in a party of 14 but having pressed them further they are saying that there is a possibility to fit us in subject to a call to group reservations during weekday office hours.
Did you tell them it was for HiEx?
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 20 September, 2009, 08:24:51 PM
QuoteRamada Inverness is quoting 85.00 per night for a twin room but upon calling them to confirm this they are saying that they are pretty booked up for that time to fit in a party of 14 but having pressed them further they are saying that there is a possibility to fit us in subject to a call to group reservations during weekday office hours.
Did you tell them it was for HiEx?
Unfortunately not because i wasnt aware of the deal you had with them until after i had made the call but when i call them up again i will make a point that the booking is for HI/EX.
That should change things abit hopefully.
Well done Peter, I look forward to seeing how you got on when I get back from work in the am.
Yeah, nice work Peter. I'm happy with anything to be honest, but nearby with comfort sounds pretty good to me. If we're all together then that makes sense and is more sociable.
As long as it's got a bed, two pillows, a place to poo and I don't have to share, I'm fine with anything.
What we need is two seven room B&Bs, next door to each other, or one 14 room hotel, really.
SBT
I was just presenting the twin room option because its the cheapest.
Everyone had better specify if they want to share a room or not.
I'll share if I have to. It's not forever is it?
Hang on, let me check. This ISN'T forever, right?
Bags not sharing with me.
Twins are fine unless someone else wants to stink out the bog before I get the chance to.
I have to say I'd rather not share- as grumpy as that may sound, I need my own space late at night! And no one wants to be forced to share a room with Onan The Barbarian, after all! Happy to nab a little single room if everyone else wants the doubles or twins.
SBT
A twin room is fine with me, especially if it helps to cut the costs.
I've lost track of who I'm meant to be contacting if I want in. Is there even still space?
Contact Trek Leader Commando Forces.
And I'm with SBT - not wishing to be antisocial, I do like my own room to escape to at night!
There are B&B's on the same side of the Ness as Eden Court- 5 minutes walk away.
Last year I left my car at the B&B and just walked everywhere- everything's only about five minutes away. Year before I left my car at Eden Court car park because I couldn't get parked at the B&B. Short walk to the B&B after Hi-Ex. The river has footpaths across it and there's one just five minutes walk from the area where most of these B&B's are. The footpath takes you right outside the back of the Ramada.
Don't bother with the mini-bus, Leave it at the B&B, get pissed and walk.
I can't find those bloody links I posted for last years!
Hmm, I just remembered that I normally go to the Iona Abbey Student Week during my Easter break, so I'll have to wait on the dates for that before committing.
On the bright side, it's possible I could be in Scotland around the time of Hi-Ex anyways...
Okay lets just add our names to this list and put down what room you would accept. I've quickly scanned the above, so have put in what I have seen.
COMMANDO FORCES - Twin
SmallBlueThing - Single
Mike Goady - Twin
Gavin Leahy - Twin
Just copy and paste with your pref added.
John
COMMANDO FORCES - Twin
SmallBlueThing - Single
Mike Goady - Twin
Gavin Leahy - Twin
Roger Godpleton - Twin
COMMANDO FORCES - Twin
SmallBlueThing - Single
Mike Goady - Twin
Gavin Leahy - Twin
Roger Godpleton - Twin
Buttonman - Twin or single or dorm - hopefully too pissed to notice
COMMANDO FORCES - Twin
SmallBlueThing - Single
Mike Goady - Twin
Gavin Leahy - Twin
Roger Godpleton - Twin
Buttonman - Twin or single or dorm - hopefully too pissed to notice
locustsofdeath - Twin (or whatever, seconding Buttonman)
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 21 September, 2009, 12:21:34 PM
COMMANDO FORCES - Twin
SmallBlueThing - Single
Mike Goady - Twin
Gavin Leahy - Twin
Roger Godpleton - Twin
Buttonman - Twin or single or dorm - hopefully too pissed to notice
locustsofdeath - Twin (or whatever, seconding Buttonman)
DanDontDare - Single
Peter Wolf - Twin
I updated the list to include DDD who specified a single room.I stated twin to save cash.
I just tried to call them up but was in a queue to speak to reservations .I waited 20 minutes while listening to horrible music so i gave up in the end and i will try them again at various times during the day and hopefully i will get through.
By the way there are two kinds of twin rooms.One type has views and the cheaper version doesnt.
So if anyone who wants to book a twin room with a view and who wants to see a view of the hanging gardens of Babylon or herds of Wilderbeast sweeping majestically across the plains please state this preferance otherwise the cheaper twin rooms will be booked.I guess the cheaper room with no view will be preferred.
There is also the standard single room and the executive single room but there doesnt seem to be much difference.
I've emailed CF to say I'm a tentaive 'yes.' Godpleton and Peterwolf on a roadtrip in a minivan? How could I pass such a thing up?!
As to rooms, I really don't mind either way. Don't mind sharing as long as whoever I'm sharing with doesn't snore (I'm a light sleeper and I need my eight hours!)
Hi Dark Jimbo,
Got your info on file now.
So that's 4 places left folks, so come on, get your name on the list as you know you'll only regret it if you don't ;)
John
I'm informed I don't snore, but I do dribble. Which, seeing as it's seperate beds (it IS seperate beds, right? RIGHT?) won't be a problem. Welcome aboard Jimbo!
Dribbling won't be a problem unles you sleepwalk as well. Then there might be trouble.
I shall be going to the hire firm this Wednesday to take some pictures of our H-Wagon and get some more info off them with ref to the booking, etc...
The pictures are so that you all have a good idea of what we will be travelling in ;)
I dont think i snore.Never had any complaints.
I am a heavy sleeper which makes getting up very difficult but there can be problems if i am woken up by someone else making loud noise or banging around early in the morning.I can react badly to that as it just sends me wild.
Whilst I appreciate our valiant co-ordinator's efforts (and all the helpful tips and info) do we really need to book accommodation as a group? Some may have distinct preferences for hotel vs b&b, acceptable costs, location etc.
I'm happy to go along with the Trekkers, if it's easier to book as a group (hey, do you think we could even haggle a group-discount?) but I'm equally happy to sort out my own accommodation if it takes a bit of complication out of the proceedings (A single in either the Ramada or anything within walking distance will suit me, but I can see how it may be easier for those wanting to share).
-Latest Update-
I shall be ringing as many of the Trekkers on Wednesday night as I can whilst I am in the chat room (if the missus isn't chatting to her friends) to talk about the accommodation situation.
After sending a quick PM to His Lordship rac, I have decided that I will definately be at the Ramada as it's "The Con hotel".
Anyway speak to you all Wednesday night. The codeword that I will use when you answer the phone will be "HELLO" ;)
John
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 21 September, 2009, 07:15:34 PM
I dont think i snore.Never had any complaints. I am a heavy sleeper
Perhaps you're sleeping through these complaints?
Kidding.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 21 September, 2009, 08:18:50 PM
-Latest Update-
I shall be ringing as many of the Trekkers on Wednesday night as I can whilst I am in the chat room (if the missus isn't chatting to her friends) to talk about the accommodation situation.
After sending a quick PM to His Lordship rac, I have decided that I will definately be at the Ramada as it's "The Con hotel".
Anyway speak to you all Wednesday night. The codeword that I will use when you answer the phone will be "HELLO" ;)
John
I am not sure now if it is necessary to make any more calls to reservations @ Ramada.
I tried 3 times today and didnt get through .
Shall i leave it at that ?Seems like a good idea since i am not going to be making the booking anyway and i dont have any info on the HI/EX arrangement anyway.
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 21 September, 2009, 08:32:46 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 21 September, 2009, 07:15:34 PM
I dont think i snore.Never had any complaints. I am a heavy sleeper
Perhaps you're sleeping through these complaints?
Kidding.
I hardly ever snore and if i do then its not for very long and its not very loud either.
I'm at work on Wednesday Night and I won't be able to talk till about 22:30. Sorry.
I'd love to come. But Mrs X is due to drop a sprog the following week, and if the last two are anything to go by the she gets a bit funny about me being drunk when she's about to drop. Hypocrite. She ends up guffawing on gas and air, then on hard drugs like pethidene and what have you - but I've got to keep a clear head? AND I'm not the one having the sprog.
I am definately expressing a preferance to a hotel rather than a B+B as i have never stayed in a B+B and i am not about to start and besides going by the pictures of the interiors of some of the B+Bs i looked at i dont think i could stand the bad taste furniture and wallpaper etc for 2 nights in a row quite honestly.
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 21 September, 2009, 09:33:51 PM
I'm at work on Wednesday Night and I won't be able to talk till about 22:30. Sorry.
Likewise.
Travelodge are doing rooms for £35 that weekend - 2 miles from Eden Court but the massive saving would pay for some taxis and it'd be walkable in an emergency.
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/search_and_book/index.php?action=search&check_from=&locationCode=h211&location=Inverness+Travelodge&checkInDate=26%2F03%2F2010&checkOutDate=27%2F03%2F2010&no_of_rooms=1&adults_1=2&children_1=0&adults_2=1&children_2=0&adults_3=1&children_3=0&adults_4=1&children_4=0&search=Search
I'm quite into the idea of going up to this if there's a big gang of Squaxx to get pissed with. As I stay in Glasgow, I'd probably get the train rather than take up space in the bus and I snore like quality control at the chainsaw factory so nobody will share a room with me.
We stayed in the Travelodge, or possibly Holiday Inn Express, out by Tesco on the main road last year.
They're a fair way out of town, so be aware that once you leave the hotel in the morning you probably won't get back until that night, meaning you're carrying around whatever you buy, or leaving it in someone's more central hotel room. You can make the effort, but traffic/the one-way system/not wanting to miss anything will discourage you.
I'd advise the Ramada. That's what I'd be doing if I could gooooooo...
sob
- Trout
I've been told that I do snore slightly, but I'm a relatively heavy and I have been known to sleep through most things.
So we should put the snorers in a room and the dribblers (only Gloady has admitted to this so far) in another!
Apparently I squirm and writhe around a lot when I sleep.
Someone should start a book on the first to: fight, get left behind, sulk, get drunk or cry.
Quote from: Proudhuff on 22 September, 2009, 05:31:12 PM
Someone should start a book on the first to: fight, get left behind, sulk, get drunk or cry.
Me. For all the above.
SBT
Me for none of the above especially fighting.I dont usually get drunk partly because i cant get properly drunk .I have a strong resistance to Alcohol and it doesnt have that much effect.
We'll know if that's true soon enough. As for snore, dribble, sleepwalk, self abuse and other strange habits, i vote that the most amusing combinations are forced to share rooms. Character building.
Hang on, I'm ringing Channel 4 and asking them to film this journey as a replacement for Big Brother. ;-)
- Trout
It will be interesting to discover just exactly what habits are considered "strange" amongst this particular group.
If there are two spaces left me and a mate would like to to get in on this but it depends what time you would come round to birmingham.
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 22 September, 2009, 07:29:43 PM
It will be interesting to discover just exactly what habits are considered "strange" amongst this particular group.
Ejaculating on anyone while they sleep will DEFINITELY be frowned upon. At least, without prior consent.
Is it pure MADNESS to suggest a Hell-Trek 2010 t-shirt? So lesser mortals can notice us from afar and plead to touch the hem of our robes while we're there and as a fond reminiscence ever after (particularly in the likely event of casualties - we can wear our shirts and fill up as we remember Roger or Steev being dragged to their doom by hungry locals).
Is it even MORE INSANE to suggest an art compo or collaboration to come up with the design?
If we really want to be go along these lines I could get my father, a signwriter, to prepare something for the side or the back of the minivan.
I've no idea if we want to be going along these lines, but given that the idea has now actually occured to us I'm not entirely sure we can avoid it.
Actually that's rubbish, of course we can. It's not as if the universe will be offended that we've avoided our "fate" and keep trying to imprint designs on our chests via suitably gory accidents. Is it?
Perhaps someone ought to design a tattoo and we could all get one together, a real Starship Troopers moment... :D.
A Starship Troopers moment?
What, we'll all act unconvincingly in a poorly-written, unbelievable story (by someone who'd created their own religion as a means to get rich quick and so has experience of poorly-written, unbelievable storys) and fight big insects in a gung ho manner, only slightly leavened by a spot of dark humour?
Quote(by someone who'd created their own religion as a means to get rich quick and so has experience of poorly-written, unbelievable storys)
Robert A. Heinlein wrote Star Ship Troopers. The book isn't that bad and is a rail against a totalitariam society. Not as good as 'The Forever War' though. I think the chappie you're thinking of is L. Ron. Hubbard.
-Bouwel-
OH PLOP!!!! I stand corrected. What a numpty!
Thank you my loyal familiar.
My central point stands - poo film. And if the film is poo, that's not going to encourage me to pick up a book I've yet to read (and this is ANOTHER reason we must hate Stallone, moan, whinge, grumble. Nah, love you really Sly!)
The both share letters in their name. That is my excuse.
I hope you're referring to the movie, Mike, in which case I'll agree (in the movie was that chessy moment where they all go get tattoos).
The Heinlien novel is one of my favorite sci-fi novels ever.
QuoteMy central point stands - poo film
Oh, I fully support and agree with you there. I think Mr. Verhoeven used the entire years supply of fake blood in that film and when it ran out he changed over to CGI blood.
The book really is worth a read, but I still say The Forever War is better (a book which oddly reminded me of the war section in Halo Jones).
QuoteThank you my loyal familiar.
I remain yours etc.
-Bouwel-
Oh god.
I'm now being "assaulted" from all sides by offers of "read this, we really enjoyed it" - YOU CRUEL PEOPLE!!!!!! Don't you realise? This is the internet. I've already admitted I'm wrong and apologised. How the world hasn't imploded in a puff of faulty logic escapes me. AND NOW YOU WANT ME TO *gulp* try something new? Based on our shared tastes in sci-fi weekly anthology comics you DARE to presume that I will somehow appreciate being FORCED to read a NOVEL?
Yeah, I do. Funny that, innit?
It's on the "possibly at some point, recommended by good people" list. If and when I do, you'll be the first to hear.
If you haven't read it by our Helltrekk, I shall bring you a copy a force you to read it on the drive ;D.
Quotea real Starship Troopers moment...
They have communal showers at the Ramada?
-shudder-
Quote from: TordelBack on 23 September, 2009, 11:50:24 AM
Quotea real Starship Troopers moment...
They have communal showers at the Ramada? -shudder-
Has someone been reading Roger Godpleton's latest short stories?
-Latest Update-
This is our H-Wagon in all it's glory ;D
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/2.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/3.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/4.jpg)
Choose your seats wisely
Can we change that B to a D and make it a stront-mobile?
I'm not sure they'll agree with that ;D
Ooh, I call back row window seat!!!
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 23 September, 2009, 05:28:48 PM
Ooh, I call back row window seat!!!
Tcha! So, you think you're cool enough for the backseat, eh? ever smoked a cigarette or seen a lady's thing?
Just this once I want to make an attempt at being cool...I'll do my best, promise.
First, show them the instruments of torture.
Early birds on the journey up get the front seats.One of them is now reserved....
There arent nearly enough advertising stickers all over it either.
An excellent night of phone calls. Just need to speak to Dark Jimbo to get certain things sorted, but it's looking great already.
Just 4 places left, get on board or you'll miss the event of 2010.
(http://www.iol.ie/~carrollm/hi-ex-bus.jpg)
I love it Mike ;D
BTW I'm fat so you have to give me a solo seat.
May god have mercy on you all...
Travelling with Peter, Steev, Locusts, Roger and myself?
God is INFINITE in It's mercy. See how lucky everyone else is?
My Ramada Experience.
How hard can it be for a hotel in this country to take a reservation. Jesus Christ I tried sending a comprehensive email to them and 3 times, it wouldn't go.
Then I rang them and was passed around a few times only to be put on hold until that changed to a ring tone and then I was cut off.
I eventually rang another number and she wanted me to do it through a group booking, I said, "on the website it said that had to be above a certain amount of rooms and we won't meet that level". Then she tried to put me across to conferences, all I wanted was to get the ball rolling and actually book the first twin room under the group name Hi-Ex! Hell Trek 2010 and ask how everyone would follow.
My idea was, we would book under that name and as each person rang, their name could be crossed off the list until all the rooms were full.
Now tell me that's not too hard. IS IT?
That was nearly an hour of my life wasted (and I haven't got that many left to spare on things like that)
CF- drop me an email and I'll try and help get this sorted.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 24 September, 2009, 05:10:51 PM
My Ramada Experience.
How hard can it be for a hotel in this country to take a reservation. Jesus Christ I tried sending a comprehensive email to them and 3 times, it wouldn't go.
Then I rang them and was passed around a few times only to be put on hold until that changed to a ring tone and then I was cut off.
I eventually rang another number and she wanted me to do it through a group booking, I said, "on the website it said that had to be above a certain amount of rooms and we won't meet that level". Then she tried to put me across to conferences, all I wanted was to get the ball rolling and actually book the first twin room under the group name Hi-Ex! Hell Trek 2010 and ask how everyone would follow.
My idea was, we would book under that name and as each person rang, their name could be crossed off the list until all the rooms were full.
Now tell me that's not too hard. IS IT?
That was nearly an hour of my life wasted (and I haven't got that many left to spare on things like that)
Thats unfortunate as i called them on the reservations number that is posted here and got through to someone staight away and she answered all my questions and there wasnt any stupid nonsense.This was on sunday night when i was making enquiries.I did try the other day during the day and couldnt even get through so i gave up but i put that down to the time of day i was calling.
Has everyone confirmed yet that they want rooms in the Ramada ?
I know i have anyway.
Anyway sorry to hear about that but i am sure everyone appreciates your efforts and i suggest that all of us who go on this trip should compensate you for all this and the driving by paying for your meal if we eat out and a few drinks.
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 24 September, 2009, 06:07:03 PM
CF- drop me an email and I'll try and help get this sorted.
I shall do that this evening, Sam want's to watch youtube for the next few hours ::)
Thanks very much for the help.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 24 September, 2009, 06:16:00 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 24 September, 2009, 06:07:03 PM
CF- drop me an email and I'll try and help get this sorted.
I shall do that this evening, Sam want's to watch youtube for the next few hours ::)
Thanks very much for the help.
No worries- there's no point having the managers number and not using it!
Ah, his Lordship is a man with connections. Well done!
It will be strange having to learn all of your "real" names (besides Mike Gloady and Roger Godpleton...unless they aren't really named Mike and Roger). Last night when Commando Forces called, I was surprised when he didn't say "hello, this is Commando Forces". My friends have called me Locust (and an ex-girlfriend once called me Locunt) for as long as I can remember.
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 24 September, 2009, 07:48:38 PM
It will be strange having to learn all of your "real" names (besides Mike Gloady and Roger Godpleton...unless they aren't really named Mike and Roger).
Well, Roger's called James, so I don't think our aliases will be much to go on (although those are probably what I'm going to use anyway).
Do you still need to speak to me, CF, or are things still a bit up in the air?
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 24 September, 2009, 07:48:38 PM
It will be strange having to learn all of your "real" names (besides Mike Gloady and Roger Godpleton...unless they aren't really named Mike and Roger). Last night when Commando Forces called, I was surprised when he didn't say "hello, this is Commando Forces". My friends have called me Locust (and an ex-girlfriend once called me Locunt) for as long as I can remember.
Peter is my real name and i have never used anything else.Others have used various other nicknames or abusive terms of description though.
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 24 September, 2009, 06:11:01 PM
Anyway sorry to hear about that but i am sure everyone appreciates your efforts and i suggest that all of us who go on this trip should compensate you for all this and the driving by paying for your meal if we eat out and a few drinks.
Too right we do, Peter. Sorting out your meal and a drink or two seems the lest we can do for our mighty leader.
My forum name is, astonishingly, exactly the same as my real name. Possibly a stupid idea but there you go.
Just spoke to Dark Jimbo and we are F.A.B.
Still gotta email His Lordship rac, just starting that now!
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 24 September, 2009, 08:12:03 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 24 September, 2009, 06:11:01 PM
Anyway sorry to hear about that but i am sure everyone appreciates your efforts and i suggest that all of us who go on this trip should compensate you for all this and the driving by paying for your meal if we eat out and a few drinks.
Too right we do, Peter. Sorting out your meal and a drink or two seems the lest we can do for our mighty leader.
My forum name is, astonishingly, exactly the same as my real name. Possibly a stupid idea but there you go.
I dont use any pseudonymns anywhere on the internet and never have done.
At this point my birth name, Matthew, seems like a psuedonym. I must have been maybe 10 when a group of friends and I for some reason thought it would be funny to eat every scrap of food in the fridge. When my mom shooed us away, she called us a plague of locusts and for some reason the name stuck for me only and I've been Locust ever since. Only my parents and wife call me Matthew, and I sign that name when I try to be "professional" whatver that means.
My one comes from my previous line of employment and here is our troop rugby top. Quite simple really!
By the way this is why I use all capital letters.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Military%20Pictures/P9240204.jpg)
my new name is simply because suzanne vega was on the radio when i changed it. dull, eh?
I have sent all the info to His Lordship rac and we shall await his repy with baited breath.
I can now relax.
Still 4 places left ;)
I may have to wear a brand new pair of Dredd pants every day of the Trek ;)
Once again another massive thank you to COMMANDO FORCES for all the hard work he has put into this, it hasn't gone unnoticed.
Oh this is my real name too, this is because I am useless at choosing pseudonyms.
Just been talking to the Ramada, and hopefully this all should be sorted very soon!
Given the high number of boarders attending HIEX perhaps the Board Awards should coincide with this momentous event?
I am now up and sitting by the phone.............
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 September, 2009, 09:15:35 PMmy new name is simply because suzanne vega was on the radio when i changed it. dull, eh?
But Steev, where did "Spooky the Cat" come from?
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 25 September, 2009, 03:20:14 PM
But Steev, where did "Spooky the Cat" come from?
His cat, Spooky. :)
exactamundo! otherwise known as "furry little shitbag" at the moment. sbt
Jeez lads, ease off on the soul-baring - you'll have nothing to to talk about on the long, long, LONG road north.
(Not remotely jealous, no not at all)
A Hell Trek T-shirt has been mentioned over the last few days.
Anyone up for designing something or putting some ideas forward?
I'm crap at all that art stuff so I'll leave it to all you arty fellows :-[
I am glad that motorway services have improved because for as long as i can rememeber i couldnt eat anything that they sold because it was all sub standard.
I have a survival guide for motorway services somewhere.....
-Latest Update-
His Lordship rac has smoothed the way on the Ramada front, so I will be phoning them on Monday with all our info and then getting back to all on here.
John
Way to go, our fearless leader. Three cheers!
As I said in the 2000adreview site I am down as long as It stops at glasgow city centre and I am all for sharing a room with someone
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 September, 2009, 04:26:03 PM
A Hell Trek T-shirt has been mentioned over the last few days.
Anyone up for designing something or putting some ideas forward?
I'm crap at all that art stuff so I'll leave it to all you arty fellows :-[
I'm up for this!
oh I haven't read the whole thread but has anyone made the helltrekers "whos gonna die first and whos gonna end up being the baby crab" gag?
Any ideas and designs will be gratefully appreciated Mike
P.S. The monarch can you pm me your real name, address and mobile number (prefered but a landline is okay) and I'll be in touch with you soon'ish.
John
will do so tomorrow
OK... First attempt.
Suggestions? Opinions? Hate it, love it? Anything?
(http://www.iol.ie/~carrollm/hi-ex-helltrek1.jpg)
I'D BUY THAT FOR A DOLLAR!
Maybes add in something that might appeal to chicks - maybes a money off coupon for Lidel?
That is excellent Mike ;D
Very nice, Mike. I like the fact that beer comes before comics. Little more macho that way. Gives us a chance with said chicks.
That looks friggin' awesome Mike.
I think you should go with Mrs Thing's "Busload of Baldy Beano Readers"
Mike, you're a DON! Nice work. Love it.
I like it a lot but i would prefer it with just HI/EX ! Helltrek 2010 .
I am declaring right now that i am going to resist and not conform to any stereotype that is assigned to comic book readers or over 40s.
can we get that printed on the backs of 14 anoraks..?
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 26 September, 2009, 02:25:37 PM
I am declaring right now that i am going to resist and not conform to any stereotype that is assigned to comic book readers or over 40s.
Yeah. Good luck with that.
(Heh heh!)
Anyway, it's only a suggested idea - we've got lots of time before the con to come up with a final design.
-- Mike
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 26 September, 2009, 06:41:33 PM
Anyway, it's only a suggested idea - we've got lots of time before the con to come up with a final design.
I still like how quick you were off the mark Mike on this. I think this sort of design (the first one) would have to be split really. Have the Hi-Ex! Hell-Trek 2010 placed on the left nipple area and the writing on the back.
I wonder how much it would cost to get the Hi-Ex! bit stitched on!!!
Anyone in the team got any knowledge in the old T-Shirts area?
I think Kevlev was getting some "Zarjaz" ones done. Buggered if I can remember what thread it was on but they're on THIS PAGE (http://kevlev.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html) of Kev's blog. Might be the man to ask about costs.
Bit of a shame that. Kev was all fired up for the Tees, but no-one wanted one apart from Me and RAC. Think the idea died off...
Bugger, I was going to order one, too lackadaisical (seven attempts at spelling) again. Sorry Kev.
The place I was going to get my T-shirts done was http://www.indigoclothing.com/ (http://www.indigoclothing.com/)
They do have some really good options open to you, but the basic stumbling block you run into is a quality and minimum order quantity. Screen printing IMO is the only way to go where quality is concerned but that has a minimum run of 20 T-shirts.
I really like Mike's design and if you are planning on going ahead with this, you will have to go the screen printed route as anything on Black T-shirts will require the sort ink/paint that they can only use in screen printing - beware the number of colours you have though, as every colour needs a separate screen and each screen will come with a set-up charge!
There is another option, called direct to garment but you will have to use light coloured or white t-shirts or the print won't show up. You can get 'transfers' on the highstreet that work with bubble jet printers (it's only my opinion) but I think the quality of this method is similar to the direct to garment offered by a fair few t-shirt priting companies. You 'iron-on' the transfer yourself... the only drawback being you pretty much destroy the print after a couple of washes (despite claims to the contrary).
One each for the busload and sell a couple at Hi-Ex and that would cover your twenty Ts?
I'm sure a few Hell-Trek groupies will want a rememberance of our proud and valiant effort.
I don't drink beer.
I don't drink alcohol. Period.
And still manage to be overfamiliar, annoying and boorish. Skills, eh?
-Latest Update-
Just got off the phone to the Ramada Inverness.
The prices for the weekend are as follows:-
Twin £75 per night.
Single £60 per night.
I am sending an email with our names on it and all the relevant info on it so that each individual can then get in touch with the hotel to pay. Is that okay with everyone?
thats great, will book my single sharpish! thanks sbt
Good work CF.
So those who are sharing a room will be paying for a twin room for one night each.One pays for one night the other pays for the other night.
This will involve a little bit of communication on this thread from the sharers.
being self employed i need to collect some payments and money owing before i can pay up.This might take a week or 2.
Hope this is ok as i dont know how long the rooms are reserved for before they are secured with a payment.
Peter, are you sharing?
I'm a sharer. Who wants to bunk with me?
I shall pm everyone with the info tonight and if anyone is in the chatroom I may mention it.
Also I'll put something up on the secret facebook page ;)
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 30 September, 2009, 01:46:51 PM
Peter, are you sharing?
I'm a sharer. Who wants to bunk with me?
Goddam right i am sharing.....
Hopefully I'll be able to sort out payment on Friday. Thanks CF.
Okay I've just pm'd everyone with what came back from Ramada and how we'll go about it.
By the way, we have a provisional from Wake.
-Latest Update-
Okay I have just booked a twin room for £150 for our two nights. I mentioned Hi-Ex! and got the discount (thank you very much His Lordship rac), so that's that sorted.
The H-Wagon parking is free and there is enough space for the beast.
Payment won't come out until I arrive for the room, which is nice!
Confirmation email has arrived, so I'm on for Hi-Ex!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 September, 2009, 04:59:03 PM
-Latest Update-
Okay I have just booked a twin room for £150 for our two nights. I mentioned Hi-Ex! and got the discount (thank you very much His Lordship rac), so that's that sorted.
The H-Wagon parking is free and there is enough space for the beast.
Payment won't come out until I arrive for the room, which is nice!
Confirmation email has arrived, so I'm on for Hi-Ex!
I dont have a credit card.[never had a credit card]
Do you know if this will be a problem when booking the room ?
Not if you share with someone else, they can pay by card (I used my Visa debit card).
Then you can send the money to them or something like that.
By the way I've never had a credit card, never needed one as the debit card seems to be just as good, as I always have funds.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 September, 2009, 06:09:31 PM
Not if you share with someone else, they can pay by card (I used my Visa debit card).
Then you can send the money to them or something like that.
By the way I've never had a credit card, never needed one as the debit card seems to be just as good, as I always have funds.
I have a debit card so thats no problem at all.I just get a little bit tired of the way some companies have this idea that its de rigeur for you to have a credit card.
I will more than likely pay cash for the room upon arrival anyway.
Cool, thanks for that CF - I'll give them a call tomorrow. Is there a code word we should use?
Suppose I'd better book an actual Hi-ex ticket too!
No, just make sure you mention Hi-Ex! to get the £60 single room and you'll be okay.
Will we not be able to get Hi-ex tickets at the door?
Richmond and the Hi-Ex! team will be sorting out all that stuff after BICS.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 September, 2009, 07:02:42 PM
Richmond and the Hi-Ex! team will be sorting out all that stuff after BICS.
Hi Guys. Sorry for not replying to any of this sooner- I've been flat on my back with flu the past few days.
Tickets for the event are not on sale yet, but don't fear- we'll let you know as soon as they are!
Glad you got the rooms sorted at last too.
I am a sharer and non-smoker anyone with similar qualifications want to join my party? I have a credit card and some dirty mags although I don't have to bring either. I will also only talk about letters 12% of the time.
Happy to share with anyone who'll have me. I'm a non-smoker, non-snorer, fully housetrained.
Its a bit tricky deciding right now who i will potentially share a room with as i dont know any of you and i daresay it will become apparent after about 10 hours on the road in a confined space who wants to share with who thats if there are any preferences but thtat might not matter at all.
I will book a twin room in t morning like but as thats 2 twin rooms booked so far then that means that 2 out of the 8 sharers dont need to do anything at all or do they still need to book and confirm their details anyway ?
I am only saying this because its only going to need 4 out of the 8 sharers actually booking a room and giving card details.
I do smoke a little but its irrelevent as you cant smoke anywhere in the hotel anyway.
I was about to say that. The whole concept of "smoking or non-smoking" is a relic of a bygone age. So presumably TordelBack will want to dig it up and he and I can discuss dates and isotopes and such. Although presumably on another, more boring thread.
First twin room finalised
COMMANDO FORCES & Buttonman
I'm not going to be able to book until I'm certain funds have arrived - so Friday morning at the earliest, while my mum's asleep. Anyone fancies bunking up with a self-confessed dribbler with a thick skin and cold toes let me know.
It's the original odd couple!
Well a couple of weirdoes holed up in reasonably priced hotel at any rate - sitcom gold!
QuoteAlthough presumably on another, more interesting thread.
Fixed that for you, Mike.
There are moves afoot in Tordeltowers to finally make it to Hi-Ex this year (there better be Stormtroopers in attendance, RAC, and they better be up for being beaten with a toy lightsabre by a three-year old or I've lost a major bargaining chip), but we're not sharing a room with any of you lot after you've been cooped up together in a Radwagon for most of a day. And that's even though we'd be bringing Crustacia.
They don't take payment from your card till you arrive Mike, well that's if you are paying by card!
In that case it's the bright and breezy morning for me. Thanks CF.
And thank YOU Tordels. It'd be nice to see you. I'd be prepared to take a battering from you little one. I do good Sith.
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 30 September, 2009, 10:52:55 PM
I'm not going to be able to book until I'm certain funds have arrived - so Friday morning at the earliest, while my mum's asleep. Anyone fancies bunking up with a self-confessed dribbler with a thick skin and cold toes let me know.
Go on then i will share the room with you.Someone has to.......
In that case Peter, I'll sort out the twin tomorrow and we'll be sorted. Nice.
Excellent news, another room sorted.
So are all the cool borders taken then? This work thing ruins everything.
Looking for someone to share a room with and I'll even bring biscuits. I'll be booking tickets tomorrow hopefully.
Count me in also, i'll PM my details to you CF. Roll on next year, eer we go, eer we go, eer we go.....
I'll be in contact later Judge Palmer as I'm off to get my 2000ad now!
This thread is a thing of beauty. There's a lot of love in evidence here.
I look forward to hearing all about... the aftermath.
Mwa-ha-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
- Trout
Anyone else confirmed their room share, so we can take their names off who is available, to save time for other trekkers.
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 September, 2009, 10:55:45 PM
... not sharing a room with any of you lot after you've been cooped up together in a Radwagon for most of a day.
Roger's Profanisaurus:
So is there some sort of rough route sort out (and I don't mean yeah norf!!!!)
This may help decide if I can make it or not as a couple of hours drive to leave the car to meet the Mo-Pad could be a slight issue.
Plus how much room is there going to be left to bring stuff back when we have raped and pillaged our way round the Con?
???
Nothing to do with your Trek, but I (and another of Miss Fiskin's boys)have booked my B&B, train ticket will have to wait until the railway booking system opens.
Well done Proudhuff, this could be the year when most borders attend the same convention, ever!
I've just pm'd you Large48 with the answers to your questions. I hope you jump on board, as I said we are going right past your house, spooky or what!
If I can join the Helltrek (you got a time for Gav's flight yet?) I'm happy to share a room but I warn you, people who really love me have threatened to kill me for my snoring, especially when I've had beers...
Just booked my single at the Ramada - lovely helpful lass, who said "oh, I love it when Hi Ex comes to town - brings a little colour to Inverness!"
I booked for the Friday and Saturday nights (26-27) - I assume we'll be re-trekking at some point on Sunday, so don't need accommodation for that night?
Quote from: Pete Wells on 05 October, 2009, 04:40:33 PM
If I can join the Helltrek (you got a time for Gav's flight yet?)
We are waiting on that, Gavin!!!!
Quote from: Dandontdare on 05 October, 2009, 05:14:32 PM
I booked for the Friday and Saturday nights (26-27) - I assume we'll be re-trekking at some point on Sunday, so don't need accommodation for that night?
As soon as everyone is ready on Sunday we will set off on the long trek back through the wastelands.
Ya, why are ye people being so organised? Slow internet isn't helping either, but it would seam that I can book flights up to the 27th but not after this point, so I wont be booking them just yet. Hopefully this is just a limit on how many weeks you can book in advance.
I will be arriving hopefully at about 12ish or 1 on the 26th so I'll have lots of time before your early kicks off I wont mind the waiting around.
If you want a room to share Pete I don't mind snoring, I snore lightly myself and come with ear plugs.
YEAH!!!!!
The more folks who are going, the better it'll be. This is going to be SO cool.</teenage>
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 05 October, 2009, 08:04:05 PM
...it would seam that I can book flights up to the 27th but not after this point, so I wont be booking them just yet. Hopefully this is just a limit on how many weeks you can book in advance.
Me and the Missus are also unable to book a flight this early, so it seems we're in the same boat. As it were.
But meanwhile, everyone check out the new-look Hi-Ex website!
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/ (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/)
-- Mike
Looks good Mike, we just need to know when we can buy our tickets ;)
QuoteMe and the Missus are also unable to book a flight this early, so it seems we're in the same boat.
Wish I was in
any boat - I'm trying to cost the ferry and 'no timetables available for this period'. C'mon lads, it's on
soon! Still, if prices stay the same as right now, that's £194 for all of us and the car both way, so not quite as bad as I feared.
Hey, Helltrekkers, remember many of the Hi-Ex events take place on the Sunday. Once Rac and Bou draw up a timetable of events, you'll need to agree a leaving time. It would be a shame if someone missed their favourite artist due to the long journey home.
- Trout
Yip the raffle at the end is a hoot, if your not there but win something the baying mob decides for you.
The young sprogs behind me last year had Rac down as crazed Devonshire person (one out of two aint bad) :-*
If it all finishes at 17:00 then that's when we all leave on the journey back. Don't know when it finishes so that's just a guess ;)
That's going to be about right, give or take half an hour.
- Trout
Then it'll be wacky races on the A9 as all the people who travelled up on the roads fight for pole position to get home. Can't wait!
Take it easy on that A9. In 10 years as a local news reporter, I got a lot of blood on my shoes. Once, I even stepped in brains.
Remember CF, that it switches between dual and single-carriageway over and over, so it's very easy to forget which side of the road you should be on. Sadly, fatal accidents often involve drivers - and not just foreigners - on the wrong side of the road.
I could tell you some stories, etc, etc.
- Trout
Cheers for the info Trout.
This Trek gets more and more interesting as we type!
The A9 even has its own website complete with its own gallery of accidents plus its own tips on how to stay alive on what is known as "the Killer".
http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:4rgRxV_dwVMJ:www.thea9.org/+A9+scotland&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk&client=firefox-a
Perhaps an alternative route might be a good idea instead of Wacky Races on the A9.
If so i am a competent navigator.
Its possible to divert via Paisley - Fort William and then all the way up the side of Loch Ness and then straight into Inverness.
I'd rather take the A9 though folks the Loch-side road is very twisty and in a minibus will be a nightmare. I'll second the bit about the raffle being hilarious.
Just did all the route variants and the A9 is the quickest and most direct way.
I've just got home from the States, so I will be able to confirm my room at some point today...I'm one for sharing, in any case.
A couple of weeks later, and I'm still excited about this trip!
Yeah, there's no real alternative to the A9.
On my first trip up the A9 was closed for snow so I got diverted round the Fort William route. It is absolutely breathtaking visually, but a long drive.
The Hell trekkers could always stay the Sunday night and Drive back on monday like I do. After a weekend of partying a good sleep before a drive home is recommended.
In other news I have now a tentative travelling buddy for my trip up. The ever wonderful Mini-Bolt isn't making the trip next year, so I'm going to be car-sharing with Swimini Tulkas! Huzzah!
No Mini-Bolt? Cancel Hi Ex, for all is lost!
Ah, that's nice of you Mike, but he's up to his eyes in his art foundation and spending time with his GF- we barely see him at home either these days.
I reckon Hi-Ex in 2011 may well see the rolling out of my new helper- Micro-Bolt! He does a nice line in Star wars nerdery and had a photo with a Judge last weekend too.
I'll be doing the same as Proudhuff an dtravelling on the rather excellent twenty quid return train ticket from Glasgow (assuming I remember to book it in time).
I might even book in to the same B&B as last year and see if I can't find my Sketch Pad... (sobs uncontrollably).
I SERIOUSLY wouldn't go anywhere near the loch Ness road in March, CF- it's a fucker. It really isn't a good idea. March is very cold up this way, possibly the bitterest month of the year (I worked outside for over a decade and I'm reasonably local. Don't take that road unless there is no alternative- the wee roads can get black iced pretty fucking bad.
The A9 isn't too bad if you keep your wits about you- and that means keeping a careful eye on the nobs in other cars who may be confused by the ludicrous system. I've been up and down that road heaps o' times and it's fine so long as your careful. Although despite this, to back up Trouts warning- many's the time I've thought "shit- is this bit dual carraigeway or nae". I usually have kids in the car I err on the side of caution with overtaking.
The best road is undoubtedly the East coast from Perth (though it has it's snow-drift moments as well, especially in Aberdeenshire), but it really will put you a loooooong way out of your way. The A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road is one of the slowest roads in Scotland- a real ersehole of attrition. I travel half of it every week and it's a nightmare. Even the Scottish transport Minister was doing his nut when he was driven along it to see how bad it was. (He still did nothing other than avoid going there again,though!). It's safety record is not a whole lot better than the A9 as well.
Honestly, unless it's closed, the A9 is the most sensible, direct route.
Can't we just borrow a Tank from whatisface?
Or shock horror, move it sarf?
LOL and queue Northern / Southern abuse!!!!!!!!! :-\
The bastard South gets everything... leave us this at least ye bastards!!!
:)
Besides- for a comics convention, surely a big adventure into the wilderness is a good thing.
It'll make a change going to Scotland and not being in full combats ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 October, 2009, 04:10:17 PM
It'll make a change going to Scotland and not being in full combats ;)
I don't believe you. I'm fully expecting you to turn up in full combat regalia, with the minibus painted brown and green and a laser cannon installed on the roof!
Don't tell me you haven't thought about it. ;-)
SBT
I want armoured Humvees instead of a minibus.
Quote from: Dog Deever on 09 October, 2009, 11:50:33 AM
The bastard South gets everything... leave us this at least ye bastards!!!
