Scarves and Cloaks without Greenstuff

Yesterday, I posted a short video showing how I have added scarves and cloaks to some of my miniatures for the Retreat from Moscow Project. I have tried using Green Stuff, but I'm not very good at sculpting, and all my previous attempts have looked truly awful! However, I think I have found a different method that achieves the same thing, using liquid putty and real fabric.

For years now, I have been using a product called Liquid Putty from Vallejo. It's a mixture of marble dust and an adhesive medium that dries hard with minimal shrinkage. I guess its similar to GW's Liquid Greenstuff (only cheaper!) and is designed for gap filling when assembling multipart figures. And that is exactly what I have used it for until recently. Now I water it down to the same consistency as paint and brush it onto fabric (in my case, cotton T-Shirt material) to make scarves, cloaks and any item of clothing. The end result is rock-hard, waterproof and paintable, and for my money, a much easier and realistic way of adding small items like scarves or cloaks to models.

Apologies for the terrible video of me trying to show the method in action. I need to practice making these sorts of how-to videos, and part of that involves keeping my hands in shot during filming and having all the tools and materials I need ready on the workbench! I bought a new arm to hold my camera over the desk, but finding the right place to position it where it doesn't get in the way is a matter of trial and error (mostly error in this video! 🤣)

How Much Terrain Is Enough on a Wargames Table?

It’s a question that comes up more often than you’d think: how much terrain do you really need on a wargaming table? Whether you're setting up a battlefield for a historical engagement, a club night skirmish, or a full-scale demo game, the amount of terrain you use can have a big impact on both gameplay and visual appeal. In my latest video, I respond to a great viewer question about the recommendations in Neil Thomas’s rulebooks, where he suggests games with 8 units per side and 3–6 terrain features depending on the scenario. That sparked a wider discussion about what the “right amount” of terrain really is, and how personal style, game system, and figure scale all play a role in answering that.

Personally, I’m a firm believer in the idea that more is more, especially when you’re working in smaller scales like 6mm or 2mm. In these games, terrain is crucial not only for gameplay mechanics like cover and movement, but also for bringing the battlefield to life. That said, not every piece needs to serve a rules function. Sometimes terrain can just be set dressing, adding immersion and narrative without complicating the game.

I also take a look at the so-called “1/3 rule”—the idea that one-third of the table should be covered in terrain. While it’s a popular guideline, I’m not convinced it’s always right, especially in historical contexts where battlefields can vary wildly. Instead, I encourage gamers to think in terms of visual density and scenario needs.

And of course, I want to hear from you—what’s your approach to terrain? How do you strike the right balance for your games? As always, pop over to the channel, watch the video and leave your thoughts in the comments. 

The 44th (East Essex) Regiment of Foot

Experience history like never before with the 44th (East Essex) Regiment of Foot Living History Society! In our latest YouTube Short, you’ll get a glimpse into the world of Napoleonic-era military life, as passionate reenactors bring the past vividly to life.

From precision battlefield drills to the rich detail of authentic 19th-century uniforms, the 44th Foot showcases the grit, discipline, and pageantry of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Whether they’re marching through a historic town square or demonstrating musket drill at a reenactment event, this dedicated group brings history out of the textbooks and into the real world.

With events across the UK and Europe, the 44th Foot are not only preserving the memory of the regiment they are also inviting new generations to witness and connect with it firsthand. If you’ve ever wanted to see what life was like for a soldier in Wellington’s army, this is your chance.

When is it too soon to wargame a conflict?

Is There Such a Thing as "Too Soon" in Wargaming? In this video, I revisit a question from the Joy of Six 2025 panel: When is it too soon to wargame a historical or current conflict? It’s a topic that sits at the crossroads of ethics, storytelling, and historical accuracy in our hobby. From civilian casualties and sensitive subject matter to the level of public visibility, I explore why context and audience matter more than ever in how we represent the past on the tabletop.

Whether you see wargaming as entertainment, education, or a bit of both, we can’t ignore the tough questions. Should we include war crimes? What about modern conflicts still in the headlines? Is historical wargaming at risk of becoming too sanitised?

I also reflect on my experience at the Joy of Six show, including a surprise appearance on the discussion panel alongside Peter Berry, Per Broden, and Heretical Wargaming.

Join me for a thoughtful dive into how we balance respect, realism, and storytelling—and let me know where you draw the line.

