my 2011 botCon tavel blog

[griffin]

The annual adventure to the BotCon Transformers Convention in America began on Wednesday, 25th of May, with last minute rushing around to get everything ready for departure early the next morning.
The Convention this year was returning to Pasadena in Los Angeles, California. An area I've been to twice now, and as such wanted to do a bit of out-of-area exploring... but since I wouldn't be having any stops before LA, I would have to go somewhere first and then return back to the point of arrival for the Convention and return home.
Demonac was planning to go this year as well, so after 2 previous 'tours of duty' together to BotCon (2007, 2009) we developed a plan that centered around a road-trip before the convention, that would initially (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/bcmap02.jpg) include stops at Vegas, San Diego and the Mexican border. Vegas ended up being a casualty of sorts, and depending on time, crossing the Mexican border is a low priority at this stage.


Anyway, with the last five days having only 4-5 hours sleep a night, I had to get to bed as early as I could... because this year I would be driving around California as soon as I arrived in LA - arriving half asleep was not an option.
I had to get up by 6am, so wasn't too happy about it being 2am when I had done enough to feel comfortable having enough time in the morning to finish and depart on time.
8am was when I was wanting to leave home, to give me about an hour buffer for traffic (weekday peak), accidents, and my own inability to do anything on-time.
So at 8.35 I was out the front, hopping into a taxi for the airport, hoping that we didn't have some big accident somewhere, preventing me from making the 90-minute cut-off. I chose to go the toll road way, and it only took 20 minutes (it usually takes 35-40 minutes the non-toll road way).
It actually took me longer getting through the check-in queue, than it did getting there.
I was left with about an hour before boarding started (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m02.jpg) at 10.10.

We departed (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m03.jpg) on time at 11am, flying direct from Brisbane to LA, getting there about 30 minutes before schedule. Actually, out of the 7 flights I saw on the arrivals board at LA that were arriving from AUS and NZ via QANTAS and VAUSTRALIA the only one that arrived late was Demonac's...
Which meant if was a waste this time getting in early, because it just meant I had to wait longer at the airport until Demonac's flight arrived (with his family). It was only supposed to be an hour wait, but ended up being two.

On the flight itself, I managed to finally see Tron Legacy (very disappointing), and Voyager of the Dawn Treader (also disappointing).
Meals were (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m04.jpg), um, uninspiring (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m05.jpg)... but one tip is never eat food in public while watching one of those Melbourne Comedy Debates (which they had on the TV section of their entertainment).

Since I had 2 hours to kill at LA airport, and was unwilling to leave the airport to find something tasty to eat, I had to resort to checking out the stores within the International Terminal. I found myself a Bear Claw (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_claw_%28pastry%29) (after many years of hearing the word on TV shows, and didn't know what it was), plus a toyshop. Prices of toys in airports are usually twice retail, but since this was America, the airport prices were about the same as our regular prices. I found and bought my first 3 Transformers toys in less than an hour of being in America - Stealth Force Leadfoot (RtS version) (US$19) and RPMs Minivehicles 2-pack Sideswipe Vs Wreckloose (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Wreckloose_%28ROTF%29) (US$13).

I finally met up with Demonac and family at 8.45 (an hour 45 since I arrived) and we went straight to the Rental Car shuttlebus pickup point. Taken to the car-yard, we got our car (despite a problem with my driver's license - I only found out it was going to expire 2 days into the trip, so had to renew it the day before I left... which leaves me with no actual license due to the new computer-chip ones needing to be posted out).

They ended up letting me take the car, and we drove to a nearby Target store for a Sat-Nav (it's paid for itself in its first day), plus some initial toy-hunting. They pretty much had the entire first wave, which I had to limit the number I could buy due to limited space in the car (all of our luggage taking up most of the room in the tiny, cheap car).

BTW, I had only realised on the plane over to LA that the Sat-Nav device I bought in Australia earlier in the year was supposed to be able to updated with new maps, but didn't think about 'updating' it with foreign maps. Checking now, I see that I could have uploaded the US maps onto my existing Sat-Nav device for AU$129... compared with US$139 (the price I paid for the one I bought in America). Ah well, it wasn't a huge wasted expense, but I will probably sell off one when I get back home and upload the missing maps to the other (for future trips to American).

We then went directly from LA to our San Diego hotel (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l02.jpg), to check in (2pm) and drop off luggage (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l03.jpg) to free up space for more toyhunting.
The hotel is in a void of toy stores, so we had to travel about 20 minutes to get to the nearest cluster of stores - Walmart, Target, ToysRUs.
Also bought a Double Moon Pie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_pie), and 4 unusual burgers at Burger King (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m07.jpg) (with a $100 note the cashier and manager desperately tried to verify that it wasn't a counterfeit note).

