[TA-Events] Op. Phoenix Rising II: The Crossroads (Bookings & info ONLY)

Lemming

Hi folks,

no doubt you've read the operation phoenix rising 2 thread. The purpose of this thread is to get as much information to people seriously interested in going to this as is possible regarding bookings (group if possible?), transport and the like.

Please do not post unless you have a genuine question or are confirming attendance. Posts of "That looks f00kin' deadly" will be receiving requests from the forum moderators to delete. If they wish to slap you about the head as well - I will not lose any sleep.

Copehills Down village (herein referred to as CDV) is located on Salisbury plain in the south of England. For those of you with google-earth or love looking at maps; the co-ordinates are:

Latitude: 51°12'27.32"N
Longitude: 1°58'33.00"W

Or, click here for the same on google maps.

Onto PR2 itself; firstly (and very importantly) this is a MilSim event. So not your average saturday skirmish. It is scheduled for the 6th & 7th of december 2008 although TA-Events are currently awaiting confirmation of the booking for CDV. Costs per person will be £85 and a deposit of £55 will be required within 7 days of booking with the remainder paid in cash upon arrival at the event.

The rules have been published, so go and make yourselves familiar with them. They'll give an indicator of what will be expected of you.

I'll mention a couple of the more key rules that might impact what kit people might have, so please read the full rules.

• No high-caps
• No box-mags (except for support weapons - that doesn't include your M4 ...)
• Uniform restrictions per side
• Limit on ammo carried at any one time, varying by player 'class'
• Minimum age is 16.

The uniform restrictions are:

• Azerbaijan: Desert DPM, Multicam or ACU
• Armenian/NKR: Green DPM, such as British DPM or US Woodlands, Flectarn or O/D clothing

TA-Events are looking for the following from anyone making individual bookings, and the full booking information can be found here:

• Name
• Email Address
• Telephone number
• Age
• Airsoft experience (i.e. number of years playing)
• Country
• First/Second choice for team (you can specify no interest in second choice)

Lemming

The nearest airports to CDV are;

• Bristol (west north west)
• Southampton (south east)
• Bournemouth (south south east)

Airlines that fly routes from Dublin to these airports are as follows;

Bournemouth: RyanAir (bear with me here folks ... read below)
Bristol: RyanAir
Southampton: Flybe

NOTE: Now, before I say anything else I want to say this. Ryan Air will not allow AEGs. Period. Don't even think about it. I have mentioned them because there is the possibility of some players travelling by ferry (more on this later) and if they agree to carry your AEG all fine and well.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of destinations/carriers and may well be amended periodically. You're more than welcome to fly in elsewhere and get transport to CDV if you so choose.

Realistically speaking, flybe travelling into southampton is the only real local option if you are flying with airsoft kit since they (like just about every other air-carrier except ryanair) will allow airsoft kit. You will incur a handling fee that is approximately €20/25 (or was last time I got billed; August 2007) per flight.

Lemming

For those of you interested in taking the ferry and driving through/past some remarkable scenery (hello? Salisbury plain? Stone henge? Anyone?), I've resurrected a post I made containing clarification I received from the ferry companies last year regarding the transport of airsoft kit.

clicky here.

In summary; ferries that allow airsoft kit:

• P&O
• Stena-Line

Avoid Irish Ferries like the plague. They've basically followed ryanair's line since 2007. You can chance your arm and use them (this is neither an endorsement nor a recommendation to be an idiot ... ), but if you're stopped - you're boned.

Lemming

The VCRA and you. What's it mean?

You will need to show HMRC that you are a legitimate skirmisher. There is no one "right" way to do this although I might hasten to add there are a hundred and one bad ways to do it ...

You can;

• Use your UKARA membership number
• Show a cover letter from the site/event confirming your attendance.

I would also personally recommend carrying your IAA membership letter (if you are a member of the IAA) just to show you are a bona fide airsoft skirmisher since we (ROI) do not have the same restrictions imposed on us that the VCRA lays out in the UK. It may not swing HMRC by itself, but it may add some weight to however you choose to approach this issue.