:)
Besides- for a comics convention, surely a big adventure into the wilderness is a good thing.
Agreed on all points. If it weren't for the occasional nice thing happening in the provinces I'd never stray from within the M25. Think about my quality of life, eh?
Sheesh, do none of you people realise- you aren't just going to a comic convention; you are all on a HIghland EXpidition.
Heh, do you see what I did there?
Last time I went to Scotland I drove and was only there for a couple of days.
When I came over the hills heading to Glasgee it was raining, it rained all the time I was there and was still raining when I drove back over the hills..... >:(
In fact when I last played up there in an internation in Edinburgh it pissed down a lot as well!
Its a Hellboy Frog thing isn't it? none of us are coming back as we went are we?
aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhh
it probably hasn't stopped raining since you left either
Heh, I remember one of the first times I came up here for an extended period of time... I was here for two weeks and it rained all day every single day.
C'mon now let's not all exaggerate - it only rained twice all summer in Scotland.
Once for 8 weeks and once for seven.
The problem is March is not a summery month, still it's not snowy February!
Anyone else confirmed their room from the Trekkers yet! Also anymore twin rooms sorted, just so I can tick boxes in my files!
No, I've been crap and busy. I'm on it SAH!
SBT
I so wish I could come to these events - especially in my old haunt of Inverness. Not really worth the airplane fare from Cairo as yet. Hopefully some nice contract will come up in the Highlands a bit closer to the time and I can get. Otherwise, keep doing it for a couple of years at least please :D
Suggestions for where the Helltrekkers can stop at and have photos taken on the way north?
all for the Proud we are thread
The problem is it's gonna be dark. Still I'm sure we will take loads of photos and have some vid footage done as well. I'll be taking my video camera for one.
I suppose we should do a mass gathering of people wearing a 2000AD T-shirt some place in Inverness and get lots of photos of that!
heh, this could almost end up as a mini Dredd-con!
The photo will have to be either at Eden Court or in the bar at the Ramada.
Where does everyone meet up on the Friday night?
With so many borders going, not just us Helltrekkers, it would be a shame not to get a picture of everyone in it as well.
True, we need to organise another event within the event after we have our travelling event!
Quote from: Proudhuff on 15 October, 2009, 02:57:29 PM
Suggestions for where the Helltrekkers can stop at and have photos taken on the way north?
all for the Proud we are thread
The one pic I really want, is the one where we all stumble bleary-eyed into the light after a whole night in a minibus!
Just think if I don't make the Trek, I could stalk it like the truck in DUEL....
I'll know which one it is, the one full of like minded geeks!
OOOOOOOOFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRFFFFFFOOOOOOOO
I think I should book me a room then I can have drinks with cool people! Either that or have to drive home Saturday and back through Sunday and not get drinks.
Quote from: dangermouse3597 on 16 October, 2009, 11:40:34 PM
I think I should book me a room then I can have drinks with cool people! Either that or have to drive home Saturday and back through Sunday and not get drinks.
You know it makes sense.
I am genuinely excited by this and i am actually counting days/months even though its 5.5 months away.Looking forward to seeing Scotland and exploring Inverness as well.
I need to find a real ale type pub as well.
I think Scotland only sells Iron Bru Peter, it's the law.
If the thing is going to be documented how about going for a full Helltrecker re-enactetment?
Not read it in a while but for starters a photo at the 1000k pole complete with Chopper logo(Heston Service will do), a fight with local mutants - we can divert to Easterhouse for that one and of course Crustie's escape - someone bring a lobster and some tears.
I'll go Lukus Rudd of course with my heroic action and tough unshaven jaw, Commando sounds like Rollo with the Mo-pad and Peter and Roger can be those nasty ones we sacrifice to the mutants to save our sorry asses.
Looking forward to this too!
QUOTE :I think Scotland only sells Iron Bru Peter, it's the law.
It's 'Irn Bru' - man you southers will get eaten alive - it'll be like Gordon Jackson in 'The Great Escape' all over again!
Quote from: Buttonman on 17 October, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Peter and Roger can be those nasty ones we sacrifice to the mutants to save our sorry asses.
Fine by me ;)
Quote from: Buttonman on 17 October, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
It's 'Irn Bru' - man you southers will get eaten alive - it'll be like Gordon Jackson in 'The Great Escape' all over again!
I sincerely apologise to all the Scots on the forum about this grave mistake, please don't eat us when we get up there!
I was in a pub in Glasgow with James Mackay (formerly Dudley of this parish) and various other boarders when James declared loudly, in his English accent, that he didn't like Irn Bru.
I was very afraid but somehow we survived.
- Trout
Is 'that' why he moved to Greece? :) Always thought it was because he had Tax problems meself...
Quote from: King Trout on 17 October, 2009, 01:52:39 PM
I was in a pub in Glasgow with James Mackay (formerly Dudley of this parish) and various other boarders when James declared loudly, in his English accent, that he didn't like Irn Bru.
I was very afraid but somehow we survived.
- Trout
Mackay sounds like a scottish name so he should have been alright.
I am not sure if i like Irn Bru or not.I will buy a can and taste it and report back here.
WHAT! you've never tasted Irn Bru Peter, best you sort it out!
159 days to Hi-Ex! which means 157 till the Hell Trek ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 18 October, 2009, 05:24:29 AM
159 days to Hi-Ex! which means 157 till the Hell Trek ;)
Agggh! I wish you'd stop doing that!!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 18 October, 2009, 05:00:17 AM
WHAT! you've never tasted Irn Bru Peter, best you sort it out!
Okay.I am opening the can....here goes....well actually it tastes alright. Not bad at all and not too sweet and sickly either.
Bollocks its tastes shit..................
:D
-Latest Update-
As of the 18th of October we have 10 confirmed Trekkers and a couple of interested parties still to confirm.
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. SmallBlueThing
3. Dandontdare
4. Mike Gloady
5. PeterWolf
6. locustsofdeath
7. Gavin Leahy
8. Roger Godpleton
9. Buttonman
10. Dark Jimbo
Remember all you forum members this will be an event to remember for the rest of your lives and the convention won't be too bad also.
Think about it, as you don't want to miss out on a night of hilarity and terror as we weave about the dark wastelands towards Inverness!
James Mackay helped me beat Ed Berridge at Foosball.
Quote from: Large48 on 18 October, 2009, 07:39:46 PM
Bollocks its tastes shit..................
:D
It was curious really because i had no idea what to expect but it doesnt taste like anything else i have tasted but having thought about that as i type the closest thing i can compare it to is Lucozade.
My IRN BRU taste test comment probably read as something that was more expedient than an honest opinion but that isnt really my style.
Honest.
I had a 2 litre bottle of the stuff with Sunday Dinner today. Getting my acclimatization training in early.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 18 October, 2009, 10:56:04 PM
I had a 2 litre bottle of the stuff with Sunday Dinner today. Getting my acclimatization training in early.
Oh dear, oh dear. Every Scottish schoolchild knows that the 2lt plastic bottles are not to be trusted as they're actually made in Manchester with soft Southern water.
A can is acceptable in a pinch, but the only way to truly appreciate the ginger is to slug it from a glass bottle to wash down a mouthful of haggis supper from the chippie.
After seeing my elder Brother changing to go hill walking lastApril, I decided I'didnt want to look like that so, after 30 years of two or three bottles a day I stopped drinking IB.
The five filling and yet another extraction at the dentist were also a help in deciding to go cold turkey.
Since doing this I'll lost a stone in weight, jings crivens and help ma boab indeed!
I will always remember my Dundonian friends explaining the contents of the "full Scottish breakfast" - Ten B&H, a can of Irn Bru and a Daily Record.
I thought in Dundee it was
'a peh, a bridie an' an ingin een anah'
oh and some Buckfast or Eldorado to wash it doon
Is that the start of one of Topaz's great po-yums?
nae fear- they dinna ken aboot poyums in Dumpdee.
oops, fucking typos...
Ah, Mr Deever... I'm from Dundee and I don't appreciate [spoiler]cow-fucking [/spoiler] outsiders slagging it off.
That pleasure is reserved for proper Dundonians. ;D
- Trout
Heh!
Cow-fucking is real men's work. Women and sheep are for poofs!
But it is a tradition of old tae slag off Dundee, I am merely perpetuating a sense of history:
"Dundee, the palace of Scottish blackguardism, unless perhaps Paisley be entitled to contest this honour with it."
"Dundee, certainly now, and for many years past, the most blackguard place in Scotland... a sink of atrocity... A Dundee criminal, especially if a lady, may be known, without any evidence about character, by the intensity of the crime, the audacious bar air, and the parting curses."
LORD COCKBURN (1779-1854) Circuit Journeys
and that's just the tip o' the iceberg!
However- there was nothing better than a Wallaces peh! Well, nae in Dundee any wye!
:D
oops, I've started something here! I only lived in Dundee a few years, but I fell in love with the place - Dens Rd market, getting barred from Foreigners (most people did, several times), dragging myself up the Hilltown pished, gigs at Fat Sams .. happy days! The attitude to the "other" Scottish cities was that one was full of drunken louts, the other with pretend-English.
What about the official song to travel up into the wastelands with. I reckon this is the song of Scotland ;)
All together now!
"Far have I travelled and much have I seen.
Dark distant mountains with valleys of green.
Past painted deserts, the sunsets on fire.
As he carries me home to the......."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhKmMWG3WE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhKmMWG3WE)
Did you get it before the link!
I'm ready for my abuse from the Scottish boarders ;)
Don't be silly, CF. Surely this is the only choice for HellTrek anthem:
Who will wake up next to Peterwolf? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEGFIbHJSHs)
Quote from: The Cosh on 26 October, 2009, 09:42:52 PM
Don't be silly, CF. Surely this is the only choice for HellTrek anthem:
Who will wake up next to Peterwolf? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEGFIbHJSHs)
That reminded me of this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOad0FU9zF8
HA! Jesse Rae once introduced me onto the stage at the Meadows Festival.
Can't Keep Up with the Joneses (http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=1587876)
I'm only kidding- (kindo'), one of my best mates at school was a Dundonian, we stayed at his sisters in the Hilltoon for five days- I liked it there, and I actually found the people pretty friendly (though there was a non-fatal stabbin' every night we were there!).
Besides, Dundonians have the best come back line ever-
"Awah an' lie in yer ain pish, ye pruck"
Ace!
150 days to Hi-Ex! which means 148 till the Hell Trek ;)
WOOP! WOOP! That's almost exactly in the middle of my post/pre-Halloween mope (see other thread), so will perk up my year no end!
SBT
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 27 October, 2009, 08:25:53 PM
WOOP! WOOP!
That's the sound of the police.
(I'm sorry)
I'm not sure if I'll be at (the best con in Britain) Hi-Ex next year now, but Grudspeed to you, Helltrekkers!
Och- Ben, you NEED to be there, Hi-Ex needs your wit and enthusiasm- besides, I'll nae get a Mothman vs Spinechillers sketch if you don't come.
I can bring along a couple of B.L.D. CD's for ye as incentive (Hah! Hah!)... No 'Terry Wogans Cock', but 'Up Your Ronson, Boris Johnson' and 'The Famous Anus' might tickle yer funny bone. If you like it shouty, shitey and fast, then 'For God, Queen and Cuntry' might be aggressive enough!
It would be good to catch up with you and PVS again- especially seeing as Prestonpandemonium seems to have fallen by the wayside.
I'll do me best Bruce, I'd love to be there and see you and everyone else. It really is my favourite con in the world, ever.
But my beautiful girlfriend will be nearly 8 months pregnant by then, and I'm struggling to leave her side already :)
Take her with ye- Raigmore hospital is only a stones throw away, then we can claim your as yet unborn child as Scottish and a Highlander to boot!
Ok- I suppose it's almost a fair enough excuse then...
::)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Thanks to Vicky for this :)
Quote from: satchmo on 27 October, 2009, 10:10:20 PM
I'll do me best Bruce, I'd love to be there and see you and everyone else. It really is my favourite con in the world, ever.
But my beautiful girlfriend will be nearly 8 months pregnant by then, and I'm struggling to leave her side already :)
Ben you've gotta be there! who else could the panels have on to bring genius to a Red Hulk debate?
PS by eight months of 'can I have a coaldust and jelly sandwich?' 'I've been reading and do you know what happens when...' you'll be glad to get away for a weekend
You won't be able to get to one for a while once the little satchmo comes screaming into the world. Come on you know it makes sense. This could be the biggest gathering from the forum since the last big gathering!
IF it will make you feel bad Ben, Time Bomb comics intend coming and their baby will only be a couple of weeks old, and another regular intends coming and his Mrs is due on the 29th !
I dunno what happened between April & July this year but there sure is a lot of comic babies due !
Thanks for guest link Commando forces, any web updates we have MikeC to thank of course. Keep me posted on Hell Trek developments in case I drop off this board again ! ( i.e when I'm fit & well enough to not be timewasting on PC ).
april to july? wasnt that Cradlegrave? hmm. excuse me while i go milton my mind at the implication!
Bah! Alright you buggers, I'll see what I can do... :)
Sorry to be a party pooper, but...
Ben, my wife's eight (and a half) months pregnant right now and, trust me, you won't want to leave your girl on her own.
Wow. I think that's my first-ever sincere post on this board!
- Trout
Don't listen to that Fishy bloke, he's the sort of person who gets banned and you certainly don't want to do what he says ;)
You stay home, Satch, don't listen to the others. Your lady and immature clone unit need you. Be a man, for god's sake!
Although you're NOT getting out of next year, ok?
You won't be getting out for the next eighteen years mate! honest you'll need the break, don't listen to the toutypouty he's a Dundonian :-*
Listen to Proudhuff, he speaks the truth. 18 years at least before you'll be able allowed to go to one.
I just divvn't knaa fellas, I'll decide closer to the time. If I know she's safe and my Mam is with her and I can ring her every 12 minutes, we'll see :)
It's weird you know? My whole life has changed beyond my understanding in the last few weeks.
But if I do go to one con next year, it'll be Hi-Ex.
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Plus latest addition
Al Ewing
Thanks to Vicky for this :)
142 days to Hi-Ex! which means 140 till the Hell Trek ;)
I was thinking about loads of internet people wandering around a convention not recognising each other, so I decided to whip up some official Helltrek badges! Wearing them isn't compulsory, but they'll make a nice souvenir anyway!
The prototype was printed slightly too small, on crappy paper, and badly trimmed - the finished product will look much better. At this stage, I'm only doing the ones who haven't changed avatar for ages, those who like to change every now and then, I'll do your latest version closer to the time.
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/000_0016.jpg)(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/000_0018.jpg)
Impressed !
;D
Ta. Did your name used to be written as one word or did I just make that up? Whichever, I'll amend it for the finished product!
Quote from: Dandontdare on 05 November, 2009, 10:57:40 PM
Ta. Did your name used to be written as one word or did I just make that up? Whichever, I'll amend it for the finished product!
2 words is preferable.
Thanks.
Those are a SUPERB idea, I love mine already and I haven't even got it ;D
We don' need no steenkin' badges.
Oh yes we do ;)
There awesome DDD. This will save me from wearing a hood over my head for people to recognise me.
DDD what a star! we'll all know who to avoid now ;D After two days cooked up in that APC all your badges will be stinkin'
It would be funny to swap badges just to confuse/deceive others so they end up talking to someone they would rather not.
Whoever got my badge would be avoided the most.
This, in all fairness is a great idea, as I still reckon some people from the forum don't go to comic cons because they don't know who people are and don't want to go up to someone and ask. That's a fair enough reason but now that we Hell Trekkers will have these proudly on our chests there is no excuse, as you'll be able to talk to us and find out about our journey up before we post it on the forum.
By the way if I forget anyones name during the weekend, I'm sorry in advance as I'm absolutely shit at remembering names.
I'm sure the badges will help me remeber the Trekkers plus being couped up in the Rad Wagon will help.
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Plus latest addition
(Wednesday night chat star himself)
Colin MacNeil
Thanks to Vicky for this :)
The badges. OH THE BADGES!!!!!!
Amazing. Very good.
Torn between whether or not I should have Nemesis or Ro-Jaws now.....
STOP .....
think about it ...7 strange men in a van , the smell alone would kill ...can you also imagine the topic's that will be spoke about ....and in Klingon ...and i can imagine a for few of the guys it will be the first time away from home in 38 years ....could they live without their mothers ....
Don't do it ....lmfao ..
It's 10 at the moment Dale, with a max of 14. Even better ;)
Yar! I'll be there. I'll be travelling up on the Friday too, though most likely before you enter the Calhab radzone. I'll try and pick off as many McMutie Scavs on my way up as possible to make your journey safer. See you there! (hopefully)
I don't need no steenking badge, I has a hat!! ;)
Quote from: FATBOYDALE on 07 November, 2009, 05:20:32 PM
STOP .....
think about it ...7 strange men in a van , the smell alone would kill ...can you also imagine the topic's that will be spoke about ....and in Klingon ...and i can imagine a for few of the guys it will be the first time away from home in 38 years ....could they live without their mothers ....
Don't do it ....lmfao ..
I dont smell so i wont be a problem in that respect.
I CAN'T smell, so no problem THERE, either!
Best we get a roof rack for any who smell ;D
Lets hope it doesn't rain for those on top!
Quote from: FATBOYDALE on 07 November, 2009, 05:20:32 PM
STOP ..... think about it ...7 strange men in a van , the smell alone would kill .... Don't do it ....lmfao ..
As I posted before (though by attachment). This situation is best described according to the VIZ Profanisaurus:
"FAB
n. Expression meaning 'yes' made famous in the string-heavy children's series 'Thunderbirds' ...
acronym. The unpleasant olfactory combination of Feet, Arse and Balls encountered when entering a young man's bedroom, a prison cell or a monastery..."
... or in this serious case,
a van!
We'll be okay as we're going in a mini bus 'aka' Rad Wagon!
With all those hot bodies inside, there may be so much condensation inside that they may be drier up there....
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 07 November, 2009, 08:35:35 PM
With all those hot bodies inside, there may be so much condensation inside that they may be drier up there....
Keeping 2 windows slightly open so there is a flow of fresh air stops condensation.
with thoughts of Tina Turner's steamy windows what will you have on the eight track?
If I still owned the Cunnilingus Dragon I'd sing "Private Dancer" to you all. For at least half the way.....
We could listen to 'Road to Nowhere' by Talking Heads or 'The Road to Hell' by Chris Rea
Okay, we must all start sorting out our emergency supplies for when we cross the border into the barren wastelands.
Here's mine at the moment!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PB080210.jpg)
Yes, Irn Bru to placate the locals.
Passport to get in, don't believe all that rubbish about just letting us cross the border ;)
Sketchbook, obviously.
Dog Tags, just in case we are eaten there will be a record that we were there for the rescue services.
Hell Trekker badges of qualifications, wear with pride.
Finally a grenade, for when the going gets real bad, wearing from ones ear is optional.
Good luck fellow Trekkers!
You can take the 2000ad fan out of the military but you cant take the military out of the 2000ad fan.
We all knew what would be required when we signed up. It's a one way mission. To bring thrills to the thrill-less until death.
Open the gates.
So quick question, is it all Male in the Rad Trakker at the moment?
With still some spaces left a couple MAY be tempted but it would depend on the seating plan and if I could stop everyone else getting stabbed a lot..... which would be fun for me but not many others.......LOL
Irn Bru? I may have to hurt you anyway!!!
Mind you liking the badges but you also need a saparate one to allow access to the club.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 08 November, 2009, 08:32:08 PM
Okay, we must all start sorting out our emergency supplies for when we cross the border into the barren wastelands.
Here's mine at the moment!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PB080210.jpg)
Yes, Irn Bru to placate the locals.
Passport to get in, don't believe all that rubbish about just letting us cross the border ;)
Sketchbook, obviously.
Dog Tags, just in case we are eaten there will be a record that we were there for the rescue services.
Hell Trekker badges of qualifications, wear with pride.
Finally a grenade, for when the going gets real bad, wearing from ones ear is optional.
Good luck fellow Trekkers!
only thing you missed out was the condoms .... lmfao ...
It is all male at the moment, 10 as of now.
The seating is for 17 but only 14 are allowed so we have extra space.
Here is a picture of the minibus's seating area.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/4.jpg)
As you can see lots of twin seating positions.
Is it me or can I only count 12 seats?
Now where's that roof rack?
It's because if I stood any closer to the front the angle would have made it impossible to really show much. So I stood just behind the second row.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 08 November, 2009, 08:32:08 PM
Okay, we must all start sorting out our emergency supplies for when we cross the border into the barren wastelands.
Here's mine at the moment!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PB080210.jpg)
Yes, Irn Bru to placate the locals.
Passport to get in, don't believe all that rubbish about just letting us cross the border ;)
Sketchbook, obviously.
Dog Tags, just in case we are eaten there will be a record that we were there for the rescue services.
Hell Trekker badges of qualifications, wear with pride.
Finally a grenade, for when the going gets real bad, wearing from ones ear is optional.
Good luck fellow Trekkers!
Just a quick wee note on local habits. The Irn Bru you have there is English Bru, apparently the bru in plastic bottles is made in Hengerland. I would suggest you buy some bru in a glass bottle (it's the real Irn Bru!), a minor point I know, but it might mean the difference when stopped by Cal-hab patrols.
That is all!
We wouldnae want ta geet caught reet aff as scunner sasssernacks. Practeese yer Scoatesch accents ta avoid unnecessary border trouble, ye ken, hen? *
My scotcher voice there honed by years of reading Middenface dialogue. Absolutely perfect, it is.
Point taken Colin, I'm now off down the town to find these bottles and also see if I can get my hand on some Highland Toffee.
I have never seen the glass bottles of Irn Bru.
Its not available in the south as it isnt distributed this far south.
I dont know if canned Irn Bru counts as scottish but it does say on the cans that its brewed by AG Barr who are a scottish company.
Is it still brewed in Scotland from girders?
No, its geeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrdddddddddddeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrssssssssss
Irn Bru gets its taste from 32 different flavoring agents.
God knows what they are without sending off a sample to a lab for an analysis but it doesnt contain sweeteners which is a plus.
Just back from town and not one shop sells glass bottles of the stuff. I did get this though.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PB090209.jpg)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 November, 2009, 01:10:29 PM
Point taken Colin, I'm now off down the town to find these bottles and also see if I can get my hand on some Highland Toffee.
You'll have a hard time tracking them down. As far as I know they aren't sold overseas, only in Scotland. Though you could try getting some Tunnocks caramel wafers. They're really good! Available in both plain and milk chocolate.
Tunnocks caramel wafers, made in Scotland from...er, um... caramel.
Don't forget to practice your highland dancing before you go fellas, it'll help you blend in...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsg889a5YVU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsg889a5YVU&feature=related)
OverSEAS? Colin?
NAME THE SEA BETWEEN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND.
Take as long as you like...... ;-p
Nobody warned me we'd be driving undersea....
If we get our chisels out and tap away between Loch Linnhe & Loch Lochy, Loch Lochy & Loch Oich, Loch Oich & Loch Ness and Loch Ness & The Moray Firth I reckon the top half of Scotland will float away.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 November, 2009, 04:36:57 PM
If we get our chisels out and tap away between Loch Linnhe & Loch Lochy, Loch Lochy & Loch Oich, Loch Oich & Loch Ness and Loch Ness & The Moray Firth I reckon the top half of Scotland will float away.
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/scotland001.jpg)
I believe the plastic bottle's contents are brewed in Atherton somewhere near the Madchester conab/bombsite.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 November, 2009, 04:36:57 PM
If we get our chisels out and tap away between Loch Linnhe & Loch Lochy, Loch Lochy & Loch Oich, Loch Oich & Loch Ness and Loch Ness & The Moray Firth I reckon the top half of Scotland will float away.
The young men of Moray will fight you. You are foreign.
We come in peace!
With our tectonic chissels.
136 days to Hi-Ex! which means 134 till the Hell Trek ;)
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 10 November, 2009, 09:24:37 AM
With our tectonic chissels.
The tectonic chissels. didn't they support U2 on their last tour? :-*
Quickly get that name trade marked or something!
Before people say, "What U2." No! I mean 'Tectonic Chissels' ;)
I typed that and regularly come up with names for fictional bands.
I can't believe that didn't occur to me. I'm losing my touch. I shall have to record my next magnum opus under that name - Dr Rohypnol & the Yeti Inspectors just isn't as good.
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 10 November, 2009, 04:54:03 PM
I typed that and regularly come up with names for fictional bands.
I can't believe that didn't occur to me. I'm losing my touch. I shall have to record my next magnum opus under that name - Dr Rohypnol & the Yeti Inspectors just isn't as good.
Morbid Urine is a favourite of mine- thought up by a late, much missed uncle of mine.
IN OTHER NEWS!
Can't believe I'm beating CF to this news for once, but I can now reveal that the legendary ALAN GRANT will be attending!
He told me at Excel he was coming but I wanted to wait till it was all official, which it now is.
Bloody typical organiser coming in here and stealing a fan thread. Sheesh.
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Plus latest addition
(The Legendary)
Alan Grant
Thanks to Richmond for this :)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 10 November, 2009, 06:27:29 PM
He told me at Excel he was coming but I wanted to wait till it was all official, which it now is.
Ha! I know the feeling, we've a few more yet we can't mention...
QuoteBloody typical organiser coming in here and stealing a fan thread. Sheesh.
I'm evil like that...
Hopfully one of 'em is old Green Bounce himself... ;D
( shi=ouldn't those emocoms be Thargocoms? you know a smiley Tharg, a winking Tharg etc
Quote from: Proudhuff on 11 November, 2009, 10:37:50 AM
Hopfully one of 'em is old Green Bounce himself... ;D
Mr Al Ewing will be there so that's near enough Tharg, isn't it?
You know what, I don't think I've put a link up for the Hi-Ex! Official site, so here it is-
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/ (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/)
Good plan Sir! How did nobody think of it sooner (me included)?
It was mentioned very early into this idea about recording it for the whole world to see. Well I'll be taking my video camera, is anyone else brining one? It's not HD but it is does have a hard drive and can hold 30GB.
two words; Blair witch
That connection has already been made.
Personally I'm all for a movie. It'd help my brother and his kids come to terms with what is likely to be my grisly murder (I'm guessing they'd look away DURING my grisly murder).
Does this mean that the person holding the camera will be the survivor?
Gads, my wife has agreed to join me on this trekk. Be prepared you poor saps - she'll be the only one of us (besides possibly CF) trained on multiple killing weapons! She is the sweetest badass you'll ever meet though.
And needless to say, we will be booking our own room.
That is excellent news Locustsofdeath this means we're up to 11, just three more to go.
Quote from: locustsofdeath on 13 November, 2009, 08:59:26 PM
Gads, my wife has agreed to join me on this trekk. Be prepared you poor saps - she'll be the only one of us (besides possibly CF) trained on multiple killing weapons! She is the sweetest badass you'll ever meet though.
I have just realised now the reason your good lady is coming. She's just read the thread and thought most of us are going to die so she's going to be your bodyguard. It's just like The Sarah Connor Chronicles ;)
She hasn't read the thread, but I've filled her in on you lot. Agreed about her being my bodyguard though; I'm a bit of a pushover and several of the fellows travelling with us might have tried to push me over.
A woman? A woman on the bus?? Now I'll have to bring more than one pair of pants and some soap.
That's my comics-budget incrementally decreased, you selfish git!
;D
SBT
Wooooo-maaaaaan!!!!!
UG UG!!!! *thumps chest*
I'm with SBT, I'll have to WASH now. You. YOU are a selfish little...... LOCUST!!!
It's more a case of a selfish Locusette. SHe simply informed me today that she was tagging along. Not much I can do.
You understand, don't you?
Bah! I was lookig forward to swearing, ut if there's ladies my upbringing forbids it for at least the first few hours.....
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 13 November, 2009, 10:22:01 PM
Bah! I was lookig forward to swearing, ut if there's ladies my upbringing forbids it for at least the first few hours.....
I am sure that ladies have heard swearing before but if not then they soon will get used to it.
I probably wont be able to skin up in the van on the journey up either thanks to the puritanical non smoking killjoys but a roadtrip has to involve it at some point.
She did seven months in Afghanistan albeit working in the hospital. She's heard swearing, and seen people dying and stitched the motherfunters up and sent them off to finish dying. You fellows need not worry too much bout her!
This trip may have got much safer now. Sounds like she will be well equipped for the trip then.
-Latest Update-
As of the 14th of November we have 11 confirmed Trekkers.
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. SmallBlueThing
3. Dandontdare
4. Mike Gloady
5. PeterWolf
6. locustsoflove
7. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
8. Gavin Leahy
9. Roger Godpleton
10. Buttonman
11. Dark Jimbo
132 days to Hi-Ex! which means 130 till the Hell Trek ;)
Wow, seems so far yet so close.
But guys, do we really need a medic? Ha, my goodness this trip may be doomed from the start...
QuoteWow, seems so far yet so close.
Too fucking close!
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 14 November, 2009, 12:48:56 PM
QuoteWow, seems so far yet so close.
Too fucking close!
There's us all relaxed but excited about the convention and you and poor Vicky are doing all the work.
Well I have one thing to say my Lord, "What are you doing on here. I expect 100% of your waking time to be employed on Hi-Ex and the ever expanding guest list and all the other things that go into organising this convention!"
;D
I think each guest panel should have Rodger Godpleton standing at the side ( like a signer) to add comments eveny so often.
Glad you guys have a medic sorted out, now all you need is that tail gunner,
Stay Frosty!
I've "gunned" a bit of "tail" in my time. I volunteer!
Oh Gloady, beehive.
You like to "keep this handy for close encounters", eh? (the Aliens references never grow old)
I'm still having trouble here trying to make my booking for the Ramada. So if anyone has already booked a twin room, no one else has claimed it and they would not mind sharing it with me, can you let me know.
Okay, as of now Myself and Buttonman are booked up in our twin room and I have my reference number, so we are happy( not in a married couple kind of way I must add).
Just look down the list and PM one of the Trekkers who haven't confirmed. And no Peter you can't join the locusts in a family room ;)
We need to get on top of this as you never know when the place will become full, so get PM'ing.
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Dark Jimbo Twin
4. Mike Gloady Twin
5. PeterWolf Twin
6. Gavin Leahy Twin
7. Roger Godpleton Twin
8. locustsoflove I wonder
9. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
10. SmallBlueThing Single room
11. Dandontdare Single room
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Plus latest addition
Dave Shelton
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 16 November, 2009, 03:02:11 PM
Okay, as of now Myself and Buttonman are booked up in our twin room and I have my reference number, so we are happy( not in a married couple kind of way I must add).
Just look down the list and PM one of the Trekkers who haven't confirmed. And no Peter you can't join the locusts in a family room ;)
We need to get on top of this as you never know when the place will become full, so get PM'ing.
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Dark Jimbo Twin
4. Mike Gloady Twin
5. PeterWolf Twin....Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady
6. Gavin Leahy Twin
7. Roger Godpleton Twin
8. locustsoflove I wonder
9. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
10. SmallBlueThing Single room
11. Dandontdare Single room
If you haven't confirmed your room yet just look down the list and PM one of the Trekkers who also haven't and get chatting.
We need to get on top of this, as you never know when the place will become full, so get PM'ing.
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady
4. Mike Gloady
5. Dark Jimbo Twin
6. Gavin Leahy Twin
7. Roger Godpleton Twin
8. locustsoflove I wonder
9. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
10. SmallBlueThing Single room
11. Dandontdare Single room
Just thought I'd make it more eye pleasing and move you both up into the confirmed area Peter.
The Ramada is full...I'll have to check with the wife to see where she booked us today. So...we're all set. And no Peter, you cannot room with us.
Drokk. It's full already and it's only 130 till the Trek. I knew it would fill up but that's good going on their behalf.
Best people start looking at the local B&B area now and let the group know what's going on.
I think Mike confirmed and booked/reserved one twin room ?
If not then one of us had better get on the case quickly.
There is supposed to be an arrangement for HI-EX with the Ramada with them provisionally setting aside X amount of rooms for us so they better not had gone and let them all be reserved by non-HI-EX attendees.
I am half expecting some kind of fuck up involving this on the part of the hotel that is from experience of this kind of thing in the past.
Don't panic about rooms- there are loads of hotels and B&Bs all within walking distance of the venue.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 16 November, 2009, 04:24:57 PM
Drokk. It's full already and it's only 130 till the Trek. I knew it would fill up but that's good going on their behalf.
Best people start looking at the local B&B area now and let the group know what's going on.
Like i said.
Whats happened to the HI-EX deal ?
That was the price Peter as it was at a reduced rate. They can't keep rooms waiting for people who may or may not book.
We did say at the begining that people need to book the rooms as soon as possible as they might all become booked. You are safe by the looks of it, so long as you have your booking reference.
The other Trekkers may be able to all book into the same B&B which would still be good.
I think this is a lesson well learn't for us Hell Trekkers. We must book as soon as we get the nod for the following years dates.
Hang on now, if may maths are right there are 3 more people going for twin rooms, including myself (I'm assuming that Mr. and Mrs. Locust will be together), so any news on any other boarders going?
No news yet Gavin. I keep bumping the thread with new info plus there's till a fair few months to go so you never know. There have been a few interested parties but no commitments as of yet.
Lets see where the locusts have booked, as if they are not in the Ramada then that might be the place for the rest to book into.
We can still take 3 more people everybody, so come on or you'll regret it!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 16 November, 2009, 04:45:53 PM
That was the price Peter as it was at a reduced rate. They can't keep rooms waiting for people who may or may not book.
We did say at the begining that people need to book the rooms as soon as possible as they might all become booked. You are safe by the looks of it, so long as you have your booking reference.
The other Trekkers may be able to all book into the same B&B which would still be good.
I think this is a lesson well learn't for us Hell Trekkers. We must book as soon as we get the nod for the following years dates.
I would have thought that everyone who is going would have booked their rooms by now anyway.I only didnt book because Mike apparently booked the room so if so Mike will have the booking reference.
Dont ask me as i just work here.
Anyone good at caricatures?
I ask because we should/could have one done after the event for posterity. You know the stuff a pic of us lot stood in front of the rad wagon with references to what happens at the convention.
Obviously I can't do it as I'm shit rubbish at that kind of stuff but there are a few decent arists amongst the Trekkers. Does anyone think this will be a good idea, if not we'll just consign it to the barren waste lands.
Here in Scotland we use cameras. ;)
We'll have none of that pinhole rubbish on this Trek!
QuoteAnyone good at caricatures?
Kev F will, if you try and prise him from his shell, be happy to do one for you.
Thanks for that my Lord.
Also are we still up for a T-Shirt/Polo top for the trip, as we still have the initial design by Mike?
If so, any more ideas. I like Mike's take on the name and thought that would be good as a stitched in logo on the left breast. We could remove the 2010 and change Trek to Trekker and then we could keep the design for future years or something like that.
Anyone got any more ideas!!!!
Right
Myself and Mike are not booked into the Ramada for HI-EX as they are full up as was previously mentioned.
So i looked up this hotel which looks alright and is central to Inverness.
http://www.bw-invernesspalace.co.uk/LateRoomsHotOffers-33.asp
Now hear this:They have plenty of twin rooms available for that weekend @109.90 per night but with a block booking we can most probably get a better deal than that.I dont know how the block booking works or who has to secure the rooms with their card details or whatever.I really dont know and i dont know who has booked themselves in elsewhere in Inverness but if any of you who are going who havent booked a room read this post then register your interest here and get your shit together quickly before we lose the deal.
Best some PM's start flying about!
I'm a sketchy, forgetful and idiotic cove. HOwever, I'll be booking in the morning so anyone who wants to join Peter and I, be sure to PM. I'll PM you with details after I book.
Well done Mike.
Mrs. Locust booked at the Radcliffe, which is a short walk from the theater, castle, all of that. It's a bit spendy, but...well, romantic :-[.
Excellent Locustsoflove I shall update the list in a second.
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 17 November, 2009, 06:47:22 PM
I'm a sketchy, forgetful and idiotic cove. HOwever, I'll be booking in the morning so anyone who wants to join Peter and I, be sure to PM. I'll PM you with details after I book.
Can you specify a room with a view of the river if possible ?
Thanks if you can !
The local vehnacular of Inverness is very similar to Harrogate .
The situation on the booking front is as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady
4. Mike Gloady
5. locustsoflove.............Confirmed with Mrs locustsoflove
6. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
7. Dark Jimbo Twin
8. Gavin Leahy Twin
9. Roger Godpleton Twin
10. SmallBlueThing Single room
11. Dandontdare Single room
i shall be booking somewhere soon! im unfeasibly shit at this. sbt
The place I stayed last year was great, cheap and just round the corner from Hi-Ex.
http://www.abermar.co.uk/
That looks quite reasonable satchmo, thanks for putting it up!
I'm now looking at getting some of those magnetic signs done, you know the ones that you stick on the side of vehicles. Found a few sites and quite reasonable in the price area (this ones on me).
I shall have to get in touch with Mike with reference to what we can put on. I like the sign we have for the T-Shirt but we need a white background so the Hell-Trek might have to have a different internal colour.
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Plus latest additions
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Sarah MaIntyre is lovely! She was brill with my little girl at BICS last month.
We should be getting the start time of the first pick up over the next day or so thanks to Gavin and his flight and then we can plot the route as of this moment with rough pick up times for all.
We're (me and the missus) still plotting what we might do...we may drive up to visit friends in Inverberie (Aberdeenshire) and hitch a ride on the Trekk from there, or meet up with Roger in Milton Keyes...
Get across to Roger, you know it makes sense.
If Roger doesn't win the short story comp, no way am I going to meet him. He's menioned that he's going to murder someone if he loses, you know...I'm inclined to believe him. Maybe I could bring him a giant-sized Yorkie Bar as a peace offering.
Best I vote him number 1 then.
Well, I've finally got my flight booked.
This is great news Gavin.
So the Hell Trek's first pick up will be GATWICK 18:30 and all others will follow that when the numbers/locations are complete.
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Plus latest additions
Gary Northfield
Jim Medway
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Cheers for keeping this up to date, CF!
Tell you what, that's a hell of a guest list... and there's more to come too!
I just like the way that there is something for everyone who is going to attend.
I keep watching the official site every day as you caught me out once ;)
Thats very
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 18 November, 2009, 08:50:49 PM
Get across to Roger, you know it makes sense.
Is it not against the rules to use coercion to win competitions ?
I will be interested to see if its successful and if it is i might try it myself.
Well we don't want to driving up there as if we are on "Weekend at Bernie's" ;)
124 days to Hi-Ex! which means 122 till the Hell Trek ;)
And I'm booked with a bed! Phew.
I might also have some new comics on sale at Hi-Ex next year. If I do I'll see about mentioning it somewhere...
CF- keep an eye on the guest list for an update...
The guest list has been updated...
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk)
Woohoo!
Thanks, Mike.
I'm really stoked about meeting him! Can't wait to meet him- and you all better start saving for his auction piece too...
Sweet.
This really is getting very exciting now.
I was in bed, you sly devils. Anyway without further ado:-
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Gary Northfield
Jim Medway
Plus latest addition
Simon Fraser
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Whet? You're getting all of them in your minibus?
Blimey.
Jim
They are all the porters for the expedition!
I am still awaiting a confirmation from the hotel that my room has been booked successfully.
Is that with the Ramada or are you in another abode Peter?
Its the Inverness Palace.Mike did the booking the last thing i heard was muike was waiting for the hotel to forward a booking reference by Email which was going to be forwarded to myself.
Theres still 2 or 3 others that havent confirmed that they have booked anything despite apparently being committed to going.I guess it can be done last minute or on the day but why take the chance ?
Too true Peter, better to be safe than sorry. The chance you take with a last minute booking is that it could be really cheap or there isn't one available!
I shall send some PM's out this week to see how all are doing.
There's dozens of B&B and Hotels within a 10 minute walk of Eden Court and a fair few hotels near the Ramada as well so last minute shouldn't be a huge problem, expensive maybe. ;)
Hey Dangermouse, is that your headgear in your avatar? If so, does this mean there might be Mandies at Hi-Ex as well as Stormtroopers?
If I kick a Stormtrooper in the balls will he feel it? It's important I know now so I can properly prepare my campaign of hatred against SW fans.
Hey Peter, hey CF.
Emailed Laura at the hotel, she apologised for the lack of confirmation email and has forwarded my details to the admin folks. Should be hearing soon. Gah! The whole thing was such a pain, but once it arrives, I'll PM Peter (and you CF so you know we're ok).
Thanks Mike, I just read the PM and shall update the board now.
The situation on the booking front is as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady
4. Mike Gloady
5. locustsoflove.............Confirmed with Mrs locustsoflove
6. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
7. Gavin Leahy..............Confirmed
8. Dark Jimbo Twin
9. Roger Godpleton Twin
10. SmallBlueThing Single room
11. Dandontdare Single room
Not part of the Hell-trek, but I've now got a confirmed co-traveller in the shape of Swimini tulkas!
