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

In real battles, commanders lived and died by how they handled their reserves. Keeping fresh troops back for the right moment could turn defeat into victory. But on the tabletop? That art of patience seems to vanish. Most wargamers throw everything into the fight from the very first turn — every battalion advancing, every gun firing, and every cavalry squadron charging. So why do we rarely see players holding reserves in historical wargames? In this video, I take a conversational look at the many reasons behind this curious phenomenon. From the way rule systems are designed to the psychology of the players and even the structure of a typical gaming evening, there are lots of small pressures that all push us toward full commitment. Many rules reward aggression, not restraint. Time constraints mean we’re trying to compress a full day’s battle into just a few hours. And most scenarios start with both armies already facing each other across a narrow table, leaving little room for strategic depth or delay. There’s also something cultural at play. Over time, wargamers have developed habits and conventions about what a “normal” game looks like — and that often means everything gets used right away. After all, if you’ve spent hours painting your miniatures, why leave them sitting at the back while the rest of your force is fighting? The video explores whether this tendency is a flaw or simply part of the hobby’s fun. Maybe we lose a touch of realism when we ignore reserves, but we gain fast-paced action, cinematic spectacle, and lots of dice rolling. Still, for those who enjoy experimenting with tactics, deliberately holding something back can add a new layer of strategy — and maybe even give you a taste of what real commanders faced on the battlefield.

The Waterloo Diorama at the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester is an awe-inspiring sight. Best seen with the Mk 1 Eyeball, hopefully, my short video will inspire you to visit the museum in person. There are actually six military museums in Winchester, and you can purchase a single ticket to gain entry to all of them.

Did you know the Prussian army once had an official wargaming department? By the mid-19th century, the Prussian military had embraced Kriegsspiel as a training tool so fully that it created entire offices to design and referee games.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

If you suffer from Shinyitus, fear not! It may just save your life.

Every wargamer, painter, or tabletop enthusiast knows that moment — you walk past a trade stand, spot a shiny new box of figures, and your rational brain simply shuts down. “I need that,” you tell yourself. “For the next project. For the collection. For... reasons.” And just like that, another addition joins your ever-growing Lead Mountain. In my latest YouTube video, I take a humorous (and painfully honest) look at this very real phenomenon: Shinyitus. It’s that uncontrollable urge to start new projects, buy more miniatures than you’ll ever paint, and somehow justify it all as “essential hobby investment.” From the ghosts of unfinished armies to the sacred rule of never painting your last miniature, the video dives into why so many of us can’t stop collecting — and why that might not be such a bad thing. For many of us, the mountain of unpainted figures isn’t a source of guilt; it’s a source of joy, potential, and motivation. I share my own story of purging (and inevitably restocking) my collection, as well as the self-deprecating truth that no amount of maturity can cure Shinyitus. Whether you’re into historical wargames, fantasy battles, or just miniature painting, this is one video every hobbyist will relate to. Watch the full episode, join the comments, and tell me: how bad is your case of Shinyitus?

Join Postie’s Rejects for our latest wargame show report from the fantastic RE-PLAY 2025 event at the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham, Kent! This video gives you a full breakdown of the show atmosphere and a deep dive into the historical wargame we ran: the brutal "Attack on Hill 112" in Normandy, 1944. See how our game, using the Rapid Fire Reloaded rules, brought the fierce fighting of Operation Jupiter to life. The British 43rd (Wessex) Division, with Churchill tanks (including the terrifying Crocodiles!), had to storm the German-held fortress of Hill 112 against entrenched Panzergrenadiers and expected Tiger tank reinforcements. It was a day of intense tabletop warfare set amongst real-life military history exhibits like a V2 rocket and pieces of the Berlin Wall—an incredible backdrop for any miniatures enthusiast! We were so busy running the game, led by Reject Dan in his first-ever show demo, that we only managed a quick dash around the other tables, but we grabbed a few shots to show the variety of spectacular historical wargames on display. If you're a fan of WWII wargaming, event reports, or painting your historical miniatures, this one is for you! Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

I've just dropped my latest video, a show report covering our fantastic day at RE-PLAY 2025, the annual wargaming event hosted by the Milton Hundred Wargames Club and the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham, Kent.  What truly sets the RE-PLAY show apart is its unique and incredible setting. As we discuss in the video, the games aren't simply on tables in an empty hall; they are meticulously placed amongst the museum’s jaw-dropping historical exhibits. Imagine setting up your dice and tape measure next to a piece of the Berlin Wall or a massive V2 rocket! This spectacular backdrop creates an electric atmosphere, combining the joy of tabletop wargames with the gravitas of genuine historical relics. It’s an immersion unlike any other and genuinely great for introducing the general public to the hobby. Our focus for RE-PLAY 2025 was a deep-cut historical scenario: "The Attack on Hill 112," set during the brutal fighting in Normandy, July 1944. This fierce engagement was part of the wider British offensive, Operation Jupiter. Using the beloved Rapid Fire Reloaded rules, Reject Dan (running his first-ever show demo—a huge congratulations to him!) guided players through the assault. The British VIII Corps, spearheaded by the veteran 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division and supported by the heavy armour of the 31st Tank Brigade—including scary Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tanks—were tasked with seizing Hill 112. This seemingly innocuous ridge was, in reality, a critical fortress commanding the battlefield. The game mechanics perfectly captured the tension of WWII wargaming. The British faced a difficult, costly climb against entrenched German Panzergrenadiers, who were using interlocking machine guns, concealed anti-tank weapons, and deadly Nebelwerfer rocket artillery to hold the line. The German orders were strict: hold until the inevitable counterattack arrived, featuring heavy armour like Tiger I and Panzer IV tanks. While we were incredibly busy talking to both wargamers and the general public and running our own scenario (a testament to how engaging the show was!), I managed to grab ten minutes to dash around the hall. The photos and video snippets show the sheer variety of wargaming on display. This annual event, expertly organised with the Milton Hundred Wargames Club, always draws a wide range of clubs, showcasing everything from ancients and fantasy to modern skirmish games.