Joy of Six Wargames Show : Photo Review

Join me for a photo-packed look at the Joy of Six Wargames Show, the UK's premier event dedicated entirely to the amazing world of 6mm wargaming. This small but mighty show never fails to impress, and in this video, I’m sharing some of the most inspiring highlights from the day – from epic demo tables to beautifully painted armies and intricate terrain, all in glorious micro-scale.

The Joy of Six, held annually in Sheffield, is a true celebration of what 6mm wargaming has to offer. Whether it's Napoleonic battles, World War II action, or even sci-fi skirmishes, the level of detail and creativity on display is nothing short of incredible. In this photo review, I take you on a visual tour of the event, showcasing the best of the show and offering my thoughts on what makes this scale so special.

If you're into historical wargaming, love miniature painting, or just want to see what’s possible at 6mm, you’re in the right place.

👉 If you enjoyed this, please like, comment, and subscribe for more wargaming content, event reviews, and painting inspiration.

Battle on a Budget

In this episode, “Battles on a Budget,” I dive into the practical strategies that let historical wargamers recreate epic battles—like Borodino, Gettysburg, or Leipzig—without breaking the bank. Inspired by a great chat with Ken Reilly (The Yarkshire Wargamer), we explore how to field massive armies affordably, using smart choices in scale, terrain, and technology. From 6mm and 10mm miniatures to STL files, paper soldiers, second-hand deals, and cost-effective rulesets like Black Powder, Altar of Freedom, and Megablitz, there are more ways than ever to make big battles accessible.

Whether you're new to the hobby or a veteran trying to stretch your budget, this video is packed with money-saving tips and creative ideas for getting the most spectacle for the least spend. I also share updates from the Joy of Six show in Sheffield—Europe’s top event for 6mm wargaming—and a hobby update on my recently finished Cossacks, complete with winter conversion tips using Vallejo Liquid Putty.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy grounded, practical advice for historical wargaming on a realistic budget.

Keywords: historical wargaming, budget wargaming, 6mm wargames, wargaming on a budget, big battles cheap, wargame terrain tips, Yarkshire Wargamer, miniature painting, Joy of Six, Black Powder rules.

How a Spare Room Changed my Hobby

This week, I revisit a topic that’s close to every miniature wargamer’s heart—even if we don’t always say it out loud: the dream of having a dedicated hobby space. A place where the clatter of dice and the faint whiff of acrylic paint mingle like incense in a temple to plastic and pewter. The idea came from @LorenzoFourth, who recently watched a nearly five-year-old video I made when I first unveiled my dedicated hobby room—what I rather dramatically dubbed the "Operations Room." He asked a simple question: “How is the Ops Room five years on?”

Well… it’s full. Gloriously, unashamedly full. But also far better organised, more functional, and—somehow—still evolving. I took the opportunity to rewatch that old video and laughed immediately. Not just at my younger, slimmer self, but at the optimism I once had about all the “spare” storage space. Spoiler: it’s gone. All those empty drawers and shelves filled up in no time at all.

Still, the bones of the room held up well. My metal storage cabinets have done sterling work, and the biggest upgrade has been the painting area—better lighting, real paint racks, and most importantly, a layout that doesn’t involve knocking over half the desk just to find a bottle of Burnt Umber. Of course, to install the racks, I had to relocate my Blandford books, which now live on some budget faux-leather shelves tucked into a corner. 

Another win was finally adding an MDF topper to my old gaming table. It’s still not huge, but it’s 50% bigger and has made both hobbying and working from home much easier. Yes, I work from here too—this table has seen both dice and spreadsheets, and sometimes both at once. The lesson? Flexibility is key. Whatever space you have, whether it’s a spare room, shed, or attic nook, it’ll change. You’ll run out of space. You’ll find better storage. You’ll wish you’d bought more drawers. The trick is to tidy and reorganise regularly, or risk being buried under an avalanche of unpainted projects and terrain you forgot you built.

And while I joke about eyeing up my daughter’s room for “Operations Room Mk II,” I genuinely appreciate the space I have. Not everyone gets a whole room to themselves, and I never take mine for granted. Most importantly, having a dedicated space lets me focus. It’s where I film videos, paint miniatures, and momentarily escape real life. Without it, I doubt this channel would even exist.

So if you’ve got a corner to call your own, guard it well. And if you don’t, find one. Even the smallest space can become a sanctuary for the imagination. And thank you, Lorenzo, for the question that sparked all this. Now, your turn: what’s your hobby setup like?