TA-Events have stated on their PR2 home-page (and indeed wormbyte has confirmed this on boards.ie as well) that they will provide a VCRA cover letter for foreign players.

It really shouldn't have to be added but I will anyway; good manners, a willingness to talk security folks through whatever questions/concerns they may have, and a level head displaying a confidence about what you're talking about will go a long way to getting you through customs and/or airport/ferry security a great deal swifter than screaming blue-murder.

Lemming

And to star the ball rolling, I'm planning on going to this. Flight or ferry remains to be seen at this time, and I'll also check what the folks at Airsoft Ireland (ASI) are planning on doing as well.

Looks like I will be playing Armenian/NKR since I have none of the uniform requirements for Azerbijan.

fayer

Im their Lemming, count me in.

Armenian/NKR for me, will be in US Woodland.

Steve

Skatedude

Count me in,

What team are people planing on? so we can pick the same when booking.
I'm planning on Armenian/NKR as i have us woodland.

DevilsBreath

Should be there.

Just booked Friday and Monday of so can be there nice and early.

NakedHedgehog

If you're going as a group, I'd suggest making a group booking. Otherwise you're likely not to get a ticket at all.
Of course that requires pooling of

These things sell like hotcakes. Especially Copehill Down!

That all said; since Lemming is talking to Casper, that might be taken care of. Eitherway, this is going to be awesome! Cold, wet and windy. But awesome!

TheDoc

Yeah I am 90% positive I can go

I have clothing requirements for both teams, multicam, od and flecktarn.

But I think I'll go with fayer :P

Fayer I've sent you a pm about transport.

Also im sure on behalf of everyone, thanks to lemming for going to the effort to give such a detailed analysis of the event.

Our foreign legion commander

Hivemind187

The IAA stopped issuing letters after the second batch due to the cost of postage and printing.

Anyone who requires a letter confirming their membership with the IAA who has not received a membership card - for any reason - can request by sending a Stamped Adressed Envelope (that means you send us the envelope we will be sending back to you) to the usual address.

An IAA member will be on call during the travel period to confirm IAA membership details should it be so required.

However, it should be noted that the IAA enjoys no special recognition by the UK authorities.

TheDoc

Going that extra mile is appreciated by everyone I'm sure Hive.

Is there indication when this tickets go on sale or when we book them?

Also is the deposit paid through payal etc?

EDIT:::

I have one question actually, that might be sensitive so if a mod sees it unfit for discussion please remove this line and assosiated posts.

But i notice the limit for that site is substanially higher in some instances as regards to sniper rifles. The AEG limit seems similar, for the sake of 30 fps im not too bothered, but theres a significant difference in sniper fps. I will be brining a bar 10 with me, and wondering what is the situation when it comes to transporting it, with intention of upgrading it upon arrival on the OPR site. Should I carry the spring seperate until I reach my destination?

I know some of you have done berget etc and would love to know what the situation with this manner is.

Again if its deemed unfit by mods I will accept that no problem..but hoepfully I can receive some info on this manner.

NakedHedgehog

Edit:
The following payments are accepted when paying your deposit.

PayPal
Card Payments (via Paypal)
Cheque
Postal Order
Bank Transfer

As per the website: booking will go live sometime mid September with alerts sent a week prior. At the moment wormbyte/TA Events just have a provisional booking of the Village and it wont be confirmed until that time.


Ya know, you could also read the website if you're interested :P

OzCam

Thanks +1 to Lemming for posting all this stuff. Suggest transport info from SOU to CDV if possible.


I'll be going if I can arrange transportation and some mid-cap mags for the AUG. My car is over the emissions limit (way over!) so I'd prefer not to bring it, but am happy to split fuel costs or go with a group. I'd prefer FlyBe to a minibus, but am flexible.

Wearing MultiCam. Doesn't seem to be much point in bringing my SSG or OzCam though.


BTW, TA's website mentions that workarounds may be done on mags if no low- or mid-cap is available, but the ammo limits will still apply.

OzCam

Here are the flights anyway...