We returned to the hotel by 6pm to eat our various food items, and check out our new toys.

My *first day* haul:
Speed Stars Stealth Force (RtS) basic Leadfoot, RPMs 2-pack Minivehicles Sideswipe & Wreckloose, DotM Deluxe wave 1, DotM Voyager wave 1, Legion wave 1, Commander wave 1, Human Alliance Basics wave 1, Human Alliance Deluxe wave 1, Leader wave 1, Deluxe wave 2 (Barricade, Jolt, Sideswipe only), Deluxe wave 3 (Nitro Bumblebee, Mudflap only), Action Sets wave 1, Action sets wave 2, Activators wave 1, Go-Bots wave 1, Revving Robots wave 1, Bash-Bots wave 1, Energon Shock Sword, TRU excl Ironhide & Sideswipe, Speed-Stars Stealth-Force Deluxe (DotM) Big Hoss & Starscream, Speed-Stars Stealth-Force Cycles Knock-Out & Highwire, Lights & Sounds Big Bumblebee, Speed-Stars Minivehicles 2-pack Optimus Vs Desert Long Haul.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m08.jpg

That was 55 toys purchased on the first day of this year's BotCon adventure, with an estimated saving of about $700 for not purchasing them in Australia.
My previous record of TFs toys purchased during a BotCon trip was 72 I believe (in 2009, with all the initial RotF toys being released in the week of BotCon), so I don't think I will have too much trouble beating that this year... but there's only about another 17 general release items I have left to purchase, so don't expect any more big hauls like that for the rest of the trip.

At least I can remove toys from packaging early in the trip and condense the whole lot now, instead of during the convention, which has little time for such a time consuming task... I still have several to remove from packaging (what it looked like after half were left to be done (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m06.jpg))

Demonac has been 'test driving' most of the my toys, which gives him a better idea of what to buy and what to avoid... and at least it gets some play out of them while I can easily exchange them, because he's found a few defective toys already.


Anyway, that was Thursday in America, my first of 11 days here.

At about half past midnight I went to bed, and I think Demonac's 3-year-old kid was suffering most from jetlag, as I was awoken by her at about 2.30, and again at 4am. I couldn't go back to sleep at that point, so got up and worked on the computer, ate left-over food from the night before, and opened up some more toys.
We had to be up by 7.30am, to be read for the day's events, which meant having enough time to go down to the ground floor for our complimentary breakfast (a standard feature for every morning, for a room that was the same price as the BotCon hotel's discounted convention rate).
They had eggs, bacon, cereal, waffle irons (to make your own waffles), fruit, bagels, muffins, yogurt, and various beverages. Mmmmm...

We aimed for a 9.30 departure, but got away about quarter past ten, for our first big tourist stop for the trip... Legoland.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd001.jpg

I took about 190 photos, and will post up a report on the day in the Lego section... eventually (it won't be a high priority, as that's a lot of photos to process and upload.

We spent about 6 hours there, the four of us, and this was the one time I was actually glad I had let my hair grow, as it prevented my neck from getting burnt, and the hat I wear to hold it all back, prevented my face from getting burnt.

We left there at about 5pm, and went home via a Target store (didn't have any TFs, but did get some Pepsi Max, Diet Cherry Dr Pepper, and my first 2 Giant Pretzels for this year (not fresh though - they were from Target's hot-food counter).

It was after 7pm when we got back to the Hotel, and a little after 8, Demonac's wife and I went across the road to the Taco Bell to buy something for dinner (Demonac had just gone for Subway for himself.

Midnight, the others went to sleep, and at about 1.30am (in about 11 minutes time I should be going to bed too).
The alarm is set for 7am, and our second Tourist destination on this trip is to the San Diego Zoo... which is said to be one of the best (if not, the best) zoos in the world.
(and I'll try to fit in some more toy hunting as well of course)


BTW, when going through Customs, try to refrain from being funny, no matter how tempting it is. The admissions process at the moment requires you to provide all ten fingers to be scanned and your photo taken (according to the signage there)... so when I was only asked to scan 4 of my fingers, I queried it. The Customs officer said it wasn't necessary, so I replied with, 'well, if I'd known that, I wouldn't have bothered bringing the other six with me'. Fortunately he saw the humour and actually laughed... but the moment I said it, I had a chill of fear that I'd be asking for extra scrutiny for making light of such a serious procedure.

