Hahaha! My transportation. When I bought my silver Pontiac Grand Am a year and a half ago, kiddo dubbed it Jazz and we rolled with it. You'll know it's me when you see the autobot on the hood and the mini-Jazz on the rearview.

_________________

I just wanted to say what a fantastic time I had at the PA Joe Customs Con (PAJCC) today. The location was perfect. Everyone was extremely nice and friendly. The events held were awesome, the demonstrations and attendee exclusives were excellent. I will post a longer thread tomorrow with specifics but all I can say is thank you very much to all of you who organized it and made it such a hit. I look forward to next year's get-together.

_________________

Another GREAT meet !!

Glad to meet all of the Tri-State Vipers that trooped down, and with Pedro's help I remain undefeated trivia champ.
Our "Where in the World is Cobra Commander?" al la "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?" was inspired including the MASS Device clues.

Blitzkrieg- Thanks again for organizing, lighting fires and being so selfless and making it a great time had by all.

DarkWynter-The exclusives were FANTASTIC ! Above and beyond a big salute and thanks to you and your family !
Can't wait to see pics up of the sets and see peeps reactions to the awesomeness.

MacGyver- So very cool that you came !! The eye demonstration was great !, You make it look so simple. And I'll say it again even though your customs kick butt in the pictures on here, they just POP seeing them in real life. True top notch talent. Again thanks for sharing with us. Also thanks for teaching me how to play the GI Joe card game ! Now to work on my deck.

Apac-Thanks a ton for your family's hospitality for the weekend !! The birthday party/cake was awesome so pass that along again. Thanks for the great trading.

Millsy-Thanks for setting the location of this up !! It was awesome !!!! Thanks for the great trading.

Rob (Millsy you'll have to pass this along)- Thanks a ton for the new 25th Water Moccassin I truley earned the envy of everyone else when you had picked that up for me. Thanks for the great trading.

AegisGreat trader as usual, we'll have to get together shortly

Ronin- It was really great meeting you. I think you will become an excelent addition to our gatherings and I'm looking forward to hearing from you again. I hope you enjoy your custom figs !

Chuckles- Your Drednok compound was really cool. Get some Plaid Matte Acrylic spary and spray them on those vehicles to seal them. The touches of the fan belts hanging in the garage and Hector Ramirez on the TV to "undercover" Chuckles peeping in the window were awesome touches that really added to the great dio set-up. Sorry we didn't get to shoot the movie stuff this time around.

Joel- Glad you could make it again.

Dagger- Good to see you again.

Mirage Armor- Your good at trivia and the IG costume was very cool. Glad you could make it.

To the rest of the Tri-State Vipers- (Ripper, Doc Blessed, Pedro, Kane, Prime and any of the others that I may have forgotten)- Thanks very much for coming and participating, it was exciting to meet "new" faces, and looking forward to seeing you guys again, hope you enjoy the customs you bought.

Looking forward to Next Time !

_________________

Once again proving that cheaters always win
Blitzkrieg- Great seeing you again! Once again you've gone above and beyond the call of duty proving once again you don't have to be from PA to care about the picnic.

DarkWynter-Thank you for everything. Your AMAZING dios and figures have really inspired me to start doing something I truly loved doing once again. Hope you got enough sleep when you got home.

MacGyver- Mac, you eye techniques were truly inspirational also. I really have to agree with Jeremy when he says how much they "pop" in person. Keep up the awesome work.

Apac-I won't say anything or compliment you. As a fellow Skook you know how wrong it is for another Skook to compliment you, but you know how I feel.

Poetflint-Great seeing you again my friend and thanks for taking some of this crap off my hands. I'm really proud of ourselves this year, with not unloading huge crap on each other at the last minute.

Ronin-So nice to finally meet you. You really fit in well with our little group, and I think everyoune will agree with me if I say your anofficial member of our little clique now. Can't wait to bounce more ideas off you for next year.

ChucklesGreat Dreadnok headquarters, now get to work on the outhouse!

Joel-Great seeing you again even if you can't get there on time. Thanks for being such a good sport wit hthe hard time I always give you.

Dagger-Glad you could make it this year too. You really helped to thin out some of my stuff too.

