What makes a great set of wargame rules when you’re introducing a new player to the hobby? In this episode, I explore what to look for when bringing someone into tabletop wargaming for the first time—whether they’re a history buff, a painter, or completely new to miniatures. From clarity and pacing to storytelling and presentation, I’ll share how the right rules can make a newcomer’s first experience fun, engaging, and unforgettable. We’ll talk about balancing realism with accessibility, the importance of visual appeal, and how to match a game’s tone to the person you’re teaching. If you’ve ever wondered which rules work best for beginners—or just want to reflect on what makes our hobby so special—this discussion is for you. Join the conversation in the comments, share your experiences teaching new players, and help keep our amazing hobby growing! Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

Every wargamer remembers their first real battle. The first time the dice rolled just right, a unit did something heroic, and they realised this was more than a game. It’s that spark, that sense of discovery, that we try to recreate when introducing someone new to the hobby. But what exactly makes a good set of introductory wargame rules? In my latest video, I explore that question in depth. A subscriber asked, “What should we look for in a set of wargame rules when you want to introduce a new player to the hobby?” It’s a deceptively simple question that gets to the heart of what makes tabletop wargaming so special. From clarity and pacing to theme and presentation, a great starter game needs to be approachable but still exciting. The best rules make sense as you play, keep both players engaged, and encourage moments of drama and laughter. Whether it’s Bolt Action, What a Tanker, or Chain of Command, the goal is always the same: to create memorable stories and share the joy of miniature wargaming. The video also touches on the importance of presentation and community. The way we teach, play, and welcome new players says as much about the hobby as the rules themselves. Wargaming, after all, isn’t just about rolling dice. It’s about creativity, connection, and storytelling. If you’re a historical wargamer, painter, or just someone who loves the hobby, this discussion is for you. Join me as we explore what makes a first game great.

Did you know the first wargaming club met above a toy shop in 1950s London? A handful of enthusiasts laid the groundwork for the global wargaming community. Every club night today owes something to those early pioneers.

In today’s video, I’m diving into a topic that many hobbyists quietly wrestle with: imposter syndrome in tabletop wargaming. Ever scroll through comments or chat at a show and feel like everyone else knows far more about the hobby than you? The truth is far simpler—and far more encouraging. We all arrive in this hobby by wildly different routes, shaped by the people we’ve met, the games we’ve played, the shows we’ve attended, and the strange little niches we’ve fallen in love with. No wonder our knowledge varies so much. But despite our different paths, we always seem to get along effortlessly. What makes that possible? In this video, I explore the common elements that bind us together as a community: a shared love of stories, of making things, of playful competition, of learning new skills—and the pure joy of playing with miniatures on a real tabletop. Any scale, any period, any genre… the moment a toy soldier hits the table, something magical happens. Join me for a warm, honest, and slightly tongue-in-cheek look at what makes this hobby feel like home. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

Today’s video takes a slightly more reflective turn, looking at something many hobbyists experience but rarely talk about openly: imposter syndrome in tabletop wargaming. It’s that odd little feeling that creeps up when you read comments, talk to other gamers, or scroll through painting posts online and suddenly think, “Everyone else knows far more about this hobby than I do.” It’s familiar, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s surprisingly common. But as I’ve discovered through countless conversations at recent shows, it’s also based on a complete misunderstanding of how this community works. Every one of us arrives in wargaming by a different route. Some come in through history, others through RPGs or boardgames, others through painting, collecting, or social clubs. Our personal routes shape the way we learn, what we love, which periods we specialise in, and the areas where our knowledge is deep—or hilariously shallow. When you bring thousands of these unique journeys together, the result is a community full of extraordinary expertise, but spread across many different people. The illusion that “everyone else knows everything” comes from seeing many individual specialists at once. The heart of the video isn’t about inadequacy—it’s about the shared passions that tie us together despite those differences. A love of storytelling runs through every corner of the hobby, whether historical or fantastical. A love of making things keeps us painting, building, converting, and creating. A love of playful competition keeps us rolling dice and swapping tales of glorious victories and ridiculous defeats. A love of learning keeps us exploring new techniques, new eras, and new ideas. And, of course, there’s the universal joy of playing with miniatures on a real tabletop. Big figures or tiny ones, sci-fi or historical, epic battles or skirmishes—it doesn’t matter. The moment painted figures line up on a table, something instinctive flickers to life in the hobbyist's brain. That spark is one of the strongest threads holding this community together.

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Last week I put out a video report from the second day of the Warfare show, capturing the relaxed Sunday buzz, the packed trader stalls, and all the hobby temptation Farnborough had to offer. From new project purchases to behind-the-scenes chats with traders, plus a quick look at the bring-and-buy and demo tables, this video gives you a real feel for one of the UK’s best wargaming events. Perfect for tabletop wargamers, historical gamers, and miniature painters looking for hobby inspiration.