I was just lucky I wasn't asked by anyone if i had anything to declare, because I was already thinking it would be funny to reply, 'just my love for this great nation'... :eek:
(Guantanamo probably would have been my new home if I'd said that)

[KillinSpoon]

Jimminy Jellickers!
I can't wait for each update of this!
I wish I had've just sucked it up and gone now... with all the shit going on in my life. Ah well, next year.


my first 2 Giant Pretzels (not fresh though - they were from Target's hot-food counter)
You've never been to pretzel world?
Also, their Targets have hot food counters? WHAT KIND OF CRAZY WORLD IS THIS!

[Golden Phoenix]

We aimed for a 9.30 departure, but got away about quarter past ten, for our first big tourist stop for the trip... Legoland.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd001.jpg


To sum up how jealous I am: I hate you

[optimus1]

Bring on the updates griff :)

Still can't believe the $ savings just on getting transformers at regular US prices :eek:
As for the empty packaging - I wonder what the cleaners would be thinking? These guys must have raided a toy store or it's one lucky kid :p

[jazzcomp]

Bring on the updates griff :)

Still can't believe the $ savings just on getting transformers at regular US prices :eek:
As for the empty packaging - I wonder what the cleaners would be thinking? These guys must have raided a toy store or it's one lucky kid :p
that's the nice thing about buying toys there :)

[LordCyrusOmega]

I am so jealous right now. Nice haul!! Can't wait to hear more

[griffin]

Jimminy Jellickers!
I can't wait for each update of this!
I wish I had've just sucked it up and gone now... with all the shit going on in my life. Ah well, next year.


You've never been to pretzel world?
Also, their Targets have hot food counters? WHAT KIND OF CRAZY WORLD IS THIS!

Actually, I meant first for this year... I am just so addicted to them, but they are almost non-existent in Australia.
And Targets over there are a different store chain... Just about every one I have been to has had a pizza-hut express & hot food outlet within the store (Walmart have something similar as well). It's almost impossible to avoid fatty junk food in this country. And I'm not complaining... :p


To sum up how jealous I am: I hate you

I took heaps of photos because I figured the members here who are Lego fans would be interested and wouldn't want to hear me to just tease by saying what was there.



Still can't believe the $ savings just on getting transformers at regular US prices :eek:
As for the empty packaging - I wonder what the cleaners would be thinking? These guys must have raided a toy store or it's one lucky kid :p

That first day had one of those giant TRU bags full of plastic bubbles left for the cleaner to have to deal with... I felt sorry for whoever came in yesterday morning and to clean our room. They would have had to make a trip all the way down to their industrial bin and back to the room, because there would be no room on their cart for it.
(but imagine what it is like every year at the 'BotCon' hotel(s), with hundreds of toy fans leaving similar amounts of rubbish in every room over a 2-3 day period... each)

(and the savings are what makes this trip worth doing - the amount of money I would need to spend in Australia to purchase or import the items I 'need' for my collection/archive, PLUS the cost of chasing up BotCon toys on the secondary market from Australia can often make it cheaper to actually go to BotCon... and end up paying for the entire trip out of the cost difference)

[Paulbot]

The savings on DOTM are great but I find myself resisting the urge to buy everything just because it's so much cheaper. Mudflap, Skids, two new deluxe Bumblebees? No I don't really need or want them says the good voice, but they are only $10 says the bad. :D

While Tron Legacy might not be that great, the visuals were pretty impressive on the 3D IMAX screen. I would assume on the small low res Airplane screen the impact would be gone.

Have you looked to see if there's anywhere near you doing a big Memorial Day fireworks show? Could be something fun for Monday night.

[Autocon]

Paulbot - once you leave you leave the $10 tfs behind aswell:p

Is that race car human alliance???????:confused::confused::confused:

Does he tranform into a shield?

[Krayt]

LEGOLOAND!!!! God damn, screw the transformers toys, we shoulda had you guys hunting Starwars UCS Imperial Shuttles and mailing them back!!!

But knowing our luck the giftshop prob wouldnt have them :-(

[i_amtrunks]

Looking forward to all the updates Griff, Cant wait to see all the Zoo and Legoland photos as well.

Hope you don't clog up your arteries too much whilst travelling! :p

[1AZRAEL1]

Ah travelling. Making me jealous right now :p

One thing I hope to do if not next year, the year after, is to go to Botcon and various other attractions.

Can't wait to see what other nice little foods you pick up along the way :D

[jazzcomp]

Ah travelling. Making me jealous right now :p

One thing I hope to do if not next year, the year after, is to go to Botcon and various other attractions.