Huzzah.
You can be a Mini Hell Trek Bolt-01 ;)
Nope TordelBack a mate custom painted a Boba Fett belt buckle for me. I can take a Force FX Lightsaber for killing Stormies if you like?
Just checking the official site to see if any new guests are up, alas none today but I did notice the times that the doors open both days. A very respectable 11:00 so we can all recover from the nights before, good thinking team!
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 25 November, 2009, 12:30:43 PM
Hey Peter, hey CF.
Emailed Laura at the hotel, she apologised for the lack of confirmation email and has forwarded my details to the admin folks. Should be hearing soon. Gah! The whole thing was such a pain, but once it arrives, I'll PM Peter (and you CF so you know we're ok).
Thanks for doing that Mike.
Appreciated.
I'm only sorry the whole thing was such a clusterfuck.
Still sorted now, and hopefully I'll nab myself a MacNeil Dredd sketch and a Fraser Dante to be framed next to my O'Neill Nemesis.
Those sound great Mike, I'm sure you'll easily obtain those early on.
I think I might ask Colin to do a sketch of Alpha dying or something like that.
118 days to Hi-Ex! which means 116 till the Hell Trek ;)
All of which means my comics budget until then is precisely nil. Prog aside, natch.
And if Amerika & Money Shots happen to fall through my letterbox in the meantime, all well and good.
Don't show your hand too early Mike or is this a bluff for when the auction starts and you pull out your wad ;D
Folks will have to give me a LOT of money before I show them my "wad".
Oh right, I get you. Ignore that bit. (Bloody non-functional delete key)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Gary Northfield
Jim Medway
Simon Fraser
Plus latest addition
Charlie Adlard
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Mr Adlard too?
My Cod! This is shaping up to be excellent. Thanks to JOHN, Richmond and Vicky for this.
Yup. We've been chasing Charlie for the past couple of years so it's nice to get him to come at last.
BUT- it's with one proviso- if the Walking Dead series has started filming by then, then there is a chance he may not make it up to HiEx, as he's got the chance to play a zombie in it. Which is understandable.
That's fair enough I guess.... *sniff*
But if he MAKES it. Oooooh.
I've just sent a begging email to Mike to see if he can come up with a design for a couple of those magnetic advert strips that you can get done for the side of vehcles. I've priced them up and decided to get two done (you have to get them in pairs, one for each side. Clever that!).
Anyway I was thinking of having Hi-Ex! Hell-Trek blazoned across the middle (it'll be 24" x 12') with at the top 'This is the official' and at the bottom 'something witty'
Any Trekkers got any ideas?
I've asked if Mike could do it in a black background and a white background just to see which would look best.
This would let people know to keep clear of us as we travel up there!
By the way it's 114 days to Hi-Ex! which means 112 till the Hell Trek ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 02 December, 2009, 04:49:40 PM
I've just sent a begging email to Mike to see if he can come up with a design for a couple of those magnetic advert strips that you can get done for the side of vehcles. I've priced them up and decided to get two done (you have to get them in pairs, one for each side. Clever that!).
Anyway I was thinking of having Hi-Ex! Hell-Trek blazoned across the middle (it'll be 24" x 12') with at the top 'This is the official' and at the bottom 'something witty'
Any Trekkers got any ideas?
I think that you should stick that up as a seperate thread, to get the best suggestions?
Eden or Bust! is my suggestion (That's Eden Court of course)
I know what we should have for NEXT year's slogan - "Hell Trek 2 - Trek Harder"
Put me down for a maybe. I'll have to see how finances and work are nearer to the time.
Four and twenty virgins went up tae Inverness?
How do these grab ya?
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1a.jpg)
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1a-2.jpg)
It's all open to change, of course!
-- Mike
www.michaelowencarroll.com
Those rule!
Like the thrillsuckers - nice touch.
Although everyone knows it's Steev and I who're the ones who require warnings. And certificates for the local plods....
The only probem with that, as far as I can see, is that the Thrill Suckers look a lot like rabbits. Which could be problematic if people thin we're mowing them down on the way and crowing about it! But otherwise- yeah!
SBT
Rabbits taste delicious. If we happen to hit any, we pick them up and ta-da! Dinner is served. Omnomnom.
Just got back from work and saw those Mike and they are excellent. We shall have the trekkers discuss this but I reckon we are nearly there.
Thanks once again for your help.
Too right.
Mike Carroll - hero of the hell-trek.
You'll need one of these on the back of the wagon too, so you can start a convoy!
I'm going to get two made Proudhuff, these are just the prelims. I found a couple of sites that do stuff like this and they are quite reasonable so I thought why not. I think black is the way to go at the moment, as it makes the words stand out a lot more!
Quote from: Noisybast on 02 December, 2009, 09:54:21 PM
Put me down for a maybe. I'll have to see how finances and work are nearer to the time.
Noted
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Gary Northfield
Jim Medway
Simon Fraser
Charlie Adlard
Plus latest addition
Alex Moore
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
The black works better in my opinion. Can't wait.
Be careful with those magnetics CF, they have a tendency to rip or blow off if there is a strong wind.
Excellent work with designs Mike they look great.
Hur hur hur.
"Blow off"
Hur hur hur.
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 03 December, 2009, 07:07:26 PM
Hur hur hur.
"Blow off"
Hur hur hur.
Never mind that -- I've only just noticed that his Lordship declares that he's been chasing charlie for years and you're
sniffing in the very next thread. Fucking cokeheads, the lot of you!
Cheers
Jim
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 03 December, 2009, 07:06:06 PM
Be careful with those magnetics CF, they have a tendency to rip or blow off if there is a strong wind.
Excellent work with designs Mike they look great.
I shall question the firm that makes them about that Gavin. Thanks for the info. We may have to have Peter holding one in place whilst Roger holds the other one, all the way up!
Best nobody have beans the night we travel then ;D
Ya, there the kind of tips you get from working with a signwriter for about seven years.
I'd go for the black and see if it's much extra to get the red in reflective, people wont be able to miss us then.
I like that idea Gavin. It's a good job we have so many creative minds on here as that never even crossed my mind.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 03 December, 2009, 07:04:20 PM
-Latest Update-
Plus latest addition
Alex Moore
For a second there I thought they'd managed to get
Alan Moore and nearly choked on my cup of tea. Ah well, still a truly impressive line-up.
He'll be there in disguise ;)
Just so I don't get in trouble "He won't be, as of yet anyway" ::)
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 03 December, 2009, 12:52:38 AM
How do these grab ya?
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1a.jpg)
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1a-2.jpg)
It's all open to change, of course!
-- Mike
www.michaelowencarroll.com
Thats a good design Mike but it just needs someone who is competent with Photoshop to add the word "Twat" next to my name and then it will be complete !.
Alan Moore will not be there! (Just in case this starts a massive interweb rumour!)
Alex, on the other hand, is the artist on my book Turning Tiger and is wonderful.
Looks like I shall be buying my copy up there then my Lord. Both signatures and a sketch inside I reckon, excellent!
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 03 December, 2009, 08:54:39 PM
Alan Moore will not be there! (Just in case this starts a massive interweb rumour!)
Alex, on the other hand, is the artist on my book Turning Tiger and is wonderful.
It's like that Vicar of Dibley when they all thought Elton John was coming....!
Quote from: Dandontdare on 03 December, 2009, 08:58:24 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 03 December, 2009, 08:54:39 PM
Alan Moore will not be there! (Just in case this starts a massive interweb rumour!)
Alex, on the other hand, is the artist on my book Turning Tiger and is wonderful.
It's like that Vicar of Dibley when they all thought Elton John was coming....!
Ohhh... that one had Kylie in it didn't it?
Fingers crossed then..!
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 03 December, 2009, 09:18:47 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 03 December, 2009, 08:58:24 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 03 December, 2009, 08:54:39 PM
Alan Moore will not be there! (Just in case this starts a massive interweb rumour!)
Alex, on the other hand, is the artist on my book Turning Tiger and is wonderful.
It's like that Vicar of Dibley when they all thought Elton John was coming....!
Ohhh... that one had Kylie in it didn't it?
Fingers crossed then..!
I can just picture the scene - Vicky and Rich stressing about how to break the news to a crowd of impatient geeks when there's a knock on the door - Stan Lee has broken down nearby.....
No... Kylie!
(http://flisted.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/kylie-minogue-spinning-around-nick-cave-1.jpg)
I will come if Kylie is there.
Quote from: The Cosh on 03 December, 2009, 10:42:51 PM
I will come if Kylie is there.
Steady on old chap.
Yet again I cant make this. Fucking family holidays.
Make this part of your family holidays Satanist. Remember the board are your family, not those people who you just happen to be related to!
Wow, diddn't know Elton John was a comic fan, hope he brings his partner
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 03 December, 2009, 09:41:11 PM
No... Kylie!
(http://flisted.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/kylie-minogue-spinning-around-nick-cave-1.jpg)
Let's all just think about this for a moment... Kylie - hmmm.
She'd be ace as Halo Jones.
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 03 December, 2009, 12:52:38 AM
How do these grab ya?
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1a.jpg)
-- Mike
www.michaelowencarroll.com
What about if we have the 2000AD logo below the
ultra-low-altitude shuttlecraft in the middle with a couple of characters heads either side, so that people know we are 2000AD fans!
Anyone.....
How's this?
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1b.jpg)
(Naturally credit would be given to Ezquerra or any other artist involved in the final image!)
-- Mike
That is it Mike.
Lets let the other Trekkers have a look but this is definately it for me.
When you put the credit up for Carlos and yourself (I mean you have done all the work) I'll send this off to get made.
Thanks once again for helping us out with all this. John
Agreed, it rules....
Credit card's a nice touch too!
There's a distinct lack of tits in that banner, but other than that... WOOHOO! That's fab!
Now then- we all need a branded woolly hat, so from the outside of the bus we all look EVEN more "special"!
:D
SBT
It looks awesome. I epically love the Crew Robots.
Well that's sorted then, we go with this and await Mike to add Carlos's and his own name to the design and then I'll take it from there and get them produced.
Whoop whoop!
Huray!
Okay you Hell Trekkers out there, this is the final design by Mike Carroll for our Rad Wagon. We've left the crew credit card blank so that we can write all the names in closer to the day.
I'm sure you'll all agree Mike has done an amazing job on this (another reason why this forum is the best) and our thanks go to him.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/2000ad%20Sites/hi-ex-helltrek1b-large1.jpg)
I shall be contacting the company that makes this stuff in the next day or so and we'll see how things progress.
Calling all you Hell Trekkers out there "TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW" I've just paid for mine. £20 for a weekend of Thrillpower is pretty good going, if you ask me!
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/info.htm (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/info.htm)
Sw-eet!
Sorting that out before I forget. Again.
Aaaargh!
I can't believe it, I was pipped to the post and only managed to be the second customer who bought their tickets. It tells you on your 'notification of payment received'.
Free entry in comic character costume!
I might be having a idea.
So long as you don't travel up in your outfit ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 07 December, 2009, 07:33:22 PM
Aaaargh!
I can't believe it, I was pipped to the post and only managed to be the second customer who bought their tickets. It tells you on your 'notification of payment received'.
Ha! That's because Bou was sitting at the PC at the time!
Congrats Bou on your speedy fingers >:(
;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 07 December, 2009, 08:19:03 PM
So long as you don't travel up in your outfit ;)
How else are you going to recognise me.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 07 December, 2009, 08:06:20 PM
Free entry in comic character costume!
I might be having a idea.
You're just going to put a pillow case on your head and come as your avatar aren't you?.
Ordered my ticket - where does it show how many tickets were sold before me? I can only see a long alpha-numeric 'transaction ID'
Quotewhere does it show how many tickets were sold before me? I can only see a long alpha-numeric 'transaction ID'
Hold on- I'll get Bou to mail you...
Aha - thank you. I'm number four apparently - I feel privileged!
I'm going to bathe in acid tonight and wear my old clothes and go as "Dead Man" Dreddy.
Now, if I can just get my eyes out and replace them with these robot ones with square pupils and irises...
I got my ticket earlier this evening as well!
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 06 December, 2009, 12:06:03 PM
How's this?
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/hi-ex-helltrek1b.jpg)
Awesome!
I've just this minute finished talking to the people who are going to make these for me. They quoted £79:93 which I'm happy with (it would have been about £55ish but I went the reflective route, thanks Gavin) and they said they were impressed with the design and they should be with me by the end of next week, how happy am I.
I read all the info on their website and these are tested up to 70mph (thanks again Gavin) so we'll be okay as we won't break the law now, will we :-[
The big question is, will I be driving around Maidstone in my A to B transport device with these on the side?
Oh god yes!!!!! Do it.
As long as you're happy thats the main thing, but they do sound like there good quality.
If you tape the leading edge they stay on well above 70mph...allegedly.
These here sticker things are made out of that floppy magnetic material arent they ?
Quote from: Kerrin on 08 December, 2009, 06:29:24 PM
If you tape the leading edge they stay on well above 70mph...allegedly.
Theres only one way to find out !
and besides it will take all day to get there @ 70mph.
;)
Yes it's made out of that floppy magnetic stuff and there are instructions on the site on how to apply them and all that. I'm sure once they arrive I'll give them a good run out down the M20.
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Gary Northfield
Jim Medway
Simon Fraser
Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore
Plus latest addition
Jasper Bark
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Sorry to interfere, but can I make a suggestion? If you're driving around with this on your van, it would be nice to pop a wee advert for Hi Ex on it - what it is, the venue and dates.
Just a thought. Looks great, though!
The signs are only 24" by 12" and I wanted them to stand out a bit. As for dates (I wanted this to be re-usable) and the venue (got to admit I never thought of that).
It's in the makers hands now so we are too late for alterations.
I suppose we could ask his Lordship for a couple of posters to put on a few windows ;)
Then again we are driving up during the night but that's where the reflective sign comes in!
Never mind, then. You can just write the details on your bare arses, for when you flash them out to passing drivers.
- Trout
QuoteI suppose we could ask his Lordship for a couple of posters to put on a few windows
I'm sure that could be arranged!
Quote from: King Trout on 08 December, 2009, 09:03:35 PM
Never mind, then. You can just write the details on your bare arses, for when you flash them out to passing drivers.
- Trout
You git! You just make me spray water all over my keyboard! ;D
105 days to Hi-Ex! which means 103 till the Hell Trek ;)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll
Ferg Handley
John Higgins
Sally Hurst
Inko
Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman
Dave Taylor
Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil
Alan Grant
Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine
Sarah McIntyre
Gary Northfield
Jim Medway
Simon Fraser
Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore
Jasper Bark
Plus latest additions
Roger Gibson &
Vince Danks
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
100 days to Hi-Ex! which means 98 till the Hell Trek ;)
Just a quick one, because I'm off down the town in a minute. The magnetic adverts have arrived, I've checked them both and they are excellent. I'm flattening them as I type and I will take some pics when they are flat (even the wife was impressed :o)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Alan Grant-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks
Plus latest addition
Graeme Neil Reid
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
I finally bothered my arse to take a picture of the magnetic banner for the rad wagon. Sam is holding it and yes that is Mean behind him and also a can of boing from the Judge Minty set!
I used the flash so you can see how reflective it is.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PC220300.jpg)
I think Mean would make a great shotgun passenger.
I'll be going up to 4th (gear) for ya!
93 days to Hi-Ex! which means 91 till the Hell Trek ;)
Less than 100 days to go and things are moving along swimingly. I shall be booking the rad wagon in January.
By the way, don't forget your sizes and colours trekkers (collectors are allowed to buy them as well) for your Polo's and T-Shirts. You will see me modeling the two that I have pre-ordered on the other thread when they arrive in early January.
You've really moved it up a gear from collecting 2k-related merchandise to producing some- so you can collect them too, haven't you!
We're onto you now and it won't be long before your good lady is too, i'll tell ye!
;)
I did have an idea (not for this thread though) of getting the 2000AD logo with 'Krill Tro Thargo' over the top and 'COMMANDO FORCES' at the bottom :-\
But I would never do that, as that would be wrong!
During the night of the Hell-Trek if anyone wants to follow what happens in the rad wagon and to see if we make it up there in one piece then follow the news here.
http://twitter.com/JBurdis (http://twitter.com/JBurdis)
You never know what will happen, just look at who are travelling and you'll see what I mean ;)
Come on chaps, you know the Hell-Trek is getting ever closer and we have just 3, yes, three spaces left for this event, before the event of 2010.
Have a think about it and lets fill those final places. All you will need to do is make sure you are free Thursday night 25th March till the following Monday morning to be available for this experience. Remember the more who travel, the cheaper it becomes for everyone.
Just think about it for a while, a minibus full of like minded people, all quite strange in our own ways, travelling up the country. This is what Hollywood makes films about, especially the bit when we break down in Scotland and are attacked by the local cannibals.
Get in touch with a PM as once you read about how we got on you will only regret it. You can also buy an official top as well ;)
Come on you non-Trekkers! Listen to the man, it'll be GREAT!
I promise not to poo the bed.
87 days to Hi-Ex! which means 85 till the Hell Trek ;)
Come on everybody, we still have those 3 place to fill. You know you'll only regret it and wish you came on the Hell-Trek when it's too late, especially when you hear all the stories about what went on.
Put it this way, most people lead hum drum lives and always wish they did something out of the ordinary, just once in their lives. Well this is that once (well untill 2011) and you just know you will regret it if you don't sign up. How many here have not been to a convention because they have no-one to go with or they don't know what to do, well what better way to start than with us lot.
Remember it's your fellow boarders who you'll be having a laugh with on the journey and when you get to Hi-Ex! it's your favourite writers and artists you'll be seeing along with His Lordship rac and Queen Firey-Bou, (fellow boarders) who have organised the whole event.
So come on!!!!!
Quote from: Dandontdare on 05 November, 2009, 10:46:37 PM
I was thinking about loads of internet people wandering around a convention not recognising each other, so I decided to whip up some official Helltrek badges! Wearing them isn't compulsory, but they'll make a nice souvenir anyway!
The prototype was printed slightly too small, on crappy paper, and badly trimmed - the finished product will look much better. At this stage, I'm only doing the ones who haven't changed avatar for ages, those who like to change every now and then, I'll do your latest version closer to the time.
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/000_0016.jpg)(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/000_0018.jpg)
How are you getting on with the badges DDD, have you got any pictures of the latest versions yet?
havene't done much beyond what I originally posted. I planned to make them up a weekend or two before the event so I can make sure I get everyone's most up to date avatars. They'll be essentially the same as the previous pics, except I'll print them out on photo paper so they'll be a bit sharper, increase the diameter slightly to fully fill the badge and trim them more carefully.
Excellent work DDD. Obviously we'll all know each other quite well by the time we arrive.
I've always thought something like this would be a great idea, as people from the forum probably just walk past each other at conventions without knowing it and they may chat quite a lot to each other on here.
It's a great ice breaker, well done ;)
As I keep banging on about in other threads I cannot afford transportation and hotel so the only way I can feasibly do this is to get an awesome person to allow me to sleep on their floor in their room. It won't be that bad just pretend its this huge ass hairy dog in your room who likes canon fodder a wee bit too much....
I've just PM'd you the info that might help monarch, hope it's of some help.
excellent thank you. I would like to personally ask if anyone still needs to split a room as I really want to go this year after missing it last year due to a family death
Quote from: The monarch on 30 December, 2009, 01:40:23 PM
As I keep banging on about in other threads I cannot afford transportation and hotel so the only way I can feasibly do this is to get an awesome person to allow me to sleep on their floor in their room. It won't be that bad just pretend its this huge ass hairy dog in your room who likes canon fodder a wee bit too much....
If no one else offers to let you sleep on their hotel room floor then this huge hairy ass dog wont mind if another huge hairy ass dog sleeps on their floor.
This is subject to approval from Mike of course.
[I am sharing a TWIN room with Mike Gloady]
Why not.
Lick my face in the morning and die a horrible death though.
thank you guys thank you I will pay my way and everything thank you!
Great News, as of today we have our 12th Hell Trekker, welcome aboard to The monarch. Peter and Mike are going to carry him into their room in their luggage, lets hope that's in only one bag ;)
So as of today the room booking situation is as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady and The Monarch
4. Mike Gloady
5. The monarch
6. locustsoflove.............Confirmed with Mrs locustsoflove
7. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
Still unconfirmed or I just can't find the info in my files ::) so can you Trekkers get back to me so we can see where we stand.
8. Dark Jimbo Twin
9. Gavin Leahy Twin
10. Roger Godpleton Twin
11. SmallBlueThing Single room
12. Dandontdare Single room
So as you can see there are only two places left for this journey into the void, so come on you thrill seekers get in touch and book your place!
I booked my single ages ago and got a booking ref, but i think I'll give them another call just to make sure I'm still on their system
Cheers for that I shall move you up onto the cofirmed list.
All will end in a sea of fire and blood!
;)
As of today the room booking situation is as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady and The Monarch
4. Mike Gloady
5. The monarch
6. locustsoflove.............Confirmed with Mrs locustsoflove
7. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
8. Dandontdare
Still unconfirmed or I just can't find the info in my files ::) so can you Trekkers get back to me so we can see where we stand.
9. Dark Jimbo Twin
10. Gavin Leahy Twin
11. Roger Godpleton Twin
12. SmallBlueThing Single room
Quote from: King Trout on 30 December, 2009, 05:30:21 PM
All will end in a sea of fire and blood!
;)
We may still stop off at your house and all pile in for sarnies and pop :lol:
Through the kindness of Mr. Gloady, i believe i have a single booked.
That's true.
I PM/emailed you your confirmation details, didn't I Gavin?
Looks like Roger & Jimbo are sharing. Sweet.
As of now the room booking situation is as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady and The Monarch
4. Mike Gloady
5. The monarch
6. locustsoflove.............Confirmed with Mrs locustsoflove
7. Mrs locustsoflove (expedition medic)
8. Dandontdare
9. Gavin Leahy
Still unconfirmed or I just can't find the info in my files ::) so can you Trekkers get back to me so we can see where we stand.
10. Dark Jimbo Twin
11. Roger Godpleton Twin
12. SmallBlueThing Single room
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 30 December, 2009, 06:24:57 PM
That's true.
I PM/emailed you your confirmation details, didn't I Gavin?
Yes you did, you PM CF about it too I believe.
He probably did, so I'll just blame it on my Gulf War Syndrome ;)
Yeah I did. If anyone needs reminding, I'll send it again.
I've still got the details here so we should be alright.
Quote from: The monarch on 30 December, 2009, 02:48:46 PM
thank you guys thank you I will pay my way and everything thank you!
You dont need to worry about contributing to the cost of the room or anything like that as i am happy to help someone out so dont feel obliged to do that if you are low on funds.
I have a feeling Peter is going to make you pay in 'Kind' :lol:
Just to keep you guys informed - we took a big financial hit, so mrs. locust probably won't be going. We're juggling things now as it is to ensure that I can still join you. Sorry :'(. I should still be with you.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 31 December, 2009, 08:09:25 AM
I have a feeling Peter is going to make you pay in 'Kind' :lol:
I am not amused by that comment and for the record i am straight and 41 yrs of age not a 15 yr old.
Sad news LoD, I hope you can still manage it but if not so be it. Life is tough at the moment and only seems to be getting tougher each week.
Peter we know you are straight, it was a joke! I just thought it would be fun to see if anyone knew the term when I put it down :-X
Well, I'll be there somehow. I may have to sleep on board the bus though! But I've slept in worse places during my College Daze.
But by Grud I'll be with you guys.
What worse places have you slept in.
TELL US.
Besides the beds of girls less pretty when sober?
The bed of a truck in Tijuana, which then led to a dirty jail cell n Tijuana. There are more still, believe it or now. I have done a lot of...maturing since those daze.
you should have seen the dump I had to sleep in when I went to an american convention. Compared to that the floor of a hotel will be paradise
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 31 December, 2009, 12:18:47 PM
Peter we know you are straight, it was a joke! I just thought it would be fun to see if anyone knew the term when I put it down :-X[/color]
Apologies but i am not in the best frame of mind today.
No problems Peter, I presume it's all to do with you not feeling too well as of late.
I can tell you I have slept in a snow hole inside the arctic circle, that is until the temp started to rise and it became extremely dangerous and we had to pitch our 4-man tents. There are a few others (but I'll leave those for the trip) by the way LoD I'm sure we'll come up with something for your sleeping arrangements on the journey.
As of now the room booking situation is as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES....Confirmed Sharing with Buttonman
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf.................Confirmed sharing with Mike Gloady and The Monarch
4. Mike Gloady
5. The monarch
6. locustsofdeath
7. Dandontdare
8. Gavin Leahy
Still unconfirmed or I just can't find the info in my files ::) so can you Trekkers get back to me so we can see where we stand.
9. Dark Jimbo Twin
10. Roger Godpleton Twin
11. SmallBlueThing Single room
81 days to Hi-Ex! which means 79 till the Hell Trek ;)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Alan Grant-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks-Graeme Neil Reid
Plus latest addition
Michel Rodrigue
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Alan Grant-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks-Graeme Neil Reid-Michel Rodrigue
Plus latest additions
Asia Alfasi, Yishan Li & Kev F. Sutherland
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
I'm going to have to do some googling before I go as I haven't heard of the majority of this ever expanding list. Not criticisng the guests, it's just my woeful ignorance of any creators outside of Twoth.
YAY! KevF! He is a very good addition to the stable and is also responsible for the Bar Drawing tradition!
And Kev will also be bringing along some friends...
His socks, by any chance?
Here's their last visit.
you can play spot the boarder....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezh6ajYx-p4&feature=PlayList&p=E16B78DAB5EAC98E&index=74 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezh6ajYx-p4&feature=PlayList&p=E16B78DAB5EAC98E&index=74)
Quote from: Dandontdare on 07 January, 2010, 03:16:25 PM
I'm going to have to do some googling before I go as I haven't heard of the majority of this ever expanding list. Not criticisng the guests, it's just my woeful ignorance of any creators outside of Twoth.
Pop onto http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/guests.htm (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/guests.htm) and this will tell you a bit about each guest ;)
Somehow I seem to have missed two off my list so I shall be doing a new guest list in a few minutes ::)
Train fares are now avaiable, still a bit pricey, hopefully they will come down a bit soon... how come you can get to Inverness for a tenner but it costs £40+ to get back?
Quote from: Proudhuff on 07 January, 2010, 04:57:51 PM
you can play spot the boarder....
Was that Rufus putting two fingers up whilst hiding at 1:24
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Alan Grant-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks-Graeme Neil Reid-Michel Rodrigue
Plus latest additions
Asia Alfasi, Yishan Li & Kev F. Sutherland
and the ones I somehow missed :-[
Neil Roberts & Stevie White
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Michelle Rodriguez is coming?
Awesome!
I think you might be in for a slight surprise DD ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 07 January, 2010, 05:08:34 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 07 January, 2010, 04:57:51 PM
you can play spot the boarder....
Was that Rufus putting two fingers up whilst hiding at 1:24
Aye, and Dog D and me in the background behind him!
Well I never Proudhuff, your avatar is you!
Yes that's a photo of moi, Hope you don't mind :-[ hijacking the thread ...
Train fares now down to £20 return from Edinbura to Invermess using Scotrail, I'm booked up!
Of course, you should try and get on-board the Helltrek first, before you even THINK of the train. :D
No Probs Proudhuff, we need as many boarders going as possible and this is the thread to get any info out.
I reckon this will be the biggest meet of 2000AD fans in a fair few years.
So come on everyone, even if you ain't going by Hell-Trek make your way to Inverness in March.
I do hope the snow is gone by then :o
and this....
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/uk_enl_1262705098/img/1.jpg)
Oh my God, that's James the Engine :o
rip james the engine
I shall give it to the end of the month and then book the minibus. If we don't get anymore Trekkers by then I will book the 15 seater and once that is done we won't take any more people, as we still need some space for all our gear.
So come on folks if you want to go to Hi-Ex! then get in touch, otherwise come February the 1st that's it.
I'm unfortunatly gonna have to pull out at the last minute because I got my hospital appointment that I've been waiting four years for yesterday and it coincides the week of hi-ex and theres no gurrantee that I'll get out in time.
I was looking foward to meeting you guys as well. But I have to put my leg first I have been waiting four years to deal with it and I can't wait any longer
sorry everyone
CF, I may be able to make this now as it looks like filming will be done later in the year....
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
:o
That's bad news for us The monarch but excellent news for you, hope it all goes well.
Large48, I will contact you during the week with all the info ;)
70 days to Hi-Ex! which means 68 till the Hell Trek ;)
We have hotel and trains as well as tickets all booked up as of today. I am so looking forward to it!
I've got my B&B booked- just have to sort out my Hi-Ex tickets...
Quote from: Dog Deever on 15 January, 2010, 09:20:36 PM
I've got my B&B booked- just have to sort out my Hi-Ex tickets...
You can do that online, through the Hi-Ex! site ;)
Work has also begun on this years programme, too.
Excellent news, I look forward to seeing that when it's up on site.
For anyone who is wondering what will happen at Hi-Ex! I took this from the official site:-
Comic Fancy Dress
Gaming Room
Discussion Panels
Children's Activities
Exhibitors
Children's and Adults' Workshops
Portfolio Session
Interviews
Signings
Sketchings
As you can see, quite a few things to take your fancy!
I think the gaming room is the biggest addition. I remember one of the Dreddcons in Oxford where they had a row of games M/C's playing Dredd Vs Death, and this gets me wishing that it was going to be a bank of mc's playing Rogue online against each other. THAT would be fun.
I remember those computers at Oxford Bolt-01, never got a chance to play on any of them as I was chatting too much :-[
I think I recall seeing Mongoose had an ad on the Hi-Ex site- might they be running demo 2000ad RPG sessions in the gaming room or something?
Quote from: Dog Deever on 16 January, 2010, 08:04:14 PM
I think I recall seeing Mongoose had an ad on the Hi-Ex site- might they be running demo 2000ad RPG sessions in the gaming room or something?
Yup- all being well, we'll be running games of the Dredd and SD RPGs, as well as an as yet unspecified Superhero one and the Doctor Who one. And some of them card games and 40k too.
Ooh, shall I bring up my Pokemon Cards? Proper deadly, I am!
You won't have time, Dave. You'll be too busy selling comics!
rpgs....bah now I despise my hospital appointment
Quote from: The monarch on 17 January, 2010, 11:16:26 AM
rpgs....bah now I despise my hospital appointment
You never know, it may get cancelled, your appointment that is! Still prepare yourself for 2011 when we charter a gulfstream ;)
Anyone who wants to know the latest on Hi-Ex! by newsletter then pop along here and sign up NOW ;)
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/about.htm#newslettersignup (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/about.htm#newslettersignup)
Cool! Me am signed up!
Shit... better write something then!
believe me 2011 nothing will stop me from attending....
As of now the Hell Trekkers are:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf
4. Mike Gloady
5. locustsofdeath
6. Dandontdare
7. Gavin Leahy
8. Dark Jimbo
9. Roger Godpleton
10. SmallBlueThing
If we keep to this amount I will be booking the 15 seater with a maximum of 12 trekkers.
So come on folks you know you want to travel in luxury whilst chatting all things 2000AD with fellow boarders up to the Hi-Ex! convention.
Just a quick reminder we are starting Thursday 25th March from Maidstone at 17:30 and picking up at the following locations (at the moment), Gatwick, North London, Milton Keynes, Manchester, Glasgow & ending at Hi-Ex! We return on the Sunday as soon as the event has finished.
YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE ;)
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Alan Grant-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks-Graeme Neil Reid-Michel Rodrigue
Asia Alfasi-Yishan Li-Kev F. Sutherland
Neil Roberts-Stevie White
Plus latest addition
Cam Kennedy
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Wow. :o
SO glad i booked my hotel now.
Wooohoo! It will be great to see him again, pity he doesn't sketch anymore.
Eh? What about that then..?
(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs238.snc3/22560_1298705118678_1561904879_794046_392515_n.jpg)
I just saw that on the facebook site and was just about to post it Richmond but you beat me to it. I'm sure Mike Gloady will be excited ;)
P.S. Yes it's bloody lovely
It's a bit nice, innit? Thanks to Colin for this amazing piece of work!
Just seen the news on facebook and this is amazing. Colin's art work looks stunning and the guests are very impressive. My first con. is going to be a good one, i think.
Cam not sketching? he wasn't doing it last time, not sure if it was health related or what, I'm sure the guy from Waverley said Cam had stopped sketching in public/for fans.,
I would happily be proved wrong as last time I saw him I had to settle for a signature in my illustrated Jeeekle and Hyde.
Nope- I'm afraid that Cam won't be sketching this time either- but he has said that he will sign anything (cocks and tits were not mentioned, so don't hold me to that) and is, I suspect, prepared to speak at length about most things..!
The guest list just keeps getting longer.thisis a lot more guests up on last year isnt it ?
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 19 January, 2010, 04:48:14 PM
The guest list just keeps getting longer.thisis a lot more guests up on last year isnt it ?
It is indeed. There
might be one or two more- but I think we've enough to be getting on with now...
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 19 January, 2010, 04:49:31 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 19 January, 2010, 04:48:14 PM
The guest list just keeps getting longer.thisis a lot more guests up on last year isnt it ?
It is indeed. There might be one or two more- but I think we've enough to be getting on with now...
I was going to say because if the list got any longer i didnt know how you were going to fit them all in !
It means that HI-EX is an established con which is pretty good going after only 2 years of your hard work.
64 days to Hi-Ex! which means 62 till the Hell Trek ;)
Look at how the time is flying by, it'll soon be upon us so anyone else want to grab one of those last few seats now is the time. Come the 1st of Feb the vehicle will be booked and that will be that.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 21 January, 2010, 11:07:35 AM
64 days to Hi-Ex! which means 62 till the Hell Trek ;)
Look at how the time is flying by, it'll soon be upon us so anyone else want to grab one of those last few seats now is the time. Come the 1st of Feb the vehicle will be booked and that will be that.
Wish I was doing the Hell Trek, I get stoopidly travel sick in cars/buses though so it's the train for me.
BUGGER!!!! and no that's not a request, well maybe if you buy me dinner first ;)
Can't make it.....................
One of the things I have been waiting on has come back as being that Saturday, bloody typical.
:(
No probs Large48, better luck next year ;)
As of now the Hell Trekkers are:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. Buttonman
3. Peter Wolf
4. Mike Gloady
5. locustsofdeath
6. Dandontdare
7. Gavin Leahy
8. Roger Godpleton
Now waiting on SmallBlueThing to see if everything will fall into place or not.
If we end up with 9 or 8 I will book the 9 seater. I shall go down to the place tomorrow to get some photos (that's if it's not out when I turn up) and post them.
We can still use a 9 seater because there will still be spare room until we pick up Buttonman in the Glasgow area (even more space if SBT can't get along).
The price of the 9 seater was £300, so we will save £60 on the price of the vehicle and due to the smaller size it will be more fuel efficient. I seem to recall seeing the vehicle when I was looking at the larger models and if I remember correctly it was more of an A-team type of thing and there was no advertising on it.
Lets just see tomorrow shall we.
John
60 days to Hi-Ex! which means 58 till the Hell Trek
Just seen on the official site that Yishan Li has had to cancel her appearance at this year's Hi-Ex. Sad news but these things happen at all events.
Okay Hell-Trekkers, I've just returned from the vehicle hire place and took some photos of what will be our new Rad Wagon. It's the Vauxhall Vivaro, 9 seater with a massive space at the rear for all our bags and stuff.
I had a mooch about the vehicle and all the seats are comfortable enough so this feels like the vehicle for us.
If all are happy with this I will book it on Friday.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Radwagon1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Radwagon2.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Radwagon3.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Radwagon4.jpg)
Don't forget to bring at least one 2000AD T-shirt so we can get a mass gathering of fans wearing them in a picture whilst we are up there sometime ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 January, 2010, 08:16:45 AM
Just seen on the official site that Yishan Li has had to cancel her appearance at this year's Hi-Ex. Sad news but these things happen at all events.
Yup- but she's moving to Shanghai, so as excuses go, it's not a bad one!
Those will be great for the 'before and after' pics
I shall be taking copious amounts of pictures during the whole event, so beware of what you are doing ;)
Also the trusted video camera will be in use to record this for the board to watch at some time, after some editing of course.
All in all it's looking quite good now that everything is falling into place.
By Friday the minibus will be paid for and the Hell-Treker tops order will have gone in to be made.
Then I can relax for a bit.
Things might well be calming down for you- but for me it is all about to hit Hi-Gear. Comics and convention programmes don't put themselves together you know!
It's like Yin & Yang, as I relax and hibernate you have to move into top gear ready for the day ;)
That's the Radwagon paid for in full and at a reasonable £270 for being picked up on Thursday evening after 15:00 and dropped off Monday morning before 07:30.
Time to relax and think about drinking establishments, food emporiums and the likes. All info from you Hi-Ex! veterans will be greatly appreciated ;)
I shall be bringing along for our listening pleasure the following CD's:-
Judge Dredd the Original adventures series one - The Day The Law Died 2hrs 10 mins
Judge Dredd the Original adventures series two - Apocalypse War 2hrs
Judge Dredd and Johnny Alpha (Big Finish) - Pre-Emptive Strike 1hr
If anyone has a favourite in the series then bring it along or if you don't have any let me know which others you may want to listen to as we drive that long, dark, desolate wasteland from Manchester to Glasgow :-\
Well there's a few good Indian restaurants in Inverness and a nice all you can eat Chinese restaurant a few doors from the Ramada or a Macdonalds fairly close by too. As for pubs I'll ask my sister it's a few years since I lived in Inverness and last went drinking there. I believe Johnny Foxes is pretty good though and very close to the Ramada (under the Chinese) with live music every night.
The Market Bar isn't far from The Ramada- it's small and cosy and often has live music but not necessarily.
There's a good chippy just round from the Ramada as well, in a pedestrianised bit- good fresh fish, kebabs and all the usual chippy fayre. There's also the Phoenix Bar just down from the Ramada- they've got a diner bit and a separate bar as well. There are plenty o' pubs in Inverness.
The Ironworks is the biggest local music venue and on the Saturday there's an AC/DC tribute band called Live/Wire on- tickets £12 (£19 on the door!).
55 days to Hi-Ex! which means 53 till the Hell Trek
The days are falling away quickly now, it won't be long before it'll be less than a month and then the festivities can begin. I'm really looking forward to the actual convention but I am so intrigued by the strange things that will happen on the Hell-Trek, as we know they will ;)
I was there for a marathon (the wife was doing it, natch) and we had a great Italian in a Frankie & Bennys stylr place that was on a corner. Nice pepperami pasta and an Oreo cookie pudding. Might be a bit pricey when there's beer to be had but it would certainly get a fat git thumbs up from me.
I don't know about these audio dramas - you'll nver hear half of it. I could assemble a great mix CD featuring 'Mutants in Mega-City One' but there is a strong likelihood that some Weird Al Yankovic will creep on.
Quote from: Buttonman on 31 January, 2010, 08:23:07 PM
but there is a strong likelihood that some Weird Al Yankovic will creep on.
I met him once - New Orleans, Mardi Gras 1987 - he was a bit of a tosser.
Quote from: Dandontdare on 31 January, 2010, 08:57:00 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 31 January, 2010, 08:23:07 PM
but there is a strong likelihood that some Weird Al Yankovic will creep on.
I met him once - New Orleans, Mardi Gras 1987 - he was a bit of a tosser.
say it ain't so, Joe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMAkCK4ZYN8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMAkCK4ZYN8)
Sorry to hear The Monarch won't be spending the weekend on my floor. For what it's worth you're perfectly welcome to sleep on the floor of my new flat once I get my arse in gear and start looking and put the parental home on the market. Even the sofa if you really want. I'm nothing if not giving. Good luck with the operation my man. Given that circumstance I must be magnanimous about missing out on meeting you in person. Health comes first, eh?
Ah, what to do among all those activities - I was just going to chat to all the lovely boarders but seeing as the creators have shown up and there's so much else to do I'll probably HAVE to do some of that too so they don't get bored.
I'll be shopping for comics from the small press - Zarjaz/Dogsbreath in particular will be must-own items. Then it's sketches. Msrs Simon Fraser, John Higgins & Colin MacNeil will be top of my list - as will signatures from Al Ewing, Alan Grant & Cam Kennedy.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 19 January, 2010, 04:22:09 PM
I just saw that on the facebook site and was just about to post it Richmond but you beat me to it. I'm sure Mike Gloady will be excited
Too right I'm excited. Ro-Jaws by Colin MacNeil? Utter utter JOY!
I thought you might like that Mike ;)
Ah, nearly forgot. Wild will be receiving a sketch too. She KNOWS this, but still - hush hush, eh?