Do you have old miniatures in need of revitalisation? Maybe it's time you gave them the Spa Treatment. A nice long soak, a thorough scrub, and they will be good as new.

Did you know coffee grounds make perfect battlefield rubble? This old-school wargaming trick adds texture and realism to bases and dioramas. Dry, seal, and paint them for gritty war-torn scenery that smells like victory—and coffee!

Join me for a warm and lively tour through Day Two of the Warfare Show at Farnborough, one of the final big wargaming events of the year! In this video, I take you along for a relaxed Sunday wander through the traders, demo games, tournaments and bring-and-buy bargains that make Warfare such a highlight for historical tabletop gamers and miniature painters. Instead of focusing solely on the demo tables, this video offers a closer look at the traders who brought an incredible range of figures, terrain, books and accessories—many of whom you don’t see at other shows. I chat with Parkfield Miniatures, explore Blotz’s acquisition of Charlie Foxtrot scenery, check out a bustling bring-and-buy, and share plenty of photos and video clips from the day. If you enjoy hobby show coverage, friendly chats with fellow enthusiasts, and footage of the sort of tempting products that drain wallets and inspire new projects, this one’s for you. Thanks to everyone who said hello at the show—your support genuinely keeps the channel thriving. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

Day Two of the Warfare Show at Farnborough has its own distinct pace, and this year’s Sunday had that familiar mixture of relaxed browsing and last-minute wallet-emptying urgency. For many of us in Posties Rejects, it’s the last show of the season, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere, grab some essentials for future projects, and catch up with the traders and clubs who make Warfare such a standout event on the UK wargaming calendar. This video takes a slightly different approach from my usual show coverage. Instead of focusing entirely on the demo games, I spent more time exploring the trader hall and capturing the variety of products, scenery kits, miniatures and accessories on display. Shows like this aren’t just about watching games—they’re about inspiration, discovery and the joy of uncovering something new that sparks a fresh idea for the painting desk. I caught up with Parkfield Miniatures while hovering suspiciously close to their display (purely research, of course), chatted with the team from Blotz about their acquisition of Charlie Foxtrot’s ranges, and admired the impressive scenery and terrain options available. The bring-and-buy was as strong as ever, filled with hidden gems and irresistible temptations. Even though I managed to resist this year, several members of our group didn’t escape quite so easily. The demo games and tournament area provided a great atmosphere despite some early packing-up thanks to the tight end-of-day schedule. Still, there was plenty to see, from beautifully painted armies to some fantastic terrain setups created with obvious passion and effort. Most importantly, the show was filled with friendly faces. A number of viewers stopped to say hello, share their own projects and offer kind words about the channel. These conversations genuinely mean the world and continue to motivate me to keep producing videos like this one. If you enjoy wargaming show tours, hobby chat and plenty of photos and clips from one of the UK’s best events, this video is well worth a watch.

Once upon a time, every wargamer had a jar of Dettol or brake fluid bubbling away in the corner, working its magic on battered old miniatures. Stripping paint from metal models was part of the hobby’s culture — a way to restore forgotten figures, rescue bring-and-buy bargains, and give them new life. But does anyone still strip models these days? In this video, I look back at the once-universal ritual of paint stripping and ask whether it’s a dying art in today’s fast-paced, plastic-and-resin world. We’ll explore why the practice has faded, what’s replaced it, and whether it’s worth reviving for the sheer joy of restoration. From nostalgia to practicality, it’s a conversation about how the wargaming hobby has changed — and what we’ve gained (and maybe lost) along the way. *** Why the Frost Giant on the Thumbnail? That was the last model I stripped and repainted. I got it second-hand and it was in a real mess, with thick, enamelled paint and horribly chipped. Hopefully, my restoration has improved it, and it has now seen action in several RPGs since then. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

There was a time when every wargamer worth their salt had a paint-stained toothbrush and a jar of mystery fluid lurking under the sink. Stripping old miniatures, restoring them to bare metal, was a core part of the hobby’s DNA. You’d come home from a bring-and-buy with a handful of battered veterans, dunk them in Dettol, and scrub until they gleamed again. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was deeply satisfying. A mix of thrift, archaeology, and creative rebirth. So, what happened? In my latest video, I explore whether stripping miniatures is now a dying art. The shift from metal to resin and plastic has changed the landscape. You can’t just dunk a resin model without risking disaster. Add in the rise of cheap starter sets, constant new releases, and a culture of instant gratification, and suddenly restoration seems… old-fashioned?  But maybe that’s exactly why it deserves another look. Stripping a model isn’t just about cleaning paint; it’s about preserving history. Those old metal figures carry the fingerprints of decades of hobby evolution, from classic Citadel sculpts to long-lost ranges from Grenadier and Essex. Bringing one back to life is an act of continuity and a connection to the generations of gamers who came before us.