Can't wait to see what other nice little foods you pick up along the way :D
^^Group flight/meet at botcon :)

[Demonac]

A few things about Legoland.

Yes, it is awesome. Miniland was quite spectacular.
There was nothing special at the shop there (I was interested in finding the Technic car, but they were sold out). Prices were generally a lot cheaper than at retail here.
My daughter really loved the Pirate area, where she played in the little kids water stuff for ages.

[griffin]

Today doesn't have much to report, as it was a day at the San Diego Zoo, for Demonac's family. It was interesting, but meant another whole day of no toy hunting for me... and I've seen zoos and animals before.
Anyway, we woke up earlier today, to get our 'free' breakfast and leave for an earlier opening time. We were at the zoo by 9.45, and did the bus tour first to get a look over most of the park. We then walked around most of the zoo, until 5.30pm. (I took lotsa photos, which will be on my actual botcon holiday report later)
We all had Taco Bell tonight, since it is right next door to the hotel... and we were lazy tonight. :p

Nothing much else to say for Saturday (here), as the rest of the evening was spent in the room eating, doing stuff on the computer, and helping Demonac figure out things on my toys.

I'm working on the Legoland pics tonight, so could get some of that posted up in the next few hours (in the Lego section).


Tomorrow... Toy Hunting. :D

[Demonac]

Tomorrow... Toy Hunting. :D

I just had word from Mrs. Demonac that she has cancelled your toy hunt.

[griffin]

NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo.........

[griffin]

Is that race car human alliance???????:confused::confused::confused:
Does he tranform into a shield?

This one (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Leadfoot_%28Speed_Stars%29)? It doesn't really transform into anything, as the conversion is to an 'armed mode'.

[Hursticon]

Glad to hear everyone is enjoying themselves and I hope that is a continuing trend throughout the trip. :cool:
I loved your write-ups last year Griffin and am enjoying this year's also, we 'peasants' :p appreciate you doing this dude. ;):)

[griffin]

First half of the Legoland pics here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11175) including the Star Wars scenes.

[liegeprime]

Pardon for being a total noob,:o:o:o but those Lego Statues and display pieces... dont they like fade? So they just leave em like that in the open subjected to all the elements? IN saying that.... and looking at the photos.... WOW!

[i_amtrunks]

Pardon for being a total noob,:o:o:o but those Lego Statues and display pieces... dont they like fade? So they just leave em like that in the open subjected to all the elements? IN saying that.... and looking at the photos.... WOW!

It's like in the Simpsons, they take the statues apart brick by brick at the end of the day! :p

[griffin]

Today (Sunday here) was mostly toy hunting for me, checking out six different stores... finding the following items:

RPMs Remote controlled Barricade (big size)
RPMs Minivehicle 2-pack Rollbar Vs (brown) Sideways
TF3 Voyager Shockwave, Voyager Skyhammer, Deluxe Topspin, Cmdr Powerglide, Cmdr Blackout.
Store Exclusive 3-pack (Bumblebee, Soundwave, Rodimus)
TF3 Roleplay Optimus Sword

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m09.jpg

For Lunch I finally found a Pretzel place, and bought up big...
Plus, I also found a pizza place that had Chicago style pizza (has like a short-crust pastry base, and a deep dish shape that should be filled with cheese, meat and other toppings like a pie)

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m11.jpg

Demonac's family spent the afternoon at some cultural park/centre while I was checking out a couple of stores, and I later joined them for about an hour

We went back to the hotel around 7-ish, and unwound after another long day.

Demonac put all the different first release DotM Bumblebee's together for a photo (missing a Legion figure and some Robo Power figures)...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m10.jpg

Tomorrow is Memorial Day in America, a public holiday, which might mean a lot of things being closed. But since we are spending the day relocating from the San Diego hotel to the Pasadena hotel, plus check out any department/toy stores on the way that are open... it shouldn't be too bad.
But there aren't too many loose ends left now of Movie toys (that are out here) for me. I'm now only looking out for Thundercracker, Laserbeak, HA Roadbuster and a couple store exclusives... and a week still left to find them, and any other new figures released during that time.


It's strange, but there are a lot of Cherry flavoured soft drinks here, and we dont have any... Pepsi Cherry (and diet), Dr Pepper Cherry (and diet), Coke cherry and 7up Cherry (and diet). Tonight I'm drinking Diet Dr Pepper Cherry and Diet 7up Cherry.

[griffin]

Pardon for being a total noob,:o:o:o but those Lego Statues and display pieces... dont they like fade? So they just leave em like that in the open subjected to all the elements? IN saying that.... and looking at the photos.... WOW!

