Plastic Warrior Show Operation Surprise Part One Laurie and I after a five year absence attended PW. The reason I called it Operation Surprise is we told no one we were coming. We did that mainly as to my health issues. I had a scare from my doctor earlier in the year that I had a possible heart murmur. I did an Ecco test and was fine.
Another concern was cost both of the trip and money to spend at the show. On the first thing various things came together. Laurie got enough points at work for our airfare. We were looking at a $30.00 a day parking fee from the airport. AAA hooked up with a company called Parking Spot that has rates half of the airport. Further more it is closer to the airport.
On the money some funds came available so we decided to go.
Plastic Warrior Show Operation Surprise Part One The Trip
We left early Thursday morning on United. With all the negatives we heard we expected an uncomfortable flight. Instead it was one of the most pleasant flights we have had. The seat space was more than adequate. They had a fabulous entertainment system. I was able to catch up on several of the movies I missed in the theater. Food was fine nothing to write home about. We landed on time. That night we stayed at the Hilton at the airport.
Plastic Warrior Show Operation Surprise Part One London
The next day we took the tube to Earls Court. We stayed at the K&K George Hotel. Laurie had inspected hotel years before and was impress.After checking in we went out for a bite to eat and for me to change money. We found this wonderful pub called Prince of Teck. We drink hard cider and found a new one called Orchard Pig that we liked. Also had food at the pub I had a burger and Laurie had a pasta dish.
We ate at another pub that night and got ready for the show.
Plastic Warrior Show Operation Surprise Part One Treasures One
Here just a few items we got more will be show along with photos of the from friends. Our camera died on us.
I got this from Peter Bergner. I liked the figure when I saw him.
Here is a hard plastic 60mm pirate. I believe it is from France
Here is a swoppet British soldier with a sten gun. I am keeping him, but I have a WWII German that will go on Ebay
Hi Paul, it was great to see you both over for the show, and a great surprise. The 60mm hard plastic pirate is French made, it’s early Starlux.
Hi Brian it was great seeing you as well. We thought we get over before we could not. It was just luck everything went together.
It’s enjoyable (mostly) planning for a trip & looking forward to it, but going at the last minute when everything works out perfectly can be great fun, too.
And seeing British and German friends you haven’t seen in 5 years had to be a real treat.
Yes, having some money to spend at toy soldier shows, in addition to the normal travel, lodging, and food costs, has to be figured in as well. I myself try to avoid spending too much on ebay in between toy soldier shows precisely so I will have more to splurge at the show. I feel the savings in postage becomes a partial set-off for travel expenses.
What happened to your dogs while you were gone? They must have been thrilled to have you both back. That’s one of the things that makes them such lovable members of the family.
To answer your last question first. The boys stayed at our vet. We have been bordering them there for years. Yes they were happy to have us back. Percy was tight against Laurie on the ride back home.
It was great to see our English and German friends. I did not get much time to talk to them as I was running around buying things for resale and the collection. We might get time with our German friends if we get there in December.
Yes it was alot of planning and figuring money. Food is not cheap. We had a nice meal at a real Italian restaurant which was $60.00 for the two of us.
Hi Paul i hope you enjoyed your short stay in England and i hope you really enjoyed the PL show and got yourself a load of exciting figures like the ones you have here. Sorry i couldn’t make the show as i have some health issues of my own, I would really liked to have met you and your wife. I will try to make next years show if i can.
Yes we had a great time. We got to see many of our friends and I found items for resell and the collection. Later we we went out with a friend Michael Smith who took us a traditional Italian restaurant near are hotel. Sunday Laurie and I went out with Michael and Peter Evans Punjab’s. It was too short.