Everyone’s favourite demolisher of walls, Jason, took his van to Bring Out Your Lead earlier this month. On this episode, he’ll talk you through it whilst you quietly weep because you missed out.
Powered by RedCircle
Then, fellow TMHP Discord community legend Mark will ask you your opinion on potential hobby events in 2024, and you’ll gladly fill out his survey right away. You will!
No serious hobby podcast could run for a couple of years without having Andy Chambers on it. And although isn’t a serious podcast, Andy was kind enough to dedicate some of his time to working his way through my list of questions. So, what’s he not very good at? What myths and misconceptions would he like to dispel? And what’s he working on right now? I’ll answer that last one up-front – it’s called Zeo Genesis and you should definitely sign up for playtesting access!
Powered by RedCircle
If this is your first time with the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast, thanks for giving it a shot. I’m sure you’ll enjoy our back catalogue, too – you’ll find a full list of episodes right here.
Following my recent Q&A with Gav Thorpe, I had the pleasure of talking to another of my heroes: Tuomas Pirinen.
Famed for (but certainly not limited to) masterminding the cult game Mordheim, Tuomas has a wealth of experience and insights we can draw from. And though he now earns a living in video games, we certainly haven’t lost him from the hobby. I was excited to learn about Trench Crusade – a 32mm scale grimdark miniatures game he has designed. We talk about that and many other subjects in this week’s episode…
Powered by RedCircle
The game is set in an alternate timeline where the Crusades never ended, as the armed forces of Hell manifested themselves on Earth and begun a war against humanity as a whole. The mankind has rallied in a global holy war and halted the advance of the seemingly inexhaustible legions of the Damned, and now trench warfare rages across vast swathes of pockmarked Europe. It is the year of our Lord 1914, where the armies of World War I, bolstered by the divine powers wage endless battle to stop the Legions of the Arch-devils from overwhelming the Earth. Heroes arise on both sides: Heroes of Heaven, and Heroes of Hell. Welcome to the Trench Crusade!
If this is your first time with the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast, thanks for giving it a shot. I’m sure you’ll enjoy our back catalogue, too – you’ll find a full list of episodes right here.
I’ve spoken to many great people in this hobby since I launched the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast. But, until now, I’d never sought out any of the household names from White Dwarf/Games Workshop. There were a few reasons for this, but the main one was that I didn’t want to recreate the “talk me through your career” conversations available on many other channels.
Don’t get me wrong, I love listening to these, and have heard more than a few. But I’m always keen to explore alternative angles and seek out new insights. With that in mind, I came up with a list of recurring questions I could ask each of my hobby heroes – the plan being to edit them together in “themes” to create a type of audio documentary, as well as release them as individual podcast episodes (like this one).
Powered by RedCircle
I tentatively started to reach out to the people I had in mind, and was absolutely thrilled when Gav Thorpe agreed to have a chat. I’m sure Gav needs no introduction to any listener of this podcast, but you’ll find his website at gavthorpe.co.uk, and he runs a Patreon, too.
On this episode, I ask Gav questions about budget hobby purchases, common myths, and when he last changed his mind.
If you’re new to the podcast, thanks so much for giving it a shot. Here’s where you can follow, subscribe, and find a full list of episodes.
Famed in our Discord community for his ingenious DIY travel wargame boards, Alex of therecouldhavebeensnakes.com joins me to talk about the wonders of 15mm scale miniatures, as well as the aforementioned travel gaming.
Powered by RedCircle
One company mentioned in this episode is Alternative Armies. I was delighted to learn that they’re based here in Scotland, and have just received my first order from them (including a cool free gift, which was a lovely touch!).
I was leafing through the latest edition of Miniature Wargames magazine when I came across an advert for a new game called The Doomed, scheduled for release in early August 2023 by Osprey Publishing.
The Doomed immediately jumped out to me, and I wanted to learn more. It looks like another exciting miniature agnostic title to add to my collection. I tracked down author Chris McDowall (Into the Odd, Electric Bastionland), and he was kind enough to spend some time with me talking about the game, as well as his hobby history.