I'm just wondering, is there a particular character that you may ask Colin to sketch for you!!!
I'm kinda upset the op got in the way of things I was dying to bring some of my beautiful chaos artwork with me.
My original plan was to give everyone on the minibus an image I made especially for the hell trek....
I've still got it so i'll put it up here when I find the darn thing
Quote from: The monarch on 01 February, 2010, 04:12:38 PM
My original plan was to give everyone on the minibus an image I made especially for the hell trek....
I've still got it so i'll put it up here when I find the darn thing
I am intrigued and can't wait for you to put it on the site :)
Just imagine... imagine if the original art from that poster was somehow going to be available in some form of auction...
You are a tease my Lord, poor Mike will have to smash his piggy bank open now :lol:
Yeah......
*sniff*
It WAS going to be Dredd (naturally) in answer to your question CF. But now, after seeing the grimey lil fella in all his MacNeily goodness, I just KNOW who I'm gonna ask for.
Two new pieces added to the auction from Boo Cook, just have a look at the official site!
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/auction.htm (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/auction.htm)
I shall start finalising the route over the next week or so with emails to all the Trekker's.
I just did a quick one on a route planner and it looks good. This was with the start time of 17:30 leaving Maidstone and picking up at Gatwick, North London, Milton Keynes, Manchester and Glasgow.
I won't bother putting that one up but once the official one is sorted I'll put that up so people can line the streets and wave as we go past ;)
Just a quick recap of the things that are done.
Transport booked and paid for
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Radwagon1.jpg)
Magnetic banners made and ready
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PC220300.jpg)
and finally the tops all ready to wear
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerstops.jpg)
All in all it's looking like the event we wanted it to be. Roll on the night of the 25th of March when at 17:30 the Hell-Trek begins :D
Whoop! WHOOP! WHOOP WHOOP!!!
To summarise: I. AM. EXCITED.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 04 February, 2010, 07:36:18 PM
I shall start finalising the route over the next week or so with emails to all the Trekker's.
On that subject, you got mail CF
I emailed you back about that DDD ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 04 February, 2010, 10:15:58 PM
I emailed you back about that DDD ;)
:-* nothing in my inbox yet
All it said was that there was no attachment.
Odd - looks like the e-mail gremlins. I'll see if a Pm works better!
I've just pulled over for probably a two hour break and checked my emails.
It's there with an attachment but I can't open it on this (I think) so I'll look at it in the morning.
I just looked at the attachments Dandontdare and I was impressed with your info. That is your pick up point sorted ;)
Have a look at the latest news on the Hi-Ex! site ;)
http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/news.htm (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/news.htm)
thats pretty darn cool
50 days to Hi-Ex! which means 48 till the Hell Trek
I don't know how long I will be able to hold out and keep it a secret but I'm up to something.
That's something special for the Hell-Trekkers for use on the trek or whilst up Inverness, shush John you can't let the secret out yet :-X
Some whisky?
Not quite but you are on the right track.
I just had an email back from a person who does things and I'm sending my reply later with some extras to be added to the items before they can be shipped.
These are just something fun for us all but they will give you energy and sustain us on the long night of doom whilst we chat about all things under the moon ;)
Sounds like a thrill powered energy drink.
That or hookers wearing Ro-Jaws masks - I'll take either, I'm easy me.
Yaay! we're getting hookers wearing Ro-jaws masks!
You can buy amphetamine in Inverness too, you know, CF- It's nae that backward!
;)
I dont tend to take stimulants as i am like that already.
I need sedatives instead.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 07 February, 2010, 07:56:43 PM
That's something special for the Hell-Trekkers for use on the trek or whilst up Inverness, shush John you can't let the secret out yet :-X
Hope it's not that craic you wanted me to take over to you.
No-one is close, although I think Mike may like the idea of hookers wearing Ro-jaws masks!
Well I should get an email back from my supplier today for the shipment that I require. As said earlier I added some bits to it and once I see the finished proof it's all go ;)
*scraps his Ro-Jaws mask for fear of being mass-molested*
*thinks*
*sticky-tapes it back together*
Is it crack?
All shall be revealed when the shipment arrives, I'll post pics when I get a chance.
All Trekkers will get one and I may give the spare ones away. Obviously one will be put in storage in the Cellar of dredd ;)
Wow, official Judge Dredd crack, that must have been hard to come by.
YAY! My first experience of hard drugs will be cut with THRILL-POWER. If i'm to die, it'll at least be thrilling.
Umpty Candy?
His Lordship is spot on, it's a Hi-Ex! Hell-Trekker chocolate bar, so when these arrive I shall post the pics.
Ha!
Off to Psi Division I go!
Your PSI powers are truly great Lord, and I thought I would be able to keep this as a puzzle until they arrived ::)
It's a good job you were in the Commandos and not Intelligence, CF, you're rubbish at keeping secrets!
Actually Chocolate IS a stimulant so actually i was quite close actually.
:D
chocolate too now?
wahhhhhhhhhhhh!
(seriously if this op wasn't so badly needed I would have cancelled it in a heartbeat. Hope this is a sucess so it will be done again next year....)
I am so gutted at missing this. But, a sprog's a sprog for all that.
Vomit. Poo. Crying. Self-soiling.
I'll be missing all those things while looking after a newborn!
Just read my emails and in there was the reply I was hoping to get.
The finished wrapper looks excellent, so the order confirmation goes in tomorrow.
One for each Hell-Trekker and a few spare to dish out to nice people ;)
Order confirmation has been sent so that's that sorted.
Here is what the fisished wrapper looks like, so juat imagine what that bar will look like. Read all the writing on the wrapper and as I said one will be left behind in the Cellar of Dredd for EVER!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-TrekChocolateWrapper.jpg)
So remember that image I was gonna print out and give to everyone when I was able to go to hi ex?
Well here it is in a slightly unfinished form. If it was done there would be more people in the bus
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa22/ystin/invernesses.jpg)
I hope that's Irn Bru that the driver is drinking ;)
He can drink that as he's not actually at the wheel, before anyone says!
As I said there would be a few more people in that bus including a driver. In the unfinished version its just me
Best you finish it off for next year monarch ;)
As for the Trek, everything is looking good. Radwagon booked and paid for (remember this is the new 9 seater due to numbers and therefore costings). Tops all made and waiting to be dished out upon entering the vehicle. My room confirmed, Hi-Ex! tickets paid for.
Just waiting on the Ration Bars to be delivered now and then I'll finalise the pick up points.
John
45 days to Hi-Ex! which means 43 till the Hell Trek
Look how the days are just dropping away, before we know it, it'll be Trek night!
40 days to Hi-Ex! which means 38 till the Hell Trek
They are clearing the way for us! This is the kind of thing you helltrekkers have to go thro :D
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/uk_enl_1266153750/img/1.jpg)
'Tis lovely and sunny up here jis'noo- but fucking freezing!
Does this mean I may have to pack sunglasses?
The future#s so bright you gotta wear shades.....
Due to another thread I will be giving talks on the Hell-Trek about my time as a member of an 'MCT' team. That's 'Maritime Counter Terrorism' folks.
The talks will commence at 21:30 and 00:30, don't be late ;)
I loved the Sub-mariner when I was wee...
We killed him, but that's another story ;)
Just picked up the official Hi-Ex! Hell-Trekker ration bar from the postal centre and they look absolutely Fantastic, even if I do say so myself.
I have 16 bars, one for each Hell-Trekker, one for the Cellar of Dredd and the rest will be given to some lucky comic fans up there.
Pictures to be posted after my sleep, as I'm now in bed.
Right, I've had my 10 minutes in the sleep machine (I think it broke as it was more like 6 hours) so here are the finished bars.
Remember each Hell-Trekker gets one to sustain them for the long trek into the wastelands!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerrationbar1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerrationbar2.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerrationbar4.jpg)
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Cograts on doing them, you'll have to stick one in the Raffle, hey Rac how's the raffle doing so far? ::)
Quote from: Proudhuff on 17 February, 2010, 03:30:58 PM
Cograts on doing them, you'll have to stick one in the Raffle, hey Rac how's the raffle doing so far? ::)
Ach you know me, I don't like to talk about it...
John Higgins. Christmas Meg. Cover art.
I might add one to the Polo top that is in the auction. That's right folks, I've donated an XL (Black) Polo top, so get your bids in and you too can be a Hell-Trekker ;)
CF- Can I ask that you make sure I get at least a photo of a ration bar being consumed At Hi-Ex with a copy of Zarjaz being read? For the blog and all those in the future who ask what it was like to live now...
Luckily for you Bolt-01 you will be getting a free bar as you are one of the chosen ;)
Well that is good news. Many thanks indeed! I'll have to eat it on the trip back on Monday, methinks!
eat it? EAT IT?
Don't you mean seal it in lucite and frame it to be mounted on the wall? I'm fairly sure CF won't be eating his! I was planning on snarfing mine down just to see the look on the faces of the hard-core collector types!
That is why one is staying in the Cellar ;)
I shall eat one on the journey, obviously I'll unwrap it very carefully. This means that there will be 14 left, take away the Hell-Trekkers, Bolt-01 and a few others, not many to dish out I think!
slab it!
I predict that a Block War may erupt ;)
Okay folks here's another recap of what's happening (as it does get lost in the multiple posts).
On Thursday night on the 25th of March 2010 the first official Hi-Ex! Hell-Trek will take place. It commences at 17:30 from Maidstone and travels via Gatwick, London, Milton Keynes, Manchester and Glasgow before arriving in Inverness on the Friday morning.
The Hell-Trekkers are as follows:-
1. COMMANDO FORCES
2. SmallBlueThing (still waiting on final confirmation due to things)
3. Dandontdare
4. Mike Gloady
5. PeterWolf
6. locustsofdeath
7. Gavin Leahy
8. Roger Godpleton
9. Buttonman
Due to not getting the 14 bods that I would have liked, as then I would have booked a 17 seater I have went for a 9 seater Rad Wagon which is more streamlined.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Radwagon1.jpg)
On the side of this Rad Wagon we will have two of these magetic banners to advertise who we are.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/PC220300.jpg)
We will all be wearing these.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerstops.jpg)
And we will all be eating our ration bars.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerrationbar4.jpg)
So as you can see, we have thought of everything.
If anyone still wants to come and can confirm in the next week then I will try and book the larger vehicle for the trip. Remember we share the price of the vehicle and fuel evenly so the cost ends up being very reasonable.
Remember thrill seekers, this will be a bloody good laugh and you will meet your fellow forum members and your favourite artists and writers in one weekend of insanity.
If you like the sound of all that get in touch NOW ;)
After reading that I've just realised that you will be there Friday morning- in fact you may well arrive as I set out for my trip up with Dunk!.
We'll be leaving the Brum wastes at approx 8am and heading north up the M6.
I aim to be in Inverness by 5 ish- drop the car off at Eden court for the weekend and get stuck in helping His Lordship and Bou get the place ready.
Oh yes Bolt-01, after the initial Friday idea it was moved to Thursday night. To miss the traffic, take our time (I wonder what the top speed of the Rad Wagon is), have a laugh and also so I don't sleep through the weekend and miss it all ;)
Good idea there CF. The first year I had to detour from the main A road straight into Inverness and take a detour round past fort William. In the Snow.
Last year I started out from Brum before 6am and was at the Hotel early afternoon- MUCH better.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 19 February, 2010, 08:16:59 PM
I had to detour from the main A road straight into Inverness and take a detour round past fort William. In the Snow.
That is some detour, well at least the scenery was beautiful, unless you couldn't see anything due to a white out!
35 days to Hi-Ex! which means 33 till the Hell Trek.
Look at how close we are folks, just over a month away now. Are the nerves starting to fray as the start date is looming ever closer!!!!!!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 20 February, 2010, 08:36:32 AM
35 days to Hi-Ex! which means 33 till the Hell Trek.
Look at how close we are folks, just over a month away now. Are the nerves starting to fray as the start date is looming ever closer!!!!!!
Not in the slightest.
Not sure if you were asking a question but i answered anyway.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 20 February, 2010, 08:36:32 AM
35 days to Hi-Ex! which means 33 till the Hell Trek.
Look at how close we are folks, just over a month away now. Are the nerves starting to fray as the start date is looming ever closer!!!!!!
Yes!
I really hope this is sucessful and it is done again next year I am really pissed I can't do it this year
Do not fear monarch, I feel this will be a really fun trip with a lot of things happening all weekend long to fill up many a page on the forum. I'm sure we'll be doing the same next year but on a larger scale once word gets out after what is written about it all.
Lets not have the old saying 'What happens on the Hell-Trek stays on the Hell-Trek' otherwise no-one will know what we got up to.
Don't forget there will be pictures galore and I'm taking a video camera and may put stuff up on youtube. What am I saying 'may' I mean WILL.
By the way I will be Twittering what happens through the night so if you want to follow what we get up to over the Trek then you can here:-
http://twitter.com/JBurdis (http://twitter.com/JBurdis)
You won't be the only one CF, my Hell-Trek and Hi-Ex experience will be Twittered:
http://twitter.com/grpleahy (http://twitter.com/grpleahy)
Also lets try and remember to get a big group picture, with the lack of the Dredd Con there may not be as many of us together in the same place for a long time.
I shall be too busy holding my letter writing seminar (tickets still available) and checking out all the hot chicks (they do go to comic cons don't they?!) to worry about all that twitter nonsense. Legends shall however to told of the event for many years to come.
Classy legends, like people pissing in a sink and punching Alan Grant when he claims Samantha Slade isn't shite, that kind of thing.
Quote from: Buttonman on 21 February, 2010, 08:22:28 PM
checking out all the hot chicks (they do go to comic cons don't they?!)
Yup The Gorgeous Stacey from this very board is coming to Hi-Ex.
Quote from: Buttonman on 21 February, 2010, 08:22:28 PM
Legends shall however to told of the event for many years to come.
Classy legends, like people pissing in a sink and punching Alan Grant when he claims Samantha Slade isn't shite, that kind of thing.
Let us hope the stories that we bring back can surpass those. Who shall we punch :-\
I drove up the M1 to Northampton last night, How many roadworks!!!!!
With a bit of luck these will be gone by the time we set off. Saying that, if they're still there the traffic should have eased by the time we drive through that stretch at about 20:00-21:00
Okay, in the next few days I shall be getting in touch with all the Hell-Trekkers to verify pick up points and times.
Dandontdare, I have your pick up point sorted. I estimate that we will be with you before 23:00 but once I have the exact pick up points sorted I can give a more precise time.
Mike Gloady, I have just sent you an email with all the info I have on your times and location.
Gavin Leahy, Easy one this as it's the arrivals Gatwick around 18:30 or the train station!
Peter Wolf & SmallBlueThing, I shall be contacting you in the next few days but I reckon Gatwick Train Station and if you get there a little bit early I should get you and Gavin in one hit.
Roger Godpleton, you mentioned Milton Keynes Train Station, I've just found the location and that's easy enough. I shall contact you soon!
Locustsofdeath!, I shall be contacting you soon about the pick up, I think we mentioned the Milton Keynes Train Station for you as well.
Buttonman, I'll contact you last as until I get all us south of the border sorted there would be no point.
I look forward to our discussions.
John
well
oiled
machine
Twitter me arse (please!). We want live webcam feed from that there radwagon. Surely there's a fluff documentary filmmaker who could accompany you? BBC3 and 4 have vast deserts of schedules to fill. Dawn Porter gets Geeky, How to Smell Good Helltrekkin', 9 Boarders That Shaped Hi-Ex or something like that. Good practice for the Minty folks, or garageman for that matter. Hell, Penny Arcade can manage it.
Live webcam in the moving radwagon, where would you find the host site (or whatever it would be called) for something like that.
I can do webcammy stuff on skype but that's one to one, as far as I know and that's as far as my knowledge goes on such stuff :-\
30 days to Hi-Ex! which means 28 till the Hell Trek.
4 WEEKS :o
I've just been down the town to get some posters done for the rear and rear side windows of the Rad Wagon. I shall be collecting them tomorrow which isn't bad, that is unless it pisses down and I may stay in ;)
(http://files.stv.tv/img/articles/148359-a9-closed-following-more-heavy-snow-410x230.jpg)
Tyre chains and a snow plow on the front might be a better idea!
It's rather mental up the A9 at the moment! It's either drifts of snow a few feet deep or lakes of horrible slush freezing your feet off.
But surely to Grud it'll be cleared this time next month!?
Well you've just jinxed that, haven't you?
Luckily for me I am arctic warfare trained, which includes driving in conditions like that. The problem will be all the other people on the road, in front who are NOT :lol:
Just did a 15 minute interview over the phone with BBC about the Hell-Trek. I don't think I drew breath once.
Should get a link for this next week unless Richmond and Vicky beat me to it!
By the way, thanks to our event hosts for setting this up ;)
By the way, I poured praise over the Hi-Ex! event like no other ;)
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 26 February, 2010, 02:16:24 PM
It's rather mental up the A9 at the moment! It's either drifts of snow a few feet deep or lakes of horrible slush freezing your feet off.
But surely to Grud it'll be cleared this time next month!?
[/quote
That's what they said LAST month!
My dads tires died a death yesterday
I collected some posters from the printers yesterday for the rear windows of the Rad Wagon. More advertising for the Hell-Trekkers as we drive along the route so there will be no way that anyone can say they didn't see us.
I thank Richmond for the j-peg (thingy) of the official poster.
Here they are:-
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Vehicleposters1.jpg)
I thought I'd better get another banner made as you never know, if when we reach sub-light that the magnetic ones drop off. Also the blue Hell-Trekker one shows who we are in large letters :D
Sweet as fuck, John.
I'm sure you're just doing this in order to have more great (and unique) stuff for the cellar though.....
The best bit is that this is the first of hopefully many Hell-Treks, so who knows what bits I'll come up with for the next one ;)
An ACTUAL low-altitude shuttlecraft? With wings and anti-grav? Sweet.
It'll be more like the Ant Hill Mob, we'll be sticking our feet out the bottom and running, very fast :D
Just finished pm'ing everyone with finishing off the route and sorting the timings out. Once I get the replies I can finish it all off and just relax till the night of the trek.
Most Trekkers have replied to my pm's just waiting on two and then the route can be finished and some timings sorted out.
I've already started stockpiling the munchies and fizzy pop for the trek ;)
Sadly due to personal stuff SmallBlueThing can't make it this year.
So we have one place left, if anyone is brave enough to venture with us up to Inverness, get in touch by pm or on here as time is running out ;)
Okay the pre-event of 2010 is going to happen like this!
I shall depart Maidstone on Thursday night of the 25th of March at 17:30 in the Radwagon,
Pick up Gavin Leahy & Peter Wolf at Gatwick train station around 18:30 then travel around the M25 and into North London, where we shall be picking up Mike Gloady at around 19:30 (all depending on the traffic and how fast the vehicle goes). From here it's Milton Keynes train station when Roger Godpleton & Locustsofdeath! with jump on board, hopefully no later than 20:30. Then it's a mad dash to the inner ring road around Manchester for our next brave soul Dandontdare. We hope to be here around 22:30 or 23:00 at the latest.
From here it will be the long trek up to a special pick up point for Buttonman in the dangerzones around Glasgow. This should take no longer than 3 & ½ hours so we should be there around 02:00 to 03:00.
As I say this will depend on traffic and bodily fluid breaks.
Just typing all this down has moved my excitement levels up another notch :crazy:
I will be contacting all Hell-Trekkers over the next few weeks just to chat about the trek and see what Thrill induced things we shall be getting up to!
How close is the Gatwick train station to the airport, do you know?
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 February, 2010, 07:41:22 PM
Most Trekkers have replied to my pm's just waiting on two and then the route can be finished and some timings sorted out.
I've already started stockpiling the munchies and fizzy pop for the trek ;)
don't you mean the munce burgers and synthi-caff?
Gavin, I have just looked on the Gatwick site and it is 5 minute walk from the south terminal and a 8 minute walk with a 5 minute transit train from the north.
As you arrive give me a tweet and I'll get you from your terminal if that is easier. I just thought that with there being a station on site it would be easier to get you and Peter there but like I say a tweet from you will be great.
Here's a linky
https://www.gatwickexpress.com/content.asp?SID={A70012EA-85EE-493B-BBFA-1F8B7591DB74}&pageid=96 (https://www.gatwickexpress.com/content.asp?SID=%7BA70012EA-85EE-493B-BBFA-1F8B7591DB74%7D&pageid=96)
As for food I am sorry strontium71 but those things are staying in my cellar.
Large48 got his hands on this lovely drink!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Judge%20Minty/PC140268.jpg)
But I got this delicious donut, yummy!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Judge%20Minty/132.jpg)
Is anyone bringing a camcorder?
I am.
We shall also be tweeting and posting on here as we travel along!
By the way I still have those Judge Minty clips on the camcorder so you can have a look at the shots I took ;)
That look easy enough, should have no problem getting there. Lets just hope the plane is on time.
I'm sure it will be :-\
It will if it knows what's good for it.
Any trekker who is late to their appointed pick up point will be forced to drop and give twenty.
twenty handjobs
each
Operation Helltrek:
Mission objective: Brighton to Gatwick train station + liase with armoured personel carrier
ETA : 18.30 hrs.
Failure to achieve the above objective is not an option.
Lock and load.
[NO TWEETING or Tweet under designated code names ONLY]
Tweeting sounds so manly, don't you think :lol:
You people are Crazy!
I admire that.
See you all in Inverness.
Hmmm... your schedule suggests you will pass through our sector at stupid o'clock.
I wish you all the best but, in the hope my kiddies are actually letting us sleep, please don't ring my doorbell! :)
Ohhhh! You're famous now too!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8539443.stm
Ha, that great! Thanks for posting that Lordship.
Now we are truly in danger of muties targeting us on our way...the secrecy of the operation has officially been blown.
The story is also on BBC teletext and I almost spat my morning cuppa all over the telly when I saw it. Good work that man!
Fantastic, this is just the start of the media attention. Next up is our own miniseries.
Quote from: King Trout on 02 March, 2010, 09:36:47 AM
Hmmm... your schedule suggests you will pass through our sector at stupid o'clock.
I wish you all the best but, in the hope my kiddies are actually letting us sleep, please don't ring my doorbell! :)
its a double bluff, he really wants you guys to stop for a cuppa 8-)
Coincidence or not, all of a sudden, after four hours sleep my body forced me awake. So I turns on my phone and see that my emails are telling me to look here.
I'm still a bit drowsy so shall have to get up now and look at it on the big screen and turn the telly on.
By the way does King Trout still think that we ain't calling, the poor deluded fool. Anyone know his address ;)
That's just brilliant news :) I wish you all a great time and a safe journey. I once drove from London to the Donegal coast and back in a weekend and I slept for a week afterwards...
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Cam Kennedy-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks-Graeme Neil Reid-Michel Rodrigue
Asia Alfasi-Kev F. Sutherland
Neil Roberts-Stevie White
Plus latest additions
Eddie Deighton, Andi Ewington & Jon Sloan
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky for this :)
Just had my local paper on the phone wanting to run an article on the Hell-Trek and Hi-Ex!
Now feverishly writing some facts down and preparing some pics to send to them ;)
John, I've sent you a picture of my buttocks. Hope to see them in print soon.
The woman who spoke to me wants it in by 17:00. I have Sam singing next to me and leaning over my arm as I type and the wife is due back from work soon. I now know what a deadline is like :crazy:
Bloody hell the reporter just rang again to confirm stuff. I said I'm nearly finished and it's all in the letter, take from it what you require :o :o :o
type faster damn it!
That was a push at the end. Here's what I wrote:-
My name is John Burdis, I'm 43 and an ex bomb disposal commando now working as a night driver for a large food company.
Last September I was in the 2000AD (comic) chatroom and mentioned the Highlands International Comic Expo! or Hi-Ex! for short and how I would like to go to the next one in March. The problem would be costings and the time taken. A drive from Maidstone to Stansted, flight to Inverness and taxi to hotel and then the return journey. Time and money!
Well one of the regulars, who goes by the name of 'The Legendary Shark' mentioned that we should organise a minibus to travel up there. Later that night I pondered on this and decided why not, if enough people want to do it.
The next day I went onto the 2000AD forum and posted a thread title 'Anyone for travelling to Hi-Ex! in a minibus next year!' and straight away I received replies. Since then I have booked the minibus, had a Polo top and some magnetic banners designed for the minibus and also had some chocolate bars made with a special wrapper for all the 'trekkers'.
The name Hell-Trek comes from the Judge Dredd characters world when people leave the safety of Mega City One and set out into the Cursed Earth to start a new life and thus they go on a 'Hell-Trek' .
I will be leaving Maidstone on the 25th of March at 17:30 and heading to Gatwick where I will pick up two people, one from Brighton and one from Ireland. From there it's North London, Milton Keynes, Manchester, Paisley and finally Inverness on Friday morning. When the convention ends on the Sunday night at 17:00 it's the return journey.
Hi-Ex! is the brainchild of two lovely people who I have met at other conventions in the past, Richmond Clements and Vicky Stonebridge and the whole idea is to as it says on their website, "We at Hi-Ex are proud to be the only comic event that seeks to bring comics, sci-fi, cartoons and sequential arts to a new audience in the North, while giving existing comic fans in Scotland a convention of their own. Our goals are to raise money for charity, to give families and children a chance join in with some good geek fun, and to inspire a new generation to become great Scottish comic creators. We are determined to represent as wide a spectrum as possible of comics: classic British titles, Manga, sci-fi, thriller, gaming , fantasy, horror, superheroes, European, cartoons, children's, independent, humour, and much much more! "
I have been to the big conventions in Bristol and Birmingham and also all the Dredd conventions, when they used to be on. The big ones people can get lost in, unless you know what you want and also if you have no one to go with it can be quite intimidating. This event has had nothing but praise from writers, artists and fans alike. This is one of the reasons I want to go here, also some of my favourite comic creators will be here. Now, this is where the differences are between what I like and a football fan likes. They pay £40 plus to watch a match, see the stars from a distance and never meet them. They also buy all the tops and merchandise with no real thanks from the players.
Now, when I go to an event like this it costs a a lot less to get in, I meet and talk to all the artists and writers, I can even have art drawn for me for nothing, yes for nothing and at the end of the day can have a drink and more chat in a local pub with the writers and artists. Now that is good value as far as I'm concerned.
I have read 2000AD since it first came out in 1977 and have collected it ever since, my girlfriend at the time, Carolyn even collected it for me when I was in the Gulf (Carolyn is now my wife). I now have one of the largest collections of 2000AD & Judge Dredd comics and merchandise in the country and that goes under the name of the 'Cellar of Dredd' see youtube for a small amount of what I have! I find comics are pure escapism and for a few pounds a week you can read amazing stories with fantastic art which can transport you to another world and leave everyday living behind.
I have enclosed a few pictures for you to see what has been made. There are two of the chocolate bar, front and back (read what's on the back), one of all the tops bagged and ready to be given out, one of my son Samuel holding one of the magnetic banners, two of me in the top, one of which shows me holding the chocolate bar with the banners behind me and lastly the convention poster.
I hope this can be of some use to you and you can sort out my jumbled writings.
Yours sincerely
John Burdis
P.S. Please mention Hi-Ex! as Richmond and Vicky would kill me if you don't!
P.P.S. If you need to phone for clarification I'm home till 17:00
That as you can see is exactly as I wrote it. Sorry Shark no one wants to write Paltalk, etc but I pushed your name. Lets hope you get in print. ;)
I don't think I missed anything out!!!!!
Great stuff John! Particularly like this:
QuoteThey pay £40 plus to watch a match, see the stars from a distance and never meet them. They also buy all the tops and merchandise with no real thanks from the players.
Now, when I go to an event like this it costs a a lot less to get in, I meet and talk to all the artists and writers, I can even have art drawn for me for nothing, yes for nothing and at the end of the day can have a drink and more chat in a local pub with the writers and artists. Now that is good value as far as I'm concerned.
I's never thought of it like that before- but you're damned right!
I've never really understood why football - with its aggression, bigotry and blowing of noses into fingers - is socially acceptable, but beautiful, thought-provoking, exciting comics are geeky.
Anyway, good for you, CF, for promoting Hi Ex. I just hope nobody realises the main element of that, er, news story is "man hires minibus". :)
- Trout (turning all the lights off and pretending he's out)
QuoteNow, this is where the differences are between what I like and a football fan likes. They pay £40 plus to watch a match, see the stars from a distance and never meet them.
Hmm, I like them both- I only pay £8 to watch a match and I can see my 'stars' pished up the toon the night before the match!
However matchdays are filled with gut-wrenching misery, aggression and the feeling that everything is shit and nothing will ever get any better. And the best pies in the 3rd division, though I
could buy them any day of the week.
Not as great as Hi-Ex by any means, but still worth the tenner- mere money can't buy that much ill-will.
Quote from: Dog Deever on 02 March, 2010, 05:56:18 PM
days are filled with gut-wrenching misery, aggression and the feeling that everything is shit and nothing will ever get any better.
That's Invermess to a tee! do you write for the tourist board by any chance? :D
Quote from: King Trout on 02 March, 2010, 04:39:14 PM
- Trout (turning all the lights off and pretending he's out)
Best you do hide, as we'll be very hungry when we're parked outside your house
This is going to be a great time! Not much longer now...
QuoteThat's Invermess to a tee!
Heh! I was talking about watching Elgin City fc play... but it would be hard for an Elgin loon tae disagree wi' ye!
Quotedo you write for the tourist board by any chance?
No, but I'd
really like to...
Woke up about half an hour ago and scanned the web, emails and tweets from bed and noticed I had a new follower on twitter. Some bloke called Andy from the local radio station 'kmfm', he sent a direct message asking if I was willing to do an interview all about this one morning and could I send my phone number. I just sent the reply and mentioned that I work nights and I can tweet him when I arrive back home tommorrow if he wants.
I wonder if he's going to go the 'nerd' route or be really interested, best I put my polite head on and curb all my swearing every third fucking word!
I don't know if this will be tomorrow yet but I'm sure I'll find out before then.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Well, let's hope he's got a bit of fucking respect for our glorious leader or I'll slice his apple.
Well I hope The Legendary Shark isn't listening as if he says 'nerd' I dread to think what he'll do. He may ring up the station and ban the presenter :lol:
you could always kidnap him and use him as your plaything on the journey then dump him as a decoy when you swoop down to pick up Buttonman
Ask the presenter to join us. There's space. Ask him on air so he ccan't back down. Like an investigation into geek culture from the inside.
EDIT: Huff seems to have gone a little further than I would have.
I shall have to warn him that due to my military past I have certain skills that I can bring forth at any time and any piss taking might mean that I may have to show him some of those said skills, only the painful ones thought >:D
That's an interesting idea Mike, I should ask if he has ever been to an event like this or anyone else at the station or if he collects anything.
I will be on air after 09:00 tomorrow on the kmfm Andy Walker breakfast show, just log on and do a listen now thingy if you can.
http://www.kmfm.co.uk/goto.php?sess=x9|g9 (http://www.kmfm.co.uk/goto.php?sess=x9%7Cg9)
Lets see what happens :-\
Excellent work! I've tweeted it on HIex.
3 Weeks till the Hell-Trek all you trekkers out there.
Plus don't forget to have a listen to the Andy Walker breakfast show from 9 on the Kmfm website to hear what happens. I would put the link up but I don't know how to on this phone as I'm at work at this precise time.
The link is earlier but I'm sure you'll find me ;)
DAMN, it was recorded for tomorrow between 07:00 and 08:00.
Lets just say I plugged it to high heaven. The host said before the recording that it will be a little tongue in cheek, I said no probs. After you listen to me rabbit on and give him no air time let me know what you think!
Gavin, you got your shout out (damn, forgot to mention the chatroom, sorry Shark) and the rest, well listen and see ;)
So I can stop listening to it then?
Fantastic, CF and thanks for the mention. Hope he didn't call any of us geeks, otherwise Shark might get cross.
Looking forward to hearing it!
Meanwhile: http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2010/03/hi-ex-hell-trek.html
He mentioned 'Geek' and I said we all wondered how long it would take for that or 'Nerd' to be said, lets say I put him right on who are the geeks, football fans, that's who!
I went on without a pause for breath and the wife told me off in the break because I said 'my wife does her things and I do mine', Carolyn pointed out to me that we do live together and people may not think that now!
She has just told me off for writing that bit :lol:
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/ToadyCat/Hell-Trekkerrationbar2.jpg)
Won't the native inhabitants take offence at 'inebriated clans'! The eat people from England raw in Scotland so I've heard. ;)
Jings, crivvens and help ma boab! work above and beyond there CF, well done that man. :D
Bah! Had a bit of a prang this morning, so I'm going to have to book the bolt-mobile in with Tubal Cain for a refurb. Should be done in plenty of time though...
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 04 March, 2010, 03:07:19 PM
Bah! Had a bit of a prang this morning, so I'm going to have to book the bolt-mobile in with Tubal Cain for a refurb. Should be done in plenty of time though...
Eek! Everyone okay?
Yeah, I was taking Julie to work this morning when it happened, the kids were all in the house getting ready for school. It's a pain in the bum, but it was my fault as well- first time in 12 years.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 04 March, 2010, 03:51:14 PM
Yeah, I was taking Julie to work this morning when it happened, the kids were all in the house getting ready for school. It's a pain in the bum, but it was my fault as well- first time in 12 years.
Shit...
Glad to here that you and Mrs Bolt-01 are both okay, don't forget to log onto the radio station in the morning and listen between 07:00 & 08:00 as my inane ramblings will bring a smile to both your faces.
Just a final reminder that in the morning my pre recorded interview with Andy Walker will be aired between 07:00 & 08:00 on kmfm. When you follow the link you will see at the top of the page a drop down box to change station. Place Maidstone in there and then press, listen live.
You can record it on real player (I shall, but I don't know how to edit the stuff before and after off the track) just in case you miss a bit.
I hope you all enjoy it and it doesn't seem like I jabber on.
By the way he did ask, 'what would my super power be and my current job' I didn't say kill perps, I said just fly and obviously drive at night. He came back with 'during the night John Burdis drives for a living and during the the day he' and before he could finish I said 'SLEEPS' anyway have a listen and see if he went away with the nerd stuff still in his head ;)
http://www.kmfm.co.uk/goto.php?sess=x9|g9 (http://www.kmfm.co.uk/goto.php?sess=x9%7Cg9)
Well I'll do my best to give it a listen in the morning, lets hope I wake up.
Also glad to here that both Mr. and Mrs. Bolt are both okay.
I'm now sat with my finger above the real player download button, I bet it comes on just before eight :lol:
It's on after the next song ;)
Damn, they edited out Gavin's name (plus Richmond and Vicky's), the bit about collecting 2000AD, reading Battle & Action, the football analogy, plus a few other quick bits.
Still the Hi-Ex! website and charity was mentioned. 5mins 43secs captured on realplayer.
are you putting the recording up onto this site CF?
That is way beyond my computer skills, I did email the realplayer piece to His Lordship rac (I don't even know if that attachment will work ::)) so you never know what might happen. I don't know if I could upload it to my youtube site. I will give it a go!
I also just this minute finished typing another piece about the whole thing to another local newspaper after they got in touch with me. I must admit I did cut and paste some bits from my other letter :-[
Tried to upload it but it said Failed (unable to convert video file) , so that's me well and truly told.
I may try and transcript it tonight and out it up on here :lol:
I started to transcribe it but after 20 seconds realised that it would take for ever, as I speak quite fast and it did go on for nearly six minutes ::)
If anyone knows how I can upload a real player piece then I'll give it a go but as I said earlier it's way beyond my powers!
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 01 March, 2010, 08:04:31 PM
How close is the Gatwick train station to the airport, do you know?
The station is in the South Terminal of the airport.
You have to park in a short stay car park and then walk in to the airport to the station. If coming from the North Terminal you can get the free shuttle train to the South Terminal.
Platforms are below the ticket area.
The trip sounds arsom, I hope you all have a great time.
I was down in the cellar earlier and I think I found a load of spare progs. I will double check that they are spare later (they were not bagged, so that's a good sign) and if they are I'll put them in the Rad Wagon for the trek ;)
Just listened to John's radio interview- great stuff, John- thanks for the awesome plug!
I must say though, you showed remarkable restraint with the inane quality of the questions!
Thanks Richmond, all these people have an agenda so you have to just work round it (that's why the football bit was cut, don't antagonise those or you may get some irate callers). I did have a few crib notes highlighted in front of me, to make sure that certain things definately had a mention but his superhero power question nearly scuppered that.
The original one was over 10 minutes and he cut out the analogy with football fans, the history of 2000AD and Dredd, some names and other bits but the main things were in there. The Hi-Ex! weekend and the Hell-Trek.
By the way did you like the way I just kept talking without stopping for breath ;)
QuoteBy the way did you like the way I just kept talking without stopping for breath
I admired that!
Just looking through the events list I know what I shall be doing at certain times over the weekend.
Saturday 14:00 - 15:00 : Charity Auction With all profits to Children 1st
Sunday 13:30 - 14:30 : Cam Kennedy Interview An audience with a Legend!
Sunday 15:00 - 16:00 : The Galaxy's Greatest Comic It's been around for more than 30 years - what is the secret of its success?
The rest of the time will be chatting, sketches and general frivolity :D
Just gave the radio interview a listen, thanks CF.
Well done, for making us out to be normal, well rounded people. And top marks too for putting up with that host.
Oh, thanks Albion, I don't think I'll have much trouble finding the station now.
Glad you liked it Gavin, could you hear where he cut your name out, the bastard >:(
If anyone else wants me to send the clip (it's on realplayer) I'll gladly send it through your email address on your profile page, just pm me. It last's just under 6 minutes and it's easy on the ear.
Finished the route and the total milage for the Rad Wagon will be 1382.8 miles give or take a few. We may have detours, mainly due to road accidents but I think it'll all come down to mutants hunting us down when we cross over into the wastelands ;)
Look at what was tweeted (twittered, whatever!) earlier from Hi-Ex!
@HiExComicCon:Goodie bags are beginning to arrive. H'backed GN? Check. Badges, stickers & comics? Check? DVDs? Check. Yup- I said DVDs! :thumbsup:
Just noticed that, 'The good folks at Nimbus creations will also be turning someone into a werewolf during the weekend...'
I vote Peter Wolf :D
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 March, 2010, 06:49:48 PM
@HiExComicCon:Goodie bags are beginning to arrive. H'backed GN? Check. Badges, stickers & comics? Check? DVDs? Check. Yup- I said DVDs!
Just look at all those boxes of goodies that Rich and Vicky have to sort through.
(http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c54102/x2_d2e391)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 March, 2010, 10:26:45 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 March, 2010, 06:49:48 PM
@HiExComicCon:Goodie bags are beginning to arrive. H'backed GN? Check. Badges, stickers & comics? Check? DVDs? Check. Yup- I said DVDs!
Just look at all those boxes of goodies that Rich and Vicky have to sort through.
(http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c54102/x2_d2e391)
And there's more to come..!
When I send out my tweets on the Hell-Trek I will enable them with maplink so you will be able to see where we actually are at that specific time.
Thanks to John Owens for this idea :thumbsup:
I just tested it (then deleted it as you would all see where the 'Cellar of Dredd' is located) and it works a treat.
QuoteI just tested it (then deleted it as you would all see where the 'Cellar of Dredd' is located) and it works a treat.
Saw the post, location logged and now putting my team together.
Bollocks, I knew I wouldn't delete it quick enough, plus I forgot it was linked to facebook ::)
14 Days to the HELL-TREK
That's a fortnight folks!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 11 March, 2010, 01:01:28 AM
14 Days to the HELL-TREK
So thats 14 Days to the great Cellar Heist of 2010
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 March, 2010, 06:49:48 PM
Look at what was tweeted (twittered, whatever!) earlier from Hi-Ex!
@HiExComicCon:Goodie bags are beginning to arrive. H'backed GN? Check. Badges, stickers & comics? Check? DVDs? Check. Yup- I said DVDs! :thumbsup:
wot no fridge magnets? ;)
Quote from: Proudhuff on 11 March, 2010, 12:20:47 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 March, 2010, 06:49:48 PM
Look at what was tweeted (twittered, whatever!) earlier from Hi-Ex!
@HiExComicCon:Goodie bags are beginning to arrive. H'backed GN? Check. Badges, stickers & comics? Check? DVDs? Check. Yup- I said DVDs! :thumbsup:
wot no fridge magnets? ;)
Nope! But just now something arrived from Rebellion that I bet even CF doesn't have...
Quote from: W. R. Logan on 11 March, 2010, 08:12:57 AM
So thats 14 Days to the great Cellar Heist of 2010
I shall be placing numerous Off Route Mines around the house to stop your tank Logan :lol:
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 11 March, 2010, 12:53:50 PM
But just now something arrived from Rebellion that I bet even CF doesn't have...
