Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2014/02/01 15:33:49
Subject: MechaniCon 2014, October 24-26 in Oaks, PA - X-Wing, 40k, WHFB +++
We have been very busy lining up the details for this year's event. As of last night, we have all the major pieces set in place and can share the news with you!
This year we are moving back to the Philly suburbs and are excited to have a new venue that we are working with.
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks
100 Station Avenue
Oaks, PA 19456
(484) 754-3976
phillyexpocenter.com
The Expo Center has a couple hotels nearby and shuttle service will be available. The Hilton Garden Inn and the Homewood Suites are very convenient. There are many local attractions that you can check out as well.
This will be the sixth year of our convention and we are having some exciting new things going on. MechaniCon will still be the destination for hobby and game enthusiasts that is made possible by the coordination of many excellent clubs.
Tickets will go on sale March 1st.
EVENTS:
There will be a Warhammer 40,000 Escalation Tournament on Friday. Get a chance to bring out the big toys in a 3 round slugfest!
The Battlefleet Gothic Grand Tournament will return on Friday. Do you have what it takes to battle amongst the stars?
The Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament will still be the main event taking place on Saturday and Sunday. True to the original GT's, we host a hobby style event for those who love all aspects of the game.
There will be multiple X-Wing Miniatures Game events all weekend long. Whether you are looking for tournament gaming or scenarios, bring your ships and defeat the enemy!
Small scale Warhammer 40,000 events will be offered by the Berks-PA Gaming Club. Great for beginners or those who prefer a lighter version of the game.
The folks at the Colonial GT will offer some Warhammer Fantasy Battle action. Wizards, Dragons, Cannon-Fodder... All will serve the mighty generals of the Old World.
We have some great new additions coming and the full details will be out by the time tickets go on sale.
Vendors and Demos will be returning. You will find lots of great stuff to see from full on hobby shops to small local manufacturers as well as informative demos. Plan some time in your weekend to pay them a visit.
The Chris Bledsoe Memorial fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is back. This year we will be offering loads of great Raffle prizes.
Food and Beer concessions will be available as well as a seating area to enjoy them.
Space is available for events, campaigns, demos or whatever else you may be interested in running at our convention. Drop a line to get in touch about volunteering for the convention!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/10/18 05:55:12
Ah sweet, the fact that this is back near Philly means I actually have a chance to attend this year
The team fantasy event sounds fun, too, although 3000 points per side will require a pretty long round time (particularly when combined with the extra time people take when playing teams, as teammates confer on decisions, figure out effects which normally only apply to their army, etc).
Does the 40kGT usually sell out / how fast? I guess this also depends on the size of the venue and if you are offering a similar number of slots as prior years.
2014/02/12 16:43:22
Subject: Re:MechaniCon 2014, October 24-26 in Oaks, PA
RiTides,
Any discussions about the Fantasy team event would probably get the quickest response through their new Facebook page (linked above).
The 40k Grand Tournament has be close to selling out every year (except when Sandy came to visit). Last year we sold out a couple weeks in advance, had a few cancellations and there were a couple tickets available at the door.
This year the 40KGT will be opened up to 60 players but due to the low cost compared to other weekend events and being close to a lot of gamers who do not travel much we may see them sell out quicker this year.
Ztryder,
We will continue to be the event that allows the rules that have been published. This will be our third year allowing all Forge World in the main event!
The preliminary rules pack will be released once all our convention center, hotel and catering contracts are finalized (the numerous snowstorms in our area have had a huge impact on everyone). This is expected to all be finalized this week.
For now, here are the recaps from our Rules Pack Draft for the Grand Tournament rules sources:
1. Allow Digital Books - Yes, you must have a charged device and there will be a cut-off deadline for updates (same as FAQ's, 1 week before event). Probably adding an auto-loss for the game if you do not have device charged.
2. Allow Supplement Books - Yes, as per a new codex release: 4 weeks prior to the event
3. Allow Digital Dataslates (formations and units) - Yes, 4 weeks prior to the event
4. Allow Stronghold Assault - Yes, the updated building rules will be used.
5. Allow Escalation - Yes/Maybe - Also see below
6. Allow Forge World - Yes
7. Tournament FAQs - No, Official FAQ's only with a 1 week cutoff
8. Any new updates to the game will be used. If there is a version 6.5 or 7th edition of the rulebook than that will be used if released 8 weeks before the event.
Scoring Breakdown of the Rules Pack Draft for the Grand Tournament:
1. Battle Points - 150 Max
1. A maximum of 30 Battle Points per game, Points as per mission and other sources (like Warlord Traits) with a +10 bonus for a Crushing Victory and a +4 Bonus for a Win
2. Army Appearance - 75 Max
2. Includes Army, Display, and any Fortifications
2. All models must be painted and based. A 3 color stripe is not acceptable. You will not be allowed to play with unpainted models.