Out
Dublin (DUB) to Southampton (SOU)

Fri 05 Dec 2008

BE383 Depart*08:50 Arrive*10:15
BE385 Depart*16:15 Arrive*17:35
BE389 Depart*20:45 Arrive*22:05 (arrives too late)

Return
Southampton (SOU) to Dublin (DUB)

Sun 07 Dec 2008
BE384 Depart 14:30 Arrive 15:45
BE388 Depart 18:55 Arrive 20:20

Mon 08 Dec 2008
BE382 Depart 07:00 Arrive 08:25
BE384 Depart 14:30 Arrive 15:45
BE388 Depart 18:55 Arrive 20:20

Tickets are available now, but the scheduled aircraft is a DHC-8 Dash 8-400 which has only 70 seats.

Lemming can correct me on this if necessary, but the standard airline rules on flying with "special baggage" is that you have to declare it and check in at least an hour early. Replica Firearms must also be in a Hard Sided and locked case, as mentioned in earlier threads. If you don't have one (like me), you'll have to buy or borrow one.

TheDoc

yes arranging numbers to buy in group would be a good idea, im sure if they get a list of names before they even release tickets, the draw of looking at a couple of hundred pound sterling, i doubt they will say no.

perhaps we draw up a list of those definitly going?

For example
DOC
Fayer

(add list etc)

NakedHedgehog

Doc - the website facilitates group purchases. What you do is supply the details for everyone going when you make the group booking. Unsure if this means everyone has to be on the same side or not.
I'm pretty sure that's the standard booking method anyway, considering most people will be going with others.
But yes, for that to work you'd need the names of everyone going in advance.

OzCam - that rule, I'm pretty sure, is for AEGs where mid or low caps are not in existance. Not where the owner didn't want to buy low/mid caps. That's probably what you ment as well. Anyway, here is a link for mid caps for the Steyr Aug:
http://www.fire-support.co.uk/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2696 though it's out of stock there at the moment. But there's also this:
http://www.fire-support.co.uk/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1424

Lemming

OzCam wrote: »

Lemming can correct me on this if necessary, but the standard airline rules on flying with "special baggage" is that you have to declare it and check in at least an hour early. Replica Firearms must also be in a Hard Sided and locked case, as mentioned in earlier threads. If you don't have one (like me), you'll have to buy or borrow one.

You will need to declare it to the airline over the phone once you've booked your initial ticket. They'll then charge you the additional fee and put a note against your ticket so that the airline/airport security are aware of what's coming through their respective areas of influence.

The hour early thing isn't an airline requirement. I'd consider it good sense to turn up much earlier (I'd say 2 hours before deadline tbh) since you may end up at the oversize baggage area for 30+ minutes (happened to me twice; once in southampton, once in Dublin) with airport security and/or police/gardai as well.

ASI Casper

nhedge wrote: »

Doc - the website facilitates group purchases. What you do is supply the details for everyone going when you make the group booking. Unsure if this means everyone has to be on the same side or not.

It usually does mean everyone has to be on the same side as the group booking system, if unchanged since the last couple of events, won't allow you to select team side for each individual in the group as it automatically ( and naturally ) assumes that everyone in the group booking will be on the same side.
It is of course entirely possible to simply submit two group bookings though. One with the details for those on the Armenian/NKR side and another group booking with the details of those on the AzerbaijanAzerbaijan side.

Usually, when I'm collecting details for an ASI group booking, I simply ask people if they prefer to be on one of the 2 sides offered no matter what or if they simply prefer to be in what I call the "ASI group preference" to ensure that everyone that wants to play together can do so. This "Group preference" is then decided by poll. At previous events I've organised group bookings for, nobody has ever chosen to not play as a group, but that doesn't mean the option shouldn't be there if people are determined to play on a particular side.

Also a point worth noting that shouldn't be overlooked is the fact that you can go in on a group booking but submit the money directly to TA Events yourself after you've recieved your individual player reference number. So it makes sense to do a group booking if only to ensure that you get to play with your mates as they're all submitted at the same time.