It looked like they were sprayed with something, so maybe it is a sealer that protects them from sun-fading. The park is 12 years old, so unless they replace stuff as it fades, it's possible they are covered with something? (or maybe the shiny substance was just the glue used to hold them together)

[Hursticon]

Another good day huh Griffin? :)
Those Lego pics are amazi... Wait a minute:


Store Exclusive 3-pack (Bumblebee, Soundwave, Rodimus)

Might I request a focus pic of Soundwave please good sir? :eek::D

[optimus1]

Keep the pics and updates coming Griff :D

[janda the red]

Keep the pics and updates coming Griff :D

+1

i'm really enjoying reading about your travels, glad your all having a great time.

janda :)

[SkyWarp91]

so jealous of you Griffin! Ah well, how are you getting the toys home? I assume you have to send them off first?

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Those food pics make my arteries ache just looking at them.:eek:

[SkyWarp91]

Those food pics make my arteries ache just looking at them.:eek:

i wonder how your arteries would react if griff showed you a pic of an american cheeseburger with bacon, bacon and even more bacon!

[griffin]

First up some catchup... San Diego Zoo on the Saturday.
Nothing much, just animals...
(The pics will be shown in full on my actual BotCon report.)

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On the Sunday, which was mostly toy hunting for me, and meeting up with Demonac's family later in the day at the cultural park.

Some of the old buildings at the cultural park
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd270.jpg
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At a grocery store that night, I saw 12 flavours of Doritos, so had to take a pic.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m12.jpg


On the Monday we headed from San Diego back to LA at midday (the hotel had a really late checkout).
My lunch at Wendys burgers, including the famous 'Baconator' (at the top).
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m14.jpg

Toys I bought on the way to LA, bringing the total to 80 at this point.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m15.jpg

At the Sheraton Pasadena when we checked in, the BotCon signage was already out in the lobby two days early.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m16.jpg
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m17.jpg

Our room on the inside.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l08.jpg
And our view, which is on the Convention centre side.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l09.jpg


Demonac's family stayed at the hotel while I went out for a couple hours to check some nearby Targets and a Kmart.
The toys I found, bringing the total to 88 so far.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m16.jpg


On Tuesday we went to Disneyland from 11am to 7pm.
LA Downtown on the way.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd300.jpg

And the entrance to Disneyland.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd301.jpg

A couple of food items I had at Disneyland...
A Beef soup in a hollowed out bread roll.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd350.jpg

And a Pretzel in the shape of Mickey.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/sd351.jpg

(the rest of the pics will be in my main report later)


On the Wednesday (today) I went out the front of the Convention centre to see those going to the Universal Studios tour. I met up with Simon (the UK fan I shared with last year) and Paulbot.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m17.jpg (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m19.jpg)

The front of the Auditorium next to the Convention Centre had up TFs banners and posters for the Hall of Fame event on Saturday.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l13.jpg
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l12.jpg (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/m21.jpg)

A refresher of what the Convention Center exterior looks like.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l04.jpg
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l05.jpg
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l06.jpg
Across the road, a yellow BT Skids parked in front of the Gelson's grocery store.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/l07.jpg


I spent most of the day on the computer, and went out for a walk in the afternoon to the nearby comic shop (bought Sector 7 TPB and the TF3 Movie TPB).


In about half an hour is the Aussie dinner meet.

[tron07]

how nice....

Try IHOP, international house of pancakes, they serve nice pancakes :tb:

[Autocon]

so do we know if waspinator won?

[griffin]

I just found that some how I have managed to lose/delete a day's worth of photos without transferring them to the computer first. I thought I had, and musta cleared the camera this morning without checking first... :(

Not much TFs related though, as it was the Wednesday night dinner meet and the Six Flags Theme park on the Thursday. But there were some great junk food shots in there, and about 70 photos from the theme-park (looks like I'll have to raid flickr again, like I did in 2009 for the Universal Studios day in which my camera ran out of power after 3 photos), as well as some of the global fansites for photos of the Wednesday and thursday night Toy pick-ups/purchases.
But the photo of our dinner meet is irreplaceable. :(

[Sleeve]

I just found that some how I have managed to lose/delete a day's worth of photos without transferring them to the computer first. I thought I had, and musta cleared the camera this morning without checking first... :(

Not much TFs related though, as it was the Wednesday night dinner meet and the Six Flags Theme park on the Thursday. But there were some great junk food shots in there, and about 70 photos from the theme-park (looks like I'll have to raid flickr again, like I did in 2009 for the Universal Studios day in which my camera ran out of power after 3 photos), as well as some of the global fansites for photos of the Wednesday and thursday night Toy pick-ups/purchases.
But the photo of our dinner meet is irreplaceable. :(

Make sure you don't format your card before you get back. If you've got a spare one, or can buy one while there (should be cheap as hell) use it for now and leave the one with the deleted photos tucked away. When you get back I'll have a look at it. Five years managing a photo lab = a few tricks up my sleeve.

