Airsoft International Magazine Volume 3 Issue 7 (07 December) is now out... "Looking back over an action-packed year. Don't you just love this time of year? I guess it's the big kid in me. Christmas is coming and the Ai team are getting fat (well som­e of us are) I can't remember the last full game day I played? Some of the team would argue that it's because I spend far too long gearing up in the safe zone, but if truth be known, I tend to spend my time these days talking to you, our readers, and I wouldn't change that for the world, because let's face it without you guys Ai would not be the success it is today.

It only seems like yesterday I was sitting here in late October writing the Foreword for the Christmas '06 issue and boy the time has just flown by. This year for us in the UK has been dominated with the VCR Act, but we as a community are through that now.

As retailers are reporting a downturn in sales, which is a direct result of the Act, that was to be expected as UK players got to grips with the required registration.

Last year seemed to have been the year of the BIG games with events throughout the world, some memorable some not so. It does make me wonder how game organisers who on the surface appear to have everything (site and players) can royally cock it all up. So with that in mind, next year Ai will be spending time behind the scenes with some of your favourite site operators to find out what goes into planning a game day.

It can't be that hard? Can it?

One big game that has the crew all riled up is the forthcoming WWII Gunman Airsoft event. I can honestly say that no other game has had the office so excited, and you'll be able to read a full site report in the next issue.

To celebrate Christmas this year, we've changed our Tried and Tested section to Ai's Christmas Stocking Fillers with some great Christmas gift ideas. There's also a free '08 wall planner in this issue for you to pull out and keep.

Jay's extremely popular project rebuilds are back - join him as he commences battle with Project Cyclops: the one eyed monster.

Wannabe this issue is special as we explore the world of the UASF TACP featuring our very own Donnie T and actually find out that there is a place in the airsoft world for combat controllers.

The rest of the gang are here and have crammed this issue with what you have come to expect from the western world's leading airsoft publication - one hell of a cracking read.

This time of year is very special and for the majority of us it's filled with happiness as we spend the holidays with our loved ones, but let's give a thought to the brave men and women that are thousands of miles away from home putting themselves in harm's way to protect our way of life. God bless each and every one of you.

On behalf of the Ai team we wish you a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year!

Paul"