Lead Rot: Myth or Miniature Killer?

For as long as people have been collecting and painting lead miniatures, there have been whispers of a mysterious and destructive force known as Lead Rot. Hobbyists describe it as a powdery, white or grey bloom that spreads across the surface of a model, sometimes leaving it pitted, brittle, or even crumbling into dust. But how much of this is fact, and how much is hobby legend?

In my latest video, I tackle the subject head-on, drawing not only from decades of hobby experience but also from published research in conservation science and the work of museum curators who look after lead artefacts far older than anything in our collections. Studies by institutions such as the Canadian Conservation Institute and research into the preservation of historic ship models for the U.S. Navy show that what collectors call “Lead Rot” is really a chemical process known as lead carbonate corrosion. This occurs when lead comes into contact with acidic vapours, such as acetic or formic acid, in the presence of carbon dioxide.

This is not a contagious disease that leaps from one model to the next. It is a predictable chemical reaction that depends heavily on the environment. Poorly ventilated wooden cabinets, cardboard storage, and unsealed surfaces can all accelerate corrosion, while modern pewter alloys are far less vulnerable. That means the risk today is lower than it was in decades past, but collectors of older figures should still take precautions.

The video explains what lead carbonate corrosion looks like, why it happens, and—most importantly—what you can do to prevent it. From sealing figures with primer and acrylic paint to improving airflow in your display cases, there are practical steps every wargamer and miniature painter can take to protect their collection.

If you’ve ever worried about whether your old metal miniatures might be at risk, or if you simply enjoy exploring the history and science behind the hobby, this video is for you. Follow the link, join the discussion, and discover the truth behind one of wargaming’s longest-standing myths.

Revisiting The Battle of Turners Farm (A YouTube Short)

Experience the chaos and carnage of The Battle of Turners Farm – 7th June 1643, a gripping English Civil War tabletop wargame using By God or By Might We Will Prevail, Postie's own brutal homebrew ruleset. In this epic clash, Prince Rupert finally corners the Earl of Essex near the village of Stow. Both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces are determined to claim victory, but the cost is high—units are wiped out, leaders fall, and melee combat proves devastatingly effective.

This was my first time playing these fast-paced, blood-soaked rules, and I thoroughly enjoyed the intense close-quarter action. Watch as The Rejects dive into one of the most brutal English Civil War scenarios yet, where every decision matters and no unit is safe.

 

A Little Update on Channel Memberships

A couple of weeks back, I announced that the channel had finally opened up memberships. It was something I’d been mulling over for a while, and I decided to give it a go. The idea was simple: for anyone who wanted to support the channel a little bit more, there was now an option to become a member and pick up a few perks along the way.

 
I said then — and I’ll say again now — this was never meant to be something everyone had to do. I’ve always been hugely grateful for every single view, comment, and subscription, and I completely understood that not everyone would want to pay for a membership. Just being here, watching and enjoying the videos, meant a lot to me. That said, some of you did jump in right away, and I honestly can’t thank you enough. Seeing those first members sign up felt a bit surreal, but also really encouraging. 

To get things rolling, I put together the first piece of members-only content, and just yesterday, I dropped a community post Poll, where members could vote on the sort of extra content they’d like me to work on over the next few months. For anyone who missed the original announcement, here’s a quick rundown of the tiers:

• Musketeer – 99p a month. Loyalty badges, custom emojis, and priority replies to your comments.

• Grenadier – £1.99 a month. Everything from Musketeer plus members-only shorts: little behind-the-scenes videos, quick tips, and previews.

• Old Grognard – £2.99 a month. All of the above, plus shout-outs and recognition in videos.

I also said I might add more perks in the future — things like early access to videos or Q&A sessions — but the main channel content would always stay free for everyone. Memberships were just a way for those who wanted to help me push the channel further to do so.

The way I see it, it isn't like paying for a subscription service — it was more like buying me a coffee now and again. Except instead of fuelling a caffeine habit, that support will go straight into the channel: upgrading gear, getting new miniatures, or travelling to events so I can share even more hobby content with you.

So if you aren’t a member yet but are curious, now is a great time to join in. New members can get started from as little as 99p and immediately take part in the members-only poll to help shape the kind of extra content I’ll be working on. Whether you join or not, though, I really do want to say thank you. Every single subscriber matters, and the most important thing for me is that you are enjoying the videos and sharing in the best hobby in the world.

Right — enough shop talk. Time to get back to the painting desk!

Casualty Recovery: Essential or Pointless?

One of the most common mechanics in tabletop wargaming is casualty removal. A figure is hit, it fails a roll, and it’s gone from the battlefield. It’s a simple and familiar mechanic, but some rulesets take the idea further by including medics, casualty recovery, and the unpredictable nature of battlefield survival. In my latest video, I take a closer look at how different games model these elements and what they add to our tabletop experiences.

If you’re interested in how tabletop wargames represent the human side of battle, and how these mechanics affect both playability and immersion, this is a discussion you won’t want to miss.