If it's big that means I'll have to leave some Hell-Trekkers behind when I acquire it (steal is such a dirty word) :lol:
Worry not! It'll fit nicely into the goodie bag!
QuoteI shall be placing numerous Off Route Mines around the house to stop your tank Logan :lol:]
My Logan 11 team are just waiting to go, I'll happily scarifice the team to get through the defences 8-)
Life just gets better and better :D
By the way Hell-Trekkers, last night I spoke to Steven Sterlacchini, the Director of Judge Minty on the chat room. He has given me permission to show you the clips that I took of the Kovacks gang shootout with Judge Minty. He is happy with this as it will be a private viewing and so there is no chance anything can end up on the web, Colin MacNeil is included in being able to see these as well.
How kind of Steven is that and also this will help spread the word on the film itself.
CF, it would be good to see those clips as well, thought you where going to send them to me?
Also I'm afraid I'm with Logan on that one....... he will be the decoy of course!
LOL
I tried to load them before but they are too big for me to send, anything over 10mb and I'm screwed :lol:
I shall send an email with my proposal (it's okay folks we are married already and just to make that clear, that is to different women) and that will sort it all out.
Remember folks Large48 was a member of the Kovaks gang so this is allowed as he was there ;)
We now have three on twitter, so you can follow even more exploits over the whole weekend.
http://twitter.com/JBurdis (http://twitter.com/JBurdis)
http://twitter.com/grpleahy (http://twitter.com/grpleahy)
http://twitter.com/mikegloady (http://twitter.com/mikegloady)
I wonder how many hours by bus inverness is from glasgow
Quote from: The monarch on 13 March, 2010, 01:50:30 PM
I wonder how many hours by bus inverness is from glasgow
It takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, according to the Internet (which turns out to be a very useful tool for looking things up).
http://www.citylinkonlinesales.co.uk (http://www.citylinkonlinesales.co.uk)
Heh heh heh.
Mike, why are you a goon? Am I missing something?
now shall I do the cosplay thing or shall I go as myself....
Hell-Trekkers, our fellow forum member The monarch would like to have a trip back in the Rad Wagon after the con on Sunday night. I put it to you, as we have a spare seat, shall we let him join us.
I'm quite okay with this and he'll become a territorial Hell-Trekker, plus I'm sure we can cut a deal with him when we are all up there.
What say you all?
Finished all the maps and times for the route.
Here are the timings between pick ups and the milage, obeying the speed limit :angel:
Maidstone to Gatwick:- 41.2 miles - 40 minutes
Gatwick to Mikes abode:- 65.9 miles - 1 hour & 4 minutes
Mikes abode to M Keynes:- 43.4 miles - 44 minutes
M Keynes to Manchester:- 152 miles - 2 hours & 18 minutes
Manchester to Glasgow:- 210.9 miles - 3 hours & 6 minutes
Glasgow to Inverness:- 181.8 miles - 3 hours & 58 minutes
Grand total of 695.2 miles and 11 hours & 50 minutes :lol:
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 13 March, 2010, 08:58:00 PM
Hell-Trekkers, our fellow forum member The monarch would like to have a trip back in the Rad Wagon after the con on Sunday night. I put it to you, as we have a spare seat, shall we let him join us.
I'm quite okay with this and he'll become a territorial Hell-Trekker, plus I'm sure we can cut a deal with him when we are all up there.
What say you all?
Absolutely not !!
;)
We should say yes and when he approaches the Rad Wagon on Sunday night we should lock the doors and drive off :lol:
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 13 March, 2010, 04:01:42 PM
Heh heh heh.
Mike, why are you a goon? Am I missing something?
Hmm... Yes, possibly my sarcasm was misjudged, and for that I apologise to The Monarch.
My excuse, such as it is, is that I had just spent two and a half hours on the phone to a computer-illiterate friend, trying to talk him through the complexities of Microsoft Word's Mail-merge function. This is a guy who still uses one hand to push the mouse around and the other hand to press its buttons, so as you can imagine I was pretty fraught by the time we got it working.
He was desperate to get Mail-merge to work because he had loads of letters to send out to the members of some club he's involved with. Imagine my delight when, in the end, it turned out that instead of the word "loads" he could have used the more accurate word "four".
-- Mike
I think he was on about your level under your name and above your stars Mike.
I dunno that last drawing was a bit unhinged - just the sort of thing they show on the news to illustrate a warped mind after 9 people are found slain on a mini bus with CF Rules (Cannon Fodder not Commando Forces you understand) carved into their foreheads.
Oh what the hey his few creds will buy extra pringles and it'll be fresh ears for all my Anne Robinson and letters based chat.
Quote from: Buttonman on 14 March, 2010, 10:52:10 AM
Oh what the hey his few creds will buy extra pringles and it'll be fresh ears for all my Anne Robinson and letters based chat.
I should have had 'This RadWagon contains a WINNER from the Weakest Link' added to the banners ;)
Don't forget your 100 movies begining with a
'W' Just noticed you are at 162!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 14 March, 2010, 10:11:04 AM
I think he was on about your level under your name and above your stars Mike.
Oh,
that... ;)
That, er... Yeah, that's actually a typo. It should be "Go on", because I'm Irish and it's a
Father Ted reference or something equally plausible.
In fact -- Wait! What's that over there?!
[runs away]
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 14 March, 2010, 01:42:32 AM
My excuse, such as it is, is that I had just spent two and a half hours on the phone to a computer-illiterate friend, trying to talk him through the complexities of Microsoft Word's Mail-merge function.
With friends like that who needs enemies ?
believe me my man what happens in my artwork stays in my artwork
now lets see if I can get both permission and the cash together in time to actually make it :lol:
You can sit on my lap.
It's fine by me Monarch.
and I can't go....
won't get enough money in time
ah well theres always enxt year where hopefully I can join in assuming this is done next year
(this post feels like de ja vu)
Damn, we were going to eat you on the way back as well. I suppose crisps and chocolate will have to do now ::)
10 DAYS
Till the Hell-Trek
Not long... gaahhh!
In other news,
Nimba Creations http://www.nimbacreations.com/ (http://www.nimbacreations.com/) will be exhibiting during the weekend, and they're looking for a couple of... lucky people to transform!
On one of the days they'll be subjecting someone to a full werewolf makeover and on the other wounding another up as a werewolf victim.
What they need are volunteers- over 18 and clean shaven. Anybody interested?
I still say Peter Wolf is perfect for the beast, unless he has a beard ;)
Once again Michael Carroll has helped the Hell-Trekkers out.
I asked if he could alter the logo for me so that instead of Hi-Ex! being above Hell-Trekkers! it was before it (this is from the polo shirt design), so I could stick a banner at the top of the windscreen. Less than 24 hours later the man of the moment sent an email back with the contents I required.
He included 2 lines for me to split the banner at so I can print it out onto separate pieces of paper. I had to use the PC to do that as this thing has got bugger all on it but eventually I sorted that out. Tomorrow I shall print them out and put them onto the piles of posters and banners that will adorn the Radwagon!
Here it is folks and I think you will all agree Michael has done another superb job:-
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/Hell-Trekkerbannerforwindscreen.jpg)
Will we be able to see out of the windows?
Windows are for puffs Roger. Radioactive wasteland gets boring after a while anyway, you'll be much better off reading a prog and feeling car sick.
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 16 March, 2010, 10:06:36 PM
Will we be able to see out of the windows?
You will be sitting on the roof with your phone shouting "Left a bit, right a bit, a bit more, etc..." and I will steer in the direction you give. So if we crash it will be all your fault ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 15 March, 2010, 11:40:15 AM
I still say Peter Wolf is perfect for the beast, unless he has a beard ;)
I dont do beards.
Are you up for it, it'd be great!
I am not sure exactly what it is that i might be up for TBH.
:-*
-Latest Update-
Confirmed Guests
Michael Carroll-Ferg Handley-John Higgins
Sally Hurst-Inko-Chie Kutsuwada
Ian Sharman-Dave Taylor-Al Ewing
Colin MacNeil-Cam Kennedy-Dave Shelton
Gary Erskine-Sarah McIntyre-Gary Northfield
Jim Medway-Simon Fraser-Charlie Adlard
Alex Moore-Jasper Bark-Roger Gibson
Vince Danks-Graeme Neil Reid-Michel Rodrigue
Asia Alfasi-Kev F. Sutherland-Jon Sloan
Neil Roberts-Stevie White-Eddie Deighton-Andi Ewington
Plus latest addition
Will Pickering
Thanks to Richmond & Vicky and Mike ;) for this :)
And thanks to Mike for looking after the website and sticking all this info up there!
I just managed to get that in before it was timed out after I saw your post :)
Good man!
Can we get John M. Burns at last minutes?
;)
See, he's one of my favourites and I canna get tae Bristol for a sketch :'(
Quote from: Dog Deever on 18 March, 2010, 08:03:34 PM
Can we get John M. Burns at last minutes?
;)
See, he's one of my favourites and I canna get tae Bristol for a sketch :'(
Ummmm... no.
Sorry.
Quote from: Dog Deever on 18 March, 2010, 08:03:34 PM
Can we get John M. Burns at last minutes?
;)
See, he's one of my favourites and I canna get tae Bristol for a sketch :'(
Hope you have your wallet ready for whenever you get a sketch, as he charges ;)
Got my boarding pass in the post today, so I'm all set now.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 18 March, 2010, 08:16:40 PM
Got my boarding pass in the post today, so I'm all set now.
Excellent news :D
I would gladly swap my wife or kids for one of them!
Wait a minute- why would he want them?
Just finished work and picked up the local paper and the bit I sent them is in, with a picture. It also mentions 'the Highlands International Comics Expo, known as Hi-Ex' which is the main thing.
I'll scan it when I get up and post it here and I'll email you a scan Rich ;)
Cheers, CF!
VIBRATING WITH ANTICIPATION.
I shall be bringing my awesome mixtape featuring this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpx7IWPda8A
This: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffacxfA7G4
And even this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcHs2f2TSxI
Thank God the vehicle has a CD player ;)
Right, I've scanned the article from the Kent Messenger and here it is. I must admit there is a slight bleed from the stuff on the reverse and no matter what I did I couldn't get rid of it. Still it's easy enough to read and you will notice that I managed to get a few Dredd bits in the pic as well as the Hi-Ex! Hell-Trekker stuff.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/KentMessengerarticle.jpg)
Nice one, CF!
One way to get rid of the bleed from the other side of the page is to place a sheet of black paper on top of the page to be scanned - that should help!
-- Mike
Whooop. You're making news, John!
I shall try that with the black paper tomorrow Mike, thanks.
We shall all make the news when we start eating Roger once we become lost in the wastelands and all our food is gone. It'll be just like 'Alive' :lol:
Thank god I'm not going I have a feeling I would have been the first to go when rations are low
Day after tomorrow, I'll be heading to the Air Force base my wife works on to hit up the commissary - anyone on the Trekk want any American rations? I'll grab a case of the Wild Cherry Pepsi soda pop I've bragged about, but after that and requests (within reason, ha)?
That Wild Cherry Pepsi sounds delicious, I'm up for that. I used to buy loads of grub from the px's dotted all over the globe back in the day, they always put our NAFFI's to shame.
By the way, I'll bring those Strontium Dog CD's for the journey so you can have a listen in the wee hours ;)
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 21 March, 2010, 07:24:52 PM
Day after tomorrow, I'll be heading to the Air Force base my wife works on to hit up the commissary - anyone on the Trekk want any American rations? I'll grab a case of the Wild Cherry Pepsi soda pop I've bragged about, but after that and requests (within reason, ha)?
Oh peanut butter cups please - in return I shall bring a slab of Irn Bru which will revitalise flagging bodies at 3am.
Good work Commando - that'll get you on the local weirdoes register for sure - unless your planning application for the 'Cellar of Dredd' didn't get you there first.
I was up in the attic today locating objects of interest for the journey. I'm hoping a dog eared poster prog special 3 will pay my fare!
Keep the Irn Bru for the morning after.
I'll nip into Iceland tomorrow.
Hurrah! for the Helltrekkers! :D
Our own convoy, we have bagged up all the extra thrill rations for the weary pilgrims as they all arrive, we need you troops fighting fit to take on the imperial stormtroopers, the zombies and of course the Inverness muties.
There's nothing I hate more than a bunch of Imperial Stormtroopers using the undead as cannon fodder and those Inverness muties trying to stop us reaching our goal.
Perhaps a bumper covered with spikes might be needed, to mow them down as we approach the convention, at RAMMING SPEED >:D
Off down the t-shirt shop to get some white t's with "STAR WARS IS STUPID AND GAY" in the largest possible font.
CF maybe one of them amazing rotary machine guns like Blaine had in Predator! :D
Quote from: stacey on 22 March, 2010, 10:43:58 AM
CF maybe one of them amazing rotary machine guns like Blaine had in Predator! :D
Definitely! I mean, it's a tradition or an old charter or something.
- Mike
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 22 March, 2010, 10:47:45 AM
Quote from: stacey on 22 March, 2010, 10:43:58 AM
CF maybe one of them amazing rotary machine guns like Blaine had in Predator! :D
Definitely! I mean, it's a tradition or an old charter or something.
- Mike
:D It most certainly is!
Im off on my hols in 5 mins which is this years exvuse for missing Hi-Ex. Raging Im missing this one though so have a good one all of ye and dont forget to dish the dirt on the board when ye get back.
PS. As I was the first to call this a Helltrek my lawyers have issued a cease and desist order and you will now have to remove the logo from all transport and shirts.
Im no kiddin.
Okay...
Wild Cherry Pepsi - check.
Peanut Butter Cups - check.
Any other requests. I'll be heading to the American base tomorrow, so if there's anything you'd like feel free to ask!
Can you get me some Mountain Dew! I flappin' love that stuff and they don't sell it widely over here anymore.
Mail ma cost and I'll gladly reimburse ya.
I'm also travellin' alone now- Poor Dunk has had to cancel. Maybe next time mate.
Mountain Dew - check.
No need to reimburse me, fellows! 'Tis nothing for friends.
Quote from: stacey on 22 March, 2010, 10:43:58 AM
CF maybe one of them amazing rotary machine guns like Blaine had in Predator! :D
If we get one of those I dread to think of the carnage we would cause on the way up, something like this I reckon. Just watch those fireflies dance in the night ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EpHi0kKqsU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EpHi0kKqsU&feature=related)
Locust- You are a star! Claim yourself a sketch in the bar!
He didn't tell you Bolt, he's getting one of those massive barrels of the stuff and he's gonna pour it over your head, like at the American Football games ;)
Those imperial troops don't stand a chance - we're the Twoth Forum Block Citi-Def! Eat lead you clone spuggers!
Okay, I got the Wild Cherry Pepsi for the Hell Trekkers, Mountain Dew to fuel Bolt's drive home in the Boltmobile and Peanut Butter Cups for Buttonman.
If anyone else wants anything, I can run to the base tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I won't have time after - be too busy getting ready for the Trekk (is it bad I've already started packing?).
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 23 March, 2010, 01:46:10 PMis it bad I've already started packing?
No, I've got a case down and have started sorting out my stuff for wearing and the rest of the kit I need for the adventure.
Remember,
Prior
Preparation &
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance, live by this ;)
Packing already, I was just planing on brining a change of cloths and whatever was in my pockets.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 23 March, 2010, 02:26:27 PM
Packing already, I was just planing on brining a change of cloths and whatever was in my pockets.
BIG pockets I hope ;)
Just about to leave work (I pick up the little ones on tuesday) to collect the repaired bolt-Mobile and then on to the Printers.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 23 March, 2010, 02:28:23 PM
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 23 March, 2010, 02:26:27 PM
Packing already, I was just planing on brining a change of cloths and whatever was in my pockets.
BIG pockets I hope ;)
Not only big, but many of them as well.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 23 March, 2010, 02:29:46 PMto the Printers.
I presume this is for all the issues of Zarjaz, Dogbreath, FutureQuake, etc....
A certain someone got a letter in this weeks Prog bigging up the Hell Trek!
I shall have a look tomorrow at what that certain someone wrote ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 23 March, 2010, 01:57:28 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 23 March, 2010, 01:46:10 PMis it bad I've already started packing?
No, I've got a case down and have started sorting out my stuff for wearing and the rest of the kit I need for the adventure.
Remember, Prior Preparation & Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance, live by this ;)
Doncha hate organised people? I'm so far from ready.
Items I cannot find at this moment: My favourite Dredd shirt, my 2000ad sketchbook (purchased especially for this trip) and my camera recharging lead.
Jobs still to do - too many to mention, but includes trying to finish those badges I recklessly promised months ago.
::)
The wife has laughed at me as all my stuff is laid out in the conservatory ready to be packed and transfered to the Radwagon.
There is even a pile of 2000AD's and Megs to be read and abused on the way up. The 2000AD's range from 1316 to 1556 and the Megs 205 to 263, not complete runs but enough to enjoy never the less!
1 DAY
Till the Hell-Trek
Bloody Hell it was only September the 16th when this was mooted in the chatroom and look, we're nearly upon the day itself.
This is why this forum is such an excellent place, I don't think this would have been possible on many of the millions of other forums around the world. The reason being is that this one is full of fans who love the medium and are willing to set off on something like this for the adventure/laughs as well as the convention itself.
Good luck, chaps- see you soon!
You should have prizes awarded on route for the most organised/disorganised Hell-Trekker etc.
I'm assuming you've already devised a series of travel fines, payable at the bar in Inverness? :)
Almost all prepared. Need some toothpaste and Head & Shoulders.
Ah, adventure thy name is CF.
I just had to buy a new sketch pad as the last one only had a few pages left ::)
Taking the missus out for lunch tomorrow (final meal of the condemned man) and then collecting the Radwagon. Once the paperwork is all done it's straight up to the petrol station to fill it up. I'll probably be in the back sticking all the posters up for ages before I put all my stuff in there and then it'll be a sad farewell to the family.
This will be the first time I'll have not seen Samuel in any 24hr period since he was born 11 years ago :'(
Aw!
He'll be fine, and think of all the stories you'll be able to tell him. Next year you may decide to bring him along. I reckon that I might well have to start bringing Micro-bolt with me in future.
Good luck chaps! See you at the Bar
I hope you're all having curry laced with beans and Brussels sprouts for dinner tonight.
Mmmm....
I've just copied all the Judge Minty stuff onto a DVD and it looks bloody good (with the titles and menu that I cobbled together), so lets hope one of our rooms has a DVD player ;)
Friday, 18:30, Vue Cinema Inverness- KICK ASS...
Quote from: Dog Deever on 24 March, 2010, 10:01:27 PM
Friday, 18:30, Vue Cinema Inverness- KICK ASS...
I was about to say that. I'll be there (time permitting).
I am going to be reading all your Progs on Saturday morning.
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 March, 2010, 12:34:34 AM
I am going to be reading all your Progs on Saturday morning.
You'll be too busy hiding from Pat Mills you shitey shitehawk!
I like seeing all these late posts as it means I won't be the only one awake at this time tomorrow :D
It's 04:03. Went to bed about 22:30 and woke up maybe a dozen times, so I've given up... In about two hours we'll be leaving to drive all the way to Belfast to catch the 10:00 flight to Inverness. Yes, in the Carroll household the Hi-Ex Heck-Trek (it's not quite difficult enough to call it a Hell-Trek) embarks today!
So if anyone's got any updates for the Hi-Ex website, get them to me in the next hour or so!
Other than that, hope you all have a great trip, and we'll see you at the con!
-- Mike
Have a safe journey Mike and we'll see you when we get there ;)
So, all of us not on the Hell-Trek, what time does the assault on the Cellar of Dredd start?
Just about to leave on my Trek now, it will a long day of travailing for me, so I hope everyone has a great weekend and I hope to see most of ye at Hi Ex.
Last day at work for me. Finishing early to collect the kids, then home for tea and packing. I'll be on the road tomorrow from 9ish, so I plan on being at Inverness by 5. I'll be going straight to Eden court to park the mighty Bolt-mobile for the weekend.
Do I bring a set of FQ, Zarjaz & Dogbreath to the bar or would folks rather wait till they get to the con?
Have a safe trip everyone- and we'll see most of you tomorrow night!
Hope no one is flying with these dudes : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8586688.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8586688.stm)
Since I can't be there myself can I say it?
can I?
oh what the hell!
RADWAGONS HO!
They're bringing ho's? That CF thinks of everything.
This will be the last post before I set off, things to do. I've only put one of the magnetic banners on the Radwagon at the moment as it keeps pissing down here and I have to put it on dry. If this one falls off I at least have a spare. Anyway here is the silver (not blue) Radwagon in all it's glory.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3250356.jpg) (http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/?action=view¤t=P3250356.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3250357.jpg) (http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/?action=view¤t=P3250357.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3250354.jpg) (http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/?action=view¤t=P3250354.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3250355.jpg) (http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/?action=view¤t=P3250355.jpg)
See all you Hell-Trekkers soon and see everyone else up the con.
During the night we will be posting on here to keep you informed.
Drive safe! See you tomorrow!
Okay! I'm on my way to meet up with CF and the guys! See you all there!
How will i recognise the minibus ??
;)
Have fun, you guys - and drive safe!
Have fun up there, and indeed getting there. Exceptional work on the Radwagon
That Number plate 'FRD' = Female Repelling Device
Take care, you lot!
[spoiler]HAW! I can't wait until they get there and all the Heelanders interfere with them sexually![/spoiler]
- Trout
I'm now sat at Gatwick awaiting Gavin and Peter. I set off early due to the bad weather.
Its a pity my plans never worked out as I'm not picking up my bike til tomorrow, was hoping to intercept them on the M6 and be the Hell Trek Outrider, maybe next year.
Wow this awesome trip must be turned into an exciting RPG
roll d20
wandering monsters
1-15 Hungry muties (3-10)
16-35 creators angry at your criticisms
36-40 Judg e on the long walk (thinks you're all perps)
41-50 systems administrator
51-65 Dune sharks/rippers
66-80 Giant radioactive spiders fresh from australia
81-90 Cannibal cult
91-100 Rad crazed Mega City PDF
Just picked Roger up, off for LoD next ;)
Happy trails fellas!
Glad to hear it's actually happening. I'm about to have a last meal with Mrs Bolt (Fajitas) then I'm going to finish packing.
See you all tomorrow!
Your wife's real name is Fajitas? Weird.
I'm just about packed and ready for my late pickup.
...sigh...
It's going to be one of those weekends, ain't it?
Locusts is on board, now off to get DDD
It sounds a merry throng. Good luck to all those on the hell trek!
Good luck Chaps, have fun and don't take any sweeties from strangers. Apart from Locusts of course ;)
Happy trails, Helltrekkers! Have a scrotnig time.!
Commando checked in at 10 on the spot as promised - good military discipline there. I had just watched Dealiest Warrior Viking Vs Samurai (Viking was robbed) and eaten a full bag of Sports Mixture to get in the mood. A 3.30 pick up is envisaged. I'll try to get the A82 route taken so we can go by the Commando (Forces) Memorial.
Goodies packed with a macaroon secured for all travellers and some tasty Irn Bru to wash it off your teeth.
It's really on now. Who will be the first victim of the Helltrek? Time for a poll.
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 March, 2010, 10:42:16 PM
It's really on now. Who will be the first victim of the Helltrek? Time for a poll.
I'll go for The Cosh, in his wanking chariot with an ABC Warriors trade up his jacksey.
Wow! I never really believed it would happen!
I hope all goes well for you, lads. Sorry I can't welcome you to Trout Towers as you pass, but I'm working until 3am and will just be in bed a couple of hours by that point.
But you're all going to have a fantastic time in Inverness!
Cheers
- Trout
Still no sign of the rad-wagon. Ambushed in the Cheshire Wastes perhaps?
Just picked DDD at Manchester, now moving to get some grub and then off to get the Strongest Link.
WARNING!
In this part of Scotland, the conditions are very foggy. There has already been a bad accident on the A9 tonight, at Bankfoot (that's about a dozen miles north of Perth). The road was closed for two hours but our information here is it has now reopened (It's 12.45am now).
John, please remember you're going to be tired, and driving on unfamiliar roads. Please take plenty of breaks. And remember the A9 switches between single and dual carriageway over and over!
All the best, you lot. Take care.
- Trout
The Hell-Trekkers are in Inverness, yes we made it and we didn't eat Roger!
Well done, boys.
Let the thrills commence...
Amazing, you made it! Congrats all!
Well done for getting them all there safely CF!
Woo hoo!
Can we have a list of who was on the bus please, and maybe a soundbite from each of you? Would be great to know what board legends are up there!
:D
Quote from: uncle fester on 26 March, 2010, 11:10:39 AM
Well done for getting them all there safely CF!
That's not what he said!
Have a good weekend lads and lasses.
Excellent! I'm currently at the airport waiting on Charlie Adlard to arrive- see you all soon!
best of luck for this weekend. I'm gutted I can't make it.
Hope you all have a great time.
(and if anybody comes across my sketch book (lost last year) then please let me know).
Myself and Buttonman are now relaxing in our room waiting to have some food and then hit the bar. Still not had any sleep but we shall let the alcohol induce that later.
Gonzo journalism is alive and well and living in a hotel room in Inverness...
Have fun, guys.
Glad to hear you made it through the mutie infested wastelands gentlemen. Proceed with operation "Drink bar dry".
Yay! you made it! Trebles all round :)
The forum salutes the Hell Trekkers! :D
We are now in the bar with John Higgins, Charlie Adlard, Gary Erskine, Simon Fraser, Bolt, stacy and many more.
Are you not entertained ?
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 26 March, 2010, 08:16:32 PM
We are now in the bar with John Higgins, Charlie Adlard, Gary Erskine, Simon Fraser, Bolt, stacy and many more.
Are you not entertained ?
Pictures? :)
Well done for getting there have a great weekend you lucky lucky bastards.
filip :D
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 26 March, 2010, 09:31:41 AM
The Hell-Trekkers are in Inverness, yes we made it and we didn't eat Roger Crustacia!
Fixed!
This has Scooby-Doo-esque Hanna Bsrbera cartoon written all over it.
We are all still in the bar :D
Last four drinking are...........
Ian Sharman,
Al Ewing,
Buttonman
and yours truly ;)
Wimps need not apply
Go to bed you bloody maniacs.
Woke up and now looking out the window at the river and it's a sunny day. Buttonman is snoring away for Scotland, I'm sure I did the Sam for England!
I need a bit more sleep before I hit the con, goodnight all ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 27 March, 2010, 03:00:43 AM
Last four drinking are...........
Ian Sharman,
Al Ewing,
Buttonman
and yours truly ;)
Wimps need not apply
Bah, I was in the last FIVE drinking and my head is fucking killing me!
Pete is correct, he was number 5.
At the moment sketches are pouring in at a high rate, the auction starts in 20 minutes. Just how bad will it get in the BIDDING WAR.
Sooooooo any gossip, news. tales of awesomeness?
Great day at Hi-Ex!
Now preparing for the mass assault on the Chinese just down the road.
Lot's of gossip but it would be a nightmare writing it on this phone so you'll have to wait. All I'll say is
Sat in Jimmy Chung's with all the lads and all the creators, what a great evening out and it's only just begun :D
My Neil Roberts 'sketch'
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/Wellsy/2da8fa4c.jpg)
Very nice. Liking the Ezquerra-lumpage round the edges!
Good to see the Hell-Trek made it. Hope to have the funds to join in next time!
Sunday morning. Think i'm the first to make breakfast. On my phone so not the best way to post. All having am awesome time and for me the biggest surprise was getting simon fraser to john in the sat night comic jam. He is a lovely chap and was sketching up a storm.
Is a "John in" what Mr Higgins calls it when he invites his "special" fans to his room post con?
Great sketch by Neil Roberts. Well done for keeping us sofies informed of your Hell Trek mission status.
I was in the last three sanding last night (me, Buttonman and Al Ewing) but as a consequnce have just woke up. Grrrr, this means I won't get to Hi Ex today as my train is in an hour. Thanks for a brilliant time guys, it was amazing!
What were you all sanding? A coffee table, a small foot stool...?
We wuz sanding a big bat for bopping typo Nazis!
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23hiex
Includes:
Quotesimonfraser: my best convention EVER! .....my arm is sore from drawing
http://twitter.com/simonfraser/statuses/11168948585
Quotefpinternational: #hiex co-organiser Rich is somewhere between scary Southern Preacher & Kentucky Fried Comics look today: http://tweetphoto.com/16050451
http://twitter.com/fpinternational/statuses/11152948393
Really sorry to have missed Hi-Ex this week gang, sounds like it's been great and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
anyway, here's a little pressie for all you Hi-Exers...
http://renegadeartsentertainment.com/spinechillers/comic/
Well as always Hi-Ex was brilliant! I am still suffering the effects of last night. I woke up 5 minutes after I should have checked out of the hotel due to too much alcohol and fun last night. Lots of nice folk I've met this weekend I believe there are pictures to follow from various folks.
Gather around o small children, for the first Hell Trekker has arrived home from the Radlands of the A9. We set off as seven with Dandontdare taking a piss in front of Button Mansions and returned as six as Locust couldn't take ant more of Roger's rib tiklers and escaped early.
The Con was great but bettered by the bar life mainly because I was slipped a mickey or tweleve and had to spend most of day one in bed. But I triumphed through and made the podium each night with a past 4am finish both days.
I really had to fully inform my new pals Al and Colin where they were going wrong
Today and some fine talks that only appeared unplanned and random and I'm sure the professional that is Colin MacNeill wouldn't be up drinking until 5am and turning up for his talk just ten minutes before it started. Oh wait that's right he did, as Richmond's thinning hair will attest.
All in all it was a fantastic time to big ups to the snoring drunken bastard who is the maniac driver Commando Forces and for Vicky and Richmond for putting it all together. Oh and to the bar staff at the Ramada - the tip's in my wallet.
Photos will follow almost immediatedly...
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture003-1.jpg)
Commando Forces takes time from his busy schedule to help a local special needs child.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture001-1.jpg)
To save time later the police line up photo is taken early on.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture004-1.jpg)
A beauty spot bin gave a clue to local tastes.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture005-1.jpg)
Commando Forces checks to see he has retained his position on the sex offenders register - of course he has.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture006-2.jpg)
2000ad Street Team - Assemble!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture007.jpg)
Funny novelty object - and a Loch Ness Monster too.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture008.jpg)
Roger Gobleton smacks some Crystal Maze ass. (and loses 50p)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture010.jpg)
Buttonman's baldies support group was a roaring success.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture011.jpg)
East meets West as the titans of the letters page appear. Also shown Tom Proudfoot.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture013.jpg)
Al Ewing is grateful for some writing tips and plot points from some red faced booze hound.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture015.jpg)
Dog Deever, Proudhuff and Commando Forces negotiate their places for that night's 'Lucky Pierre'.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture016.jpg)
Being one of the few ladies at a comic-con has no benefits whatsoever. Sorry Stacey send me the cleaning bill.
Thanks for these, Buttonman, I'm having vicarious fun!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture017.jpg)
Dandontdare tries to steal scraps as the ladies flock to hear Buttonman's 'Weakest Link' story.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture018.jpg)
Assorted weirdoes.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture019.jpg)
"These are not the nerds that you are looking for"
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture020.jpg)
Kev F Sutherland draws the Bash Street Kids by day and offers nerd fashion at a reasonable price by night - a double threat!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture021.jpg)
Dog Deever has the usual reaction to a Peter Wolf anecdote as Colin Macneill looks on somewhat bemused/pished.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture022.jpg)
Proudhuff, Pete Wells and CF enjoy a drink at the bar.
(also pictured Simon Fraser,John Higgins)
Look, would at least one of you have the decency to look like I expected?
Cheers!
Jim
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture024.jpg)
NO! I will not sign your Discworld books!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture025.jpg)
"For the 41st time, please leave, we have no beer left!"
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture026.jpg)
'Eat banana or Gavin? Banana or Gavin?'
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture027.jpg)
Pete Wells gets ready to blow Al Ewing in exchange for Carlos' phone number.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture028.jpg)
At the Con. at last!
Gary Erskine puts the final touches to a great drawing of Judge Hershey - or is it Dredd?
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture029.jpg)
Dave 'Bolt01' Evans is aghast at the pile of IOU's offered for his wares - well it was £3 a pint!
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture030.jpg)
Tom Proudhuff asks Cam Kennedy if he'll take back his library book for him.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture031.jpg)
The 2000ad panel muse over the topic 'Susan Boyle : Shag or die'.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture032.jpg)
Cam Kennedy arrives too late to get a bit of Gary Erskine's cinnamon bagel.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture034.jpg)
The Helltrekkers and their hangers on.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture035.jpg)
The rad-wagon disappears into the Stepps night after offloading its most valuable cargo - the peanut butter cups donated by locust.
That's your lot - who's next?!
This is disturbing. Ir's like finding out what the voice-cast of Futurama actually look like.
Did you keep the map of Scotland that George Coleman and I drew to help the hell-trekkers on the journey home, BM?
I've been home for a little while after a fun train ride (because of a family emergency, I had to return a bit early). Tomorrow I'll be sure to post some of the juicy gossip, and fill everyone in on how I survived being Roger's room mate!
It was a blast - and the forum members I met are all truly wonderful people!
Hope everything worked out all right, LoD.
Quote from: Dog Deever on 28 March, 2010, 11:01:44 PM
Did you keep the map of Scotland that George Coleman and I drew to help the hell-trekkers on the journey home, BM?
Certainly did although you missed out the speed trap and the selfish motorist who chose to turn right just as CF had his map out over the steering wheel while doing 70. No casualties = miracle.
Let Fergus know his BM original is gestating as I scribe.
No problemo- he wasn't too disappointed and realised that with so many to do you didn't have the time. He's looking forward to a fully finished classic.
Cheers.
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 28 March, 2010, 11:05:04 PM
It was a blast - and the forum members I met are all truly wonderful people! a shower of poisonous bastards intent on dooming 2000AD through their incessant negativity
Fixed that for you. :-)
Cheers!
Jim
Quote from: Buttonman on 28 March, 2010, 10:45:39 PM
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture032.jpg)
Cam Kennedy arrives too late to get a bit of Charlie Aldred's cinnamon bagel.
Fixed!
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 March, 2010, 10:34:10 PM
Look, would at least one of you have the decency to look like I expected?
Murderers, rapists and murderous rapists? Plus either Punt or Dennis, whichever one is in Outnumbered.
These two statements cannot both be true:
Quote from: Buttonman on 28 March, 2010, 09:41:02 PMLocust couldn't take ant more of Roger's rib tiklers and escaped early.
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 28 March, 2010, 11:05:04 PM
I've been home for a little while after a fun train ride (because of a family emergency
If you think BM is telling the truth turn to page 76
If you think LoD is telling the truth you are wrong
Just been dropped off. Too tired to say much except what a lovely weekend! Shame SBT and Mike Gloady had to drop out, and that Locusts had to leave early (hope all turned out Ok there), but I got to finally put faces to lots of names. Thanks to Vicky & Rich for organising the whole shebang, and C.F. for arranging the helltrek and for driving us (mainly at sub-light speeds) all that way.
Picked up a great Kevlev pic at the charity auction, which raised loads for Children First - Congratulations to C.F. whose aggressive bidding strategy netted him several new pieces for the Cellar of Dredd, and commiserations to Stacey who was outbid on everything she wanted. I also won a cool signed Cam Kennedy print in the raffle, and spent far too much on comics.
The nights were legendary, but as Vicky pointed out during the comicjam- what happens in the Ramada, stays in the Ramada (Okay, I admit it, I can't actually remember a lot of it...)
Oh, and I was the obligatory numpty who missed Cam Kennedy's talk because I'd forgotten to put my watch forward! :-[
See y'all in '11!
I am now driving down the ........
BACK !!
Firstly Steve/Buttonman WHY ?? did you have to post that picture with the bananas for ??
You just HAD to choose the WORST possible picture to upload here as its hardly a good introduction and isnt representative of what i actually look like.Its just fucking horrendous.
Damage limitation exercise :
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/peterwolfffffff/picture10.png)
Back at the Cellar of Dredd at 06:45, major crash on M25 forced me to drive across the A and B roads to Maidstone from Gatwick otherwise I would have been back at 05:45
I'm off to bed once I return the Radwagon in 20 mins and this evening I shall tell how I drove like a little old granny on the way back. Don't believe a word of what anyone else says.
Best con in the country people say....Pah!
BEST CON IN THE GALAXY more like :D
Second attempt:
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/peterwolfffffff/Picture10.png)
Thank fuck for that !!
Anyway i had a bloody excellent time from beginning to end.It was good meeting everyone at the Con and afterwards at the bar so all i can really say is what a great crowd it was.Loved Inverness as well.
I had chats with many members of the board plus various creators plus i bought 3 pages of Colin McNeils Tour Of Duty pages.Had a chat with Cam Kennedy after the Q+A session.
There is much more to add but it can wait till later.
QuoteLook, would at least one of you have the decency to look like I expected?
I'm relieved to see that I'll probably blend in quite well next year.
Sounds like a good un was had by all.
Quote from: Dunk! on 29 March, 2010, 09:02:56 AM
QuoteLook, would at least one of you have the decency to look like I expected?
That's one of the phrases I heard most - you don't look how expected. Yet no one told me what they expected (but maybe that's a good thing)!
Okay, time to start the gossip.
My favorite moment: On the first night I was at the bar. It was early and only a few people were there. This immensely tall fellow with a beard walks up next to me and props himself against the bar. At that moment the bartender decides to leave the bar and I commented that "he abandoned ship" and that his absence would take me out of my drinking rhythm. The fellow (who looked very familiar, but he had grown a full beard rather than the goatee I was used to) chuckled and began talking to me - lo and behold it was Al Ewing. We chatted and he bought me a pint when the bartender returned, then gave me 45 minutes' worth of writing advice, anecdotes, insights to the creation of "boob-face". He's a wonderful fellow, easy to chat with - and loves comics. Great stuff!
More later...
Triple post! Please accept my apologies!
I was the fifth Hell Trekker picked up, and I waited for the lads inside a pub. When they arrived i got a phone call from Commando Forces to inform me they had arrived. Peterwolf was the first I met - I was surprised at how tall he is, but his hair is rather wolfish, ha. Next I met Gain, who is a fine, soft-spoken fellow - until he drinks. Then, like a true Irishman, he's dropping f-bombs and becomes a social butterfly! I will post separately about my room mate Roger...Dandon'tdare is a great guy, also not what I expected, but one of the fellows I enjoyed speaking with the most. And finally Buttonman, a man who can talk faster than the human ear can hear! But our fearless leader of course, was Commando Forces who kept the drive lively with his stories and adventures. Even when we were all nodding off, he kept going!
Congrats to all who made it, all who got home again and, particularly, to the bar-flies....
Looks like an amazing time had by all.
Do you think we could get someone to option the movie?
Next year the Hell Trek Out Rider shall join the Trek for added protection from the Scottish Mutie Hordes 8-)
Finally woken up, had a great time. I heartily enjoyed starring in Sam Peckinpah's remake of "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle" on the journey back. Cheers to Richmond and Vicky for organising the con and to John for driving.
Call me shallow, but when I grow up I want to look like Dog Deever.
I love all the gut-sucking going on under 2000AD T-shirts in the group shot, magic!
Bah, really bummed I couldn't make this, looks like you lot had a cracking time. Ah well, always next year...
I've decided I'm going to get my ass over to this next year, come Hell or High Water.
Any other Irish boarders tend to travel over for it? If there is, be cool for a gang of us to meet up and make our way there together (in other words, I'd probably get lost, mugged, raped and stranded in the middle of nowhere if I tried to make it on my own so....help!) ;) (Yes, my sense of direction is really that bad).
Quote from: Van Dom on 29 March, 2010, 01:20:20 PM
I'd probably get lost, mugged, raped and stranded in the middle of nowhere if I tried to make it on my own so....
Ach, I know its on the northside, but you can avoid all that if you just get a taxi direct to the airport.
Gavin went...of course, he'll be in Australia next year, so alas.
If you fly into Gatwick, join the Hell Trekk. CF picked Gavin up first and off they went.
:lol:
Aaaahhhh, so that's what I'm doing wrong every time I go to the airport!!!!!!
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 29 March, 2010, 01:44:25 PM
If you fly into Gatwick, join the Hell Trekk. CF picked Gavin up first and off they went.
Nice one! I'll bear that in mind for next year. Cheers Locusts!
Every year I plan to go, and every year some trivial stupid thing gets in the way (this year: no money, which at least I knew 6 months ago, so didn't get my hopes up, unlike last year). Set my sights on next year.
Add me to the "will do next year" list. I'll start saving now...!
Thanks everyone!
To tired to write a big list so will do so later and post some pics.
I can reveal that the afore mentioned Operation: Drink Bar Dry was a roaring success!