[Hursticon]

Five years managing a photo lab = a few tricks up my sleeve.

Nice! :D
I like what you did there, also, good man on helping Griffin out. ;):cool:

[griffin]

Make sure you don't format your card before you get back. If you've got a spare one, or can buy one while there (should be cheap as hell) use it for now and leave the one with the deleted photos tucked away. When you get back I'll have a look at it. Five years managing a photo lab = a few tricks up my sleeve.

Thanks for the offer... it might be too late though because I've been using it a fair bit since it was last deleted. (and it was really just the one meet photo that was most important, which was one of the first ones in that lot I lost)


It's just past 8am here now, Saturday morning, and I realised a little earlier while showering that I only have one sleep left on this year's BotCon adventure. The year long wait and week long adventure is almost over once again.

Currently munching on my 3rd box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal for the week... it's like a crunchy Cinnamon Donut cereal. Very yummy.

So a rundown of what's happened since my last posting.
The Wednesday dinner meet went well. We all showed up at about 7pm and Paulbot was already waiting (returned from Universal just minutes before) and we wandered off until we came across a place that seemed to serve just about everything, as they had a 16 page 'newspaper' style menu.

(this is where my meet photo would be... :( )

We finished up at about 9pm, and walked back to the convention centre for the 9.30 pickup (for those of us eligible for the Wednesday pickup).

Thursday was the Six Flags theme park, which was full of rollercoasters and other rides.

We returned from that with about 15 minutes until the Convention opened up for pickup and purchases... and the line was already massive. Paulbot was in the queue at about 4.30, and it was opening at 6pm.
Getting in was late, and the club store was slow... but not as slow as the regular registration line. Loophole was in the 7pm block, but didn't start going in until 7.30. He was close to the start of the line, but it was 10.40 when he (and his brother) got through the registration line and the Store line (to purchase the extra goodies). 4 1/2 hours!!!
And there was still most of the 7pm block behind him, plus the 8pm and 9pm people... Somewhere around midnight the organisers closed up and told those left that they had to come back the next morning. Some of those people would have travelled from parts of LA or surrounding areas, and would have been waiting around 4-6 hours, just to have to come back and queue up again.

Friday.
I missed most of the film fest, working on my computer (and apparently deleting photos at this point), but stuck around for the Script Reading and the 2pm Dealer Room opening.

Dealer Room:
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x01.jpg

Stuff I bought
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x22.jpg

That night was the Dinner, Casino and Auction event... people play or buy Casino Dollars to use for bidding on items at the end of the night.
I managed to win David Kaye's script from the Script-reading event during the day, signed by four of the Voice Actors. Plus, also won a bottle of water with the 2007 Movie labelling on it.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x23.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x24.jpg

[Sleeve]

Thanks for the offer... it might be too late though because I've been using it a fair bit since it was last deleted. (and it was really just the one meet photo that was most important, which was one of the first ones in that lot I lost)

As long as you don't format the card the photos can be recoverable. Just use 'Delete All' for now. I've brought back photos that were deleted three years prior from cameras that had regular use, all because the owners never formatted their cards. Always worth a shot.

[Hursticon]

That script is an insane Prize to win Griffin, congratulations mate! :eek::cool:
Also, damn nice find with that Road Caesar giftset man - Bet that cost a pretty penny or two. ;):)

[griffin]

From the HOF event...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x44.jpg

My Saturday was mostly taking notes at the panels, photos of the Hasbro display and artist display, and packing up ready for departure tomorrow.
Unfortunately, when the time came for me to head off to the HOF event, I couldn't find the wrist-band that would let me in. I ended up finding it inside one of the boxes I had taped up... creating a bigger mess than before I started packing.
It also meant I was 2 minutes late getting in, and they were just closing the doors.
The event itself was good. Short, but good (only an hour and 40mins).

Toys I purchased today - Shuffler for US$500!!! (thanks to Demonac), BWNeo 'Torca', BWReturns Silverbolt, and a cap (lost mine at Six Flags) and 2 t-shirts.

I still have a fair bit left to spend if I want, but I think I've had enough this year... 127 toys so far this trip is more than I had expected, and there is still the journey to the airport (which will include some stops in stores).