A 28mm Wars of the Roses "What-If" battle in Posties Rejects 'shed-o-war'. A bitter struggle for survival on the Dorset coast. 📷 For a full write-up and more pictures, check out my blog post here: https://www.blmablog.com/2025/11/the-battle-of-swanage-bay-23rd-april.html

Are wet palettes really essential for miniature painting, or are they just another gimmick? That’s the question I tackled in my Podcast last weekend (which I forgot to repost here for regular readers!). For anyone new to the idea, a wet palette is a simple tool—an airtight container with a damp layer underneath and a semi-permeable paper on top. It keeps acrylic paints moist for longer, which is especially useful for painters who want smooth blends, consistent layering, or need their colours to stay usable across multiple sessions. Many pro painters swear by them, and they’ve become a familiar sight in online tutorials and painting guides. But are they really for everyone? In the video, I explore the clear benefits: less wasted paint, better consistency for thin techniques, and a real advantage in hot or dry conditions. At the same time, I point out some genuine drawbacks. Metallics, contrast paints, and technical paints often separate badly on a wet palette. Maintenance can be a hassle if you only paint occasionally. And for batch painting, drybrushing, or quick “slapchop” methods, the wet palette can feel more like an unnecessary obstacle than a game-changer. I share my own experience too. I used a wet palette for around six months, but ultimately it didn’t suit my style. It felt like extra maintenance that slowed me down, and I went back to a dry palette happily. That doesn’t mean they’re bad—it just means they’re not for everyone. So, are wet palettes gimmick or essential? Watch the video to see the full breakdown, and join the conversation by leaving your own experiences in the comments. Have you found a wet palette invaluable, or did you, like me, decide it wasn’t worth the effort?

Did you know you can make hyper-realistic WWII camouflage netting using old tea bags? This classic modelling hack gives incredible texture and realism for almost no cost. Perfect for terrain builders, diorama artists, and wargamers looking to add weathered authenticity to their miniatures.

There’s something satisfying about reimagining history, especially when it involves a stretch of coastline that never actually hosted a battle. The Battle of Swanage Bay was one such “what if” encounter: a desperate clash where the Lancastrians, cornered against the sea, tried to stave off Edward IV’s advancing Yorkist host. The scenario was set in April 1471, during the later stages of the Wars of the Roses. Our imaginary confrontation placed Somerset’s Lancastrian army with its back to the water, scrambling to form a defensive line on the gentle slopes above Swanage Bay. Somerset commanded the centre, Devon held the left, and the Prince of Wales (the ill-fated Edward of Westminster) oversaw the right flank, entrenched around the small coastal town. Their goal was simple enough: hold their ground long enough to regroup, or better yet, break out before being driven into the sea. Facing them were the Yorkists: King Edward IV commanding the central force, the Duke of Gloucester (the future Richard III) supporting to his right, and Lord Hastings leading the flanking column moving on the town. I took command of Somerset and Devon’s Battles, while Surjit commanded the Prince of Wales in the town. Across the table, Colin controlled both Edward IV and Gloucester, while Richard handled Hastings’ assault on the Lancastrian right. The Lancastrians’ predicament was clear — there was nowhere to retreat. Our line needed to move off the beach and occupy the high ground before the Yorkists brought their superior numbers to bear. My archers and crossbowmen were our best asset, and getting them onto the hill would let me make the most of their range. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales took a defensive stance within the town, using its barricades and narrow streets to slow Hastings’ advance. The plan was to anchor our right on the town, hold the centre, and hope my archers could thin the Yorkist ranks before they reached us. Across the table, the Yorkist plan was more straightforward: Hastings would smash into the town and try to collapse our right flank, while Gloucester and Edward IV would press our centre and left, driving us back toward the shoreline. This game promised to be a brutal, close-range tussle... as it turned out, that was partly true. Fortune briefly smiled on the Red Rose. We won initiative for the first and only time that day, but it turned out to be decisive. My archers loosed a deadly opening volley, and Colin’s Yorkist archers immediately began to suffer. My dice were on fire, and within a couple of turns, his bowmen were either broken or reduced to a shadow of their former selves. With the enemy’s missile fire blunted, I began to feel cautiously optimistic. Surjit’s archers in the town were also holding their own, their defensive position making them hard to reach. However, Hastings’ troops were pressing in, and one of the Prince’s Shire Archer units took enough casualties to trigger a morale check, which, unfortunately, they failed. The Prince’s command faltered. Forced to retire a full move, his troops gave ground, abandoning the strong defensive position in the town. Suddenly, our right flank was in trouble. We paused briefly to consider our options. Surjit would need to fall back in good order, giving himself room to reform. The hope was that Hastings’s men, needing to change formation to enter the town, would lose momentum and give us breathing space. That was the plan, at least, but the dice gods had other ideas. While chaos unfolded on our right, I redoubled my efforts on the left. My crossbowmen wiped out a unit of Yorkist handgunners belonging to Gloucester’s Battle, while my longbowmen concentrated on a group of lightly armoured Billmen. The results were devastating. In a couple of volleys, the Billmen were cut down, forcing Gloucester’s entire Battle to take a morale test. Colin picked up the dice with a look of grim determination, rolled… and scored a six, the worst possible result. In one glorious moment of Lancastrian luck (and Colin’s despair), Gloucester’s entire command collapsed, routing off the field. Retinue archers, billmen, and handgunners all scattered, leaving Edward IV’s men suddenly exposed and unsupported in the centre. With Gloucester’s Battle gone and Hastings’ assault facing a slog through the town, the writing was on the wall for the Yorkists. They could have fought on, but discretion won out over valour. Edward IV wisely called a withdrawal, saving what remained of his force for another day. For the Lancastrians, it was a much-needed victory, though one that came as much from good dice as good tactics. Somerset’s centre held firm, Devon’s flank performed admirably, and the Prince of Wales’ men, though battered, lived to fight another round (on another gaming night). From a gaming point of view, the Battle of Swanage Bay was a delight; unpredictable, cinematic, and full of drama. It captured everything that makes the Wars of the Roses such fun to play. The fragile balance between morale and mayhem, the way a single unlucky roll can unravel a seemingly solid plan, and the constant push and pull of medieval warfare. It also reminded me that even a “what if” battle can tell a compelling story. The idea of the Lancastrians making a desperate stand on the Dorset coast (archers firing from the dunes, the sea at their backs) feels perfectly plausible within the ebb and flow of that chaotic civil war. In the end, the Red Rose triumphed at Swanage Bay, and although history might not record it, our dice certainly did. 