To the Tri-State Vipers- (Ripper, Doc Blessed, Pedro, Kane, Prime, Mirage Armor,Tuga and everyone I didn't get a chance to chat with)It was great to meet you all and finally have some fresh blood. Hope you'll make the trek next year too, It's only going to get bigger and better! Had a great time getting to know and chatting with you all.

See you all next year!

_________________

Aka: Ripper

I had a great time meeting everyone yesterday. This was a well organized get together and I like meeting other customizers. Just so everyone knows, the Vipers made it back safely to NJ/NYC. This was a great road trip for us Tri-State Vipers. Next time, I'll bring a small trailer. I only wish that there was more time and more people.

Blitzkrieg- I really appreciate all the help. Not to mention your time put into this. The prizes were as always a great touch. Your "scavenger hunt" was brilliant, I just wish I could have participated more in them.

Aegis: I'm really glad you and your family could make it down. My wife and girls really enjoy having you guys come. Your gift fodder was realy generous as well.

MacGyver- Thank you for the painting demo, I was really looking forward to it. I'm just sorry I was so tired, I would have loved to pick your brain a bit more. SilverWynter was really amazed watching you paint and meeting you. You now have a young admiring apprentice.

Apac-I really want to see the vehicle project take off. I have an idea you may want to explore, so expect some pm's from me.

Millsy- I think you hit a home run with securing this. I think the hall was a real winner.

Poet--I'm glad I got to see you, but I really missed out on chatting with you. I will make up for it at the next get together. I had wanted to talk more about an A-team idea. I wanted to make a friendly challenge for the next meet. We would each make an A-team set to reveal at the next meet. It could be anything goes as long as it's related. I sorta gave away my thoughts on B.A.'s new ride. P.M. me if you are interested.

Rob (Millsy you'll have to pass this along)- SilverWynter has read the comics already and put them on the top of her favorite pile already. I'm really glad you could make it. One of these days I'm going to try to get as organized as you. That display was amazing.

Ronin- I'm really glad you could make it, I'm just sorry I did not really get a chance to chat more with you. I will look for you at the next get together.

Chuckles- I was glad to see you, I'm just sorry I was feeling out of it and did not get a chance to really chat with you this time. I'll be looking for you at the movie excursion.

Topless- I'm glad you made it. I will pm you about the dio you were thinking of, so get those ideas penned down.

Dagger- Thanks for the shells, I'm really looking forward to the custom spacecraft. I'm glad you came.

Mirage Armor- That costume was cool!

Ripper- It was nice meeting you, I'll definately be comming to some of your guys events.

Doc Blessed- I did not get a chance to play the game you made, but I will try and come up to your next event.----and those burgers were outstanding!

Pedro, Kane, Prime ---I'm really sorry, that I was feeling out of it. I will try and talk to you guys more at a tri-state event soon. And please post up some pics once you set up your dios!

Please forgive me if I missed anyone, I look forward to the next meet already.

_________________

Wow...what a meet!!

Darkwnter: Thanks for everything!! I think I speak for all of us in saying: "Holy @#$%!!!! Awesome job...thanks for putting all that work into it...and most importantly: CATCH UP ON SOME SLEEP." lol Seriously man...THANK YOU!! I have been there with a project like this...so I for one can really sympathize and admire your dedication...you really blew all our minds to heck with this years exclusives!! The vehicles...I got many ideas in mind...one that I really like but need to track down alot more of them...I will be bouncing ideas off you, so look for PM's in the near future.
Please convey mine and everyone else's thanks to the rest of your staff back home. As for what did we think of the projects....We were in awe!!! And we give them 4 Wayne's World "We're Not Worthy!!" bows.

Tell Mrs. Darkwnter Thanks for doctoring up my son. His leg is fine today...she did a great job!
My wife and daughter stopped by for a couple minutes...and my daughter enjoyed playing with your and Aegis's daughters...her exact words were : "I have two new friends!"...so like we said, it is a great time for all!!

Flint: You are welcome here ANYTIME. Though you best bone up on your drinking...I don't like to drink for an audience. lol Thanks again for making a great weekend even better...it is always great to see you and you motivate me to put other stuff to the side and take time for the hobby we all love!

