Event announcement post for East Wind 6

FirestormX · October 23rd, 2012, 12:57

I've done road trips like that before. It's definitely awesome. I don't have any of the gear, but I've decided I really want to try this. I don't have any of the period gear, though. If anyone in the GTA (or further) wants to start up a group here, like they did out west, to meet and discuss/find the gear needed, I'd join up. Said group can then rent an RV and head down. =P

Basic-Wedge · October 23rd, 2012, 16:22

It was only about one year ago that our two teams (Manitoba and Alberta) first heard of Operation East Wind. In only about five months, we were able to pull together that first contingent of five players. The rest of us going, this coming year, will have had the benefit of seventeen months to train and prepare. It helps that many in the two groups are former CF members, and that the Manitoba players were wearing the old CF kit in regular airsoft events anyway.

I'll make a point of adding a list, on the East Wind forums, of some of the better surplus dealers we've come to rely on for finding bits of old CF gear and kit. Knowing where to look makes the process of getting prepared _so_ much easier. We've also organized quite a few group purchases, and I'd suggest anyone else planning to attend this event try doing the same.

Additionally, the two teams and some of their individual members have made substantial investments in infrastructure items, like surplus communications equipment and tents. There has also been a fair bit of discussion about acquiring period correct vehicles, such as the Iltis and maybe a deuce and a half.

Much has already been done, and more is planned. Ironically, because of the funding restrictions the Canadian Forces operated under during the Cold War period, the average Canadian East Wind participant probably shows up at the event with more gear than the average Canadian soldier of that era was ever issued.

iceman3994 · October 23rd, 2012, 16:28

Remember your not all restricted to Canadian Contingent. This is a good chance to explore as well. Maybe you want to try out the WARPAC side and see what it is like to have served on the other side of things. Maybe you want to wear the gucci US or British camouflage. Maybe you would like to try defending your side of Germany as either the West or East Germans.

The point being you do not have to come as a Canadian to get an unique experience. Do what you feel would be the best way to come down there. I know the WARSAW side has some gear that is a bit harder to get but seeing the way they do things it is nice to see some more guys that would like to do that impression.

Cico · October 23rd, 2012, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basic-Wedge

There has also been a fair bit of discussion about acquiring period correct vehicles, such as the Iltis and maybe a deuce and a half.

There are a crap ton of Iltis and MLVWs at auction in Ontario.

My last trip to the auction i saw a few Ilitsi go for under 500 fulling kitted and running. I watahced 3 MLs go for just over 1000 each with the trailer. the issue i see is getting them to the event. Lets face it the old iltis sucked for long road marches and the ML isnt the most fuel efficent truck out there not to mention the old "air tight" windsheilds.

I will keep an eye out for them agaian now.

FirestormX · October 23rd, 2012, 16:45

I would have loved to use this an excuse to pick up the L85 for the British, or just go with US since I have some of the basic stuff already. But if you're going to go to an international event, why not represent Canada? I think it'd be awesome to have a quality Canadian team, that are willing to do what the other countries can't. Vimmy Ridge, and so on.

It'll also be a good learning experience (hopefully) for myself, as I don't know much about Canada's military history as far as their outfitting goes.

Basic-Wedge · October 23rd, 2012, 16:46

Several East Wind participants own military vehicles, as does D-Day Adventure Park, the place where the event is held. The game features all sorts of vehicles, ranging from MUTTs, Unimogs, deuces, and CUCVs all the way up to BTRs, Ferrets, APCs, and SP artillery pieces. I believe the event organizer's long term hope is to somehow acquire authentic Canadian vehicles and store them in the area for use at each year's game. If that's ever going to happen, it'll depend on ongoing participation from Canadian players in the event.

iceman3994 · October 23rd, 2012, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirestormX

I would have loved to use this an excuse to pick up the L85 for the British, or just go with US since I have some of the basic stuff already. But if you're going to go to an international event, why not represent Canada? I think it'd be awesome to have a quality Canadian team, that are willing to do what the other countries can't. Vimmy Ridge, and so on.

It'll also be a good learning experience (hopefully) for myself, as I don't know much about Canada's military history as far as their outfitting goes.

You don't have to worry about the Quality. That has already been established and will always be the norm. We have a Canadian that is on the West German unit again this year. We may have another 4 that are going West German as well. Just being a part of this event representing yourself should be the top priority.

FirestormX · October 23rd, 2012, 17:33

Sorry, "quality" was a bad word for what I meant. I meant it would just be nice to have a large group of Canadians.

