This is only the second site I have visited in my short airsoft career, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a little 'virtual recce' of the place before I went (on Sunday 8th June). First of all I had a look at the location on Google Earth...

Unfortunately, this doesn't actually tell me much more than this is a pretty heavily wooded site (a lot different to SYA). There appears to be no obvious urban structures, unless there are some buildings or constructs which are hidden by the trees. Their website says they have a 'variety of gaming areas from trenches and woodland to a quarry'.

Google Earth file (you must have Google Earth installed): NSC_Airsoft.kmz

I am actually very keen to try out a primarily woodland site, SYA has only thin woodland around the periphery and so it will be a very nice change to be amongst so many trees. Here's where the camo actually comes into it's own (will I finally regret those bright, Russian style, team AKA badges).

The location/directional map provided on their site is very clear and helpful, and it looks pretty easy to get to if you are a car owner (I am, of course, not - so am relying on someone else's generosity - my thanks goes out to EVIL PREDATOR of NSC on this count). Here is a link to the NSC website's location page: How to find NSC Airsoft

Multimap Link:  England  /  Durham  /  South Hetton / NCS Airsoft

Sadly, the NSC website does not include a diagram or schematic of the layout of the game area, along with notations of structures, props and constructs. Neither am I sure of the exact acreage of the game area, but I was lucky enough to find this clip on YouTube which shows a collection of stills which gives an impression of what the game area is like:- 

I particularly liked the look of the trenches and foxholes, likewise the quarry area looks interesting. 

Obviously, from what I can find out, we are not talking about a site which is the size of South Yorkshire Airsoft's 90 acres. But, that could be a good thing, as just occasionally SYA can seem a little too rambling, so playing on a more compact site could make for some intense play.

I am reminded, a little, of my experiences playing the computer game 'Battlefield 2'. I have played games on the larger maps with larger numbers of players, but because the play has been spread out you actually only encounter small groups of opposition. Contrarily, I have played on small maps with small numbers, but the action has been quite fierce because the players are brought together into more concentrated groups. It will be interesting to see if NSC actually mirrors this effect.

I would just like to end this 'virtual recce' by noting one very large plus point for NSC, and that is the friendliness and helpfulness of those invovled with the site. I have to thank EVIL PREDATOR in particular, without whom I would not be attending - as he has kindly offered me a lift to and from the site, going not a little out of his way in doing so. 

Link: NSC Airsoft webite