Blitz: Thanks for everything! I know you do alot of behind the scenes stuff...and at the meet it shows!! You kept us on schedule...and take these to a higher level than a get-toghether...dare I say "Mini-Con"? Never been to an actual Con...but these have set my expections very high on what one should be. It was great seeing and talking with you again...look for future PM's from me on next years event! You may not be from PA...but I think I speak for all the veteran PA meet attendee's in saying...you are officially adopted by PA'ers

Millsy: Thanks for securing the hall. Dude...that place is GOLDEN. Thanks for all the trades....and with us being so close to each other in location, we should get together more often...and plot our WORLD DOMINATION...muahhhh. lol Tell Rob it was great seeing him...and thanks for the freebies...HE IS THE MAN!!

Joel: Thanks for coming!! I sincerely hope your hunt for a house goes well and you don't leave the hobby!

Ronin: Thanks for coming and the trades!! I wouldn't say we are a "clique"...but you will be a welcome addition to the core members who plan these things out. I liked alot of your ideas...and I look forward to your progress on them. Look for PM's in the future from me....we have to keep in touch and bounce ideas off one another!

Chuckles: Thanks for coming!! Do me a favor and take lots of pics of your Nok dio. I am kicking myself today...I was in so much awe over it...that I forgot to take pics of it, seriously!! That was quite a project...and I loved it as did my son....great job and I need to see it again!! Also thanks for bringin the musical entertainment again...it is always appreciated and really adds to the event!

Mac: Thanks for the awesome demonstration!! I seen it with my own eyes...but I still am shocked at it!! You are truly a master of your craft: THE FORCE IS STRONG IN THIS ONE!! lol It was great meeting you...I hope you had a great time and that this won't be your last meet, I caught you shopping alot on the smaller scale...so I look forward to seeing just what you do with your purchases!!

Tri Staters: (not that I'm slighting you guys...I'm just getting tired of typing. lol) Thanks for making the trek over/down!! It was great to meet all of you...and like Ripper said "put a face to the screen name." I loved the Big Red Beast van...and envy you guys in that you travel in a group...that is awesome!! Hope you guys had a great time...and look forward to seeing you all again!!

Wow...I've got to come back and actually formulate some thoughts... LOL! Let's just say for now that I've never been surrounded by so many people as geeky as (if not more than) me! Told kiddo's ball coach (who's into Star Wars and GI Joe) that it was the most fun I've had with a bunch of guys in a room full of action figures. He got a good laugh out of that. I'll come back when I can think...Total of 6 hours on the road yesterday and then a full day today has my brain a bit mushy.

_________________

Okay. I was finally able to escape from work from a bit and jot down my thoughts..

Blitzkrieg- Thank you very much for promoting, organizing and putting together that awesome trivia contest. It was highly thought out and I'm sure that everyone definitely appreciated the nuances you put in. I was having too much fun taking pictures so I didn't do trivia. Speaking of pics, expect a “blitzkrieg” of photos to follow this post.

DarkWynter- I was not expecting any exclusives and I was blown away with what you produced. Your exclusives were excellent and the work that you and your family put into them really stood out. From the alternate sculpts of exclusive figures to the differing dio landscapes to the lighted mine shafts running under each. Your attention to detail was amazing. We didn't get a chance to talk much but we definitely will next time. Thank you for the Doc, Auger and Methane. I thought that I had missed out on them.

MacGyver- Boy was I shocked. For the longest time, I thought you were a guy. When I saw you come in and start unpacking, my first thought was that you were very supportive to setup hubby's stuff. I was way off on that one! LOL. I absolutely loved the eye painting demonstration. Your Sigma 6 customs are even more impressive in person. You put a lot of attention to detail in your work and are very faithful to the characters. Thank you very much for teaching me the TCG. I have to build out my deck and practice to square off against you next year. I have a S6 Tunnel Rat in my sights. By the way, your kids have a really cool mom. Not many women would sift through fodder boxes looking for vehicles to customize for their kids.

Apac-Thank you not only for the trades, hospitality and convo but exchanging custom ideas too. I seriously thought I lost out on the SDCC CC and you really saved the day. I look forward to hanging out with you guys more. Thanks again and keep an eye out for pms because I already got another idea to run by you guys. I guess we can call it the a mini-con now. Your kid has to play trivia again next year! Him cracking on Blitzkrieg reminded me of those old SNL Trebek\Connery Jeopardy skits. LOL.

