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.

Vanishing Ranks: The Pros and Cons of figure removal

One of the most iconic sights in tabletop wargaming is watching a once-proud unit slowly dwindle as battle takes its toll. Removing figures from the table is one of the oldest and most instinctive ways to track casualties—but is it always the best method?

In my latest video, I dig into the pros and cons of figure removal, exploring why some players swear by it and others have moved toward tokens, trackers, or hybrid systems. Figure removal has a clear appeal. It tells a visual story that you can follow at a glance, adds weight to each dice roll, and keeps the table uncluttered. For narrative-driven games or players who enjoy cinematic spectacle, there’s nothing quite like it.

But there are downsides. Constant handling can damage delicate miniatures, slow down gameplay, and create problems with formations or unit boundaries. For large-scale battles in particular, the process can feel cumbersome, breaking the flow of the game.

Tokens and trackers solve some of these issues by keeping units intact until the moment they’re destroyed. They can also allow for more detailed tracking, such as morale or fatigue. However, they risk cluttering the tabletop and breaking immersion—especially when brightly coloured markers intrude on a beautifully painted battlefield.

I also look at hybrid options, from casualty rings to scenic bases with built-in counters, which aim to balance clarity, efficiency, and visual appeal. Ultimately, the right approach depends on the scale of the game, the period being represented, and whether you’re aiming for a competitive or narrative experience.

If you’ve ever debated whether vanishing ranks or token-based tracking works best for your games, this discussion will give you plenty to think about. Watch the video, weigh the arguments, and join the conversation—because every battlefield tells a story, and how we track the fallen shapes how that story is told.

Should There Be Time Limits on Decision-Making in Tabletop Wargames?

If you’ve ever found yourself watching your opponent think through every possible move while the game grinds to a halt, this is a conversation you’ll want to join. In this episode, we dive into the tricky subject of whether time limits on decision-making belong in friendly tabletop wargames.

While strict timers are common in competitive play, what about your average club night or friendly Sunday afternoon game? Time may be tight, the venue might have closing hours, or players might only have a couple of hours to fit in a full game. Does it make sense to put a cap on thinking time so everyone gets a satisfying finish?

This video takes a balanced approach, exploring the pros and cons of imposing time constraints. On one hand, it helps avoid analysis paralysis and keeps everyone engaged. On the other hand, it can add stress, especially for newer players or in complex rulesets that reward deep tactical thinking.

We also explore gentle middle ground options — house rules, soft nudges, choosing games that suit the time available, and how to maintain a fun and social atmosphere while still getting through a full game.

Whether you're a relaxed social gamer or someone who values pace and flow, this is a thoughtful look at how we manage time in the hobby. Watch now and share your views in the comments.

Small Battles Big Appeal: Skirmish vs. Big Battles: Do You Have to Choose?

In my latest YouTube video, I take on one of the most common—and often divisive—questions in miniature wargaming: are skirmish games the ideal starting point for newcomers, and do they have long-term appeal for experienced players?

As someone who absolutely loves playing big historical battles, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little wary of the growing dominance of skirmish games. There’s something majestic about commanding vast armies across a sprawling tabletop, and I’d be sad to see that fade away. But the truth is, skirmish games offer something incredibly valuable to the hobby. They’re fast to get into, rewarding to play, and provide a manageable entry point for beginners and veterans alike.

In the video, I explain how I’ve come to see skirmish games not as a rival to large-scale battles, but as part of the same journey. I even suggest using 6mm bases to represent single models in skirmish rules—an approach that lets you start playing quickly but gradually build toward full-scale engagements. Over time, those few bases become a full army. You’re playing from day one, but you’re also growing something much bigger.

Most importantly, I argue that there doesn’t need to be a divide in the community. Skirmish games and big battles aren’t competing. There are different ways to enjoy the same hobby. And in many cases, one can lead naturally to the other.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of a new project, I invite you to watch the video and share your own views. What do you think—are skirmish games just a stepping stone, or are they the future of wargaming?