Sunday, 16 February 2025

Too Expensive to Wargame?

Is wargaming getting too expensive? Are rising miniature prices and constant rulebook changes making it harder to stay in the hobby? In this video, we dive into the costs of tabletop wargaming, looking at the impact of Games Workshop price hikes, the affordability of historical wargaming, and alternative ways to enjoy miniature wargaming without breaking the bank.


As a longtime wargamer, I share my personal journey of moving away from expensive mainstream games like Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar in favor of historical wargames, where miniatures are cheaper, and rulesets stay stable for years. If you're looking for affordable wargaming options, budget-friendly miniatures, or a way to enjoy wargaming without constant financial strain, this video is for you!

#MiniatureWargaming #WargamingOnABudget #HistoricalWargaming #TabletopWargames #Wargamer #AffordableWargaming #GamesWorkshop #WarhammerAlternatives #WargamingDiscussion

Saturday, 15 February 2025

Retreat from Moscow 1812: Smolensk Dragoons and Officer

I needed to get more cavalry completed so this week I have focused all my efforts on a unit of Dragoons. By 1812 there were somewhere around 37 Dragoon Regiments in the Russian Army. This had risen in stages from about 15 regiments back in 1801. 1812 would be the high water mark because in December of that year, partially in response to battle losses, some regiments were converted into Cuirassier Regiments and some reduced regiments were absorbed into equally understrength Hussar regiments.



Russian Dragoon uniform for 1812 was largely established in the 1807 changes with troopers wearing a Dark Green jacket with coloured facings and collars of various colours. The Yellow cuffs can’t be seen under the Greatcoats but the Yellow collars and the trim around the Shabraques (saddlecloths) reveal that this unit is the Smolensk Dragoons, originally formed as part of Catherine the Great’s army in the previous century. Troopers wore grey trousers, often reinforced with black leather, with black-buttoned over-trousers and boots. 




Typically each Dragoon was armed with a cavalry musket, a bayonet and 2 pistols. The Russian musket was significantly shorter than the French version which made it easier to use on horseback, although it limited its range. This was normally carried on the right side of the saddle but in 1812 many of the Dragoon regents lost their muskets which were given either to the infantry or the many Militia units that were being raised. Instead, they relied on their pistols for short-range fire and their stout cavalry swords for close action. 

(Scoring: 9x28mm Cavalry = 90 Points)

Sunday, 9 February 2025

Proxy Miniatures in Historical Wargames

Is the use of proxy miniatures ethical in tabletop wargaming? In this video, we dive deep into the debate surrounding alternative miniatures, 3D-printed miniatures, and using non-proprietary figures in games that have official model ranges. Historical wargames have traditionally allowed players to choose from various miniature manufacturers, but when a wargame ruleset is tied to a specific line of official miniatures, does that change the equation?


I forgot to re-post this here on Sunday and was debating whether not not to do so a few days late. I feel like I kicked a hornet's nest with this topic, judging from some of the comments. Although my top-tip for some commentators is to actually watch the video you are passing judgment on before jumping to conclusions about my position on the topic! πŸ€£πŸ˜‚

#MiniatureWargaming #Wargaming #ProxyMiniatures #TabletopWargaming #HistoricalWargaming #3DPrintedMiniatures #MiniaturePainting #WargameEthics

Saturday, 8 February 2025

Russian Mounted Field Officers for 1812

This is just a small entry of four officers from me this week. My excuse for not getting more done; Three days of gaming instead of painting. After completing the Opolchenie last week, hot on the heels of the Cossacks the week before I was feeling a little ‘painted out’ so I took a day off before starting to prep my next big entry (a unit of Dragoons). Then the game invites began to come in and before I knew it I had ‘lost’ half a week's painting time. That’s not a complaint, I’ve had some great games over the last week, and focusing on a couple of models has enabled me to gather my strength for the next lot of cavalry. It’s also presenting Ray with a golden opportunity to overtake me in the rankings… let's see if he takes it!


The two mounted officers are from Perry Miniatures and are cast as a single model. These two are not wearing greatcoats unlike pretty much all of the rest of my army. Maybe they are just harder than their men, or maybe they are foolhardy? I did consider copying Ray and adding a greenstuff scarf or cloak, but I decided against that because I knew I didn’t have much time but also because I didn’t want to obscure the details on their uniforms. So for the first (and possibly last) time in this project, I have had a chance to paint dark green jackets, brass buttons and silver braid. I’m rather happy with how these came out. 





Next are a couple of officers on foot. I think these are Foundry figures. One is wrapped in a long greatcoat while the other wears only a frock coat. I think I may have made a mistake with this guy. I copied a picture I had so the whole figure is in grey, but now I think I’ve boo-booed and his frock coat should have been dark green. It’s too late now, he’ll have to do as is. I have a few more officers to paint so I will have plenty of choice when Ray and I finally play a game. 


 

I’ve started on the Dragoons and hopefully, I’ll have them done for next week… crossed my fingers and a following wind permitting.