Millsy-Thank you so much for arranging the hall. This was the perfect spot to hold this meet. You are really cool and I love your customs too. I can't wait to meet up with you guys again. Definitely felt a good vibe from you and everybody there. Thank you again for the Gung-Ho, knives, backpack and rifle along with the other fodder figs. You just kept finding stuff and I really appreciated it. My Mine Viper fig is now in progress! I look forward to seeing you army build those MOLE Troopers!

Aegis- It was very nice meeting you and your family. Your fodder boxes were fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing you there next year. You are a great trader

Chuckles- Your Nok playset was awesomel. I loved the little touches and easter eggs you put in from Hector Ramirez to scaled vehicle diagrams to Zartan's mask in the garbage. Am sure that we will shoot the PSAs next time. Thank you very much for holding CoalCracker and the Baron aside for me. Tnat was very considerate and I really appreciated it. Thank you so much!

PoetFlint – You are a really cool dude. Thank you for the trades and customs. I loved them. I definitely look forward to hanging out with you guys more. I got a few ideas brewing and look forward to running them by you, Millsy, Apac and the rest of the gang.

Joel (Topless Jeep) - It was really nice meeting you. I would have snapped up the mod for the XB but I am trying to save money right now. Hopefully, you will show up next time with your XB too.

Dagger- We didn't get to talk much but I loved your fodder box and shells. I saw that Croc Master custom you did and I will be “borrowing” the idea very soon.

To the rest of the Tri-State Vipers- (Ripper, Doc Blessed, Pedro, Kane, Prime and any of the others that I may have forgotten)- Guys, it was really great seeing all the familiar faces again and the new arrival (Ripper) to the Band of Viper Brothers. Will see you guys at Kozin's CT Joe show and Eric's place soon.

_________________

And now for some pics.

Apac's goody box initially packed so well and then ransacked by yours truly.



Chuckle's Nok Hideout. Lots of hidden easter eggs there. Really nice.








Dagger's table of fodder and customs.



Doc Blessed's custom Joe Clix game



Frost's dios. Amazing landscape detail!








Macgyver's table and eye painting demonstration. Yeah, she plays the trading card game too.





Never thought you'd see a fellow female customizer sorting through fodder boxes huh? Macgyver's kids will have some nice customs to look forward too.



Millsy's table and army of customs. He has loads of accessories and fodder.



Poetflint\Apac's table of goodies and customs. It just kept growing and growing until people started buying and buying.




Rob's setup. His retail display for customs and sale items is very nicely organized.




Trivia - Blitzkrieg did a terrific job with this. Keep it up Blitz. Watching you and Apac's kid go at it was like the Connery\Trebek SNL skits.






Tri-State Viper Chocolate Donut\Grape Soda picture

_________________

OK...so some highlights for me...

* The first thing I hear when I walk in..."You must be Mac." And later hearing someone call "MacGyver" from across the room and realizing, "Hey, that's me..."

* Teaching Ronin and PoetFlint how to play the GI Joe Trading Card Game! Thanks for indulging me! I'll have to PM you the details for playing online!

* Being so nervous at the start of my eye demo. I don't think I was that nervous even for my own wedding! LOL! Thanks for putting me at ease everyone.

* Looking at the group photo and actually being able to connect most of the names to faces.

* Spending hours opening and closing the little file drawers in my brain to figure out why Chuckles looked so familiar and finally realizing he could pass for someone I graduated high school with.

* That one of the Tristaters' camera stopped working when he took pictures of my customs...LOL...not sure what that says about my stuff! Sorry, man, the file with your name on it has been misplaced... I'll figure it out when I get that email, tho!

* The generosity of everyone. Thank you so much...I can't even remember who! I spent hardly anything and came home with some cool stuff that I probably won't have the chance to customize because kiddo's already claimed most of it! He's already had the RHINO chopper half buried in the garden from a horrendous crash...

* Coming home with something I would have loved to have, but hadn't really set out to find yet...ARAH Firefly. He's my favorite Cobra character. He and my 84 Shipwreck are getting along swell...