Before I start compiling my words and uploading my pics from the weekend (including sketches and pages of artwork bought and won in the auction, using my special technique ;) ) I would like to thank the rest of the Hell-Trekkers and Colin MacNeil for the suprise they had organised for me. I shall let the lads post about what they did. Lets just say I became quite emotional, tears welled up and my voice choked as I thanked them all.
This is the reason that this forum is the best forum on the planet and the Hi-Ex! convention is the Galaxies Greatest Convention.
Well done those Trekkers! Sounds (and looks) like you all had a great time! Sounds like a great event all together.
Quote from: Van Dom on 29 March, 2010, 01:20:20 PMAny other Irish boarders tend to travel over for it?
Could be interesting, although I don't think I can plan that far ahead...
...we could hire a Paddy Rad Wagon for the Lepre-Con goers :D
M
Okay I've just uploaded the photo's, pages of artwork and sketches. I'm just going to show the sketches now, as I have to sort out the weekends stuff and spend some family time before I write my words later.
Prepare to be AMAZED :o
by the way I'll not write any names above them as I'm sure you'll all be able to see from the style and signatures who drew what ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290367.jpg)
Hi-Ex on youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290370.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290371.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290374.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290378.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290380.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290381.jpg)
Last but not least, I have the first proper picture of Dredd's face, so wonder no more. Yes Judge Dredd is Judge Hershey. We had a great laugh round Gary's table as we came up with stories about how Hershey is wearing Joe's badge (yes sex was mentioned).
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290375.jpg)
Hope you've got plenty of wall space spare in that cellar, CF!
Quote from: Whore Richmond Clements on 29 March, 2010, 04:26:02 PM
Hi-Ex on youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g
Was that some sort of draw-one-panel-and-pass-it-on thing?
Quote from: uncle fester on 29 March, 2010, 04:36:32 PM
Hope you've got plenty of wall space spare in that cellar, CF!
Was that some sort of draw-one-panel-and-pass-it-on thing?
I have and yes it is, many pages went around the table, I took a pic of one and I'll post in a second ;)
If you are easily offended please look away now.........
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280379.jpg)
Quote from: Buttonman on 28 March, 2010, 10:22:58 PM
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture016.jpg)
Being one of the few ladies at a comic-con has no benefits whatsoever. Sorry Stacey send me the cleaning bill.
I LOVE this picture! Aw isn't it sad it's all over. I just got home and normality sucks, chicken on a stick with fanboys is much more fun and it was gorgeous to meet you all (and see the ones of you I already know again!)good times!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 04:24:27 PM
I'm sure you'll all be able to see from the style and signatures who drew what ;)[/color]
Right, deciphering those signatures in order, we have:
Dredd by Unfrickening
Dredd by Jolly Haggis
Death by Spaz
Mean by Naff Rat
Orlok by Botox
Anderson by Cheryl-1
Fink by Kewl Evil
Hershey by Arswipe
I think you've been taken in by a bunch of impostors, there, CF! Are you sure you were in the right hotel?
Cheers!
Jim
Phew! That's me finally home too!
I'm glad everyone had fun at the weekend. It sure was "interesting" to put faces to names for everyone. ;) Sorry to those who didn't see much of me on the Sunday as I had a very good excuse. I only got to bed at 9am. Hurrah! I was the last drunk man standing. Someone take over the duties next year please, as I don't think my liver can take that punishment two years in a row. :D
It really was a great weekend and I hope all who were there enjoyed it as much as me.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 04:41:04 PM
If you are easily offended please look away now.........
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280379.jpg)
This is what happens when they start drinking and drawing.I left them to it because i wasnt very happy being exposed to that kind of filth thank you very much.
;)
The journey up and down was good apart from shite weather all the way with poor visibility and spray from trucks on the motorway and the fact that the motorway services are closed at night so you cant get anything to eat so you have to starve or eat chocolate and crisps or fried breakfast type canteen type rubbish which i dont eat so i had to starve on both journeys.So that was a pain and wastelands was about right.
John/Commando Forces is the perfect driver.
Had chats with all the boarders present and i was amazed at how friendly they all were because i had the idea that i might have annoyed them on the board at times but they really are all a wonderful bunch.I had chats with various artists namely Simon Fraser,Colin McNeil,and Cam Kennedy and Mike Carrol about the artistic process which was really interesting from a beginners point of view.Watched them all scribbling as well.
I had some very positive feedback about my own artwork which i wasnt expecting :o
It was weird at first meeting other trekkers as it just felt weird talking to someone rather than typing on a screen and seeing how some were totally different to what i expected which seemed to be the same for everyone and i think i surprised others by being quiet rather than loud and opinionated etc so its good to defy expectations.
I dont want to eat a Chinese for another 10 years as i felt a bit ill afterwards but that was partly because i ate all i could eat which was 2 heaped platefuls and 3 puddings.I will eat elsewhere next year as i always feel ill after eating oriental cuisine.It was good but it doesnt agree with my internal digestive mechanism.Chips and a Kebab next year i think.
Stayed in a hotel 2 minutes from the venue.
If you havent been to a convention before then go to this next year as its unmissable
and because of its size you can talk to everyone including creators as they are very giving of their time and are happy to talk to beginners and then you end up drinking with them as well which is even better.
I hope this event continues as i will go every year from now on as its unmissable.
10 out of 10 and thanks to the organisers for making it happen and thanks to everyone else as well but NO thanks to Steve for posting that picture but otherwise Steve you are a VERY funny guy and so was everyone as it was a laugh :lol: from beginning to end.
Dog Deever was very funny as well.
Fucking brilliant.
Here is the link to my photos on facebook, I hardly took any at all I'm afraid. There is a nice one of Colin and Cam though, and a nice one of John and the Radwagon
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=163065&id=665267740&l=b28ff58e3c
Fantastic weekend. It was great to meet up with everybody. Big thanks to Rich, Vicky, Mike and all of the Hi-Ex crew- it's a lot of work and the success shows it's worthwhile.
My youngest wanted to do the sketch collection again...
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/Dog_Deever/overspill/NRDredd.jpg)
Cracking Dredd from Neil Roberts
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/Dog_Deever/overspill/GECatwoman.jpg)
Gary Erskine- Catwoman, to go with the Barman he did last year.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/Dog_Deever/overspill/SFDante.jpg)
brilliant Dante from Lossie Loon Simon Fraser,
Best til last- a paintbox classic from the incomparable ButtonMan...
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/Dog_Deever/overspill/fergusoriginal.jpg)
One more to pick up later and I also blew most of my small press budget on a page of Colin MacNeil Dredd with some beautiful cityscape stuff, a great layout, Dredd and Beeny. Well worth it.
It's the first original page I've ever owned and I spent most of last night examining it! I can't get over how fine some of the lines on it are. Superb. I'll have to figure out a way of getting it on here- it's bigger than my scanner!
Quote from: Buttonman on 28 March, 2010, 10:25:48 PM
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture018.jpg)
Assorted weirdoes.
Its the head growing out of someone's back at right angles that is the most worrying.
Quote from: Emperor on 29 March, 2010, 06:38:14 PM
Its the head growing out of someone's back at right angles that is the most worrying.
yeah, I've been meaning to have that growth removed for a while... :D
Another big Thank you to Colin MacNeil - the Hell Trekkers wanted to give C.F. something in appreciation for organising the minibus, (not to mention the shirts and Helltrek ration bars) and for driving almost 1500 miles to make this happen. We knew there was nothing available to buy that he wouldn't already have three of; someone suggested bidding on something in the auction for him, but having witnessed his "shock and awe" auction style, we'd have been bidding against him (and either losing or going bankrupt). Colin stepped up however, and found us some unique uncut proof pages from Judge Dredd: America which were duly donated to the Cellar of Dredd.
Locusts assured us that if he took his hat off and released his hair, he was a dead ringer for Johnny Alpha, but even Stacey's pleadings weren't enough to persuade him to demonstrate. The hat stayed on.
No-one's quite sure who first added a cock to the comic-jam pages (I heard it was Al Ewing), but once that line had been crossed, some of those strips got filthy! Had a good chat with Al, who's a grand bloke- he seemed to spend much of the weekend forced to talk about the boob-faced lady from his recent Meg story.
It was great to see so many enthusiastic kids there, teenage zombies, little girls in manga gear, even a young man in a terrific Flaming Carrot costume: (http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/HiEx2010HellTrek036.jpg)
A few other pics:
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/HiEx2010HellTrek044.jpg)
The main exhibitor's room (and the back of Buttonman's head)
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/HiEx2010HellTrek039.jpg)
Colonel Sanders kindly agreed to conduct the auction
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/HiEx2010HellTrek041.jpg)
The comic-jam, otherwise known as "grown up professionals who should know better draw lots of cocks"
(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/HiEx2010HellTrek047.jpg)
As the con comes to an end, Rich & Vicky draw the raffle - the big cardboard Davros was much sought after!
Wa-hey! Glad you all made it there and back safely and it looks like you had an extremely enjoyable time. Pleased to hear that operation "Drink Bar Dry" was an unmitigated victory. So, Colin claims the prize as "Most Resilient Pisshead" then does he? I can feel a steward's inquiry coming on with that one.
Congratulations to Vicky and Rich for organising another run away success of an event and I'm going to start saving now for next year.
Quote from: Dandontdare on 29 March, 2010, 07:10:59 PMColin stepped up however, and found us some unique uncut proof pages from Judge Dredd: America which were duly donated to the Cellar of Dredd.
:o
Quote from: stacey on 29 March, 2010, 05:47:53 PM
Here is the link to my photos on facebook, I hardly took any at all I'm afraid. There is a nice one of Colin and Cam though, and a nice one of John and the Radwagon
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=163065&id=665267740&l=b28ff58e3c
Love the photos, consider them all 'liked'!
That was a fantastic weekend. I'm just home now, ya, that's right it took me over 26 hours to get home because my flight was delayed twice, I'll try and get my sketches, pictures and an overall report on by the end of the night but, if I don't manage it, it's probably because I've collapsed due to exhaustion. It really was a great weekend and to be honest one of the best weekends I've ever had and you really are a great group of people.
I may even be persuaded to come back from Australia early to form an Irish Hell Trekkers.
Finally home and flopped in my armchair. Had a lovely time - thanks to Rich and Bou for organising such a great con, and lovely to meet all the boarders as well! Hope to see you all again next year!
Wow Gavin, that really was a Helltrek! Glad you made it home safe and sound eventually though.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 29 March, 2010, 08:04:23 PM
I may even be persuaded to come back from Australia early to form an Irish Hell Trekkers.
Ah, just pop over for the weekend, it'll be fine!
I don't really know much about this event, but judging by the comemnts, images and posts, I've missed out.
Like, y'know, massively
The Hell Trekkers have shown the rest of us forum slobs what commitment means. True grit people.
Hope you Hell Trekkers aren't feeling too tired and thanks for sharing the photo's, pictures and anecdotes with us. :D
First, these are the two bits of original art I have bought, both of which are fantastic.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/035-1.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/037-1.jpg)
Thanks too both Colin MacNeil and Simon Fraser.
Two really, really great artists
I really wish Shark would open the chat room tonight...can't wait til Weds.
Oh, and I vote Stacey "most adorable boarder", edging out Roger by a nose.
Do ye want to see some sketches then:
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/034.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/033.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/032.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/031.jpg)
Some more,
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/030.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/029.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/028.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/027.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/021.jpg)
Dog Deever's Beeny is great!
And the last few.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/022.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/023.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/024.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/025.jpg)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/026.jpg)
Holey sheet Gavin, that's a prodigious haul!
QuoteDog Deever's Beeny is great!
Well I got the flicks at the bottom of her hair the wrong way round, but it
was stupid o'clock in the pub after a couple o' beers.
Quote from: Dandontdare on 29 March, 2010, 07:10:59 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 29 March, 2010, 06:38:14 PM
Its the head growing out of someone's back at right angles that is the most worrying.
yeah, I've been meaning to have that growth removed for a while... :D
I recommend as much morphine as you can get your hands on and an angle grinder.
Quote from: Dandontdare on 29 March, 2010, 07:10:59 PMNo-one's quite sure who first added a cock to the comic-jam pages
Surely one to trouble Sherlock Holmes himself "The Comic-jam and the Mystery Penis"? I'd imagine not one for the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew (although there are rumours).
Quote from: Dandontdare on 29 March, 2010, 07:10:59 PM(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/HiEx2010HellTrek047.jpg)
As the con comes to an end, Rich & Vicky draw the raffle - the big cardboard Davros was much sought after!
Isn't that his Lordship preparing the mystery prize - cock in a box.
Ya, I don't know why John Higgins did a sketch of RAC though.
My favourite thread of the moment. Look forward to seeing more pics and sketches and reading more reports.
Gotta say, Mr Wolf, that is a fine head of hair.
Great thread! Good on all of you - and thanks for sharing :-)
M@
Here begins the trail of pics:-
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3260354.jpg)
Gavin, Locusts, Buttonman and myself stood at one of the local beauty spots. This is the place all the local tramps hang out and that's why we all felt right at home!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3260359.jpg)
Friday night in the Ramada, Roger (sat down), Al, Pete Wells, Gavin, Phil (DDD) and Bolt-01. This is the first night the booze ran out.
Quote from: Emperor on 29 March, 2010, 10:42:04 PM
Isn't that his Lordship preparing the mystery prize - cock in a box.
You know, I've been resisting some variation on that very joke for several hours now. God bless you for removing the temptation!
Cheers
Jim
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3260360.jpg)
Phil, Gavin, Al and me wearing a fetching Polo top ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270363.jpg)
Me, Mrs Kevin Levell and some bloke trying to get in on the action.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270366.jpg)
Proudfoot, Dog Deever, His Lordship, Bolt-01 and Locusts probably all talking about comics. The bunch of Nerds ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270367.jpg)
Stephen and his best friend Charlie. Oh! and me. Guess who has had the most to drink and it was only 20:00 :o
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270368.jpg)
His Lordship, me and Vicky. There was something in the air and it drew me and his Lordship together like bees to honey, once we looked into each others eyes we knew we had to be together for EVER.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270369.jpg)
Me and Ian Sharman, can you believe that my new lover Richmond didn't let on that he lived less than 10 miles away from me. He could have been a Hell-Trekker ::)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 11:18:51 PM
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270366.jpg)
Proudfoothuff, Dog Deever, His Lordship, Bolt-01 and Locusts probably all talking about comics. The bunch of Nerds ;)
Where that name came from I don't know. I shall blame the tiredness, sorry Tom.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270372.jpg)
Alcoholics Anonymous on a night out just about to be attacked by a red eyed demon from the depths of Manchester
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270373.jpg)
The Chinese meal on Saturday evening (yes I managed to take no photos at the con during the day). We happily posed for the pic but when the bill came 'Operation who the Fuck had two hot drinks began' (story to be told later in the thread)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280378.jpg)
The Mighty Al manages to get his hands on the Hell-Trek ration bar, I'm sure he must have eaten it by now!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280381.jpg)
Gary Erskine doing what he does best, draw cross dressing Judges.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280382.jpg)
Gavin, (the ever so lovely) Stacey, ?, Cam Kennedy, ?, Matthew and Dave.
Matthew was demonstrating his new show ready for the Edinburgh Festival 'The adventures of Willy and Wally the invisible wandering puppets', I'm sure it'll be something to be missed ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280383.jpg)
A Living Legend and Cam Kennedy!
Quote from: Van Dom on 29 March, 2010, 01:20:20 PM
I've decided I'm going to get my ass over to this next year, come Hell or High Water.
Any other Irish boarders tend to travel over for it? If there is, be cool for a gang of us to meet up and make our way there together (in other words, I'd probably get lost, mugged, raped and stranded in the middle of nowhere if I tried to make it on my own so....help!) ;) (Yes, my sense of direction is really that bad).
I'd be on for next year, I'm a Dub so gettin' to the 'port is no problem. I'm also a southsider so no need to worry, I don't rape.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280384.jpg)
Cam and Colin just before their very funny talk.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280386.jpg)
Dog has just told Kevin the story about the trainee nurse and his 34 inches. If you have visited the chatroom you will know ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280388.jpg)
Al is using mind power to print a script onto the page while Stacey gets some practise in for the nights pole dance competition at the Ramada.
An earlier report from FP:
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2010/tweeting-from-hi-ex/
A longer one:
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2010/hi-ex-2010-a-great-hurl-in-the-highlands/
Although I have yet to see any evidence anyone was sick ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 11:14:37 PM
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270363.jpg)
Me, Mrs Kevin Levell and some bloke trying to get in on the action.
To be honest it looks you've sneaked up to have your picture taken with someone who appears to have fallen asleep standing up ;)
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 March, 2010, 11:09:02 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 29 March, 2010, 10:42:04 PM
Isn't that his Lordship preparing the mystery prize - cock in a box.
You know, I've been resisting some variation on that very joke for several hours now. God bless you for removing the temptation!
I live to serve.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280389.jpg)
This ladies and gentlemen is the gathering of 2000AD creators and fans. Lets make nexts years even bigger ;)
Quote from: Garageman on 29 March, 2010, 11:51:30 PM
Quote from: Van Dom on 29 March, 2010, 01:20:20 PM
I've decided I'm going to get my ass over to this next year, come Hell or High Water.
Any other Irish boarders tend to travel over for it? If there is, be cool for a gang of us to meet up and make our way there together
I'd be on for next year, I'm a Dub so gettin' to the 'port is no problem.
This would be a fantastic idea, I'm sure we could have a convoy going up the west side of England ;)
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/001-1.jpg)
Roger perfects the Scottish way of saying hallo.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/006.jpg)
And they say it's hard to find 2000ad shops these days.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/007.jpg)
Al starts his quest for peace.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/008.jpg)
Pete and Stacey find out they speak the same language.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/009.jpg)
Gavin and Stacey: The Hi-Ex special
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/010.jpg)
Bolt looks on in envy, as he wishes he could grow a cool beard.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/012.jpg)
Kev and Al welcome me into there inner circle.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/013.jpg)
Pete, Buttonman, CF, Dog Deever and DDD.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/014.jpg)
You can see Stacey hates being one of the few ladies at these cons.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/015.jpg)
Somewhat late into the night the stability of some people is questionable.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/016.jpg)
After forgetting his key card, Kev Sutherland, once again resorts to using his sonic screwdriver.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/017.jpg)
With the non appearance Colin McNeil, Terry Pratchett is brought in so no one will notice.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/020.jpg)
Charlie Adlard faints at the sight of so many of his favourite boarder.
Three comments:
1) I love that Flaming Carrot costume and it has inspired me for next year.
2) They always draw cocks. I think there's some local bylaw that demands it now.
3) I hate you all and I feel horribly left out!
- Trout
Okay folks, this is how the first day started:-
I finished work at 05:45 and drove home, to quickly get some sleep but not before telling Carolyn to wake me at 12:00. At 11:52 I woke up and decided to get up and get on with everything.
No sooner had I climbed out of the shower than Carolyn informed me that I could collect the Radwagon, as the hire firm had phoned. I quickly dressed and just before I went down to get the vehicle Mike rang to inform me that he was very ill and had to pull out off the Trek. I said if your ill there's nothing you can do but I did say we could stop numerous times and he could hang his arse out the door. Strangely he declined that idea. I didn't tell the wife what the call was about as she would have worried that everything was falling apart before I set off. I knew differently though, as Gavin had already tweeted that he left at 09:00 on his journey to Gatwick.
I took all the docs down to the hire place and the twats wanted £250 deposit. I politely said that they didn't mention this before but as luck would have it I had a spare £250 on me. They then proceeded to try and give me a minibus with blacked out windows. I explained that I was shown a blue one before and I had many posters made to be stuck to the windows around the vehicle and I wanted a vehicle without tinted windows. Luckily (for them) they had one. Next stop was to fuel up and I put £86 in the tank.
I then went and had lunch with the missus and bought my 2000AD (I still haven't read it) and rushed home to pack the vehicle with all the goodies and place the posters around the place. I put 12 cans of assorted soft drinks on the seats, along with jammie dodgers and penguins for the lads. The posters took a while to position but soon it was nearly finished. Due to it pissing down I only placed one of the magnetice banners on the drivers door (just in case it fell off) after wiping down the door and drying it as best I could. I then messed about with Sam and said my goodbyes before departing for Gatwick at 17:00 (I set off early due to the conditions and what might be happening on the M25).
I arrived at Gatwick about 17:45 and waited for Peter and Gavin. I had to drive around the pick up point a few times so as not to be done for waiting for so long. Eventually Peter arrived and introduced himself and he placed his gear in the vehicle and after a quick chat we moved up to the far end of the pick up point and waited for Gavin. Carolyn texted to say he had been on the phone and that she had sent my mobile number to him. Not long after that and he rang to tell me he was trying to escape from the bowels of Gatwick. He appeared over the road and I recognised him straight away. After introductions he climbed in and away we went. The Hell-Trek was officially on.
We zoomed up the M25 and M1 towards Milton Keynes to get Roger and we picked him up at the train station around 20:45 after being told to get out the taxi rank! We all said hi and tweeted and posted stuff before setting off for LoD. We rang Matthew to let him know we were on the way and wou;d be with him within the hour. At about 20:45 we arrived at the hotel and services on the A1/A14 junction and met LoD as we all piled in for a piss. He dragged his supplies for everyone to the vehicle and we all sent messages again and set off for DDD.
I rang DDD and Buttonman to give approximate timings so they could prepare for us. We tootled up the M6 and had a bit of a fiasco with the toll road (never been on it before) but we made good time and met Phil at 00:40 and quickly set off for Buttonman.
The trip up the M6/M74 was a hungry one as no service station was open for cooked food. I managed to find a cheap petrol station and put in another £70 at the same price as Maidstone but still no food, Peter was not happy. This was the part of the trip we needed to make good time on, as it was all motorway to Butonman's.
We arrived at the home of a Weakest Link Winner and he as he started to load his gear certain people showed their knowledge of Glasgow customs and pissed outside his house, we are a class act! Now it was the climb through the mountains to Inverness.
There were many roadworks all the way up the route and it poured down nearly all the time but it didn't stop us. Also do not believe a word about us travelling at sub-light speeds, we only nudged 100mph once, or twice. We finally arrived in Inverness around 08:30 and prepared for the weekend.
I found the journey up here okay, many stories flew around the vehicle and that helped pass the time. During a lot of the last leg poor Stephen was trapped in the rear with everyone snoring around him. Still, we all made it and proved that with a little bit of faith and some planning this forum can pull off an adventure like this.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Wow it all looks so much fun. Great that you all had such a fantastic time and I'm really tempted to join in next year if the little un makes it possible?
Anyway the question all this leaves me with is Al Ewing the single most photographed person in history? I'm beginning to think he must have a network of doubles to make sure he can appear in all fan photos????
Strange you mentioned Al Ewing having clones. I suggested the most cloned person on the board was The Emperor (cause really, there must be at least 4 Emperors with as much as he posts links/writes scripts/entertains us with his patent brand of comedy).
Not wishing to derail the tread (and I'm sure someone will get it back on track when they realsie this is all just piffle) but I don't actually think The Emperor is a real person (has anybody met him?) rather some A.I. comics search engine that's developed sentience.
Its possible...
...no really
Wow! Its great being able to put faces to all the names!
And - wait for it locusts! - none of you look like I expected!!!!!!!!!!
What the heck did everyone expect me to look like?!? I got that all weekend long, ha.
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 08:49:37 AM
What the heck did everyone expect me to look like?!? I got that all weekend long, ha.
Six legs ... chitinous exoskeleton ...
Cheers!
Jim
That's it, exactly!! :lol:
If you noticed, I wear loose clothing and long sleeves to conceal said extra limbs and exoskeleton. I didn't want to look like a freak amongst all those comic book collectors!
You all look exactly how I imagined. In my dreams ;-)
With the notable exception of Peter Wolf's lionish locks, most of you look pretty much as I imagined. In fact Dog Deever looks so much like Dog Deever that it's a bit wonderful. I also enjoyed Pete's stock pose in all its many incarnations.
This is a great thread, BTW, the title particularly so after all this time. I'm very glad CF got such a fabulous gift, he more than deserves it for the vicarious fun he's given the rest of us, never mind the Trekkers themselves.
And your hat. locust, is mealy there to hide the antenna.
At work, knackered after the weekend.
Too much actual work to do to really say more than it was great to see you all again and meet new friends as well.
Locust- hope all was okay back at home, and it was a shame you missed the group shot.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 11:40:37 PM
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3270373.jpg)
Who is the bloke beside Peter/Fabio in the foreground with the ARSOM Jango Fett belt buckle, and where do I get one? (the buckle, not the bloke or the Wolf).
That's dangermouse3597, he has belt buckle as his avatar picture.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 30 March, 2010, 11:11:35 AM
That's dangermouse3597, he has belt buckle as his avatar picture.
Of course! Cheers, Gavin! He was 501st-ing at Hi-Ex too, yeah?
EDIT: Just noticed RG giving us the fingers in that pic too... I value consistency.
Don't think so, I didn't recognise him if he was. I think he might have left that to the professionals.
Wow- some great pics! We've got a few, obviously, and we'll try to get them up in the next day or so.
Still trying to get back to life here. What's strange is that I can't remember a lot of those pics being taken... apart from the flowering romance between CF and I, of course!
It was superb to see you all, and I just wish we had more time to talk to everyone!
I've only half a dozen or so pics from the weekend! I've stuck them up on my Facebook, but this one is easily the best pic of the event and the reason we put ourselves through this every year!
(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs105.snc3/15313_374127058243_717523243_3781851_6179923_n.jpg)
I didn't know Darth Vader was played by Tom Cruise.
Thanks all for your photos and memoirs, now I've enjoyed Hi-EX! as well!
That's a great picture RAC! Surely an excuse for a caption competition??
Quote from: uncle fester on 30 March, 2010, 12:50:08 PM
That's a great picture RAC! Surely an excuse for a caption competition??
Excellent idea- I'll do that right now!
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 29 March, 2010, 09:57:06 PM
I really wish Shark would open the chat room tonight...can't wait til Weds.
Oh, and I vote Stacey "most adorable boarder", edging out Roger by a nose.
I know exactly what you mean - bet theres lots of us online tomorrow night! And awwwwwww, a special mention to my lovely boyfriend who didn't complain once about me keep dumping him to hang with "me boys"!!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 11:49:02 PM
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280382.jpg)
Gavin, (the ever so lovely) Stacey, ?, Cam Kennedy, ?, Matthew and Dave.
Matthew was demonstrating his new show ready for the Edinburgh Festival 'The adventures of Willy and Wally the invisible wandering puppets', I'm sure it'll be something to be missed ;)
The guy standing next to Cam is George Coleman, he is proper lush he is. I'm afraid I don't know who the guy in the hat is
The fine chap in the hat was Dave Thomson, he is an artist for FQP who is currently working on a script for Zarjaz. He was having a very in depth chat with Locust about 'the metal'
We're home! Yay!
Best convention ever - and it was made even better by meeting so many boarders!
I'll check back in with a full report later (plus I'll be updating the Hi-Ex website), but for now we're off to collect the cats from Disneyland (that's where we told them they were going - they're only cats, they don't know that it's only a cattery!).
We love you all!
Mike and Lee
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 March, 2010, 01:27:27 PM
The fine chap in the hat was Dave Thomson, he is an artist for FQP who is currently working on a script for Zarjaz. He was having a very in depth chat with Locust about 'the metal'
Look how animated I am. 'The metal' moves me. And Dave is a very nice fellow!
FQ table was THE SPOT. Coolest corner of the con.
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 03:41:41 PM
FQ table was THE SPOT. Coolest corner of the con.
Heh. I popped over to the FQ table for a quick chat with Dave at Thought Bubble last year, and before I knew it they were closing the hall and chucking everyone out!
Cheers
Jim
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 03:41:41 PM
FQ table was THE SPOT. Coolest corner of the con.
It was indeed, Bolt barely had time to do a sketch he selling so much.
Here are the two bits that I bought on Saturday.
This one is from the trading card series that came out years ago called 'Dredd - the card game' and this picture was used on one of the incident cards. It's by Colin MacNeil, just in case no-one could guess, plus it is written on the card ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290365.jpg)
I was looking through Simon Fraser's art that was for sale, to buy a Dredd and there was some great stuff in there. Amazingly I didn't buy Dredd as when I turned over one page and saw this Dante piece I just had to buy it.
I love the expressions on their faces as the rain mingles in with the tears. This is just beautiful and will be going off to get framed this Thursday along with the piece by Colin.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290358.jpg)
What i noticed about Inverness was how clean the air was and how good the tap water tasted.I must have drunk as much water as i did alcohol.Inverness also felt very relaxed and on Friday and Saturday night there was no horrible atmosphere or undercurrents of aggression that i always usually notice in town centres at night at weekends.Very friendly locals that you can start conversations with while having a fag break outside the hotel.
I also asked a couple of questions during the Cam Kennedy/Colin McNeil Q+A session and got some good advice from them about the artistic process outside just afterwards.Had quite a long chat with Dave Thompson about the same thing.I only just made it to the above Q+A session because i didnt get up until 12.30pm.
Well you both did better than me - I was sitting outside reading Dogbreath over a coffee thinking I had another half an hour to kill, but I'd forgotten to put my watch forward!
Well done Vicky and Rich another great weekend, whens the next one? :D
Wonderful time meeting, drawing and drinking with you guys, never enough time to get round all the boarders, I'm sure Al was dying to tell me all about titface but our paths never crossed
Highlights?
Cam and I discussing green beans then him announcing me as the 'Musselburgh Mongoose'to his gaggle of admirers
Lynsay's ' F**ckin Hands of a Strangler!' speech
Buttonman bleary eyes
Leaving the Ramadanadingdong bogs and hearing someone saying 'drawing Commando comics saved my life'
Hearing a young comic fan state that 'I wannna look like that when I grow up' when Rich passed in his Hopkirk suit
and Stacey's 'Ah shouted 'scum' at him, well you would' comment
and among many others Dog Deevers'generosity and abilty to rant on any given subject
no doubt other thing will peculate to the surface once the tide of Guniness ebbs..
Hope the Locust sprog is on the mend
Day 2.
We arrived and found the hotels easily but we couldn't book into the Ramada till 14:00. Peter and Gavin managed to book into theirs (Bastards). I reckon this was because it was full of pensioners (they were all shuffling out the doors for a coach trip as we approached) and they probably wanted some young men to play with during the wee hours.
Anyway we then decided to grab some grub at a local café after I asked a market trader what was the best place to get a decent breakfast. I can't remember the name but I'm sure one of the lads will. It had four motorbikes above the seating area, I think Buttonman was after one. After our refreshments we had a little wander about and Roger bought a bottle of local firewater before we walked up a small hill to a local tramps beauty spot where we proceeded to take some pictures.
Soon enough it was time to book in properly, so everyone split up and went to their hotels with a proviso to meet in the Ramada bar after 19:00ish (I think). I had also rang Vicky just to let her know that we had arrived safely.
Stephen and myself settled into our penthouse apartment on the top floor with our river view from the window. After unpacking and a chat about many things we drifted off into a deep sleep. About an hour or so later we got up and showered and went to the bar. I can honestly say I don't think we had an evening meal (I hope someone can verify this).
On entering the bar we met Mike Carroll who told us who was in there. Stephen's good friends, Charlie Adlard, Simon Fraser, John Higgins and Gary Erskine. Numerous drinks started to pass our lips as the bar filled out with your favourite boarders and creators.
Many stories were told and many strange pictures were taken during the evening. I can't really remember that much until I started to drink myself sober, quite clever that! In the end we were thrown out of the bar and Al Ewing, Ian Sharman, Buttonman and myself sat around a table with my phone playing numerous obscure 80's songs on youtube. This went on till about 03:00 when we decided Al had sung enough and it was time to get some sleep.
I shall write about Saturday in the next post. I hope someone can remember what actually happened in the bar on Friday night as I need someone to jog my memory, thanks.
To be continued...
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 08:03:17 AM
Strange you mentioned Al Ewing having clones. I suggested the most cloned person on the board was The Emperor (cause really, there must be at least 4 Emperors with as much as he posts links/writes scripts/entertains us with his patent brand of comedy).
Not wishing to get all technical on your ass but... you are averaging 4.36 posts a day, compared to my meagre 1.462 (now closer to 1.463).
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 March, 2010, 08:16:39 AM
Not wishing to derail the tread (and I'm sure someone will get it back on track when they realsie this is all just piffle) but I don't actually think The Emperor is a real person (has anybody met him?) rather some A.I. comics search engine that's developed sentience.
Its possible...
...no really
It has been suggested before that I have let Google plug my brain directly into the Net. This is, of course, nonsense. The truth is I have perfected the art of nonchalant ubiquity, whether this is achieved through holograms or smoke and mirrors or a direct application of 5th dimensional non-Euclidean geometry or 26th century utility fog is something you can speculate all you like without even approaching The Truth.
PS: I am not David Bishop either, even if my apologising for Spacegirls (and anything with "3000" in the title) on the Wednesday Night Chat fooled Colin McNeil into believing the untruths being wildly peddled on there by those who shall remain nameless (because can't recall who it was at the moment but it will return to me, oh yes it will).
Quote from: Emperor on 30 March, 2010, 07:18:46 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 08:03:17 AM
Strange you mentioned Al Ewing having clones. I suggested the most cloned person on the board was The Emperor (cause really, there must be at least 4 Emperors with as much as he posts links/writes scripts/entertains us with his patent brand of comedy).
Not wishing to get all technical on your ass but... you are averaging 4.36 posts a day, compared to my meagre 1.462 (now closer to 1.463).
Whoah Emps, I meant all the information you provide us, not to insult you - how much info you come up with is incredible. As I told many people over the weekend, you simply amaze me with with how much your write and gather information to help others out.
Did anyone see the weather predicted for the route up to Inverness over the coming days, 30-40cm of SNOW. Jesus that was lucky :thumbsup:
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 March, 2010, 07:42:57 PM
Did anyone see the weather predicted for the route up to Inverness over the coming days, 30-40cm of SNOW. Jesus that was lucky :thumbsup:
BTW the landscape sketch that was folded in half inside the 2000ad diary was done by myself.I started drawing that at 2.00am on Saturday in the bar.
Hope you havent thrown it away....
;)
I wondered where that came from Peter, it's still in the pile of goodies in the Cellar of Dredd. Once you are famous I'll flog it ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 March, 2010, 07:49:43 PM
I wondered where that came from Peter, it's still in the pile of goodies in the Cellar of Dredd. Once you are famous I'll flog it ;)
I might post myself some poo when that happens.....
Just to clear stuff up- I have met the Emperor and can confirm he is indeed a human being.
I'm now sat sorting all the contributor copies and the paypals from the weekend. This is the worst bit of the small press editors lot...
I've decided that if I can get them done before bed I'll have a look in my BOX of goodies from the con.
Oh- and Mini-Bolt is so jealous of us all it is wonderful to behold :)
The more pics I see the more I wish I'd been there. Looks like a great time was had.
I didn't notice Colin MacNeil in any of those pics, how did you manage to avoid that Col....or did I just miss one?
Quote from: Van Dom on 30 March, 2010, 08:00:11 PM
I didn't notice Colin MacNeil in any of those pics, how did you manage to avoid that Col....or did I just miss one?
Quote from: Buttonman on 28 March, 2010, 10:34:25 PM
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture024.jpg)
NO! I will not sign your Discworld books!
He always comes in disguise ;)
P.S. If you want to start from the begining of the trip up then start on page 71.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 March, 2010, 07:55:03 PMJust to clear stuff up- I have met the Emperor and can confirm he is indeed a human being.
Yes, that is just what I wanted you to believe. I'm glad my meatpuppet fooled you all.
Next he will be telling you I'm not David Bishop, which is true, because I am not him either (and his proximity to Tharg has made it fiendishly difficult to hack into his brain, so I've heard).
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 March, 2010, 11:14:06 AM
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 30 March, 2010, 11:11:35 AM
That's dangermouse3597, he has belt buckle as his avatar picture.
Of course! Cheers, Gavin! He was 501st-ing at Hi-Ex too, yeah?
Nope I wasn't dressed up as anything except a comics geek! The buckles are available in many places (my local comic shop for one) but I had a mate custom paint and battle damage it for me as it was only a plain silver buckle.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 March, 2010, 05:26:56 PM
Day 2.
It had four motorbikes above the seating area, I think Buttonman was after one.
That'd be Charlie's Cafe inFarraline Park (the bus station). These bikes are all highly expensive Italian thoroughbreds upwards of £25K when new and have lived up there for many years.
Dangermouse - so you were the bloke with the Buffy t-shirt. We spoke about how I got my wife reading Buffy comics! Ah!
Quote from: stacey on 30 March, 2010, 01:15:06 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 11:49:02 PM
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280382.jpg)
Gavin, (the ever so lovely) Stacey, ?, Cam Kennedy, ?, Matthew and Dave.
Matthew was demonstrating his new show ready for the Edinburgh Festival 'The adventures of Willy and Wally the invisible wandering puppets', I'm sure it'll be something to be missed ;)
The guy standing next to Cam is George Coleman, he is proper lush he is. I'm afraid I don't know who the guy in the hat is
Ahhhh so that is what a reconditioned artdroid looks like? I had imagined the sight to be far more frightening but while I don't feel qualified to speak on his lushness (he is a bit too far away to see if he is dense and teeming with life), at least I haven't lost bowel control, which was what I was expecting. In fact... the complete lack of trouser filling terror in any of these photos (apart from DDD's scary back lump) makes me suspect they have been carefully doctored to make us think it was all fun and games and lure us up there next year.
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 07:31:47 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 30 March, 2010, 07:18:46 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 March, 2010, 08:03:17 AM
Strange you mentioned Al Ewing having clones. I suggested the most cloned person on the board was The Emperor (cause really, there must be at least 4 Emperors with as much as he posts links/writes scripts/entertains us with his patent brand of comedy).
Not wishing to get all technical on your ass but... you are averaging 4.36 posts a day, compared to my meagre 1.462 (now closer to 1.463).
Whoah Emps, I meant all the information you provide us, not to insult you - how much info you come up with is incredible. As I told many people over the weekend, you simply amaze me with with how much your write and gather information to help others out.
Sorry I was pulling your leg (you've got spares if that snaps off) - I was hoping the tone of the rest of the post might have conveyed this. That'll learn me to post when hungry, hungry like Peter Wolf (is there a photo of him when he doesn't look like he is going to eat someone?).
Quote from: Van Dom on 30 March, 2010, 08:00:11 PM
The more pics I see the more I wish I'd been there. Looks like a great time was had.
I didn't notice Colin MacNeil in any of those pics, how did you manage to avoid that Col....or did I just miss one?
Agreed. It looks ace fun, and I want to go next year. And some funny photos.
Question: I know it's some kind of Tooth convention, but who runs it, and how much does it cost and...er, any other details. Like next year's date, or any similar events this year?
I had better put a few words down about the weekend before I start forgetting everything.
Firstly, I was amazed with how nice everyone I met at the weekend. From all the Hell-Trekkers (including Rodger) and the boarders to the creators.
The Friday and Saturday were both fantastic, although I could have gone without been told variations of "having a long way to go back to Tipperary" or that "I've come a long way". I was also pleased that on both nights we drank the taps dry and I resorted to drinking rum, which as some will probably state was not a good idea. The relaxed atmosphere was great, having drinks with some of the most interesting and talented people who I ever met, who were more then happy to give advice.
Most people were not exactly as I expected, whatever that means. I have a massive pile of comics to get through, mostly small press, thanks to Bolt, who turned out to be one of the nicest people I met at the weekend.
I don't think, anything will keep me from going next year although lots of things may be trying. So a big thank you and a massive well done to RAC and BOU.
Quote from: brendan1 on 30 March, 2010, 09:13:42 PM
Quote from: Van Dom on 30 March, 2010, 08:00:11 PM
The more pics I see the more I wish I'd been there. Looks like a great time was had.
I didn't notice Colin MacNeil in any of those pics, how did you manage to avoid that Col....or did I just miss one?
Agreed. It looks ace fun, and I want to go next year. And some funny photos.
Question: I know it's some kind of Tooth convention, but who runs it, and how much does it cost and...er, any other details. Like next year's date, or any similar events this year?
Here's the website http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/home.htm (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/home.htm) It's a general comics thing but with a 2000AD flavour, the weekend ticket this year was 20 quid and worth every penny.
Quote from: dangermouse3597 on 30 March, 2010, 10:04:31 PM
Quote from: brendan1 on 30 March, 2010, 09:13:42 PM
Quote from: Van Dom on 30 March, 2010, 08:00:11 PM
The more pics I see the more I wish I'd been there. Looks like a great time was had.
I didn't notice Colin MacNeil in any of those pics, how did you manage to avoid that Col....or did I just miss one?
