The Truth about Wargaming Scales

For many tabletop wargamers, 28mm has become the default scale, so familiar that it’s rarely questioned. But how did we get here, and what might we be missing by sticking to it? In today’s video, I take a deep dive into the evolution of miniature scales in wargaming, starting with my own early experiences painting true 25mm fantasy figures from classic ranges like Ral Partha and early Citadel. These slimmer, more delicately proportioned miniatures represent a very different era of the hobby. One where scale was less about spectacle and more about practicality, and where the focus was firmly on getting armies onto the table rather than individual figures stealing the spotlight.

From there, we trace the gradual shift toward 28mm and the rise of “heroic scale,” where exaggerated proportions made figures more visually striking and easier to paint. While this change helped define modern wargaming and undeniably made the hobby more visually appealing, it also subtly reshaped how games are played, often favouring smaller, more narrative-driven encounters over large-scale battles. In many ways, the scale itself began to influence the kinds of stories we tell on the tabletop.

But scale isn’t just about size, it’s about experience. Drawing on my time playing Epic-scale games in true 6mm (roughly 1/285–1/300), along with dozens of later historical 6mm games, I explore why smaller scales remain my personal favourite for mass battle gaming. At that level, the focus shifts away from individual figures and onto formations, manoeuvres, and battlefield tactics, offering a very different, and arguably more “historical”, feel. Instead of a skirmish, you get something that genuinely resembles a battle, with space to think, plan, and react at a higher level.

I also touch on more recent experiences with 10mm miniatures, particularly from Pendraken, which sit in an appealing middle ground between detail and spectacle. They offer enough visual character to satisfy the painter, while still allowing for battles that feel expansive and dynamic. And while I make a strong case for smaller scales in gameplay terms, I’m equally clear about the strengths of 28mm, especially when it comes to painting, where larger figures offer more room for creativity, experimentation, and expression. There’s a reason so many of us keep coming back to it, even if we occasionally wander off into smaller scales.

One of the key topics covered is the often confusing difference between wargaming scales and traditional model scales. While model makers use precise ratios like 1/72 or 1/285, wargamers tend to rely on approximate figure heights, and even then, we can’t quite agree whether that’s measured to the eye line or the top of the head. The result is a system that’s flexible, but not always consistent, and it’s something that has caused confusion for generations of hobbyists trying to mix ranges or understand what they’re actually buying.

In fact, it’s exactly that confusion that led me to create a dedicated scale guide on my blog many years ago, which has remained one of the most consistently visited pages ever since. If you’re curious, you can find it here. It compares wargaming scales alongside model-making and model railway standards, and judging by how often people still land on that page, it’s clear this is a topic that continues to puzzle hobbyists across all corners of the miniature world.

Ultimately, this isn’t about declaring a “best” scale. It’s about recognising that each scale offers a different way to experience the hobby. Whether you prefer the detail and character of 28mm, the sweeping scope of 6mm, or something in between, scale is less a hierarchy and more a toolbox, one that gives you the freedom to shape your games, your projects, and your enjoyment of the hobby in whatever way suits you best.

What do toy soldiers and tabletop wargaming really have in common?

In my latest video, I take a trip to the House on the Hill Toy Museum, home to one of the largest private toy collections in the world—and, crucially for us, an extraordinary display of toy soldiers spanning decades of history. From traditional lead figures to mass-produced plastics, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into how generations before us experienced what we now call wargaming. For many tabletop wargamers, the journey into the hobby didn’t begin with rulebooks or organised games. It started with imagination. A handful of figures. A battlefield improvised from whatever was available. Romans fighting cowboys. WWII infantry clashing with medieval knights. It wasn’t historically accurate—but it was creative, immersive, and endlessly fun.

Walking through the museum, that sense of creativity is everywhere. The displays aren’t just about accuracy or completeness—they’re about storytelling. And that’s a powerful reminder that, even in today’s hobby with its focus on realism and detail, the core experience hasn’t really changed. We’re still telling stories. We’re still creating moments. We’re still playing.