3. Sportsmanship - 75 Max
4. Quiz - 15 Max
5. Early List Turn in - 10 Max
5. Lists MUST be in proper format, NO ARMY BUILDER!
6. Weekend Gamer - 5 Max
7. Bonus Points - 5 Max
8. Grand Tournament - 335 Max
We will probably be looking at a 1500 point army list and may have a restriction of larger stuff in the Grand Tournament. This could possibly include Massive Fortifications, Fortification Networks, and Lords of Battle. MechaniCon hosts a more laid back, friendly event that truly encompasses the hobby. If your idea of attending a tournament is to curb-stomp your opponent - our GT is not for you.
There will be opportunities to play with the really big stuff in the Friday - Escalation tournament or if there is enough response to make it a two day event.
Past attendees will receive surveys to help with some of the details but we had an excellent Feedback Form that covered everything at our last event. Smaller Armies, Forge World units and Army Lists, and the wide variety of terrain were all very popular.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/02/24 21:31:39
MechBoyz wrote: Ztryder,
We will continue to be the event that allows the rules that have been published. This will be our third year allowing all Forge World in the main event!
The preliminary rules pack will be released once all our convention center, hotel and catering contracts are finalized (the numerous snowstorms in our area have had a huge impact on everyone). This is expected to all be finalized this week.
For now, here are the recaps from our Rules Pack Draft for the Grand Tournament rules sources:
1. Allow Digital Books - Yes, you must have a charged device and there will be a cut-off deadline for updates (same as FAQ's, 1 week before event). Probably adding an auto-loss for the game if you do not have device charged.
2. Allow Supplement Books - Yes, as per a new codex release: 4 weeks prior to the event
3. Allow Digital Dataslates (formations and units) - Yes, 4 weeks prior to the event
4. Allow Stronghold Assault - Yes, the updated building rules will be used.
5. Allow Escalation - Yes/Maybe - Also see below
6. Allow Forge World - Yes
7. Tournament FAQs - No, Official FAQ's only with a 1 week cutoff
8. Any new updates to the game will be used. If there is a version 6.5 or 7th edition of the rulebook than that will be used if released 8 weeks before the event.
Scoring Breakdown of the Rules Pack Draft for the Grand Tournament:
1. Battle Points - 150 Max
1. A maximum of 30 Battle Points per game, Points as per mission and other sources (like Warlord Traits) with a +10 bonus for a Crushing Victory and a +4 Bonus for a Win
2. Army Appearance - 75 Max
2. Includes Army, Display, and any Fortifications
2. All models must be painted and based. A 3 color stripe is not acceptable. You will not be allowed to play with unpainted models.
3. Sportsmanship - 75 Max
4. Quiz - 15 Max
5. Early List Turn in - 10 Max
5. Lists MUST be in proper format, NO ARMY BUILDER!
6. Weekend Gamer - 5 Max
7. Bonus Points - 5 Max
8. Grand Tournament - 335 Max
We will probably be looking at a 1500 point army list and may have a restriction of larger stuff in the Grand Tournament. This could possibly include Massive Fortifications, Fortification Networks, and Lords of Battle. MechaniCon hosts a more laid back, friendly event that truly encompasses the hobby. If your idea of attending a tournament is to curb-stomp your opponent - our GT is not for you.
There will be opportunities to play with the really big stuff in the Friday - Escalation tournament or if there is enough response to make it a two day event.
Past attendees will receive surveys to help with some of the details but we had an excellent Feedback Form that covered everything at our last event. Smaller Armies, Forge World units and Army Lists, and the wide variety of terrain were all very popular.
Thanks for clarifying, excited for the event even more now. Love the 1500 point limit, thought it was a great idea in 2012.
7th Back in Action!
6th 2000+ 5th 2000+ retired
4th 2000+ retired
3rd 2000+ retired
2014/02/27 03:56:15
Subject: MechaniCon 2014, October 24-26 in Oaks, PA
I would love for this to be 1500 points. That point level tends to cut out spamming, power gamers and net lists. At least in my experiance. I could do without Forge World. Having to read rules for a unit or units that you have never seen before cuts into game time. Also love the way this tourney scores its games. I love when someone wins a game with a WAAC list, but only ends up with four points, but on the next table over the guy that lost got ten. Really makes people play the game instead of just throwing dice around. It's a beautiful thing.
2014/03/14 14:17:42
Subject: Re:MechaniCon 2014, October 24-26 in Oaks, PA
Nope, but you can follow Chris Nanry's new event for Warmachine gaming. Chris, the last organizer for the Colonial, is now concentrating his efforts on a Warmachine extravaganza weekend!
Our staff have been very busy and the first thing to be postponed is always the internet work...
We are starting to catch up with everything so let's fill you in:
Ticket sales have been going well for many events
Da Mek's Workshop is in high gear for tables and terrain for multiple systems
- the Space tables are complete and we have gotten quite a few commission requests for 3x3's and matching pairs for epic level play. There will be multiple events and formats over the weekend so tune up your T-16 and head out to Beggars Canyon to get some womp rat target practice in now!
- terrain for the Epic events is going very well
- the MechaniCon 40KGT is going through our annual purge of older terrain and getting lots of new pieces to work with the new edition of the rules
Souvenirs are being chosen and we will have some speak peeks soon.
The Mech GT rules pack is almost fully complete!!! We have been waiting for the first codex and supplement to be released to get a real idea of how to play 7th edition and you will find all the rules on the site by the end of next week!