Agreed. It looks ace fun, and I want to go next year. And some funny photos.
Question: I know it's some kind of Tooth convention, but who runs it, and how much does it cost and...er, any other details. Like next year's date, or any similar events this year?
Here's the website http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/home.htm (http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/home.htm) It's a general comics thing but with a 2000AD flavour, the weekend ticket this year was 20 quid and worth every penny.
Many thanks indeed
I'll post some gushing words about the event tomorrow as I've got shitloads of work to do tonight but here's my sketches and the like...
Firstly, the beautiful original artwork for the event poster by the wonderful Colin MacNeil. As CF has already said, I won this in the auction and I got it for a criminally low price. Colin was kind enough to get it professionally framed too...
(http://www.hi-ex.co.uk/images/auction10-16.jpg)
Speaking of Mr MacNeil (who was an absolute gent, by the way and gives very manly hugs!) I got this amazing Mechanismo Mk1 'sketch'...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/Wellsy/MacNeil.jpg?t=1269983542)
Next up, cover superstar Neil Roberts did me this beauty. I asked for a 'Dredd on Lawmaster' version of his 'Johnny on the Mork' cover (Prog 1656) he did:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/Wellsy/NeilRoberts.jpg?t=1269983551)
I thought I'd ask Simon Fraser to do something he's never done and suggested Judge Death. He informed me that he'd just drawn him (damn you CF!) so I asked for Mortis instead. Strangely, he kept apologising for not having detailed knowledge of ram's skulls!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/Wellsy/SiFr-1.jpg?t=1269983554)
Finally, this stunning masterpiece from, if there's any justice, future 2000AD droid Kevlev! It's unfinished but he promised to finish it the next morning, unfortunately I slept in (seems to be a trend there!)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/Wellsy/Kevlev.jpg?t=1269983545)
Hope you liked the pics, I'll give my thoughts, rundown and gossip from the event tomorrow!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 March, 2010, 12:01:48 AM
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3280389.jpg)
This ladies and gentlemen is the gathering of 2000AD creators and fans. Lets make nexts years even bigger ;)
Cool pic, everyone. In fact all the pics posted suggest good vibes at HI-EX that would make the Beach Boys sound gothic.
I'm looking forward to attending this bad girl next year and grabbing a stall.
I'm on break at work listening to the chaos that is happening across Scotland and just relieved that we missed all this.
The convention gets moved back to avoid the bad weather but the bad weather seems to have followed the dates.
We were bloody lucky, it must have been Gavin ;)
It's fine here in Paisley - Phil's piss must have diverted the weather system.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 31 March, 2010, 02:46:30 AM
I'm on break at work listening to the chaos that is happening across Scotland and just relieved that we missed all this.
The convention gets moved back to avoid the bad weather but the bad weather seems to have followed the dates.
We were bloody lucky, it must have been Gavin ;)
Whatever small rodents Vicky and Rich sacrificed to the weather gods were obviously worth it.
QuoteWhatever small rodents Vicky and Rich sacrificed to the weather gods were obviously worth it.
I can assure you no rodents were harmed in the making of this convention. If some comic fans haven't made it home yet, I have nothing to comment upon the matter.
A HUGE thankyou to everyone who came, to everyone that donated, to the lovely nerve centre droids, to the intrepid Helltrekkers. The feedback is incredible, the word 'buzz' comes up a lot. It was a phenomenal buzz & a wad of cash for charity
I've a load of pix up on our site. www.hi-ex.co.uk stupid camera batteries died on the Saturday so missed many a great photo op.
I haven't managed to slow down yet tonnes of post con work to do them a major catch up with my own work, luckily the 'buzz' is keeping me going...
Thanks again guys & gals, fantastic to meet/ & see yous. XXX
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 March, 2010, 11:05:19 PM
Here begins the trail of pics:-
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3260354.jpg)
Gavin, Locusts, Buttonman and myself stood at one of the local beauty spots. This is the place all the local tramps hang out and that's why we all felt right at home!
That was my hotel in the background [Palace Hotel].It was pretty good .I was hearing complaints about very thin walls and noise in the Ramada from those who stayed there but my hotel was fine with no noise and i wasnt woken up in the mornings when i overslept and i was able to book in early and its 2 minutes from the venue just across the river from the Ramada so its highly recommended.
My blog about Hi Ex is up on the sfx website - i sneaked in our group shot, a nice one of CF and the Radwagon as well as a nice one of Cam and Colin
http://www.sfx.co.uk/2010/03/31/blog-hi-ex-2010/
Wonderful write up, Stacey, it really sums up what a fantastic weekend it was.
Nice one Stacey. One correction however - John drove a lot more than 350 miles altogether! His original estimate was something like 1380m, but I think it actually ended up being quite a bit more due to various diversions.
and you're scared of stormtroopers? Ya big geordie wuss!
It was just over 1500 miles :o
It was nearly 1900 miles for me.
I love, love, love that Mechanismo sketch! Colin's sketches are among the best I've ever seen at conventions, possibly rivalled only by D'Israeli.
- Trout
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 31 March, 2010, 05:12:15 PM
It was nearly 1900 miles for me.
I was awake during all my miles Gavin ;)
bah! sorry CF, I am imbecile, have tried to leave a comment (don't have editing rights to SFX forum) with correct information but it won't let me. Will try again later.
Anyway, Stormtroopers are terrifying FACT and anyone who doesn't think so is by far a better man than me! :-)
No probs Stacey, many things that happened over the weekend are a blur in my memory. I'm slowly writing what I can remember from Saturday and Sunday, ready to post over the next few days.
Ah reading all this is bringing back all the memories from the weekend, I had a great time there, met loads of you, spent far too much on comics and got lost in Inverness.
Getting there and back by train was no fun at all, nice scenery but 3 and a half hours without a cigarette is a tall order. I'll have to try and go on the next Hell Trek!
My trip was a shade over 900 miles. Worth all of them, let me tell you. Great write up Stace.
Bah I wish I was there! But I'm thrilled you all had a good time. Hi-Ex is my favourite Con ever and I'll be there next year for sure. I'll be bringing my son along hopefully too :D
I thoroughly enjoyed it and I wasn't even there. Great write ups and pics.
Has been good putting faces to my imaginary friends. They get full marks for services to Thrill-Power, unlike me, an armchair 2000AD fan.
Cheers Bolt, you get special mention for chicken on a stick arsumness and having to be the one who did the sniffing! You rock!
I just put three bits in to get framed, that's another £110 out the wallet. Curse you Pete and your already framed auction win :lol:
Saturday,
So it begins, after having a few hours sleep I awake at 07:30 and have a quick look on the forum to see what is going on. I decide that this is way too early to be up and drift off again to the dulcet tones of Buttonman and his snoring.
I awake again at 09:00 and do all the things that have to be done to look alive before we all meet up and march over to the convention.
As we are stood in the queue one of the lads sees Terry Pratchett outside, so I go and have a quick word with Colin and let him know we all made it in one piece and that I'll see him in the hall to discuss some things. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and see the queue moving so I bid farewell to Colin and rejoin the rest of the lads.
After we get our goodie bag and wristband, I decide to employ a special technique so that come the night I can take mine off and put it back on the next day, without ripping it apart (it works). Don't want to be wandering about Inverness with a blue band on my wrist do I.
We follow Rich, or was it Vicky (drink clouds things) into the sketch hall. Straight away I notice the FutureQuake table in the corner to the left with Bolt-01 manning the ramparts, ready for action. All the Trekkers wander across and many hands are shook (yes, Bolt has more than 2) and laughter ensues as tales are swapped.
During this period I decide to get the lay of the hall for my assault later on. Once I had marked my territory and seen what I was going to buy, talk to and get sketches from, I relaxed a little.
I wandered back to Colin's table and bought a fantastic piece that was used as an incident card in the 'Dredd card game' the colours are so vibrant (this is being framed as this goes on the forum). I also bought his 'Jack the Puffin and the amazing pufflets' book for Samuel. I noticed that on the Hi-Ex! site it says, mention puffins to Colin, so on the chatroom one night I did and he said he'd bring one up for me and like the gent he is, he did.
I then started my sketch campaign and started with a brilliant Dredd off John Higgins and nearly collapsed with the marker fumes (I could still smell it when I got home). Then I moved onto Will Pickering and managed a full body Dredd as he chatted about his graphic novel with Martin Conoghan 'Burke & Hare' (I bought one and had it signed for Carolyn). He mentioned that he had a tiny part (fnar) in the film walking past Simon Pegg but he might be cut out.
I then moved across to the 2000AD area and looked through Simon Fraser's pages for sale. I was looking for a Dredd but when I saw a particular Dante page I knew that I would have to have it, so I bought it and left it with Simon until I had been to the auction and proved my manliness. After a few more stories, laughs and introductions it was time for the auction, that's on the other thread, suffice to say I laid waste to all the pretenders who dared to challenge me (I dread next year). I must add I handed my sketch book to poor Kev Levell to do a pic for me and completely forgot, as I wandered into the auction. I did feel terrible for doing that, I should have been chatting to him when he did a brilliant Fink, sorry Kev.
Back in the hall I managed to get Simon Fraser to draw a Judge Death and we chatted about numerous subjects including the Hadron Collider, only joking, it was all comic stuff.
I think that was the last sketch I had done that day, as that was the main event for Sunday. We all wandered about doing convention stuff and before long it was 18:00 and time to get back to the hotels, to get ready for the Chinese meal.
When I returned to the room and saw Stephen I realised that I had hardly seen him all day. I'm sure he's already explained what he got up to but if not it may be because of the drink! We all met in the Ramada lobby and set off for grub, I was fucking starving by now and thirsty, but it was coke for me tonight as I needed a decent sleep before tomorrows drive back.
There were 60 places reserved for the Hi-Ex! gathering and it was quite a lively meal. On the table we had the Hell-Trekkers, dangermouse3597, Kev F. Sutherland and Michel Rodrigue (and his wife), I was sat on the other end of the table and only realised when 'Operation who the Fuck had two hot drinks began'. The bill came over and being on the end I took it. Straight away I realised something was wrong, I didn't recall anyone having any coffee's or similar hot beverages. I went over to the till and politely asked where this extra stuff came from. 'Never mind mate I'll be back in a minute as there seems to be a lot of extra drinks on this bill.' I took a detailed drinks count and in the end we had £15 knocked off the bill. Michel and his wife were paying by card so they came back to the till with me to pay their part and this was when I actually realised who he was, what a twat I felt. I couldn't really start a conversation whilst showing how cheap us Brits are now could I.
After that we went to a bar on the other side of the river, had one drink and returned quickly as it was time for the Ramada Bar to be drunk dry, AGAIN! During the evening I managed to chat with most artists and writers but many stories can NOT be printed. (I have just retold a story to Dan Abnett and his wife as I collected my comics today and after I had finished they said that the person on the receiving end of the tale was a very good friend of theirs, oops!) So as you can see what happens in the Ramada MUST stay in the Ramada.
Suffice to say the Comic Jam happened and it was very funny to read the finished strange tales (remember, I was sober). I managed (eventually) to show Mike Carroll and John Higgins the behind the scenes Judge Minty stuff and both were very impressed. We had to retreat to the lounge area once Mike brought down his DVD player so we could watch it in a bit of quiet. Many more stories later I decided to get to bed early so as to get some decent sleep. A little while later and I climbed into my pit at 04:00 ::)
To be continued...
Bollocks, that Kev Levell bit was during one of the talks on Sunday, see how clouded the weekend was ::)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 01 April, 2010, 05:18:05 PM
We follow Rich, or was it Vicky (drink clouds things) into the sketch hall.
Rich was the one with the beard. Sheesh, I thought
I was drunk!
you were and the photos prove it!
Especially the ones Gavin took - verticality was becoming difficult in some of those!
I bought 3 pages of Tour Of Duty from Colin McNeil.It was hard to choose what pages to buy as there were so many and it was something else seeing original artwork for the first time.
It was funny trying to buy a page from Insurrection for 20 quid.One of the trekkers said that they were being sold for 20 quid so i chose a page that had a widescale battle scene with loads of detail and gave Colin 20 quid thinking it was a done deal not realising that this particular page was priced at 200 quid !
Unfortunately i didnt have another 180 quid to spare.
Some HiEx blogs,
Graeme Neil Reid
http://gnreid.blogspot.com/ (http://gnreid.blogspot.com/)
Down The Tubes
http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2010/04/photo-review-hi-ex-2010.html (http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2010/04/photo-review-hi-ex-2010.html)
At last! I've found time to upload some stuff to photobucket!
We don't get time to get sketches at HiEx, but this time we did get a couple. Bou got this from Neil Roberts:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/rac11/IMG00197-20100402-1355.jpg)
Then as he left, Simon Fraser handed me these corkers:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/rac11/IMG00199-20100402-1356.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/rac11/IMG00198-20100402-1355.jpg)
Bou won this in the auction:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/rac11/IMG00196-20100402-1354.jpg)
And as if that wasn't enough- bought this delightful page from Mr Fraser!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/rac11/IMG00195-20100402-1354.jpg)
The Lulu panel from Simon Fraser is SO good I'm breathless with jealousy!
I am very glad that the two cam Kennedy pieces in the auction went to members of this forum and not elsewhere.
Sunday,
Luckily today I manage to get a decent sleep and wake up around 08:00 posted on the forum and went back to sleep for another hour.
We all packed out the Radwagon with our bags and gear so we could clear our rooms out and drove over to the convention in style. We parked with the back right up against some trees so no bugger could get into the back, don't want to loose all those goodies!
This day started a little more relaxed than yesterday as many people were still recovering from the night before and also the clocks went forward. I won't say who they were, as they know who they were ;) Let's just say Colin was not at his table! Then again he was up till 09:00, an excellent showing all round.
Anyway today was sketch day, plus I wanted to watch two panels during the afternoon. I first managed to get a Mean Machine off Neil Roberts and chat about his Horus covers, as there is so much detail involved in those pages. Then it was onto Gary Erskine who drew a fantastic Hershey (or is it Dredd) I love the line work on her face in particular. All who were stood watching didn't even notice that he had written Dredd on her name badge until it was pointed out to us. Too busy chatting away about all sorts to notice and then all the jokes flew about how the badge is there.
Next up was a Bolt-01 piece and I let him choose an Orlok (I'm having a major character from Dredd's world in this sketchbook but none can be repeated) and set about doing a lovely piece and he managed to include a hand grenade (I won't tell him that his hand should have been around the safety lever, lol) but my favourite bit is the scar.
At this time Matthew had to depart due to family matters, this was sad for us as he was such a good laugh but family always overrules everything else. He went home with our sad farewells ringing in his ears as he made his way to the train station.
Then it was Charlie Adlard's time to draw a brilliant Anderson and he was trying to recall how the Lawgiver looked, turned out fine if you ask me. I had a wander about chatting with many people after that and managed to grab Cam Kennedy for a good 10 minutes before his interview and I must say, what a gent! Obviously, next up was the Cam Kennedy interview by Colin (I'm not here yet) MacNeil. This was excellent, full of very funny stories about his life and work with a small bit of Q&A thrown in. I asked which characters did he not like drawing but he had to due to the job. His answer was the Star Wars stuff (very funny story) mainly because he was sick of drawing the same thing over and over again. He loved 2000AD because he could draw a car one week, destroy it and the next week draw a completely different car, and destroy it again. He also doesn't like drawing horses! Many questions were thrown his way and he answered every one. He even gave Peter some advice on his way of starting out in the art world. Peter said that he was copying other people pages and Cam said to keep doing that until eventually his own style comes through, as it will.
After this there was half an hour before the 2000AD panel, so I wandered over to the FuturQuake table and this is when I asked Kev if he could do me a pic. I said I'd be back in a minute, as I wanted to take a few photos. Next thing I knew, I was in the cinema sitting down for the 2000AD panel. I still feel terrible now leaving Kev doing the Fink, as I always like to chat as the art appears on the page. What a bastard am I!
The 2000AD panel was from what I can remember very entertaining. I did record it and at some stage in the near future bother my arse to put it online. It went on for 60 mins and then it was time for the closing ceremony. Thanks all round for a convention well done.
I then found Kev, who was okay about my absence and he even said to get in touch so he can do another sketch as he wasn't happy with what he drew (I was). These arty people eh! This is when the lads and Colin threw their little surprise for me for organising the Hell-Trek, suffice to say I was very moved by it and thankful to Colin.
Now it was time to say goodbye to all everyone and all of Stephen's best mates before the drive back. Let's just say Peter starved, it rained, the map incident was fun, it rained, we saw the Curry Mile, it rained and I had a massive detour after dropping Gavin and Peter off at Gatwick but in the end it was a pleasant drive back.
I now have to wait 4 weeks in case of being caught speeding (it's more than a fortnight due to being a hire vehicle) fingers crossed, what do you say Bolt-01.
Sorry if I've not mentioned everyone I met or all the events but so much happened that I can't remember it all.
So when does the thread for the 2012 Trek start 8-)
I got these lovely items at Hi-Ex
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b21/dangermouse3597/02042010399.jpg)
once I figure out the best way to how you the comic pages I got I'll post them too.
Quote from: W. R. Logan on 02 April, 2010, 09:03:55 PM
So when does the thread for the 2012 Trek start 8-)
After I start the thread for 2011 :D
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 02 April, 2010, 09:43:29 PM
Quote from: W. R. Logan on 02 April, 2010, 09:03:55 PM
So when does the thread for the 2012 Trek start 8-)
After I start the thread for 2011 :D
Thats the trouble with working nights it fries your brain, only another 10 hours to go :o
Not jealous much. I sounded a hoot. Maybe next year.
V
By the time i was back in brighton i hadnt eaten for 36 hours >:(
It was also ironic driving through the Curry Mile with what looked like 5000 curry houses and takeaways and not being able to stop and eat anything.So if you are driving all night and hungry then its tough shit because everything is closed.
To be fair, we did stop at one services where we had fish and chips, lasagne and bangers and mash, but you wouldn't eat because the Burger King was closed! And you could have had any amount of meals between getting up and our 5.30 departure, but skipped breakfast and lunch.
Most of the services were a dead loss though - if you wanted more than a pre-packed sandwich, everything else was shut, which is a bit crap these days.
Quote from: vzzbux on 02 April, 2010, 11:06:43 PMI sounded a hoot.
Did you really?
Quote from: Dandontdare on 03 April, 2010, 11:30:25 AM
To be fair, we did stop at one services where we had fish and chips, lasagne and bangers and mash, but you wouldn't eat because the Burger King was closed! And you could have had any amount of meals between getting up and our 5.30 departure, but skipped breakfast and lunch.
Most of the services were a dead loss though - if you wanted more than a pre-packed sandwich, everything else was shut, which is a bit crap these days.
Quote from: vzzbux on 02 April, 2010, 11:06:43 PMI sounded a hoot.
Did you really?
Thats true but i didnt expect every other services to be shut beyond that and as for eating at the event it just didnt occur to me to eat as i was caught up in the days events and before i knew it was 5pm !I didnt not eat because Burger King was closed but because what you ate wasnt what i wanted to eat at the time as i was hankering after Burger and Chips for some reason.
I should have eaten something at the HIEX so i am partly to blame but so are the services for being third rate.We didnt stop so i could get a curry because it might have stunk out the van which was being returned that morning and CF didnt want to risk of losing the deposit on it.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 02 April, 2010, 01:33:02 PM
Some HiEx blogs,
Graeme Neil Reid
http://gnreid.blogspot.com/ (http://gnreid.blogspot.com/)
Down The Tubes
http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2010/04/photo-review-hi-ex-2010.html (http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2010/04/photo-review-hi-ex-2010.html)
And FP have rounded up a few:
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2010/comics-and-cartoon-event-goodness-a-links-round-up/
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 02 April, 2010, 01:09:40 PM
It was funny trying to buy a page from Insurrection for 20 quid.One of the trekkers said that they were being sold for 20 quid so i chose a page that had a widescale battle scene with loads of detail and gave Colin 20 quid thinking it was a done deal not realising that this particular page was priced at 200 quid !
:lol: Aw man, my mouth was hanging open with raw seething jealousy as that sentence progressed but all came good at the end. Be aware that your pain has eased mine!
Seriously lads, I have
got to do this next year, it sounds fantastic. C'mon yer Lordship, get us some dates, I have booking to do!
I had heard that the pages were being sold for 20 pounds as well! On my way home I regretted not buying one, so at least now I know that buying one wouldn't have been an option anyway, ha. I am pleased with my Dredd/Rico "Pink Eyes" page though.
Okay then, my thoughts and experiences, I'll try not to repeat too much of what's been said already.
Friday
I arrived at 8.30pm on Friday night and stalked some weird comicy looking types to the hotel (it turns out it was Proudhuff, but it was his mate who was the comic-reader looking one!) I checked-in behind Al Ewing at reception and so had a little nerdgasm right there! Next I spotted the man mountain that is Commando Forces and I tentatively made my way to the bar to meet my fellow boarders...
And what terrific bunch they are. We all seemed to hit it off really well, sharing our common interest of 2000AD (and me and Buttonman sharing our common interest of internet porn and debating just why the fook neither of us have won the art comp yet.) Soon Al Ewing came into the bar and was an absolute star - he was so generous with his time, for example, he spoke to Locust for ages giving him, I'm sure, amazing writing advice and this was before he'd even got a drink! Imagine the amazing nuggets floating around Locust's brain now! Al was a real pleasure to talk to, he's absolutely thrilled to be writing for 2000AD and had an encyclopedic brain which could give random facts about almost any subject.
That night I spoke to several creators, including a personal hero, John Higgins. What struck me was they're all as big a fans of 2000AD as the rest of us. They were so happy to chat and not once did it feel like you were talking to someone about their job. I said as much to Higgins and he admitted that he and his missus were terrible for actively seeking out the one comics fan at a party or whatever and chatting to him/her all night!
Meeting Stacey was nice, particularly as she was the only one who spoke properly in the whole room. However, I still managed to upset her by admitting that I'm a bit of a snob who doesn't quite 'get' small press, so she promised to educate me in the ways of the A5 pamphlet.
After drinking the bar dry (I think I made it to the last five drinking at about 4am or so) I went to bed. However, I can't actually remember this so apologies if I upset/bored/rambled on at/attempted to shag any of my fellow boozers...
Saturday (and bloody Sunday)
The big day arrived in the form of a massive hangover. I met the guys to walk over to the main event and see the beautiful Inverness for the first time. There was a guy called Simon (who told me he lurks on these boards - de-lurk fella!) who showed us an array of sketches in some HUGE sketch books, they were amazing! While we were waiting to get in, I got a huge manly hug from another hero of mine, Mr Colin MacNeil. My hangover disappeared!
After getting the obligatory Zarjaz and Dogbreath from the very lovely Bolt, I introduced myself to Neil Roberts as he's been such a great supporter of my covers blog. He had massive prints of that weeks Future Shock as well as all his covers and more which just blew me away. I asked him for a 'Dredd on his Lawmaster' version of his 'Jonny on his Mork' cover to kick off my new sketch book in fine style (see page 88 of this thread.)
Next I watched Mr MacNeil doing stunning charcoal 'sketches' for bloody ages, it was amazing to watch him work! I asked for a Mechanismo 1 robot as they are perhaps my favourite ever designs in the Dredd Universe.
Soon it was the auction where I was dazzled by Commando's Shock and Awe tactics and had to admire the whore Clemments' shameless flaunting of his wares to me and Commando Forces. I won the beautifully framed Nessie poster for the event which I got embarrassingly cheaply.
After the auction I watched Kev Sutherland's outrageous socks theatre which I can't recommend enough, truly hilarious!
Back in the main room I got a superb Mortis Sketch from Simon Fraser as I tried in vain to get some Dante gossip from him. The closest I got to getting any info was when I threatened to boycott his work if Spatchcock or Flintlock got killed and he informed me that they were like cockroaches and would even survive a nuclear war!
Finally I got talking to the wonderful Kevin Levell and got to gape at his beautiful portfolio. He's a massive talent who I truly believe has the chops to go all the way. He did me a stunning Death and Anderson 'sketch' which remains unfinished as we got kicked out of the hall as they were locking up for the day. He's kindly offered to finish it and I'll certainly be taking him up on the offer! When walking back to the hotel, Bolt carried a load of my gear which was ever so kind, cheers fella!
The Chinese meal was nice and I got to sit with Kev Sutherland talking comics and education, which suited me down to the ground. After hitting a pub and going back to the Ramada, things start to get hazy. Lots of chatting to fellow boarders and creators, drawing a panel for the comic jam featuring Billy Ocean's sperm singing on a ladies chin(?) and, bizarrely, some woman sticking her finger in my bot. The bot fingering woman and her chums asked who we all were and it was strangely tragic hearing Buttonman say "We're erm... all here for a comic convention..."
I stayed up silly late again, long after they closed the bar and made us drink in reception. Buttonman tells me I fell asleep mid-sentence when I was talking which sounds about right...
I woke up at sodding 12.00 the next day and my train was leaving just after 1.00. I was gutted - I'd arranged to go small press shopping with Stace, get sketches from the mighty Higgins and Erksine and get my epic Kevlev picture finished. Plus I I never got a chance to say goodbye and thank you to all my great new friends.
So that's what I'd like to do now - say thanks to Vicky and Rich for organising the thing and to all the lovely folk who I met. Roll on next year!
Quote from: Pete Wells on 04 April, 2010, 12:09:03 AM
There was a guy called Simon (who told me he lurks on these boards - de-lurk fella!) who showed us an array of sketches in some HUGE sketch books, they were amazing!
Those two books were excellent, one had all Dredd world sketches in and the other everything else. They were A3 sized collections of amazing stuff.
This has reminded me of when Roger went into Smiths and bought a postage stamp sized sketch book. Come on Roger what sketches did you get, post them on here, you must have a few at least!
Quote from: Pete Wells on 04 April, 2010, 12:09:03 AM
The Chinese meal was nice and I got to sit with Kev Sutherland talking comics and education, which suited me down to the ground.
*cough*cough*cough* (http://www.classicalcomics.com/)
Cheers!
Jim
I've just finished a more compact read of what I did on the weekend on the Cellar of Dredd blog. It includes slideshows of the sketches and art pages so it's easier on the eye.
I'm sure there is loads missing but I found it very hard to write the same stuff without saying the same things word for word (except I did copy the Cam Kennedy bit).
Anyway it's up if you want a look.
Quote from: TordelBack on 03 April, 2010, 06:04:13 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 02 April, 2010, 01:09:40 PM
It was funny trying to buy a page from Insurrection for 20 quid.One of the trekkers said that they were being sold for 20 quid so i chose a page that had a widescale battle scene with loads of detail and gave Colin 20 quid thinking it was a done deal not realising that this particular page was priced at 200 quid !
:lol: Aw man, my mouth was hanging open with raw seething jealousy as that sentence progressed but all came good at the end. Be aware that your pain has eased mine!
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 03 April, 2010, 07:11:24 PM
I had heard that the pages were being sold for 20 pounds as well! On my way home I regretted not buying one, so at least now I know that buying one wouldn't have been an option anyway, ha. I am pleased with my Dredd/Rico "Pink Eyes" page though.
All the Insurrection pages were priced individually on the back corner of each page however some of the pages with a lot less detail were a lot cheaper.
I actually had to go outside for a bit after seeing all of that original Colin McNeil art and not only that it was the first time i have ever seen and handled original art.I was visibly trembling with excitement.
Also i fell in love with Inverness and the surrounding landscape and one of the best moments for me was after leaving the bar on Saturday morning a little bit worse for wear to say the least i hung around outside the hotel just looking at the beautiful riverside scenery and buildings that were lit up.The trees outside my hotel were lit up with little white Xmas lights.Notwithstanding the Filth within the Scottish establishment whose distasteful and unpleasent shenanigans i have been reading about lately i could very happily live in that area.
92 pages already? Sounds like the most awesome thing I've ever missed! :lol:
I highly recommend this convention to all on this forum.
I am still gathering my thoughts to write a (small) summary of the whole weekend.
This will include why forum members from Northern Ireland and Geordieland MUST organise their own Hell-Treks for 2011.
Quote from: Pete Wells on 28 March, 2010, 12:08:32 PM
I was in the last three sanding last night (me, Buttonman and Al Ewing) but as a consequnce have just woke up. Grrrr, this means I won't get to Hi Ex today as my train is in an hour. Thanks for a brilliant time guys, it was amazing!
This is still one of my favourite posts from the weekend. Well done Pete :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSBIAqbveWc
Quote from: Pete Wells on 04 April, 2010, 12:09:03 AMand, bizarrely, some woman sticking her finger in my bot. The bot fingering woman and her chums asked who we all were and it was strangely tragic hearing Buttonman say "We're erm... all here for a comic convention..."
I think the idea that there are a throng of women wandering round fingering men's "bots" (I'm assuming that isn't short for "robot") might help swing #cough# a few of the undecided.
Hi-Ex! Hell-Trek 2010
What did I learn over this whole weekend?
1 - That the 2000AD online community is truly wonderful, where else has an idea like the Hell-Trek ever happened. It started out as a seed in the chatroom and the next day blossomed into a mighty oak.
2 - Trust in your fellow forum members can be taken as granted. I mean just think if Gavin had landed at Gatwick just to find out it was all a joke by me. That takes some courage to do because of a thread on the internet and takes us back to the first point.
3 - It is possible to drive from Maidstone to Inverness in one hit, with good company, even if most fall asleep near the end!
4 - A nine seater minibus is perfect for that distance, if any more than nine wanted to travel at least two people would have to drive. This is mainly due to the extra hours that these stops would entail.
5 - All the Trekkers were great travel companions and had many stories to tell about many subjects, which helped the time to pass quickly.
6 - It is quite easy to organise Polo tops, ration bars and banners, especially when you have Mike Carroll helping you out in all the design work, for free.
7 - Try and see more of the events going on, it was bloody hard as there was so much happening and it seemed to be over before you knew it.
8. I think that if a future Sunday evening meal is on the cards it would be good to stay the extra night and travel back Monday. Lets just see what happens!
9 - Rich and Vicky sure know how to organise a brilliant convention and this is a 48-hour convention, as the fun doesn't stop in the halls.
10 - Next time I'll be packing some sort of sandwich/decent filling grub, due to the crap service stations on route. The same goes for the route back, as Peter will attest.
All in all it was a fabulous weekend with friendly people and I can't wait for the next one.
P.S. Go on, some of you thought it would never happen ;)
I stayed awake for all of the journey back partly because of the chat and the hunger and because luckily i managed to do all of my sleeping before i got up on Sunday morning.
Is there a sketch thread following this? I'd like to see what people got
Quote from: Pete Wells on 04 April, 2010, 12:09:03 AM
Saturday (and bloody Sunday)
drawing a panel for the comic jam featuring Billy Ocean's sperm singing on a ladies chin(?) and, bizarrely, some woman sticking her finger in my bot. The bot fingering woman and her chums asked who we all were and it was strangely tragic hearing Buttonman say "We're erm... all here for a comic convention..."
Haha, I'd forgotten we left just as the hen party type crowd was starting to get fruity/desperate and talk to the geeks...
what ever happen to the comic jam stuff?
Stacey has it all I believe. Remeber folks- what happens in the Ramada bar- STAYS in the Ramada bar.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 05 April, 2010, 12:10:46 PM
Stacey has it all I believe. Remeber folks- what happens in the Ramada bar- STAYS in the Ramada bar.
Do you mean Stacey has got all those pages ?
I wondered what happened to them as i gathered them all up and left them on the table but i lost track of what happened to them after that.
The Hen Party sat at my table first.I chatted to them for a short while as they were alright and they seemed genuinely curious about the comic artist and the HI-EX.One of them was really interested in my hair for some reason and wanted to know what i did to it so i said i dont do anything to it apart from cutting bits off it every so often.
Once again i will say that i was really impressed by how genuine and friendly the locals are.There were even 4 pissed lads/geezers sitting on the settee just outside the bar and thet didnt have attitude as i was chatting to them for a bit.
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 05 April, 2010, 12:10:46 PM
Stacey has it all I believe. Remeber folks- what happens in the Ramada bar- STAYS in the Ramada bar.
Nah- they're sitting in a folder in front of me!
When we get round to it, you can have a copy...
Quote from: johnnystress on 05 April, 2010, 10:40:19 AM
Is there a sketch thread following this? I'd like to see what people got
If you start from page 71, when the adventure begins, as you scroll down the pages you will see many a sketch.
RAC- YAY- Bring 'em to Bristol.
I bought a copy of PATH from COM.X who were stalled out at the event.I am only halfway through it but i am enjoying it so far.I forget who the creators are but i chatted to them for a bit and i cant recall what about but i bought it because they did a bit of salestalk or were very persuasive about it so i bought it because it felt rude not to and i bought it without looking inside the cover.Glad i did though as its brilliant and i love the characters and the art.
Its one of those kinds of stories that both children and adults can enjoy.
I'm still waiting to see Roger's sketches. Come on Roger, post them up, so we can marvel at their magnificence.
Here's me wearing my new buckle and a Hell Trek shirt.
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b21/dangermouse3597/05042010407.jpg)
I could never wear my buckle, it might get scratched :'(
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 05 April, 2010, 11:26:06 PM
I could never wear my buckle, it might get scratched :'(
It was worn for all of 3 minutes for photographic purposes only and went back in the packet immediately!
Quote from: dangermouse3597 on 05 April, 2010, 11:32:29 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 05 April, 2010, 11:26:06 PM
I could never wear my buckle, it might get scratched :'(
It was worn for all of 3 minutes for photographic purposes only and went back in the packet immediately!
Mine seems to be scratch-resistant so far, but it is my considered medical opinion that everyone buys at least
two buckles, just in case.
-- Mike
The HiEx werewolf! By Nimba creations: http://www.youtube.com/nimbacreations
The Saturday night Big Draw (as in round-robin comics) mentioned in previous posts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g)
Have the pages been found yet?
Quote from: Lucifal on 06 April, 2010, 06:34:35 PM
The Saturday night Big Draw (as in round-robin comics) mentioned in previous posts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g)
Have the pages been found yet?
Yup- I can see them from here!
seems a jolly time had by all i am seriusly giving it some thought for next year with the fortieth coming up...
That werewolf transformation was fantastic.
Another bloody thing I missed ::)
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 06 April, 2010, 06:41:30 PM
Quote from: Lucifal on 06 April, 2010, 06:34:35 PM
The Saturday night Big Draw (as in round-robin comics) mentioned in previous posts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdhrnSpw6g)
Have the pages been found yet?
Yup- I can see them from here!
Phew! They're safe!
I've decided to go next year so I've started my Hi-Ex fund as of today.
filip
Well done that man. You know it makes sense.
I just hope that many more who followed the thread and enjoyed what they read take your lead.
So glad the comics turned up, I'd been worried sick about them, the last time I saw em was Sunday morning when Al came over to have a look through them and then gone! Also glad not to have to photocopy them - hurrah!
Just a month til Brizzle guys, can't wait to see lots of you again there!
Well, I've just done Eastercon (just one day's breather between that and Hi-Ex) and there's Wales Comic Con at the end of the month, and then a Write Fantastic Anniversary Event at the beginning of May . . . before Brizzle. How else will anyone know about Murky Depths?
One last sketch from Hi-Ex! shall be arriving at my door soon. The Hero Killer himself is sending a sketch that I asked for down in the post (what a chap).
Another above and beyond the call of duty from our resident artists (KevLev is also doing one), I never expected it as my name was at the bottom of Colin's list and when the convention was over, I just thought 'bollocks, should have put my name down sooner'.
I shall post both these pieces up when they arrive (still gotta send my pad off to KevLev. I'll include a copy of the 2000AD panel DVD in the parcel Kev!)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 13 April, 2010, 06:14:04 PM
One last sketch from Hi-Ex! shall be arriving at my door soon. The Hero Killer himself is sending a sketch that I asked for down in the post (what a chap).
Another above and beyond the call of duty from our resident artists (KevLev is also doing one), I never expected it as my name was at the bottom of Colin's list and when the convention was over, I just thought 'bollocks, should have put my name down sooner'.
I shall post both these pieces up when they arrive (still gotta send my pad off to KevLev. I'll include a copy of the 2000AD panel DVD in the parcel Kev!)
My name was very last on Colins list but i am not expecting anything and i am pretty sure i said "dont worry about it" because i had already bought 3 pages of original art which enough in itself.
You must have been on his third list Peter ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 13 April, 2010, 06:35:00 PM
You must have been on his third list Peter ;)
Third list ???
I hadnt thought about that but it was clear that i was far too late for a sketch.
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 13 April, 2010, 06:26:09 PM
My name was very last on Colins list but i am not expecting anything and i am pretty sure i said "dont worry about it" because i had already bought 3 pages of original art which enough in itself.
Because you said " don't worry about it" I wasn't going to do one for you. But, just so there's no squabbling, I'll do you something. I'll stick it in the post in the next couple of days if you PM me your address.
Everybody happy now? :D
Quote from: Colin MacNeil on 13 April, 2010, 08:48:31 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 13 April, 2010, 06:26:09 PM
My name was very last on Colins list but i am not expecting anything and i am pretty sure i said "dont worry about it" because i had already bought 3 pages of original art which enough in itself.
Because you said " don't worry about it" I wasn't going to do one for you. But, just so there's no squabbling, I'll do you something. I'll stick it in the post in the next couple of days if you PM me your address.
Everybody happy now? :D
*entire board PMs address to Colin MacNeil*
Quote from: Colin MacNeil on 13 April, 2010, 08:48:31 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 13 April, 2010, 06:26:09 PM
My name was very last on Colins list but i am not expecting anything and i am pretty sure i said "dont worry about it" because i had already bought 3 pages of original art which enough in itself.
Because you said " don't worry about it" I wasn't going to do one for you. But, just so there's no squabbling, I'll do you something. I'll stick it in the post in the next couple of days if you PM me your address.
Everybody happy now? :D
I thought that my comment would be viewed as a hint but it wasnt at all.
I am not expecting anything at all and i really did say "dont worry about it" so there isnt any need for any squabbling and you dont have any obligations just because my name was added to the last at the last minute.
I will appreciate it if you did a sketch obviously but dont feel that you *have* to.
Thats my point here.
Quote from: brendan1 on 13 April, 2010, 09:02:09 PM
Quote from: Colin MacNeil on 13 April, 2010, 08:48:31 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 13 April, 2010, 06:26:09 PM
My name was very last on Colins list but i am not expecting anything and i am pretty sure i said "dont worry about it" because i had already bought 3 pages of original art which enough in itself.
Because you said " don't worry about it" I wasn't going to do one for you. But, just so there's no squabbling, I'll do you something. I'll stick it in the post in the next couple of days if you PM me your address.
Everybody happy now? :D
*entire board PMs address to Colin MacNeil*
Gulp! *checks how many crayons are left*
Collected the first three framed pieces from Hi-Ex! today and here they are, sorry about the light (took the pictures in the conservatory and it was very sunny today).
First up is Colin's trading card piece, I went for the blue mount to go with the uniform and helmet, rounds the picture off nicely ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Dredd%20artwork/P4150388.jpg)
Next up Graeme Neil Reid's acrylic Dredd, again I went for a mount to go with the uniform but added a second to bring out the red from the helmet.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Dredd%20artwork/P4150385.jpg)
Last of this bunch is Simon's Dante. I went for the grey mount and black frame to match the two Insurrection pages that I have on the wall already.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Dredd%20artwork/P4150389.jpg)
Very nice you are clearly very good with colours.
Was the man in the frame shop impressed?
Is it OK to hate CF? ;)
Quote from: Buttonman on 15 April, 2010, 09:42:29 PM
Very nice you are clearly very good with colours.
Was the man in the frame shop impressed?
I spent ages in the shop as he passed numerous mounts to me and we both stood there going, nah, nah, not bad, nah, could be, nah, spot on! He had a better eye than me for the final detail and said to use a silver effect frame on the two smaller pieces to draw the eye into the picture and to brighten the colours :-\
As for the art itself, he quite enjoyed hearing about the background of the pieces and he had heard of Judge Dredd, which was a bonus.
Those three frames cost £110 in total. I dread to think what that massive page will cost (the Dante splash), still it'll look good when it joins the rest in the stairwell, but only after I have decorated that area, as Carolyn keeps reminding me.
So I have that Dante splash, Boo's Anderson and John Higgins Meg cover still to be framed from Hi-Ex! I reckon £150+ at least :o
Quote from: dangermouse3597 on 15 April, 2010, 10:53:27 PM
Is it OK to hate CF? ;)
Blame Pete Wells and his commissions, he got me into this art collecting stuff, oh! and Colin for his Insurrection stuff. My son has to go without food because of these two ;)
Okay, here is my last sketch from Hi-Ex! that turned up today from the Hero Killer himself, Colin MacNeil.