Tomorrow is the last day, full of panels and other things I need to do before the 3.30pm close. And since I leave for the airport soon after the end of the Con, I may not post too much more until I return home (unless something really huge and exciting happens before the end of the convention).

[griffin]

Once again it was over faster than it should have... I'm home, but feel like it went so fast that it felt like I missed it. Where did all the time go? I was away for 12 days, and can remember each day if I stop to think about it, but it just feels like I was only away for a day.

Anyway, the Sunday was spent mostly in the Panel Room, from 10am to 2pm covering four of the five panels. The last hour and a half was spent in the Dealer room, not for toys (as I didn't take out any more money, so didn't plan to buy anything else), but for other things, just for me - trying out the DotM Game, talking to some of my friends, giving out Ozformers Calendars to various important people, and inviting some Asian dealers to our forum (as a source for JP and HK toys for you and me). I also spent much of the time just walking around the dealer room, soaking it all in without having to worry about photos, reports or toys for others... which was the thing that spoilt it a little last year. I even found a toy I could afford (I only had $42 on me that day).

The Dealer Room closed at 3.30 (no extra hour like in 2009), and I hung around as long as I could before it got a little too empty, with just dealers and official guests dismantling their stalls and displays.
That's when you get a real feeling that it is all over... the annual event that takes up 5 days, being dismantled for another year. And all that is left are the photos and memories... and the new friendships.

The Australian board members there this year (Paulbot, UltraMarginal, Loophole, Chileno & Demonac) and any relatives they brought with them, were a great bunch, and helped make the adventure this year one of my best - Thanks guys.

After the show closed I was back in the room packing up the rest of my stuff into a third box, and left at about 6pm. I checked out 3 stores on the way to the airport but found nothing. I got the car back to the rental yard, and the shuttle got me to the International terminal... only to find out at the QANTAS counter that the Brisbane flights now leave from Terminal 4 (the terminal next door). A few minutes later, with a trolley full of luggage, I was checking in with about 30 minutes to spare.

Now, I had 3 boxes of toys, one big bag, a backpack and a roll of posters with me...
If I posted the extra boxes, they would have been $150+ each (and one would have been too big to post).
If I was flying V-Australia, I would have 2 free (up to a total of 32kg) and pay extra for the the others.
Since I was flying QANTAS, I got 2 free with each being up to 23kg. If I had pre-paid the additional 2 pieces it would cost me $210 online. At the check-in desk it would cost me $316.
But since 3 of my 4 items were less than half the maximum weight for checked baggage, the check in lady was so nice and creative - she got me to tape two boxes together (coming in at 22.6kgs, so just scraping in) and said my big bag should be small and light enough to carry on (it was just a little over the 7kg limit, but squishable enough to fit the baggage box). So instead of paying about $450 postage, or $316 excess baggage fee... I ended up paying nothing extra, and don't have to wait for stuff in the mail. Everything is here now for me to play with. :D :D :D :D

It even makes up for being stuck on a window seat, and leaving LA an hour late due to a problem with the personal entertainment system (which meant limited movies, music and no games or tv shows - it had to be reverted to a cycling schedule of about 30 movies that replayed every 2 hours). I slept most of the way anyway.
The female Cabin crew member on my section wasn't very nice though - she totally ignored me on 3 occasions (dinner, coffee, hot chocolate - the latter 2 I didn't want anyway, but not even asking was very poor service). The other cabin crew were great though, and usually are at QANTAS. This one was just being a real b*tch.

Home by about 8am (got one of the few white cabbies too, who could understand me and where I wanted to go), and checked my mail to find several items I had bought on ebay over the last 3 weeks.
Another 7 toys to add to the 128 I acquired while in America... now I gotta find space for them all in the collection room.

Now to process the rest of the photos I took while away, and start working on my usual comprehensive BotCon adventure report.

[SkyWarp91]

Another 7 toys to add to the 128 I acquired while in America... now I gotta find space for them all in the collection room.

Now to process the rest of the photos I took while away, and start working on my usual comprehensive BotCon adventure report.

It took me about 15 months to acquire that many toys Griff, what's your official count heading towards now>?

[griffin]

Close to 33 hundred now.

[optimus1]

Welcome back Griff!

Good to hear you managed to squeeze in all the goodies for free and not pay postage on a box that could possibly be 'lost'

Looking forward to the main report :D

[jazzcomp]

was activator ramjet on sale at botcon?

[griffin]

There were some there, but I already had one on the way from ebay... which I picked up from the post office today.

[jazzcomp]

There were some there, but I already had one on the way from ebay... which I picked up from the post office today.
how much was activator ramjet at botcon?