Wet palettes—essential tool or overhyped gimmick? In this video I break down the pros, cons, and who actually benefits. Perfect for miniature painters and tabletop wargamers curious about hobby tools. Watch now and join the discussion!

Wet palettes—are they a miniature painter’s essential tool, or just another gimmick? In this video I dive into the debate and share my honest thoughts after trying one for six months. We’ll look at what wet palettes actually are, what they do, and whether they really help you paint better miniatures. From smoother blending and longer working times to reducing wasted paint, wet palettes are increasingly popular among professional and hobby painters alike. But they also come with drawbacks—some paints don’t behave well, maintenance can be fiddly, and they may not suit fast army painting or slapchop approaches. So are they worth the effort? Or is a dry palette just fine for most tabletop wargamers? I’ll explain who will benefit most from using one, who can skip it, and share some practical alternatives and hybrid setups. Join the discussion—are you team wet palette or team dry palette? Let me know in the comments! Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

Welcome to Miniatures Adventures! In today’s video, I’m taking a short break from the usual wargaming topics to share a Channel Update — what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how these tweaks will hopefully make the channel even better for all of you. Over the past year, I’ve been experimenting with Shorts, launching Memberships, and refining the Sunday Talking Point format. The aim? To grow the channel, reach new wargamers, and make the content more focused, accessible, and enjoyable. In this update, I’ll explain why I’m turning Talking Points into a proper podcast on YouTube Music, how Hobby and Workbench updates will become their own standalone videos, and why this means more content (not less!) in the weeks ahead. If you’re into historical wargaming, miniature painting, and honest hobby discussion, this one’s for you. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

Did you know that one of the earliest fantasy wargames grew out of medieval rules? Before Dungeons & Dragons, Gary Gygax and Jeff Perren wrote Chainmail in 1971 as a medieval miniatures game.

It's Guy Fawkes night tomorrow, and Britain's collective excuse to blow stuff up. So it sounds like World War Three outside, which means my planned evening of filming is off the table! Don't they know I have a schedule to keep!! 🤣

Why don’t we often see reserves being held back in tabletop historical wargames?

Why do tabletop wargamers almost never hold back reserves? In real battles, generals agonised over when to commit their last fresh troops — but on the tabletop, most players throw everything into the fight from turn one. In this video, I take a friendly deep dive into why that happens. Is it the rules? The short time limits? Or have we just settled into the habit of thinking everything has to be in action all the time? From the psychology of players to the way games are designed, this chat looks at how historical tactics don’t always survive the jump to miniature wargaming — and whether that’s actually a bad thing. If you enjoy thoughtful, relaxed hobby discussions about the why behind how we play, this one’s for you. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join