Also, sleeping arrangements:
It's worth pointing out that although there is an option for camping outside the gamezone, beside the carpark, it's pointless to bother bringing a tent. At least as far as the Friday night goes anyway. All that's needed is a rollmat and sleeping bag as we'll have plenty of buildings to sleep in on the Friday night.
As for during the game, most people will want to grab at least a few hours kip. Usually we've either done this ingame in a building or in one of the 'off-game' buildings which are taken out of play at night for that purpose.
So again, a tent isn't really needed unless you really want some guaranteed quieter sleep.
I should point out though, a decent sleeping bag and roll-mat will be required. At the previous 2 times I played at Copehill Down, it was pretty cold in the buildings at night and that was during the spring / summer.
Cold hard concrete is not comfortable if you don't have decent sleeping gear. It'll obviously be much colder in December. You do that maths. The last thing you want is to be starting into a 24hr non-stop game after a poor nights sleep.

Only other piece of advice I have at this stage for those attending is: Pace yourself. Eat & drink regularly throughout the game and don't wear yourself out too quick or load yourself down with too much gear. I say this time and time again to people but every time at a 24hr event I still see people curled up in a ball in their sleeping bag after 6 - 10hrs when the sugar rush & adrenaline has worn off.
You don't have to be fit, you just have to know how to pace yourself!
This is a marathon, not a 100m sprint!

This will be my 6th TA Event, and my 3rd at Copehill Down, so if anyone has any queries, feel free to fire them my way and I'll answer them as best I can.

TheDoc

Input appreciated thanks for that very helpful ,im really physced up for this, hope i get a ticket

OzCam

Avis are quoting 90EUR for a Focus 1.6 for Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.

Hertz are quoting 20GBP for the same. Shurely Shome Mishtake?

(Collect & return to Southampton airport, both cases.)

Lemming

Casper & I are going to try and co-ordinate an "all-Ireland" booking (if you will), so I would like those who are serious about going to send me a PM with the following:

• Name
• Email Address
• Telephone number
• Age
• Airsoft experience (i.e. number of years playing)
• Country
• First/Second choice for team (you can specify no interest in second choice)

Transport will still need to be sorted but that can be dealt with later. First things first, bookings.

TheDoc

Well theres me +6 hiring a 9 seater minibus and treking over by ferry...on an epic journey. We are currently checking out prices etc and I am sure we share the information, perhaps create a convoy.

Again thanks to lem for arranging this group booking .

Masada

Lemming wrote: »

Avoid Irish Ferries like the plague. They've basically followed ryanair's line since 2007. You can chance your arm and use them (this is neither an endorsement nor a recommendation to be an idiot ... ), but if you're stopped - you're boned.

Im defo up for this,

Lemming, irish ferries bought stenaline out last year, is that likely to cause any problems? since their the same company..

cheers.,

Lemming

vtec wrote: »

Im defo up for this,

Lemming, irish ferries bought stenaline out last year, is that likely to cause any problems? since their the same company..

cheers.,

I will check into this tomorrow and post the results. If stenaline and Irish ferries are merging into one company this may well cause issue. If Stenaline are being left alone as a semi-autonomous brand entity, should be ok.


Edit: on a cursory note, looks the same as last year. Click here.

Masada

Cool, im trying to sort out cheap or hopefully free transport on the ferry through a friend who works for them. I'll mention the airsoft equipment when im in touch again.,


How about a poll on the thread to see how many confirmed players we have?.,
was also thinkin we could all wear the irish flag flash too, or just something to recognise us from the other nationalities/groups there.,

andy_g

hey guys dont know if im able to go as of yet but be really carefull travelling with the airlines because they will carry it. depending on the aircraft depends on the amount of airsoft equipment they can carry. even though an aeg will fire under the 1J limit all airlines due to aviation law will still class it as a fire arm. but double check this with the carrier

Lemming

vtec wrote: »

Cool, im trying to sort out cheap or hopefully free transport on the ferry through a friend who works for them. I'll mention the airsoft equipment when im in touch again.,

Be sure to keep us up-to-date (or pm me even if you don't fancy posting details) regarding discounted ferry transport. I'm sure Casper would be interested to hear about this too, if it's at all possible to get further folks discounted.

How about a poll on the thread to see how many confirmed players we have?

