This past Saturday, June 21st, I went to Glendale with my brother to cover Weekend of Heroes. I’ve never been to a 1/6th military convention so I didn’t know what to expect. Is it going to be all 1/6th figures, or is there more to it?

Airsoft rack

Once we got there, my questions were answered immediately. As we entered the floor, I noticed military re-enactors and a bunch of guns that looked like airsoft. I expected more people for the event. John Lu, the promoter of the event, said that it started dying down in the afternoon but that it was pretty packed in the morning. Products the vendors were selling ranged from “naked” figures to boots and shades. It’s a very detailed hobby.

We walked around and saw some airsofts. I talked to Erik from Spartan Imports. Erik said that airsoft is a sport but law enforcement agencies also uses them for training. I can understand, the airsofts they had felt and looked real. The airsofts ranged from $150 -$1600. He also showed me a customized M4 he created for the show. That gun was TIGHT! It had a scope and railing and looked like what the SF’s would use.

Erik from Spartan Imports with the custom M4

Then we talked to some more airsoft players from desert commandos. They said they’re an airsoft team but were recruiting more players. I guess airsoft is getting huge.

Next up we talked to Toyrrific. The company produces 1/6th military figures. He informed me that Toys R Us is getting back into the market and that they would carry Toyrrific’s products by the end of 08, early 09. They had some of their products on display: one that caught my attention was the drag bag (sniper rifle bag). Steve, the president of Toyrrific, told me that it was the first ever drag bag produced and retailed for $20.

Toyrrific products

Then, we checked out the custom figures that were entered for the contest. They were pretty cool, I liked the Halo figure(not the video game one). From a certain angle, it looked like he was really jumping. Overall, the figures were well done. Too bad I could not get hold of any of the customizers for an interview.

Next up, we went up to a WW 2 Russian re-enactor, Mark Sevigny. This was my favorite part of the show because he had real weapons that were used in WW 2. Mark was very knowledgeable and informed us about European warfare and how the weapons were used. I found it interesting that they used their standard rifle, Mosin-Nagent M91/30 as a sniper rifle(used in Enemy at The Gates) because there supposed “special sniper rifle” railing’s shook too much when a scope was placed. Who would have thought I would learn something educational at a 1/6th convention.

Mark with the Russian WW2 Weapons

My brother talked to a 1/6th tank customizer, Bevan Johnston. He said it takes him about 3-4 months to create the customized WW 2 tanks. Well it definitely shows on the final product because they look authentic(with rusts and dust all over the tank) and well made. Not some cheap looking product. If you’re interested in having a tank made, you can contact him through his site, rctanks.us.

One of the tanks created by Bevan

Next to the tanks was the onesixthwarriors.com’s diorama. It’s a forum dedicated to 1/6th figures and the members decided to create a huge diorama. Very impressive.

Onesixthwarriors.com diorama

Our final stop was the Merit International booth. They distribute 1/6th figures and promoted BBI. I saw the new SWAT Sheriff which retailed for $73. It looked cool but too expensive. Anthony, the president, told me that figures have gone up in price because of petroleum(what’s used for the figure). He said engineers and fashion designers create the figures and usually takes about 6 months for the whole process.

On our way out, I asked one vendor, war-toys.com if he had the SWAT Sheriff Figure. Javier, the owner said he did and would give me a good price on it. After looking for it, he found a case and sold it to me for $40(which I will review next week)! Almost $35 off retail, AWESOME! So I bought my first 1/6th figure. Next to him, was his associate from toyanxiety.com selling some Hot Toys Figures. I ask about the Hot Toys Joker availability (being a Batman fan). He said the figure will be really hard to find in the US because it’s only exclusive in Asia. Oh well, no Joker figure for me. After that it was closing time so we left the floor.

For me, Weekend of Heroes was more of an educational experience more than a 1/6th convention (but I guess they go hand in hand). I learned some interesting info about the hobby and some military history as well. A very interesting convention.

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