[griffin]

No idea - I only take notice of items I am looking to buy.

[Sleeve]

I ended up paying nothing extra, and don't have to wait for stuff in the mail. Everything is here now for me to play with. :D :D :D :D

I'll be right over. :p

[Autocon]

so who won the fan inductee thing?

[griffin]

I'll be right over. :p

What's the best way to get my camera to you? I'm interested in seeing if the deleted pics can be salvaged.


so who won the fan inductee thing?

Waspinator.

[Sleeve]

What's the best way to get my camera to you? I'm interested in seeing if the deleted pics can be salvaged.

You free at all on the weekend? I could use a drive to get out of the house and away from uni work.

[griffin]

I should be home for most of the time until I go back to work on Monday. So you can come around at any time - just give me a call first to be sure I haven't popped out for a toy hunt. Yes, there are still a couple items I didn't get while in America. :p

[griffin]

Some more random photos while I work through them all...

Waspinator's Hall of Fame display.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x50.jpg

Some movie character costumes.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x51.jpg

The dealer room this year.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x52.jpg


Part time Aussie Eric Siebenaler.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x53.jpg

Custom deco van as Ratchet, with Ravage on the roof.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x54.jpg

And all the toys I came home with...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x55.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x56.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x57.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x58.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x59.jpg

128 toys costing about $3000...

[loophole]

128 toys costing about $3000...

and probably a saving of about $1000 still cant believe the price differences between AU and the US

i had an awesome time too, cant wait to do it again although i might have to wait a couple of years to do so

[liegeprime]

That's a biiiig Haul there. what are those white Animated Ratchets? Next to the Animated Stunticon set.... are they Botcon figures?... oooh a sword, will we get those here as well?

[i_amtrunks]

That's a biiiig Haul there. what are those white Animated Ratchets? Next to the Animated Stunticon set.... are they Botcon figures?... oooh a sword, will we get those here as well?

I believe that they are the three Autoroopers from Botcon.

Great haul there Griff, makes many of the movie figures look better than I had anticipated. AM Thundercracker would fit in very nicely with the late g1 Predator jets, it has all of their colours on the one figure.

[Sleeve]

AM Thundercracker would fit in very nicely with the late g1 Predator jets, it has all of their colours on the one figure.

I was speakinng about that with tinyjazz the other night. There was an entry in the Custom Contest at last year's Botcon that had a heap of figures repainted into AM Thundercracker, but until I read that it was him I thought it was Snare.

[griffin]

That's a biiiig Haul there. what are those white Animated Ratchets? Next to the Animated Stunticon set.... are they Botcon figures?... oooh a sword, will we get those here as well?

As Trunks mentioned, the white Ratchets are the Autotroopers 3-pack.
And as for the sword(s), we might not get the TF3 grey/blue one here, because we didn't get the TF2 orange/red one here. I was actually amazed at how much old stuff I was finding at US Kmart stores over there. I don't think I bought any TF3 toys at any of the Kmarts I checked out, just TF2 and gimmick items (like Speed Stars and Roleplay). Other store-chains didn't have much that was pre-TF3...



Great haul there Griff, makes many of the movie figures look better than I had anticipated.

I'm finding that now that I have set them (TF3 toys) all out on that big bench in their sizes and assortments, it is making it a lot easier keeping track of what was released in what wave.

[Krayt]

The TF3 swords in TRU Doncaster.... been there over a week....

[Demonac]

We just arrived home, and here is a picture of my meager haul of toys.
Not shown are the 3 complete sets of Botcon toys. :p

[jazzcomp]

how much was hot rodimus kiss? what version of mirage is that? :)

[griffin]

The TF3 swords in TRU Doncaster.... been there over a week....

If a new sighting doesn't get posted, especially if I'm not in the country to check out these stores myself, this site's checklist & First Sightings will refer to it as not yet released in this country.

[i_amtrunks]

The TF3 swords in TRU Doncaster.... been there over a week....

I was going to mention this, In a Hasbro AU Advertisement ina magazine that was handed out to my students, there were images of the sword with a caption along the lines of "in stores now" along with the other dress up gear.

[griffin]

Unfortunately, Sleeve wasn't able to resurrect any of the 83 missing photos. :(
He was able to find 282 photos, including several from BotCon 2009!!! Including the sunday dinner meet... right type of photo, wrong year.
It was just a shame that not one single picture from the missing 83 survived.
I can substitute most of them with other people's pics, but the meet photo and my (junk) food photos are now lost forever.

I've processed most of the surviving photos now, and will start posting up stuff shortly.