I'm against a poll for the simple reason that I want signal:noise ratio kept to an absolute minimum on this thread. A poll encourages everyone and their dog to chip in with their .2c which is really what I don't want. I'll make a post of who has currently signed up and update it periodically.

But what I want is people to pm me with their details. If I do not receive a PM containing the information requested, I will not consider you as on the group-booking list.

was also thinkin we could all wear the irish flag flash too, or just something to recognise us from the other nationalities/groups there.,

That isn't a topic for this thread. Same goes for anyone else please. Unless you want to discuss something concerning bookings, transport, or PR2 rules/kit-requirements etc. please don't post it here.

andy_g wrote: »

hey guys dont know if im able to go as of yet but be really carefull travelling with the airlines because they will carry it. depending on the aircraft depends on the amount of airsoft equipment they can carry. even though an aeg will fire under the 1J limit all airlines due to aviation law will still class it as a fire arm. but double check this with the carrier

We're aware of this already andy_g, cheers. I've already made a post about this on this thread since someone already asked for clarification.

Lemming

The list thus far stands as:

• Lemming
• fayer
• jinko
• OzCam
• kdouglas
• vtec
• Dr_Pepper
• [DM]-TheDOC-
• Cuddlesworth
• Dar
• Shiva
• gerrowadat
• Cheeky monkey
• Defenderdude
• flashinbluelite
• sci-ops

I've seen other names, but until I see details you aren't on the group booking list. You can sort it yourself if you like.

Shiva

I'm in...PM sent.

I'm ridin' the DocBus !

sci-ops

I'm in, PM sent to Lemming.

btw, regarding my post about Marpat & DPM, sent an e-mail to TA and response is below for those in a similar boat to myself

"Hi,
DPM is the preferred option but the key element is that BDU consists of shades of green.

The bottom line is that the BDU’s comes down to Green’s vs Dessie’s (with some small degree of variation).

Cheers,
Ian"

OzCam

Standard protocol for transporting airsoft guns is that the gun is both unloaded and unpowered. Firearms and ammunition must never be transported together.

For travel by air, the gun must be in it's locked, hard sided case of course. Don't forget a spare key. Your BBs can theoretically go in either hold or cabin baggage, but to avoid questions at security it's probably best to put them in your checked baggage if you can. Not in the case with the AEG.

Airlines don't want batteries in the hold any more, so they have to be in cabin baggage, preferably with a little bit of electrical tape over the plug or in a plastic bag.

Gas* can't go by air at all. Anyone bringing GBB pistols etc to PR2 should arrange to borrow some at the site or have someone going by ferry bring it for you.

Hope this is useful info for first-time expedtioners, like me.

*Any pressurised container. None of them - red, green, duster, propane, CO2, whatever.

Lemming

OzCam wrote: »

Your BBs can theoretically go in either hold or cabin baggage, but to avoid questions at security it's probably best to put them in your checked baggage if you can.

I've both put BBs in with checked baggage and brought them into the cabin. Very little extra fuss to bring them into the cabin. Can also help with weight issues for your checked baggage (if weight is likely to be an issue).

Airlines don't want batteries in the hold any more, so they have to be in cabin baggage, preferably with a little bit of electrical tape over the plug or in a plastic bag.

Never had a problem here. I put my batteries in the case with my AEG/GBB.

What you may well have a problem with is your GBB mags. If you have 3+ mags, be sure to bring a valve key (or borrow one) in case airport security start complaining. Airlines allow two paintball canisters per person. I've underlined the important part, and it may lead to confusion and a delay in getting through security. If there's an issue, take one of the valves out and explain to them that it's no longer a canister and just a lump of hollow metal.

Lemming

ATTENTION ALL:

The booking system is due to go live on the 15th, so please ... I need EVERYBODY who has sent me a PM to check their inbox and do what's asked.

If we don't have your details before the TA booking system goes live you don't get booked with the group. Simple as.

OzCam

Lemming wrote: »

Never had a problem here. I put my batteries in the case with my AEG/GBB.

I doublechecked, the rule about "no batteries in the hold" is a new one, and for travel to/within the USA. Not adopted this side of the pond yet, but probably only a matter of time.

