Historical Wargaming Myths Debunked!

There are a lot or myths around Historical Wargaming, and many of them are completely wrong. Today's video takes a humorous swipe at these misconceptions and from my lofty position atop a soapbox I do my best to debunk them. 

#historicalwargaming #miniaturewargaming #tabletopwargaming #wargamingcommunity #miniaturepainting

Is this the future of UK Wargames Conventions?

Is this the future of UK wargaming shows? In this video, we dive deep into SALUTE 52, the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming convention, and explore what made it such a standout success this year. From the incredible tabletop wargaming displays, high-quality historical wargaming tables, and vibrant miniatures painting competitions, to the bustling trader halls and enthusiastic community—SALUTE 52 delivered an unforgettable experience for every wargamer.

Join us as we break down why this event resonated so strongly with historical wargamers, sci-fi and fantasy wargamers, and miniature hobbyists alike. We ask: is this the blueprint for the future of UK wargaming conventions? What can other shows learn from SALUTE’s success and whether they should replicate those lessons or stick with their own winning formulas. 

Is this the future of UK wargaming shows? In this video, we dive deep into SALUTE 52, the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming convention, and explore what made it such a standout success this year. From the incredible tabletop wargaming displays, high-quality historical wargaming tables, and vibrant miniatures painting competitions, to the bustling trader halls and enthusiastic community—SALUTE 52 delivered an unforgettable experience for every wargamer.

#MiniatureWargaming #WargamingShows #Salute52 #TabletopGaming #HistoricalWargaming #Miniatures #WargamingConvention

Moscow Opolchenie with Pikes – 1812 Retreat from Moscow Project

Another unit completed for the 1812 Retreat from Moscow project that Ray and I have been steadily working through – and this one might just be my favourite so far. Introducing a grim and determined band of Moscow Opolchenie, citizen-soldiers armed with pikes, trudging through the snow to defend their homeland. This unit really captures the ragged determination of Russia’s last-ditch defense during the 1812 campaign. These militia were not professional troops, but rather volunteers and conscripts – tradesmen, peasants, and townsfolk – hastily organized to bolster the Russian resistance as Napoleon’s Grande Armée advanced.

What makes this unit stand out visually is their distinctive brown kaftan-style uniform. These long, belted coats were practical for the Russian winter, and many were lined or trimmed with fur, which I tried to reflect in the painting. The uniform was often accompanied by tall fur hats, giving the figures a consistent and iconic silhouette. I've kept the palette earthy and subdued – lots of rich browns, muted reds for the sashes, and dark fur tones. It’s a look that screams “militia,” but also carries a real sense of rugged unity. The basework ties it all together: snow effects and tufts poking through the frozen ground, along with a scenic backdrop that places them firmly in the brutal Russian winter.

Their weapons are just as evocative – long wooden pikes, some tipped with iron or even re-purposed bayonets. While pikes were largely obsolete by 1812, they still had their uses for militias. Cheap and easy to produce, they allowed these citizen-soldiers to form a semblance of defense, especially against cavalry or to harass stragglers during the retreat. I've painted the pikes to look weather-worn and practical, rather than polished – these were tools of desperation, not parade-ground arms.

The Moscow Opolchenie were intended to support the Russian army in a more defensive, auxiliary capacity – manning garrisons, guarding supply lines, and reinforcing the flanks when needed. But during the chaos of the French retreat from Moscow, even troops like these found themselves swept up in the wider conflict. They were often deployed alongside Cossack raiders or local partisans, harassing the retreating French, capturing isolated units, and cutting off supply routes. 

Their morale was often bolstered by fierce patriotism and the presence of religious icons – which I’ve echoed in the unit’s banner, featuring a traditional Orthodox image. One of the most striking elements of this Moscow Opolchenie unit is the religious banner they carry – a vivid reminder of how deeply intertwined faith and patriotism were in the Russian resistance during 1812. For many Opolchenie units, especially those raised in and around Moscow, banners were not standard military flags. Instead, they were often deeply personal and spiritual symbols, featuring Orthodox Christian icons, saints, or the Virgin Mary. These images weren’t just decorative – they were believed to provide divine protection and moral guidance, especially for irregular troops who lacked the discipline and structure of the regular army. 

In the case of the Moscow Opolchenie, many units carried banners bearing the image of Saint Nicholas, Our Lady of Kazan, or Christ Pantocrator, all revered figures in Russian Orthodoxy. In practice, these banners were often made by local communities or churches, sometimes even embroidered by hand, and then blessed before being carried into the field. This gave them deep emotional resonance for the men under them – they weren’t just fighting for Tsar and country, but for their families, faith, and the sanctity of their homeland.