* Laughing with Mrs. DarkWynter because she doesn't get a cool name...she's just The Wife.

* Chatting more in depth with a few...I remember DarkWynter and bcost74/Ripper in particular. Mirage Armor, too, and more that aren't coming to mind. SilverWynter...can't forget her...DW, already told you she is such a joy...LOVED talking with her...especially the very serious conversation about whether eyes just have to be green, blue or brown. Tell her I can't wait to see those purple eyes! And there was another little girl who was very taken with the fact that we both have 3 cats and that one of mine is named Puffy because she's so fluffy. No idea who she belonged to, but I want to send a picture of the kitties for her!

* Seeing someone else's custom work in person...I don't get to very often. I loved seeing the inventiveness, detail treatments, and such up close. I can't even name any specific example...it was all so overwhelming. Of course the exclusives stole the show, and deservedly...Wow. DarkWynter...I love how your entire family got involved. Man, I hope you've gotten some sleep...and I can't wait to see what you do with the "dogbots" and the falcons!

I could go on...just a great time. The 6 hours on the road were more than worth it...even when I got off the wrong exit going home! LOL!

_________________

I had a great time, too!

Just to make it brief.....

Blitzkrieg: That was an awesome trivia game. I may be this years' champion, but second to Poetflint. It wasn't too bad since I've won a Munitia MOC figure from the DTC line and a holy grail from the Master Collectors club......... the black Cobra Commander in Sigma 6 gear for being this year's trivia champion. Thanks for hosting the trivia contest and the presentation for this years exclusive figures.

Darkwynter: Another JC'er who helped with Blitz' presentation work and producing those Coulture Clash dioramas from scratch. No other diorama is alike and yet unique, which makes it as extraordinary as every person who attended this event.

Chuckles: Another JC'er with dio aspirations. That Dreadnok compound diorama was great. Sorry for not using your amps to play my mixtape. It didn't matter since everyone was too occupied to listen to music anyways. LOL. Keep up the great work.

Apac: Glad to have you in the teamup during the Trivia game. This guy was hilarious with his rendition of his Cobra Commander voice. If he attended the TF shows, this guy would pull off a great Starscream! A great guy!

MacGuyver: aka MacGruber........LOL, just kidding.
My first impression was, "Holy....... she's a girl!"
The demonstration for the figure eye-painting tutorial was excellent. No matter what scale, 3 3/4th to 8 inch Sigma figures, you still make 'em look good. Keep up the good work.

Millsy I may have seen you briefly.......but thanks for booking this picnic for everybody, for it was as excellent as ever.

Also, many thanks to those JC's whom I've met and never came to mind, Poetflint, Aegis, ToplessJeep and Daggar. The picnic would never have been great without you guys having fun.

Here's to next time's! ..............and don't forget the TUMS.

_________________

Great seeing everyone again and meeting new, cool people that share my love of Joes.

I'll post some pictures and write more soon-I have a funny story about the next day ...

_________________

I have no idea where to start. This was such a great event. The location was perfect. Such a great turnout, familliar faces and new ones- just plain AWESOME!!!

I am going to post more later, but had to get something in sooner. Just let me say my little ones had a lot of fun. Thats not such a hard thing for a short event, but for the picnic, they never once came up to me or Sarah (will come up with a code name for her), and asked to go or that they were bored.

Tons of goodies to be found, feeling comfortable and among friends, which always feels nice.

As I said I will have more later, but things have been and still are very hectic so computer time is scarce.

I just want to make sure I say THANK YOU to everyone. It wouldnt have been so much fun without all of you being there!!

Aegis

_________________

Forgot the group shot (from left to right back row):

DarkWynter & Baby
Millsy
PrimeNYBT (red shirt)
Doc Blessed
Ripper
Tuga Viper
MirageArmor (camo hat)
CrimsonGuardVet
MacGyver
Topless Jeep
Chuckles (Blue\white shirt)
Apac
Aegis & Family (got cut off there sorry)

Front Row:
Sylverwynter (DW's daughter and fellow customizer)
Blitzkrieg
PoetFlint
Kane429 (Mets hat)
Rob
Mitch (Apac's son)
Ronin

Dagger is snapping the pic and is missing from the photo.

_________________