I wish they'd make their minds up, stop changing the rules, and drop all this Security Theatre cr!p.

Lemming

All bookings to date (as of this post) have been submitted to ASI for group-booking.

TheDoc

I have registered on asi but it seems ive to be validated before im allowed post. Been waiting like a week.

Are we all on that forum discussing things or should we throw up one here, what i mean is things to bring, packing etc etc.

I have to say theres stuff going round bout rations, what to bring etc, and im still a little bit in the dark about what to do /bring.

I figured things i need to buy/find/bring beforehand are

General skirmish gear( ammo,mags,aeg,pistol,clothes etc)
Multicam goretex jacket
thermal long johns/under shirt
quality torch
glowsticks
decide on food/water
multicam backpack
pre print map
headset/throat mic to work
Money for pyros on site

I have a sleeping bag and rollmat, and dont have loadsa money to splash out im sure ill be ok

AS you can see from my list i have things that i think i need, but i probably dont, or someone has a better idea. Should probably pool ideas. I know its not till December but it would help to get things sorted first, especially if ive to order from abroad.

I'm also looking into a certain night time device that will rock, unfortunatly not fit for discussion here i dont think as talk of pyros is not allowed.

Also interested to know in how people actually sleep in these events. For example first night at Gathering two i was in my bag in boxers and socks and was fine, however next night i was in full clothes cause i was freezing.

OzCam

[DM]-TheDOC- wrote: »

I have registered on asi but it seems ive to be validated before im allowed post. Been waiting like a week.

Check your email junk/spam filter, you may have missed the link that the ASI system sends to you (usually within a few seconds).

[DM]-TheDOC- wrote: »

Are we all on that forum discussing things or should we throw up one here, what i mean is things to bring, packing etc etc.

There's already a forum for that here on boards.ie
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055352373

I agree that we need to be discussing this event in One or Two places only. I can't follow the same thread in 4 different places. Let's keep this thread for bookings & info only. Lemming & Casper, please help us here.

NakedHedgehog

Considering it's being group-booked through ASI, I'd suggest using the ASI forum for discussing planning and such (there's a dedicated sub-forum for PR2 there already, with a dedicated Logistics sub-sub-forum as well).

Apart from that, there's also a good bunch of experience with TA-Events on those forums so any questions you have can be answered very quickly.

My 2 cents.

TheDoc

ive been trying to post but im not able to post anywhere on it, guess ill jsut hand around and wait to be accepted.

Beast ASI

41 people so far

ASI Casper

Doc, members usually validate their own accounts. I've taken a look at your account and it's showing as now validated, so I guess you've sorted it yourself within the past few hours.
Let me know if you still have any problems posting ( which you shouldn't now )

TheDoc

yeah thanks for looking into it, didnt realise id to sort it out myself thought id to wait to be accepted.

All is great now, god with the rising numbers im getting more and more worried I wont get a place

whydave

Lads ,
just want to wish you all the best from all that are not going !

iceage

Topic!! whydave, why?

Dr_Pepper

Bookings are open
The ASI lads have paid so try to get your money to them asap for the group booking.

fayer

I'm Paid up to ASI

TheDoc

do i have to send my moneys to them? why cant i send to TA themselves.

I doint mind, but i want confirmation i have a place ebfore i pay

If everyone else is doing it haha, how much do i send to them, i cant get onto asi site here, have the adress, just how much do i send?


Excitement is really setting in.... cannot...resist...

NakedHedgehog

Are you sure it's open?
According to Wormbyte on the TA-Events forums it's not open yet and was delayed. He's still awaiting confirmation from the MOD and says he will send out a mail once it is open.

Dr_Pepper

TA are not accepting booking yet but ASI are.
They will pay for the group once its on.

DOC the advantage of paying by ASI is that they will get the permission slips that we need to say we are attending and they will manage our booking etc.
Personally I'm going through them.

TheDoc

i cant send bank transfer to them, i need their swift and iban numbers, because they are over the border they dont count as irish transfers.

gay

I'm going to clear my credit card a bit, then just pay them through paypal, easier in fiarness, probably be quicker too.