I wouldn't be enthusiastic to join the Canadian team if I hated the idea of it. =P
I really would like to "represent myself" as a Canadian. =)

Aswayze · October 23rd, 2012, 22:26

If you need a hand selling yourself on the drive here’s the way to look at it:

How far do you drive to get to a normal airsoft event?

How much skirmish time do you have?

How long to drive back?

Even if we pretend like everything else is exactly equal, experience, equipment, everything, and just look at drive time vs. “in game” time going to East Wind makes more sense than you think.

Of course that argument only works if you are trying to convince yourself to go, it won’t hold much water against a determined spouse….

The other option if there’s not a gang to ride with is flying in. We’ve had people fly in from as far away as Saudi Arabia and we’ve got two coning in this year from the UK. When you’re already spending a week on vacation where room and board is setting you back $200 US, you’ve usually got some extra money to throw around.

Ack! Those prices are killer up there! We have generally gotten into our vehicles at some decent deals down here but nothing like that.

Not gotten any CF specific vehicles just yet but I did pick up a second PVS-502 night vision scope yesterday so we’re getting somewhere at least. :P

The guys do make a decent point about looking at all of your options. When I first started talking to the guys about this time last year about attendance, I pointed out that choosing to go as CF may take away some of the experience. After all, you guys already know how to be Canadians! Looking at other options does give you a chance to immerse yourself into a completely different culture, work with completely different equipment and even eat completely different foods.

It didn’t really work when I tried to explain it so I don’ expect it to work here either but it is a valid argument none the less.

Kuperov · October 23rd, 2012, 22:51

And if anybody does have any questions about the Soviet side of things, I'd be more than happy to help!

I picked up a new toy today, an era correct Soviet made IMP-1 Mine Detector:

Each side has a deuce-and-a-half (2.5 Ton US Army Transport Truck) (or more) full of toys that you would NEVER see at a normal game. When was the last time you were at an airsoft game that had you searching for landmines? I bet I get more "hands up" than when I ask: When was the last time you were at an airsoft game and got to ride in a BTR-40 troop transport?

We can't justify the cost of the gear, the travel time (and associated costs), or the time spent away from home/school/family/etc. But we can safely say that you have never done anything like this, and never will, unless you decide to attend again the year after!

If you get bored, use Google maps to get a rough estimate on the drive time from New Jersey, USA to Oklahoma, USA. I average 21-23 hours, including stops every 350-400 miles for fuel (which costs $100 USD each fill... 3 fills to and from Oklahoma...) and quite frankly, I plan on doing this again and again each and every year. Every person, of course, has their limits. Some people just don't enjoy being cooped up in a vehicle for that long, or can't get off work, etc. As they say, where there's a will, there's a way.

I've done this twice, and have paid in full to do this again a 3rd time March 2013, and I look forward to making more new Canadian friends than anyone else IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW JERSEY!

More pics and details of that IMP-1, if anybody is interested: http://www.operationeastwind.com/for...p?topic=2625.0

Kingsix · October 24th, 2012, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuperov

And if anybody does have any questions about the Soviet side of things, I'd be more than happy to help!

Can I bring out my PNV-57E?

Gato · October 24th, 2012, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsix

Can I bring out my PNV-57E?

Let's not forget the rest of your toys and the RPG-7

Kuperov · October 24th, 2012, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsix

Can I bring out my PNV-57E?

We have a few sets in inventory, some mounted to tanker's helmets for night time driving use. Others aren't helmet mounted. They get handed out to section leaders for night recon work.

I'm sure your section would appreciate the extra set of eyes (if they're not helmet mounted), and the guys you're pulling vehicle security for would appreciate the extra set of eyes (if they are helmet mounted).

Also, that RPG, is it a Zeta Labs model? We've got a stash of warheads, custom built that hold a 40mm grenade and a Nerf football. All the gunner has to do is stick the warhead in, twist it to lock, take aim and pull the trigger.

Aswayze · October 24th, 2012, 22:03

PNV-57E is a fine choice, that is a seriously under appreciated piece of night vision kit. By all means take that one!

Speaking of night vision as I mentioned earlier, I picked up a second PVS-502 night vision scope for our Canadian Forces unit. We did not field the other one much last year since it was a late arrival and I had not managed to come up with a mount that would put it on a C7. (It came with a C1 mount). Didn't seem to bother our guys much since they just used the absurdly nice PVS-300 instead...

Anyhow, after the event, I did scoop up the correct Pic rail to NATO stanag adaptor and since I had a second scope on the way that also needed an adaptor I finally got everything out and set it all up on a spare rifle to make sure it all went together they way I wanted.