This unit was a joy to work on – a little different from the polished parade of line infantry, but full of character and narrative. It really adds that layer of atmosphere and grit to the project, and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the table. 

SALUTE 52 Show Report - The Extended Cut

Welcome to the Extended Cut of my Salute 52 coverage — the ultimate photo and video review of the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming show! This extended version features exclusive extra footage, bonus photos, and deeper coverage of the most stunning display boards, painted miniatures, and tabletop setups from Salute 2025.

#Salute52 #Salute2025 #WargamingShow #MiniatureWargaming #TabletopWargaming #HistoricalWargaming #MiniaturePainting #WargamesConvention #MiniaturesShowcase #WargamersUnite

Best Wargames Show Ever? - What is your favourite and why?

Are UK wargaming shows the best in the world? In this video, we explore the huge benefits of attending wargame shows, especially in the UK. Whether you're a seasoned historical wargamer, a passionate tabletop gamer, or a dedicated miniature painter, this deep dive into the wargaming convention scene covers everything you need to know. From getting inspired by stunning demo games and dioramas, to discovering indie miniature ranges, meeting fellow hobbyists, and picking up exclusive hobby supplies—there’s something for every wargamer.

 

SALUTE 52 (2025) Photo Report

I've been to SALUTE 52 today and as usual I took a LOT of pictures! Join me for an in-depth photo review of SALUTE 52, the UK’s biggest and most exciting miniature wargaming convention! In this video, we take a close look at the stunning display tables, beautifully painted miniatures, and epic battlescapes that made Salute 2025 an unforgettable event for wargamers and hobbyists alike.

Whether you're into historical wargaming, tabletop miniatures, sci-fi and fantasy battles, or just love the art of miniature painting, this photo showcase has something for every tabletop gaming enthusiast. I highlight some of the best miniatures, terrain builds, and independent creators that make Salute the heartbeat of the hobby.

Perfect for miniature wargamers, historical gamers, tabletop strategists, and anyone seeking hobby inspiration or industry insights. If you couldn’t make it to Salute 52, this is your front-row seat to all the action, artistry, and creativity.

If you want even more SALUTE 52 then tomorrow I will be posting an even longer extended cut video, with additional pictures and video from the show. 

#Salute52 #Wargaming #MiniatureWargaming #TabletopGames #HistoricalWargaming #MiniaturePainting #WargamesShow #Salute2025 #TabletopWargaming #Miniatures

Are YOU a button counter?

Are you a button counter? In this video, we dive into one of the most debated topics in historical miniature painting and miniature wargaming—accuracy vs. artistic freedom. Are you the kind of wargamer who counts every button, or do you prefer a more relaxed approach when painting your historical miniatures?

We explore the pros and cons of striving for strict historical accuracy in your miniature painting and how it affects gameplay, immersion, and enjoyment in tabletop wargaming. Whether you're painting Napoleonic uniforms down to the last stitch or just want your army to look good on the battlefield, this discussion is for you.

Posties Rejects and Miniature Adventure TV at SALUTE next weekend

Its early April so that means just one thing for many wargamers, SALUTE is coming around again. This year, as with many previously, Posties Rejects will be attending the show en-masse, and this year I have recruited the guys to help me cover the show for my channel. I will of course be there in my Miniature Adventures shirt, but Ray, Stuart and Steve will be sporting the red of Posties Rejects. Please come and say hello if you see us wandering around. We really do enjoy meeting followers of our blogs and channels. 

If you think bumping into us in a hall filled with thousands of other wargamers is a little random then we have arranged the usual 'blogger' meet-up at 1pm roughly in the centre... see the big red dot on the floor plan below! 

I know that SALUTE is not for everyone and there are always a long list of comments on my channel explaining why the show is either terrible, or the best thing ever! Each to their own of course, but I love this show. My knees are already hurting in anticipation, I have stocked up on painkillers and snacks, but I am going to thoroughly enjoy myself as always. I'm looking forward to exploring the demo games, visiting the traders and I'm also hoping to find time for one or two of the Panels which have become a popular staple of the last few shows.  I will, as always, be taking far too many pictures and video, and will once again attempt to get a show video out by the end of the day. Then I'll need buckets of painkillers, an ice bath (like the hairy, overweight, walrus athlete that I am) and several days to recover. I can't wait. 

#hobbyheroes #SALUTE52 #salute #salutehobbyheroes #scifi #fantasy #crafts #highlanders #southlondonwarlords #wargaming #tabletopgaming #tabletopgames #historicalwargaming #scifiwargaming #fantasywargaming #wargamingevent #gamingevent #gaming #miniaturewargaming #wargamingminiatures