For those interested (Because I was), this was the reply from Tony regarding the lists:
"The army construction will be 1850 points - Battle Forged and all current 40K rules are legal (codex/supplement/dataslate/formation/Forge World). There will be no house rules. "
We would never be able to offer so many great rewards to our attendees without the generous support of our sponsors. Even if you are not making out to the convention this year, hop on over to our Partners page and get a chance to learn about tons of great companies in the gaming industry that are lending a hand.
The MechaniCon GT started to fill up, order your tickets by 9/29 to get a premium swag bag. The cut off for new rules is Saturday, 9/27 - the final rules pack will be out next week updated with all rules sources (except FAQs which the cut off is 10/18).
We have some announcements for today as the final details get put together. There are just two weeks to go until game time!
There are even more events added to the weekend! Thanks to generous donations from retailers, FFG and Litko, we will have 5 great X-Wing events over all three days. A bring and battle Apocalypse event, the Battle for the Dusk Raider, has been added for Sunday.
Tickets are still available for all events with some close to being sold out - don't wait any longer to make sure you have a spot.
Do not forget to check out the Chris Bledsoe Memorial charity fund raiser on Saturday, there have been loads of great donations and all the money raised will go to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Our piles of loot for the tournaments keeps getting larger and you will not want to miss your chance to play on some of the best tournament terrain and tables and get the best rewards anywhere.
Are the mission primers not going to come out before the event? It would have been stellar to get some practice time in as theres more to them than just book missions.
The missions will not be released before the event.
All the Friday Night Fight and MechaniCon GT missions will be based on the book missions with some extra bits from other GW published missions. There will be Tactical Objectives used but no more than one per turn so as to not hinder anyone who has not gotten a deck yet.
We have been hard at work getting everything ready for next week's event. Individual event organizers have been putting finishing touches on everything and everyone is very excited.
We do have some very good news and some not too bad news to share at this time.
The very good news:
Fantasy Flight Games is our main sponsor for the X-Wing Miniatures events. We have a new pic of most of the loot available from the 5 X-Wing events
There will be tables available for open gaming all weekend long. Friday will have the most available but you should be able to pull up a chair and get a game of your choice in with a few friends. Sign ups to reserve a table are free and are First Come First Served at the event.
Many events are filling up quickly now. The website registration page will be closed down on Tuesday at midnight so don't wait to get your tickets. Players in the MechaniCon 40K Grand Tournament should purchase their ticket and submit their Army Roster for bonus points by midnight on Monday. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door, cash only.
http://www.themechanicon.com/1/registration/
The Chris Bledsoe Memorial Fund Raiser benefiting the Lymphoma Research Foundation has gotten a load of awesome donations. The Raffles will be drawn at 8:30 Saturday evening.
http://www.themechanicon.com/1/chris-bledsoe-memorial/
The Warstore is already gathering their wares for the Vending area. They will be with us all weekend.
Pictures of our souvenir beer stein proof have been floating around our Facebook page. They should be in our hands in just a few days and we can get some nice pics of the finished vessels.
Here is the bad news:
The two hotels by the Expo center are sold out. If you are looking to book accommodations nearby then look at Valley Forge or King of Prussia hotels - they are within a 15 minutes drive.
Gangfight Game Studios have had to cancel their appearance due to a wedding. We will have to wait til next year and Tim is really looking forward to showing off the new game, Mechadrome, as soon as possible!
On The Lamb Games will not be able to make it this year as well. If you were planning to grab some of their stuff you can always check out their website.
Phew, I panicked when I saw this post and was able to sneak in a Friday night reservation at the Hilton still (my friend and I are fairly local and only need the one night, driving up Friday and back late Saturday).
X-wing stuff looks great hoping I can convince a few other friends to come up with us! Do you think it's likely they'll need to register ahead of time, or could they get into the X-wing events "at the door" most likely?
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/10/18 15:10:20
2014/10/25 20:45:54
Subject: MechaniCon 2014, October 24-26 in Oaks, PA - X-Wing, 40k, WHFB +++
Just got back from MechaniCon (as unfortunately we had to leave a bit early today) and had an absolute blast! The staff was awesome, the venue was spacious and worked great for the event, and it was just a fun time
I won the X-wing event on Friday, which was a nice surprise and the prizes were great. Turnout seemed quite good on Saturday (today) for the main GT events, although I wish more locals had made it out for things like X-wing. Still had an awesome time with it, and it's a similar problem the Nova Open faces - how to make it worth getting a day pass for folks who just want to do small skirmish games or the like.
Also got to meet Tony (the TO) in-person finally, and another awesome judge named James. Finally, my friend and I demoed a new gaming accessory that I'm making, and it got a good response. I'll be revealing more about that in the appropriate section on Dakka soon
So, overall I would give the experience an "A", with the turnout for the side events being the only thing keeping it from being perfect. Very glad we decided to make it!
Back in Action!
2000+ 
2000+ retired
2000+ retired
hoping I can convince a few other friends to come up with us! Do you think it's likely they'll need to register ahead of time, or could they get into the X-wing events "at the door" most likely?