Pics:

Don't mind the scrabba doo JG M16, it was just the closest one at hand.

Kingsix · October 25th, 2012, 01:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gato

Let's not forget the rest of your toys and the RPG-7

NSPU :P

But the RPG would be a nightmare at the border, sadly it's a ACM model which is only good as a show piece.

Home	Forums	Register	Gallery	FAQ	Calendar
Retailers	Community	News/Info	International Retailers	IRC	Today's Posts

British Columbia	Alberta
BCAC	EAR
Op-For	JOC
Northern Arms Airsoft	Skunkworx Airsoft
Airsoft Kelowna	RAAT
Prince George Airsoft	Manitoba
Saskatchewan	MAA
SK Airsoft	Ontario
PDW	Airsoft Ottawa
South Sask Mercs	Snow Dragons
Quebec	1st Ranger Platoon
PQAC	Wolfpack Tactical
1st Pathfinders Regiment	TTAC3
Quebec Airsoft
MTX Airsoft	Atlantic
FAQc	Atlantic Airsoft

October 23rd, 2012, 16:22	#47
Basic-Wedge Trader rating Join Date: Mar 2010	It was only about one year ago that our two teams (Manitoba and Alberta) first heard of Operation East Wind. In only about five months, we were able to pull together that first contingent of five players. The rest of us going, this coming year, will have had the benefit of seventeen months to train and prepare. It helps that many in the two groups are former CF members, and that the Manitoba players were wearing the old CF kit in regular airsoft events anyway. I'll make a point of adding a list, on the East Wind forums, of some of the better surplus dealers we've come to rely on for finding bits of old CF gear and kit. Knowing where to look makes the process of getting prepared _so_ much easier. We've also organized quite a few group purchases, and I'd suggest anyone else planning to attend this event try doing the same. Additionally, the two teams and some of their individual members have made substantial investments in infrastructure items, like surplus communications equipment and tents. There has also been a fair bit of discussion about acquiring period correct vehicles, such as the Iltis and maybe a deuce and a half. Much has already been done, and more is planned. Ironically, because of the funding restrictions the Canadian Forces operated under during the Cold War period, the average Canadian East Wind participant probably shows up at the event with more gear than the average Canadian soldier of that era was ever issued. __________________ * * * * * * * * * Rob Bye

October 23rd, 2012, 16:28	#48
iceman3994 Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta	Remember your not all restricted to Canadian Contingent. This is a good chance to explore as well. Maybe you want to try out the WARPAC side and see what it is like to have served on the other side of things. Maybe you want to wear the gucci US or British camouflage. Maybe you would like to try defending your side of Germany as either the West or East Germans. The point being you do not have to come as a Canadian to get an unique experience. Do what you feel would be the best way to come down there. I know the WARSAW side has some gear that is a bit harder to get but seeing the way they do things it is nice to see some more guys that would like to do that impression. __________________ Age Verifier Sherwood Park, Alberta area

October 23rd, 2012, 16:46	#51
Basic-Wedge Trader rating Join Date: Mar 2010	Several East Wind participants own military vehicles, as does D-Day Adventure Park, the place where the event is held. The game features all sorts of vehicles, ranging from MUTTs, Unimogs, deuces, and CUCVs all the way up to BTRs, Ferrets, APCs, and SP artillery pieces. I believe the event organizer's long term hope is to somehow acquire authentic Canadian vehicles and store them in the area for use at each year's game. If that's ever going to happen, it'll depend on ongoing participation from Canadian players in the event. __________________ * * * * * * * * * Rob Bye Last edited by Basic-Wedge; October 23rd, 2012 at 16:49..

October 23rd, 2012, 12:57	#46
FirestormX Trader rating Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mississauga, Ontario	I've done road trips like that before. It's definitely awesome. I don't have any of the gear, but I've decided I really want to try this. I don't have any of the period gear, though. If anyone in the GTA (or further) wants to start up a group here, like they did out west, to meet and discuss/find the gear needed, I'd join up. Said group can then rent an RV and head down. =P

October 23rd, 2012, 16:45	#50
FirestormX Trader rating Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mississauga, Ontario	I would have loved to use this an excuse to pick up the L85 for the British, or just go with US since I have some of the basic stuff already. But if you're going to go to an international event, why not represent Canada? I think it'd be awesome to have a quality Canadian team, that are willing to do what the other countries can't. Vimmy Ridge, and so on. It'll also be a good learning experience (hopefully) for myself, as I don't know much about Canada's military history as far as their outfitting goes.