The museum itself is more than just toy soldiers. It’s an “Aladdin’s cave” of nostalgia, featuring everything from pop culture exhibits like Star Wars to classic British television icons such as Only Fools and Horses and Doctor Who. It’s unpredictable, packed with personality, and full of surprises around every corner.

But for wargamers, the real value lies in what it represents. This is where the hobby began—not in carefully balanced systems or competitive play, but in imagination and playfulness. It’s a reminder that you don’t need perfect miniatures or terrain to enjoy wargaming. All you need is the willingness to create a story and see where it leads.

If you’re passionate about tabletop wargaming, historical miniatures, or the history of the hobby itself, this is a place well worth exploring. 

Is Wargaming a form of Experimental History?

Can tabletop wargaming really help us understand history, or are we simply creating the illusion of insight with dice and miniatures? This video explores the idea of wargaming as a form of “living history” and asks whether the hobby offers something that books alone cannot provide.

For many historical wargamers, the appeal of the hobby goes far beyond painting miniatures or playing games. It is about stepping into the role of a commander, facing the same kinds of decisions, uncertainties, and pressures that shaped real historical events. Unlike reading, which presents history as a structured narrative, wargaming allows us to interact with it. It turns history into a problem to be solved rather than a story to be absorbed. Through gameplay, we encounter friction, imperfect information, and the unpredictability that defined real battles, offering a different perspective on events we may already know well.

At the same time, this video takes a step back and questions whether we sometimes overstate the value of that experience. Wargaming relies on rules, abstractions, and models that simplify reality. While these systems can help us explore historical ideas, they can also create a false sense of understanding. It is easy to feel like we have “solved” a historical problem after a successful game, but real battles were shaped by factors far beyond what can be represented on the tabletop, including human emotion, political context, and logistical complexity.

The discussion also explores the limitations of focusing on battles alone. While wargaming can deepen our understanding of tactical and operational decisions, history itself is much broader, shaped by culture, economics, and long-term societal change. This raises an important question about how much wargaming can truly teach us about the past as a whole.

Ultimately, the video argues that wargaming is at its most powerful when combined with reading, research, and discussion. Rather than replacing traditional study, it enhances it by encouraging us to ask new questions and engage more actively with historical material. It is not about finding definitive answers, but about exploring possibilities and developing a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the past.

SALUTE 53 Show Report

For many UK hobbyists, Salute 53 represents the pinnacle of the wargaming calendar—a one-day event that brings together every corner of the tabletop gaming world under one roof. Hosted by the South London Warlords at the iconic ExCeL London, Salute is more than just a convention. It’s a snapshot of the hobby as it exists today. In this show report, I take a reflective look at Salute through the lens of a long-time attendee and dedicated historical wargamer. Over the years, I’ve watched the show evolve. One of the most noticeable changes has been the gradual reduction in the number of historical games on display, something that many wargamers, myself included, have commented on in the past. But rather than framing that as criticism, this video explores the bigger picture.

Historical wargaming, while rich in depth and authenticity, is just one part of an increasingly diverse hobby. Sci-fi, fantasy, and narrative-driven games have surged in popularity, bringing new players and fresh creativity into the space. Salute has adapted to reflect that reality, embracing a broader audience while still retaining elements of its historical roots.

What makes Salute special is precisely that balance. It isn’t a purely historical show, nor is it a competitive tournament environment or a single-system convention. Instead, it occupies a unique niche, one that celebrates the full spectrum of tabletop wargaming. From meticulously researched historical battles to cinematic sci-fi encounters and immersive roleplay-inspired skirmishes, the variety on display is unmatched.

As someone who enjoys not only historical gaming but also roleplaying and science fiction, I find that this diversity is part of Salute’s enduring appeal. It challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, to engage with new ideas, and to rediscover your enthusiasm for the hobby in unexpected ways.

This video is both a celebration of Salute and a reflection on how the hobby continues to evolve. Whether you’re a historical purist, a narrative gamer, or simply someone who enjoys painting and collecting miniatures, there’s something here for you.