Did you know Napoleon’s soldiers inspired one of the first collectible miniatures? In the 1820s, German manufacturers began producing flats—thin, 30mm tin soldiers, often hand-painted—many of which depicted Napoleon’s troops.

Every so often, a new hobby product comes along that gets a lot of attention, and lately, paint pens for miniatures seem to be everywhere. I decided to give them a fair try to see what all the fuss was about. This isn’t a sponsored video; I bought all three sets myself for an honest, unscientific comparison. The three types I tested were Army Painter Speed Paint Markers, AK Real Colour Markers, and AK Playmarkers. To keep things consistent, I applied all of them onto an old 28mm fantasy miniature that had been base-coated white. I wasn’t aiming for a masterpiece — just a sense of how they behave in real use. Each brand had its own quirks. The Army Painter Speed Paint Markers offered the expected semi-transparent finish, but dried so quickly that the paint couldn’t settle into recesses as intended. The result? A slightly streaky, uneven look. The AK Playmarkers use a brush-style nib made of nylon, which felt more natural to handle, but the paint itself was quite runny. Combined with the large nib, it made precise control difficult — not ideal for small-scale detail work. Finally, the AK Real Colour Markers provided much stronger, opaque coverage. Unfortunately, the chunky felt nib made fine detail almost impossible, especially in tight areas of the miniature. In short, while all three pens have interesting features, none of them felt like a real alternative to a standard paintbrush. The humble brush still offers far more control, subtlety, and versatility. Of course, this is just my personal first impression. My technique might not be the ideal way to use these pens, and I know some hobbyists swear by them. So, if you’ve tried any of these paint markers and found success, I’d love to hear from you! Watch the full video for the side-by-side comparison and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

In this video, I test out three different types of paint pens for miniatures — just to see what all the fuss is about! This isn’t a sponsored review; I bought all three sets myself for a quick, unscientific comparison to see how they handle on a 28mm fantasy figure. The contenders are: Army Painter Speed Paint Markers AK Real Colour Markers AK Playmarkers I applied each to a white base-coated model to compare coverage, flow, and control. My first impressions? Each pen behaves differently, but all share one issue — the nibs are too large for precision work. The Speed Paint Markers dry too fast, leaving a streaky finish. The Playmarkers’ brush nib feels better, but the paint is too runny. The Real Colour Markers are opaque, yet too chunky for tight detail. So, are paint pens worth it for miniature painting? Or is a good old-fashioned brush still king? Watch the video and let me know what you think! Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join

For many tabletop and historical wargamers, the choice between metal, plastic, and resin miniatures isn’t just about materials — it’s about identity, history, and how we connect to the hobby. In my latest YouTube video, I explore why I remain so devoted to metal miniatures, even when logic, cost, and convenience might suggest otherwise. There’s something deeply satisfying about the solid weight of a metal figure. That little “clink” when you drop it on the table, the way it feels between your fingers — it has substance and presence. Plastic may be lighter and resin may hold crisper detail, but metal just feels right. It’s a sensory connection that taps into decades of wargaming heritage, reminding us of those first armies we assembled, often with a tube of superglue and a healthy dose of swearing. Of course, there’s more to it than nostalgia. Metal figures are durable, easy to strip and repaint, and often outlive the rulesets they were made for. They connect us to a craft tradition where sculptors and casters worked by hand, long before CAD and injection moulding transformed the industry. But times are changing. Commodity prices mean metal casting is more expensive than ever, and the tooling and production efficiencies of plastic make it the logical choice for most manufacturers. Resin, too, has revolutionised what’s possible for small-scale producers. I’m realistic enough to know that metal may eventually become a thing of the past — but while I still can, I’ll be buying it. If you’re a tabletop wargamer, painter, or hobbyist with a soft spot for the old days (or if you’re just curious about why anyone would still pay more for metal figures), this is a conversation worth joining. Keywords: metal miniatures, tabletop wargaming, historical wargaming, miniature painting, pewter soldiers, resin miniatures, plastic miniatures, hobby talk, wargaming nostalgia, wargaming discussion