October 23rd, 2012, 17:33	#53
FirestormX Trader rating Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mississauga, Ontario	Sorry, "quality" was a bad word for what I meant. I meant it would just be nice to have a large group of Canadians. I wouldn't be enthusiastic to join the Canadian team if I hated the idea of it. =P I really would like to "represent myself" as a Canadian. =)

October 23rd, 2012, 22:26	#54
Aswayze Trader rating Join Date: Oct 2012	If you need a hand selling yourself on the drive here’s the way to look at it: How far do you drive to get to a normal airsoft event? How much skirmish time do you have? How long to drive back? Even if we pretend like everything else is exactly equal, experience, equipment, everything, and just look at drive time vs. “in game” time going to East Wind makes more sense than you think. Of course that argument only works if you are trying to convince yourself to go, it won’t hold much water against a determined spouse…. The other option if there’s not a gang to ride with is flying in. We’ve had people fly in from as far away as Saudi Arabia and we’ve got two coning in this year from the UK. When you’re already spending a week on vacation where room and board is setting you back $200 US, you’ve usually got some extra money to throw around. Ack! Those prices are killer up there! We have generally gotten into our vehicles at some decent deals down here but nothing like that. Not gotten any CF specific vehicles just yet but I did pick up a second PVS-502 night vision scope yesterday so we’re getting somewhere at least. :P The guys do make a decent point about looking at all of your options. When I first started talking to the guys about this time last year about attendance, I pointed out that choosing to go as CF may take away some of the experience. After all, you guys already know how to be Canadians! Looking at other options does give you a chance to immerse yourself into a completely different culture, work with completely different equipment and even eat completely different foods. It didn’t really work when I tried to explain it so I don’ expect it to work here either but it is a valid argument none the less.

October 23rd, 2012, 22:51	#55
Kuperov Trader rating Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NJ, USA	And if anybody does have any questions about the Soviet side of things, I'd be more than happy to help! I picked up a new toy today, an era correct Soviet made IMP-1 Mine Detector: Each side has a deuce-and-a-half (2.5 Ton US Army Transport Truck) (or more) full of toys that you would NEVER see at a normal game. When was the last time you were at an airsoft game that had you searching for landmines? I bet I get more "hands up" than when I ask: When was the last time you were at an airsoft game and got to ride in a BTR-40 troop transport? We can't justify the cost of the gear, the travel time (and associated costs), or the time spent away from home/school/family/etc. But we can safely say that you have never done anything like this, and never will, unless you decide to attend again the year after! If you get bored, use Google maps to get a rough estimate on the drive time from New Jersey, USA to Oklahoma, USA. I average 21-23 hours, including stops every 350-400 miles for fuel (which costs $100 USD each fill... 3 fills to and from Oklahoma...) and quite frankly, I plan on doing this again and again each and every year. Every person, of course, has their limits. Some people just don't enjoy being cooped up in a vehicle for that long, or can't get off work, etc. As they say, where there's a will, there's a way. I've done this twice, and have paid in full to do this again a 3rd time March 2013, and I look forward to making more new Canadian friends than anyone else IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW JERSEY! More pics and details of that IMP-1, if anybody is interested: http://www.operationeastwind.com/for...p?topic=2625.0 __________________ ГСВГ, 8 ОА, 27 МСД, 5 ОРБ, 7 РР, Mладший Лейтенант Куперов The Longest Airsoft Operation in the US: 9 Days Proudly entering it's 6th year running! http://www.operationeastwind.com "Not because it is easy..." Like & Follow Operation: East Wind on Facebook

October 24th, 2012, 22:03	#59
Aswayze Trader rating Join Date: Oct 2012	PNV-57E is a fine choice, that is a seriously under appreciated piece of night vision kit. By all means take that one! Speaking of night vision as I mentioned earlier, I picked up a second PVS-502 night vision scope for our Canadian Forces unit. We did not field the other one much last year since it was a late arrival and I had not managed to come up with a mount that would put it on a C7. (It came with a C1 mount). Didn't seem to bother our guys much since they just used the absurdly nice PVS-300 instead... Anyhow, after the event, I did scoop up the correct Pic rail to NATO stanag adaptor and since I had a second scope on the way that also needed an adaptor I finally got everything out and set it all up on a spare rifle to make sure it all went together they way I wanted. Pics: Don't mind the scrabba doo JG M16, it was just the closest one at hand.

Event announcement post for East Wind 6

General