Behold............Judge Burdis (that's me folks)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Dredd%20artwork/P4160370-1.jpg)
How kind that he only drew two of your many, many chins.
You are sooooo cruel Buttonman :'(
That's bloody CF, well done Colin.
They've found someone to play Dredd in the film at last.
You are Judge Dredd CF! Great painting.
nobody, nobody mentipon chinese phonebooks at this point
hey I just remebered!! I got told at Hi-Ex whose chest was photoshopped into that bright pink cover with Dredd getting manhandled by that woman mutie...
and......
ah, I also remember you CF 'liking' that image... BAWHAHAHA!!! BAWHAHAHA!!!
Just got a fantastic sketch from Colin MacNeil in the post, so here is a fairly beaten looking Judge Logan.
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/DSCF8251.jpg)
That is bloody gorgeous Gavin, love it.
I'm glad you like it, Gav. And that you got it before jetting off to Oz. Don't forget to sacrifice a small chicken (McNuggets apparently still counts) to the Postal Gods for the volcano. :D
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 19 April, 2010, 11:28:13 AM
Just got a fantastic sketch from Colin MacNeil in the post, so here is a fairly beaten looking Judge Logan.
:-X
Quote from: W. R. Logan on 19 April, 2010, 12:13:11 PM
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 19 April, 2010, 11:28:13 AM
Just got a fantastic sketch from Colin MacNeil in the post, so here is a fairly beaten looking Judge Logan.
:-X
I voz onlee following orderz! He paid me to do it.
Cheers
Colin (art whore) MacNeil :D
That is EXCELLENT Gavin (good job that Volcano helped you out), now if only that would happen in the timeline ;)
Seeing that has nudged my memory and I have a couple more things to show from Hi-Ex! so I'll be taking some pictures in a bit and posting them.
Sorry Logan, it dose look great though.
Just want to thank you again Colin, it's brilliant.
As promised as few final pieces from the convention.
First up is the 2000AD item that was in the goodie bag ;)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P4190370-1.jpg)
Next up, Cam Kennedy wasn't sketching but he brought a selection of postcard sized art cards up and he signed those and gave them out free. I went for the two Dredd ones (obviously).
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P4190371-1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P4190373-1.jpg)
Two final things (until I remember some other stuff).
Would you believe it but Ian Sharman who writes 'Alpha Gods' and does numerous other stuff for comic houses (including inking and the likes), lives the next town up the road (less than 10 miles away). If only I had known a bit sooner than the 24 hours when I found that out, I'd have pestered him to join us. From his tweets it seems he had just as long a journey, on the numerous trains that he travelled on.
I shall be pestering people next year ;)
Last thing. I managed to buy this off a 2000AD Droid after finding out about it, through the Hi-Ex! website. It's his early work and I've given it to Sam to read (but not destroy), can you guess which droid it is?
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P4190375.jpg)
Don't you have a photo of some of the native wild life that we encountered in the High Street to share? If it's data protection that you are worried about you you blank out the eys wot like they do in Pete Wells' mags.
I read 'em for the articles!
I read 'em for the tits
and minge.
Are the painted Puffins by Colin McNeil?
Yes ;)
I better say it before someone else does, it's MacNeil. You know what these clans are like ::)
oooh. I'd love one of those door hangers.
And I'd use it!
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 20 April, 2010, 01:25:01 PM
oooh. I'd love one of those door hangers.
And I'd use it!
I have two that i dont want which you are welcome to.One is slightly torn at the point where it hangs on the door burt some sellotape will fix it.
Peter to the rescue :D
"Burt some sellotape will fix it"
Stupid typos.
:lol:
I don't know if anyone has heard this yet, but it's the new Small Press Big Mouth where Stace talks a bit about Hi Ex.
http://cdn3.libsyn.com/geeksyndicate/Small_Press_Big_Mouth_Ep_18.mp3?nvb=20100427142922&nva=20100428143922&t=0c8826a3f721401e7e84a (http://cdn3.libsyn.com/geeksyndicate/Small_Press_Big_Mouth_Ep_18.mp3?nvb=20100427142922&nva=20100428143922&t=0c8826a3f721401e7e84a)
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 19 April, 2010, 10:04:46 PM
and minge.
Showing your age there, Sharky. That stuff went out with woolly mammoth, more's the pity.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 27 April, 2010, 03:45:20 PM
I don't know if anyone has heard this yet, but it's the new Small Press Big Mouth where Stace talks a bit about Hi Ex.
http://cdn3.libsyn.com/geeksyndicate/Small_Press_Big_Mouth_Ep_18.mp3?nvb=20100427142922&nva=20100428143922&t=0c8826a3f721401e7e84a (http://cdn3.libsyn.com/geeksyndicate/Small_Press_Big_Mouth_Ep_18.mp3?nvb=20100427142922&nva=20100428143922&t=0c8826a3f721401e7e84a)
Excellent! Why has she not been here pimping it? Eh?
Looks like it was just put up today so she may not of had a chance yet.
You are going to have to give her some lessons on pimping in the future Rich.
Just listening to it now and she's lost her page :lol:
May have to download it all to listen to later on at work!
Well, I've just finished listening and not only is it fantastic, it's also hilarious. Hi-Ex, getting another glowing review from Stace and if listening to this doesn't make you want to go next year, nothing will.
My name was also mentioned too, thanks Stace.
can't listen at work, will do at home. ah, the loverly Stace dulcet tone, nice.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 27 April, 2010, 04:25:49 PM
My name was also mentioned too, thanks Stace.
Mine was as well, double thanks Stace :D
I managed to collect my Judge sketch from the framers earlier. I went for a black mount to go with the leathers and a yellow mount edge to help the highlights. Also black and yellow contrast very well and look quite good with the red paper.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Dredd%20artwork/P4270369-1.jpg)
Last post on this years event by me, honest :-\
you are a bunch of lovely boys, fact :-)
Even me?
Another extremely entertaining episode of SPBM, Stacey - and thank you for the kind words!
-- Mike
Listened yesterday - very entertaining.
Oh, and I don't think Bulletproof are exactly finished, but I think Matt Yeo has more pressing concerns with his current venture.
That is a cool pic CF. SP_BM was brilliant as always Stace.
IT HAD TO HAPPEN!
Yes you thrill seekers out there, if you follow the HiExComicCon twitter page thingy you will have seen the news, if not here it is:- Greetings all! Long time no tweet... Just to let you all know that we've got dates for HiEx 2011! And we'll tell you them very soon!
So the question is, "How many Hell-Treks will there be this time?" Obviously I'll be starting mine from Kent. I hope we get a Northern Ireland and North Eastern contingent travelling as well. So come on who's going to put there name down for next year and who will be up for organising any other Hell-Treks.
Remember folks, last year the time flew by and the whole weekend was superb and that was all down to everyone but especially Richmond and Vicky for arganising it and obviously Mike Carroll and his web work ;)
I'll be sure to join the trek from Northern Ireland! :D
That would be great HOO-HAA, I am sure PJ mentioned on the chatroom once that he would be up for that ;)
Next year I shouldn't have either financial problems or domestic responsibilities, so if there's enough South Walians to get a mo-pad together, I would be interested in going.
South Wales, you could get the Bristol lot included and anyone up that side of the country worldshown ;)
I'd love to join the Hell Trek next year! I'm over by Edinburgh but will travel to meet any Hell Trek passing through the Central Belt on its way. Anything so I don't have to go by train again!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 12 May, 2010, 07:39:10 PM
That would be great HOO-HAA, I am sure PJ mentioned on the chatroom once that he would be up for that ;)
Yep, this is an official call out to PJ and all other boarders from NI! Let's get a trek going! :)
I shall be attending said event as long as it isn't on the April 1st weekend. That's my 40th birthday weekend and the wife is seemingly keen to go away and hide her shame of having an old, old man.
You tell that wife of yours that we'll be spending those nights together again, in our special room, 501 ;)
I, too, would love to come. I would have come this year but the missus put her foot down. Just 'cos she was having a baby on the 30th of March, she seemed to think getting pissed and talking shite about comics was off the cards (and not just that, let me tell you).
So, provided I am around for the baby's birthday on the 30th of March - I'm in.
As has been document, I live in the Rad-Wastes of Cumbernauld.
Excellent news, just keep those trousers up for a few more months, to be safe ;)
I'll deffo be coming if that's ok witchu'?
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 12 May, 2010, 10:26:50 PM
I'll deffo be coming if that's ok witchu'?
I'll be there to leave your door unlocked and your telly on, Roger.
New people should be made to sit at the back of the rad wagon and take good natured insults from the veterans.
I may have to throw my hand forward for this one. Will have to get permission from my wife though.
V
Need to wait for the dates but hoping if it ties in with everything to either be on the Hell Trek Kill Dozer or be the Hell Trek Out Rider.
After last year, how can I not want to go? Lets see what the dates are and what country I'll be in by then.
Best Rich and Vicky sort those dates out soon, so we can start planning routes and the likes
The hosts of Hi-Ex! (that's Richmond & Vicky) will be announcing the dates of Hi-Ex! 2011 at Bristol.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 12 May, 2010, 07:32:58 PM
IT HAD TO HAPPEN!
Yes you thrill seekers out there, if you follow the HiExComicCon twitter page thingy you will have seen the news, if not here it is:- Greetings all! Long time no tweet... Just to let you all know that we've got dates for HiEx 2011! And we'll tell you them very soon!
So the question is, "How many Hell-Treks will there be this time?" Obviously I'll be starting mine from Kent. I hope we get a Northern Ireland and North Eastern contingent travelling as well. So come on who's going to put there name down for next year and who will be up for organising any other Hell-Treks.
Remember folks, last year the time flew by and the whole weekend was superb and that was all down to everyone but especially Richmond and Vicky for arganising it and obviously Mike Carroll and his web work ;)
I am enlisting again for next year.We also talked about staying over another day and leaving on the Monday afternoon/evening which makes more sense.
Add my name to the list.
No probs Pete and yes we shall have to put that forward to all who travel this time, as like you said, we did mention staying another night ;)
Quote from: Buttonman on 12 May, 2010, 08:07:17 PM
I shall be attending said event as long as it isn't on the April 1st weekend. That's my 40th birthday weekend and the wife is seemingly keen to go away and hide her shame of having an old, old man.
Give her a special treat: Inverness!
Hopefully I'll be able to make it next year...
After having 4 things on the same bloody weekend this year!!!!!!
Arse
You know you want to Large48, after all it is rather good fun.
Buttonman, you have to go as we need another meeting of the Letter Gods ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 19 May, 2010, 06:16:51 PM
You know you want to Large48, after all it is rather good fun.
Buttonman, you have to go as we need another meeting of the Letter Gods ;)
What? Floyd's coming over for this? Great!
I'm presently in negotiations to bring my two hour lecture 'Dredd Letter Box' to the event. Can't give too much away, but it definitely won't happen.
Letter gods? Floyd Kermode, you mean?
See how they belittle you Proudhuff, it's a disgrace :lol:
CF, I thought he meant Grant/Columbo from the US!
anyway Butt'man how does the Meg letter score stand this year? :D
I will of course be there, if the date fits and the creek don't rise.
Quote from: Proudhuff on 20 May, 2010, 12:02:10 PM
anyway Butt'man how does the Meg letter score stand this year? :D
I tend to play the long game, which of course isn't an option for you what with you being ancient and one bag of bad scag from the post box in the sky.
As the person with the most letters published in the Judge Dredd Megazine
IN THE WORLD I await my musings column to be commissioned along with a New Yorker style pencil caricature byline.
Could happen!
Any news on if an Irish Hell Trekk will take place, this year?
PJ mentioned that he might be up for one when he popped into the Wednesday night chatroom a while back. Also HOO-HAA has shown some interest, so let's hope one can be organised ;)
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 21 May, 2010, 12:12:08 AM
Any news on if an Irish Hell Trekk will take place, this year?
Yep, so far you and me, squire! :)
(and maybe PJ?)
Hey, wouldn't it be great if we convinced Garth Ennis to join us?!
Where are you based, by the way?
my grud! page 100 :o :o
look at the monster you've created Vic and Rich!
Well at the moment, HOO-HAA I'm based in Australia. But normally its Tipp Town.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 21 May, 2010, 11:40:10 PM
Well at the moment, HOO-HAA I'm based in Australia. But normally its Tipp Town.
haha! Not sure if we could sort out a detour to Oz!
But you never know, what with all of this volcanic ash falling about the place...
I'll be back in Ireland bfore Hi-Ex starts, so we'll see who else we can get.
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 21 May, 2010, 11:49:40 PM
I'll be back in Ireland bfore Hi-Ex starts, so we'll see who else we can get.
Ah! In that case, we're in business. The Irish Trek is officially open! :)
Any more takers?
That's excellent news, the Irish contingent are go ;)
26th-27th March
These are the dates for Hi-Ex! 2011, so come on all you people who missed out this year. I think our hosts have given everyone plenty of notice to sort things out and either make there own way there, join a Hell-Trek or even organise your own ;)
Let's see those names flood in!
As a HT Charter member do I receive any type of dibs?
Yes you do Roger.
So that's on the Original (and best) Hell-Trek
COMMANDO FORCES
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
As of now :D
Stick me down............. :D
So that's
COMMANDO FORCES
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Looking good already. By the end of the day the Radwagon will be full :D
Aw fuck it, right in the middle of the school term. Reckon I'm gonna miss the Hell Trek again and have to make my own way there. Shite.
Pete, there are quite a few potential Trekkers in the North East, I'm sure someone could organise a Trek up on the Friday night ;)
As always- the mighty bolt mobile will be hauling the finest distillation of thrills north for Hi-ex, and I reckon that I can squeeze two more travellers in with me. I'll be Starting in brum and heading oops north on Friday, before returning on Monday.
I've already got a provisionally bagsied place for one, so if someone else wishes to join us- let me know.
I'm in.
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 22 May, 2010, 08:54:45 AM
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 21 May, 2010, 11:49:40 PM
I'll be back in Ireland bfore Hi-Ex starts, so we'll see who else we can get.
Ah! In that case, we're in business. The Irish Trek is officially open! :)
Any more takers?
Could be tempted...pick up in Belfast.
Just what exactly is the plan?
I would be careful going with Bolt-01, he speeds you know :lol:
I'll almost certainly be going, but I'm hoping to combine it with a roundabout trip to visit all my Scottish friends, so I can't commit to the Trek just yet - I'll let you know closer to the time, but I may be going by train.
I'll see you all there (it's only a 25 minute drive for me)!
Oh good I can come.
On TWO conditions!
1) Commando Forces stops snoring AND insisting on spooning as it "conserves heat"
2) The Ramada doubles its girly beer supply.
Are you up for organising CF? Let me know when you want the compulsory and no-refundable time waster repellant deposit.
Definitely up for this. The current Goldsmobile holds four if anyone else is interested en route from Cardiff.
Quote from: Buddy (previusly Uncle Umpty) on 24 May, 2010, 04:02:06 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 22 May, 2010, 08:54:45 AM
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 21 May, 2010, 11:49:40 PM
I'll be back in Ireland bfore Hi-Ex starts, so we'll see who else we can get.
Ah! In that case, we're in business. The Irish Trek is officially open! :)
Any more takers?
Could be tempted...pick up in Belfast.
Just what exactly is the plan?
Hmmm... I may need some guidance on how this Trek thing *actually* works...
Well, let's see how many we can rope in first. I won't be driving and probably won't be doing much of the organizing but once we know who is in and where there coming from we can work out the route. It'll end up being lots of fun I swear.
I'll set up a new thread and try and get this a bit more attention.
You are fucking joking. That's my daughter's birthday AGAIN! >:(
Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 24 May, 2010, 10:54:08 PM
Well, let's see how many we can rope in first. I won't be driving and probably won't be doing much of the organizing but once we know who is in and where there coming from we can work out the route. It'll end up being lots of fun I swear.
I'll set up a new thread and try and get this a bit more attention.
Job's a good'un! :D
Quote from: Buttonman on 24 May, 2010, 09:09:46 PM
Oh good I can come.
On TWO conditions!
1) Commando Forces stops snoring AND insisting on spooning as it "conserves heat"
2) The Ramada doubles its girly beer supply.
Are you up for organising CF? Let me know when you want the compulsory and no-refundable time waster repellant deposit.
no objecting to a pish-stained front door?
Quote from: King Trout on 25 May, 2010, 02:19:00 AM
You are fucking joking. That's my daughter's birthday AGAIN! >:(
Sorry, your majesty- we book it when we can get it, I'm afraid!
I can't understand how you think this event can be viable without me!
The bar takings alone must be significantly down.
the bar was drunk dry without you this year so your crown is under threat! anyway I'm sure Judge Rose wouldn't might a visit to Invernesk again...
Aye, what sort of wimp are you? It's two days. Your daughter has one birthday.
I've got visions of Dundondian, DC Thomson, Paw Broon-esque tightness here!
Quote from: Buttonman on 24 May, 2010, 09:09:46 PM
1) Commando Forces stops snoring AND insisting on spooning as it "conserves heat"
2) The Ramada doubles its girly beer supply.
Are you up for organising CF? Let me know when you want the compulsory and no-refundable time waster repellant deposit.
1) I'll try and yes
2) This will be Richmond and Vicky's department
Once we get the magic 9 sorted we'll set about organising everything as soon as possible ;)
Quote from: Proudhuff on 25 May, 2010, 11:01:32 AM
no objecting to a pish-stained front door?
I think the miscreant did it against the garden wall
Quote from: King Trout on 25 May, 2010, 02:19:00 AM
You are fucking joking. That's my daughter's birthday AGAIN! >:(
I can't believe you are using that fucking excuse again, I think you may need to abdicate.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 May, 2010, 04:34:29 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 25 May, 2010, 11:01:32 AM
no objecting to a pish-stained front door?
I think the miscreant did it against the garden wall
:-[
I didn't realise it was Buttonman's garden wall until I was mid-stream, I thought it was one of his neighbours'. And it had been a long drive from Manchester!
Arses to the lot of you!
Quote from: King Trout on 25 May, 2010, 07:43:11 PM
Arses to the lot of you!
Now, now Trout, life is full of difficult decisions, so stop using your own child as an excuse and get to the Con ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 May, 2010, 08:25:05 PM
Quote from: King Trout on 25 May, 2010, 07:43:11 PM
Arses to the lot of you!
Now, now Trout, life is full of difficult decisions, so stop using your own child as an excuse and get to the Con ;)
Alternatively take the bairn to the con Your Majesty!
Quote from: Dandontdare on 25 May, 2010, 06:09:58 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 May, 2010, 04:34:29 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 25 May, 2010, 11:01:32 AM
no objecting to a pish-stained front door?
I think the miscreant did it against the garden wall
:-[
I didn't realise it was Buttonman's garden wall until I was mid-stream, I thought it was one of his neighbours'
oh, that's alright then... :D
It was the handshake mid stream that I objected to.
My Hydrangia have never been the same since. :(
That's the normal greating from Manchester ;)
I am going to surreptitiously take my own drink into the Ramada bar next year because there is no drinkable beer available at all :thumbsdown: and i am not drinking that putrid McEwans rubbish again :sick:.That was the best of the worst but i recall seeing an Oddbins just along the road which will solve the problem.
Latest Hell-Trekker down for the weekend of fun is my comic shop (The Grinning Demon) owner ;)
COMMANDO FORCES
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Graham Beadle
5 places booked already and months to go before the big weekend.
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 26 May, 2010, 05:07:40 PM
I am going to surreptitiously take my own drink into the Ramada bar next year because there is no drinkable beer available at all :thumbsdown: and i am not drinking that putrid McEwans rubbish again :sick:.That was the best of the worst but i recall seeing an Oddbins just along the road which will solve the problem.
And they call us Jocks skinflints!!
Hang on a second Mr Proudhuff, Peter told me that you used that method all weekend ;)
Nay Lad, minesweeping, asking strangers and blackmail are my weapons of choice, I've normally ersed the carryoot by the time I reach the bar.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 27 May, 2010, 04:33:44 PM
Hang on a second Mr Proudhuff, Peter told me that you used that method all weekend ;)
Did i ?
I dont recall that ;).
Anyway its nothing to do with expense as the drinks at the bar were pretty cheap for a hotel but i just didnt like what was available at the bar.I am really picky when it comes to what beer i drink plus there was no cider.
Otherwise the only alternative is to drink spirits instead and i am picky about them as well.They probably sell Jack Daniels or i hope they do.
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 27 May, 2010, 04:53:36 PM
They probably sell Jack Daniels or i hope they do.
They do, as I discovered to my cost. When you move on to shorts because a pint is too heavy to carry round, it's time to go to bed! :D
Quote from: Dandontdare on 27 May, 2010, 05:53:56 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 27 May, 2010, 04:53:36 PM
They probably sell Jack Daniels or i hope they do.
When you move on to shorts because a pint is too heavy to carry round, it's time to go to bed! :D
It was time to go to bed after a short walk around the block late on Friday night.You might recall that.Speech and just about everything else became a problem then so that was when it was time to go to bed ! :D
Remember, Peter had to cross the river to get safely back to his hotel and all those young ladies, who were staying there. He couldn't risk getting too drunk. In fact, on his way back he was like the man from Milk Tray.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 27 May, 2010, 07:17:46 PM
Remember, Peter had to cross the river to get safely back to his hotel and all those young ladies, who were staying there. He couldn't risk getting too drunk. In fact, on his way back he was like the man from Milk Tray.
Gavin enjoyed the chocolates. ;)
I notice from his facebook page that Boo Cook is going next year, which is great news, as he's always good for a sketch and such a great dancer to boot ;)
Latest member for Hell-Trek 2011 is up :-
COMMANDO FORCES
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Graham Beadle
The monarch
It's looking good ;)
I thought I was signed up too CF? I was only joshing about the spooning (although the meat bayonete I could've done without). If the trek goes near Paisley sign me up - if not I'll join my real friends on the train.
Are you seeking a cash deposit to scare off time wasters?
I don't want to be the focus of your next rant!
Oops, I forgot to add the first member and how could I as he kept me so warm during the nights :-
Buttonman
COMMANDO FORCES
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Graham Beadle
The monarch
You know it had to be said and yes when we get closer to booking the Radwagon I'll probably go for £50 up front.
We have a provisional interest shown by a member today, so I'll add him to the list :-
COMMANDO FORCES
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Graham Beadle
The monarch
Banners
It's moving along quite nicely now ;)
P.S. if any droids want to join us that's okay, we don't bite......often
Quotewe don't bite......often
But hard.
Or at all....
some of us gum you...
(I kid....I have teeth unlike my old dad...he's gonna kill me if he ever sees this)
I signed up too.
I shall add you to the list then ;)
COMMANDO FORCES
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Graham Beadle
The monarch
The Enigmatic Dr X
Banners
I shall do a quick brief in the coming days and get in touch with the Hell-Trek virgins to confirm certain things.
P.S. that would be the 9 seater full, if we get more I'll go for the larger one, which will bring the price right down.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 10 June, 2010, 03:54:28 PM
It's moving along quite nicely now ;)
P.S. if any droids want to join us that's okay, we don't bite......often
I have done a couple of times.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES
...
Banners
Being a Plymouth Argyle supporter, I approve of the green text ;-)
M@
Christ, we better do it now!
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 10 June, 2010, 07:51:59 PM
Christ, we better do it now!
You should do two a year :lol:
Well we know that Boo Cook is going to be one of the guests, as he has said so and I'm sure the Hero Killer himself, Colin MacNeil will turn up eventually ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 10 June, 2010, 07:55:49 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 10 June, 2010, 07:51:59 PM
Christ, we better do it now!
You should do two a year :lol:
Well we know that Boo Cook is going to be one of the guests, as he has said so and I'm sure the Hero Killer himself, Colin MacNeil will turn up eventually ;)
Yes, yes. I'll be there. And I shall even try to be sensible on the Saturday too! :D
Fat chance!
:D
Just picked up my holiday confirmation slip at work for this, first part of the 2011 event is sorted.
Always plan well ahead ;)
Sumbitted without comment.
(http://www.voiceinthedesert.org.uk/weblog/archives/images/Burkina%20Faso%20bus%20crash.jpg)
Hope one of those guys is a Judge.... :D
Is that the hidden south african 2000ad message board making their way to hiex?
Nearly forgot about this but that pic of the future Meg cover has reminded me about a forgotten Hi-Ex! item.
I'm sure you'll all remember when Kevin Levell drew my Fink for me and he wasn't happy about it and he said he'd do another sketch. Well folks he did but first here's what else he did, he added to his first sketch. So here is the before and after.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P3290381-1.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P6190427-1.jpg)
But ladies and gentlemen, the sketch I asked him to do, eventually after giving in to Kev's demands, was someone you might recognise and realise why I was reminded to post this. I think it's rather wonderful :D
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/Hell%20Trek%202010/P6190428-1.jpg)
ohh I like that!
nice tits
Ah CF, you're too kind... but the fink is
still truly awful.
I was pretty pleased with how Inaba turned out though... I even sent a copy to Tharg, cheekily suggesting I could draw her for him too... How was I to know that the Mighty One had already commissioned a new story?!
For those who're interested and haven't already seen it on my blog (http://kevlev.blogspot.com/2010/04/inaba-katana.html), I edited the sketch slightly in photoshop:
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HDuLFUg18A/S9rEsm2qD3I/AAAAAAAAB3I/KGwIaASnycA/s400/INABA_72.jpg)
larger version (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HDuLFUg18A/S9rEsm2qD3I/AAAAAAAAB3I/KGwIaASnycA/s1600/INABA_72.jpg)
I am reliably informed by a friend who practices Iaido, that,
Quoteshe's holding the katana all wrong
Oh well, you can't have everything.
Great design KevLev. :)
That's lush Kev! And lucky man CF getting those...
M.
Looks like things are hotting up for the next Helltrek, this from the BBC...
Fire crews tackling a large blaze on woodland, gorse and moorland outside Inverness have said the fire is now "mostly under control".
Firefighters with backpacks of water were dousing hot spots on land near Milton of Leys and Daviot.
Police said smoke was no longer affecting visibility on the nearby A9.
The fire front stretched to almost two miles and was fanned by high winds on Wednesday evening. At its worst, flames reached up to 30ft.
On Wednesday night smoke billowing from the scene could be seen from Inverness city centre.
Respirators Down!!
It seems that Inverness truly is in the Cursed Earth. Cut off by snow the day after we left and now this in the 'Summer'.
I'm already looking forward to next years assault already ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 08 July, 2010, 10:51:17 AM
It seems that Inverness truly is in the Cursed Earth. Cut off by snow the day after we left and now this in the 'Summer'.
I'm already looking forward to next years assault already ;)
And yesterday, during some spectacularly stormy weather, not one but two main roads were closed with falling trees.
Well, I assume it was trees- could have been Wreckers...
Fire fighting, chainsaw welding, sounds like a job for.... Queen Bou!!
Quote from: Proudhuff on 08 July, 2010, 12:54:58 PM
Fire fighting, chainsaw welding, sounds like a job for.... Queen Bou!!
Good point!
She's busy though: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/10522596.stm
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 08 July, 2010, 01:03:50 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 08 July, 2010, 12:54:58 PM
Fire fighting, chainsaw welding, sounds like a job for.... Queen Bou!!
Good point!
She's busy though: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/10522596.stm
Wow, the gal done good!
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 08 July, 2010, 01:03:50 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 08 July, 2010, 12:54:58 PM
Fire fighting, chainsaw welding, sounds like a job for.... Queen Bou!!
Good point!
She's busy though: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/10522596.stm
I wish she was still producing ceramics like the large bowls etc as i would have bought a couple of those as i think they are beautiful and i love studio pottery.
Also i was blown away by how good those colored painted Highland landscapes are.I hadnt seen those before as they werent up last time i visited the website which was quite a while ago.
You should buy a couple of 'em, Peter!
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 08 July, 2010, 03:15:50 PM
You should buy a couple of 'em, Peter!
I am interested but it wont be for a little while as i am waiting on my work to start which is taking forever but by the autumn i should have some disposable income.Right now i dont have any.
In the meantime i will email an enquiry.
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 08 July, 2010, 03:28:52 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 08 July, 2010, 03:15:50 PM
You should buy a couple of 'em, Peter!
I am interested but it wont be for a little while as i am waiting on my work to start which is taking forever but by the autumn i should have some disposable income.Right now i dont have any.
In the meantime i will email an enquiry.
Good man!
Quote from: Proudhuff on 08 July, 2010, 09:48:40 AM
Looks like things are hotting up for the next Helltrek, this from the BBC...
Fire crews tackling a large blaze on woodland, gorse and moorland outside Inverness have said the fire is now "mostly under control".
Firefighters with backpacks of water were dousing hot spots on land near Milton of Leys and Daviot.
Police said smoke was no longer affecting visibility on the nearby A9.
The fire front stretched to almost two miles and was fanned by high winds on Wednesday evening. At its worst, flames reached up to 30ft.
On Wednesday night smoke billowing from the scene could be seen from Inverness city centre.
Respirators Down!!
The smoke was visible the whole way from Inverness to Nairn (15 miles away) and we had ash falling and a very strong smell of smoke.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGFMm_35e0
After driving a 15 seater down to Brighton last Saturday I have decided I'm gonna stick with the 9 seater for next years Hi-Ex! It was okay for such a short trip like that but I think it would take for EVER to get to Inverness. For a start the acceleration was lacking and I think there is not enough room inside to really relax compared to the 9 seater we used last time. Stowage is lacking also!
There are a few other niggles, mostly driving things but that's for me really. So this mean's 2011 will be a 9 seater again :D
Just a little nudge for any thinking about going to Hi-Ex! and especially any on the Original Hell-Trek, or any of the possible new Hell-Treks!
Don't forget to book your time off, especially if you need to get in early. I obviously booked my dates a few months back just to make sure as it's the end of the holiday year and every bugger would be trying to squeeze their days in and remember it soon comes around ;)
I read the thread the other night, from the night we all set off and it brought a smile to my face and many of the pictures and captions made me laugh out loud (Buttonman)!
This years list at the moment is as follows :-
COMMANDO FORCES
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Roger Godpleton
Large48
Graham Beadle
The monarch
Banners....provisional
Obviously things can change as there is room for one more at the moment but you never know!
Wow, need to start thinking hell-feck too.
Have we dates yet?
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 07 September, 2010, 04:28:36 PM
Wow, need to start thinking hell-feck too.
Yes you do, remember when the names come in it's a lot easier to sort it all out, route wise ;)
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 07 September, 2010, 04:28:36 PM
Have we dates yet?
Yes, it's the 26th-27th of March :D
Sorry about this everyone...
Well, there's no easy way of saying this, so we'll just come right out with it: there isn't going to be a HiEx in 2011.
We know, it's terrible!
But at the moment, we simply don't have the spare time available over the next few months to get things ready on time and to do it justice and give you the event you deserve. Plus we've been struggling with finding sponsorship for the event.
However, we fully intend to return in 2012 (the End of the World not withstanding!), and hopefully that extra time will give us more room to find sponsorship and/or grant money and get things organised!
Sorry for dropping this on everyone, it really is the last thing we're wanting to do, but we have to be realistic with the amount of work required compared to the number of hours we have available to do it!
AAAAARGH!
Cheers, Rich. I'm incredibly disappointed but I completely understand, all the worse because I'll be back in the States by 2012 :'(.
Oh, now that is bad news. :( :( :( :'(
We'll make HiEx 2012 the DB's then!
I was going to go next year :(
BUT NOW I'LL GO THE YEAR AFTER THAT
That's right KevLev, rub locustsofdeath's face in it :lol:
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 07 September, 2010, 07:17:03 PM
Cheers, Rich. I'm incredibly disappointed but I completely understand, all the worse because I'll be back in the States by 2012 :'(.
But on the bright side, Matt- now Bou has time to draw your strip!
Thanks for the kind words guys- we're really bloody gutted we have to do this!
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 07 September, 2010, 07:30:28 PM
But on the bright side, Matt- now Bou has time to draw your strip!
Ooh, that makes my year. That strip with her art is going to be arsom (if I may say so myself).
sob
Selfishly, that is bloody crappy news. But you two are plainly so busy, i was wondering how you managed it. Im now sort-of glad i didnt go to this year's, as i'd by now have convinced myself i somehow killed HiEx.
A year away from anything is a good idea, generally, and since you obviously have plans for 2012, we shouldnt be too distraught, just saddened.
No reason why the HellTreks can't continue, though. With nine in cf's, and umpteen coming from over the water... well, ive been to conventions with fewer attendees than that!
But thanks for letting people know early, Rich. I can start saving early now!
SBT
Quaequam blag! Ah well, guess you guys deserve a year off - see you in '12!
Bugger.......
Quote from: Large48 on 13 September, 2010, 04:11:30 PM
Bugger.......
...Bollocks....Bastards....C.....
Its very disappointing but the reasons for it are understandable and its easy to forget the work that goes into making it happen and take it for it granted that it does happen but i really dont fancy going to any of the large conventions like Birmingham as its just too much to take in and not my kind of thing at all.
Its the smallness of the Hi-Ex that makes it so good plus the location of it if you dont mind the mileage getting there which really is nothing and no big deal.
It really is Less is more when talking about the HI-EX.
If they didn't want me to come they could have just said so...
Bugger!
Nightmare - this missed me as I was away at the time. Now it's popped up and I have to say 'Buggeration!' - thta was to be the centrepiece of my 40th birthday plans!
Ah well, keep 'em keen I guess. See you all in 2012 unless there's a Dreddcon set up in haste in someone's living room? Go on you would love it...
or at least a shedconn!
We need another Dreddcon 6.5......................
While you're all waiting for the next HiEx, we've started a blog to keep things ticking over: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.com/
Stick it on your follow list and expect interviews, reviews and things of a nerdy nature!
You had me excited there for a moment Richmond, not that I'm still not excited. I saw the link on facebook, very nice and I'm looking forward to the articles that appear!
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 26 October, 2010, 04:09:47 PM
Stick it on your follow list and expect interviews, reviews and things of a nerdy nature!
on me Favourites list
Cheers guys!
The first interview should be up... well, depends on how quickly the subject can type and send the answers back!
Fantastic! Really looking forward to HI-EX next year :D
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 26 October, 2010, 05:03:27 PM
Cheers guys!
The first interview should be up... well, depends on how quickly the subject can type and send the answers back!
Surely you're going to collect those articles about Mr. CF and his Helltrekk?
Just think, the con would have been this weekend. It makes me sad just thinking about it, still, reading the thread brings a smile to my face.
Memories of good times :D
Roll on 2012!
2012? The madness continues...
who could forget the 'belly holding in' comp?
(http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae182/grpleahy/013.jpg)
I think Pete came last in that one ;)
Good grud, for a moment there i thought that was the new cast of Last of the Summer Wine...
SBT
Quote from: Proudhuff on 23 March, 2011, 04:08:16 PM
2012? The madness continues...
Excuse the newb is there one next year and when?
Quote from: klute on 23 March, 2011, 11:28:48 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 23 March, 2011, 04:08:16 PM
2012? The madness continues...
Excuse the newb is there one next year and when?
Yes tyhere will be. We're still trying to get a final date.
Oh my god, I better start planning again ;)
Yes and more shirts to be done as well!!!! :lol:
Get's get trekkin! :D
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 23 March, 2011, 07:42:45 PM
Good grud, for a moment there i thought that was the new cast of Last of the Summer Wine...
SBT
nay lad, they are all too young!
Quote from: Large48 on 24 March, 2011, 11:05:32 AM
Yes and more shirts to be done as well!!!! :lol:
Well I have one (as you well know) that's a large black going but I'm gonna give that to Sam when he's bigger!
By the way folks I think this photo sums the weekend up for the 2000AD forum :D
Quote from: Buttonman on 28 March, 2010, 10:46:44 PM
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/Picture034.jpg)
The Helltrekkers and their hangers on.
P.S. Richmond, I think you should put a time down on the list of events for the official photo of the 2000AD Forum members and the Droids, so we can all get another one done ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 24 March, 2011, 07:12:57 PM
P.S. Richmond, I think you should put a time down on the list of events for the official photo of the 2000AD Forum members and the Droids, so we can all get another one done ;)
Awesome idea there CF!
good idea, Dode C and I missed that photo as we had to rush off to catch the train >:(
Just read something on Facebook.
2012's touchpaper has been lit :D
It may be a year away but those months will soon vanish.
Ah, I wish I would be here to reclaim my seat. Still, I suppose being a proud member of the maiden voyage will have to do!
It gives me a year to work out how to paint the GS black so it'll jetwash off.
Then I can be the He'll Trek Hell Rider and escort the Hell Trek Wagon into the Northern Wastes 8-)
any info for us non-facebo*kers? checked the Hi-Ex blog and its only got Bellybuttons on it.
Quote from: Proudhuff on 06 April, 2011, 05:13:01 PM
any info for us non-facebo*kers? checked the Hi-Ex blog and its only got Bellybuttons on it.
Get with the PROGramme Grandpaw!
Here is the tiny acorn that signalled the beginning of the 2012 Hell Trek and to a lesser extent Hi-Ex :
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/button71/VICFB.jpg)
I wouldn't presume to start a 2012 thread - over to you Deputy Burdis?
Worry not- it'll be on the blog as and when it is official!
Quote from: Proudhuff on 06 April, 2011, 05:13:01 PM
any info for us non-facebo*kers? checked the Hi-Ex blog and its only got Bellybuttons on it.
That'll teach you to be with the uncool kids :D
Obviously once the dates are confirmed I shall start the Hell-Trek process again. I think people should start putting those pennies away for it soon!
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 06 April, 2011, 04:29:04 PM
I wish I would be here to reclaim my seat. Still, I suppose being a proud member of the maiden voyage will have to do!
I thought you were on about Roger then, as his member was proud the whole weekend :lol:
Fantastic, the Hell Feck will have to get organised!
Best you start sorting it out now Gavin, who knows we might meet up on the road :o
Quote from: Buttonman on 06 April, 2011, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 06 April, 2011, 05:13:01 PM
any info for us non-facebo*kers? checked the Hi-Ex blog and its only got Bellybuttons on it.
Get with the PROGramme Grandpaw!
some of us have lives to get on with, you should get one ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 06 April, 2011, 08:39:36 PM
Best you start sorting it out now Gavin, who knows we might meet up on the road :o
Cool, Road Wars - Arm the laz-cannons and go to ramming speed!
Any road warriors will have to get past the GS before it can take on the Mo-Pad of the old and infirm 8-)
From Vicky's facebook page
Quotewe may have an announcement in a few days... hopefully ! all I can say now.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 07 April, 2011, 05:17:11 PM
From Vicky's facebook page
Quotewe may have an announcement in a few days... hopefully ! all I can say now.
Waiting for an email at the moment...
Count me in John as discussed Saturday night.
No probs!
Richmond and Vicky, I wore my Hi-Ex! Hell-Trekker top on the Sunday at KAPOW! and many people recognised the Con, plus quite a few of them said they have been, which can't be bad. I informed all that in few weeks some news may break!
I'm up for this John once dates are confirmed since I missed the last one.
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 11 April, 2011, 04:29:31 AM
No probs!
Richmond and Vicky, I wore my Hi-Ex! Hell-Trekker top on the Sunday at KAPOW! and many people recognised the Con, plus quite a few of them said they have been, which can't be bad. I informed all that in few weeks some news may break!
Sweet!
If I get a chance tonight I shall pm you about something that was told to me by some people who are doing something and they mentioned they might like it to happen at Hi-Ex! Cryptic or what! Pete Wells knows about what this is, don't you Pete ;)
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 11 April, 2011, 07:30:03 PM
If I get a chance tonight I shall pm you about something that was told to me by some people who are doing something and they mentioned they might like it to happen at Hi-Ex! Cryptic or what! Pete Wells knows about what this is, don't you Pete ;)
Cryptic or not, i'm liking the sound of this! :D
Interesting. I'm wondering what it could be...
I had a quick chat with Richmond last night about it and passed all the info over. He knew of certain parts of it already but not the final piece!
31st March - 1st April 2012
You know it makes sense to get involved with the Hell-Trek, so get your names down NOW!
All you other Hell-Trekkers need to start your threads, obviously there is the Irish contingent but there must be a Geordie version as well, I mean it's only up the road for you lot ;)
I've heard so many good things about Hi-Ex. Good to hear it's definately back next year.
I maybe interested in making the long trek up there in 2012. Room for another on the radwagon CF?
No probs with that Albion, I'll add your name to the list :D
May I respectfully suggest a new thread lest someone gets lost and ends up in 2009?
Are you happy now ;)
Could i add my name to the list ?
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 19 April, 2011, 08:09:52 PM
Are you happy now ;)
Why yes, yes I am. Thank you for your interest. See you on the other thread. Cheers!
It's way too far off for me to commit to anything at the moment, and i dont want to have to pull out at the last minute like last time. So i'll bide my time on this, i reckon.
SBT