Powered by RedCircle
Oh, and we also briefly touched upon reading toothpaste ingredients whilst sitting on the toilet in the mid-90s. Halcyon days…
Award-winning game designer Brent Spivey joins me to chat about two of his cult games, Mayhem and Rogue Planet.
Powered by RedCircle
Both of these games are miniature agnostic systems with innovative designs and mechanics.
Rogue Planet is a sci-fantasy skirmish game ideally suited to folks seeking a bit of a 40k/Rogue Trader fix. Mayhem, on the other hand, works great as a mass-battle system for getting your 6mm or 10mm armies on the table. The book includes rules for sieges too, if you want to give your castle terrain a runout.
You can keep up with future updates from Brent by visiting his website Bombshell Games.
Miniature wargaming is a fun and engaging hobby that can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. The costs can add up quickly, from buying the latest models and paints to investing in terrain and accessories. However, there are ways to enjoy the hobby without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting on a budget.
It’s easy to get carried away when starting a new hobby, but it’s important to pace yourself. Start with a small army or a few models you can practice painting and playing with. This will not only help you to avoid overspending but also allow you to learn the basics before investing in more models and supplies.
Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions from your local hobby store or online retailers. Many retailers offer deals on older models or stock clearance sales, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can also find deals on used models from online marketplaces or hobby forums.
There are many alternative materials that can be used for terrain and scenery, such as cardboard, foam, and even household items like paper clips and toothpicks. This can help you to save money on expensive terrain sets or scenery pieces.
Consider sharing supplies with friends who are also into miniature wargaming. This can help to save money on supplies that can be expensive, such as paints or brushes. You can also swap models or trade paints and supplies that you no longer need.
Instead of buying pre-made accessories, try making your own. You can create your own dice trays, measuring tools, and even terrain pieces using materials like foam board, cardboard, and hot glue. This not only saves you money but also adds a personal touch to your wargaming experience.
There are many budget-friendly paint options available that can produce great results. Consider using craft paints or student-grade paints, which are often much cheaper than professional-grade paints but can still produce excellent results.
There are many free resources available online that can help you to improve your painting and playing skills. Watch tutorials on YouTube, read blogs, or join online forums to connect with other hobbyists and learn from their experiences.
In conclusion, miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting can be enjoyed on a budget with a bit of planning and creativity. Starting small, looking for deals, sharing supplies, DIYing accessories, using budget-friendly paints, and learning from free resources are all great ways to save money while still enjoying the hobby. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
We make a return to playing Song of Blades & Heroes, one of the most simple and accessible skirmish games on the market. And, in this battle, we’re focusing on storytelling over points, fairness, and balance. The defenders can’t possibly win. But how well can they hold out against a huge Chaos force?
So why do many players prefer unbalanced, narrative scenarios over fair and competitive encounters?
Powered by RedCircle
After all, isn’t tabletop wargaming all about strategy, skill, and balance? Isn’t the whole point to test our tactical abilities against our opponents?
Sure, that’s definitely a big part of it. But it’s not the only part.
Unbalanced scenarios add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the game. You never know what you might be up against in these scenarios. It could be a massive army against a small group of elite units, or it could be a guerrilla-style ambush on a convoy of tanks. These types of scenarios offer a unique challenge that can’t be replicated in a balanced game.
At its heart, tabletop wargaming is about storytelling. We create armies, paint models, and build terrain because we want to immerse ourselves in epic battles and heroic struggles. We want to feel like we’re part of a grand, sweeping narrative, with all the twists and turns and emotional highs and lows that come with it.
In a fair and balanced game, both players have equal opportunities to win, which means the game’s outcome is largely determined by skill and strategy. While that’s great, it can also become predictable and monotonous after a while. Unbalanced scenarios, on the other hand, keep the game fresh and exciting by forcing players to come up with creative solutions to overcome their disadvantage.
When we play a game that’s heavily weighted in favour of one side or the other, we’re not just trying to win. We’re also trying to tell a story. Maybe we’re playing out the final battle of a long and bitter war, with one side hopelessly outnumbered but fighting with desperate courage. Or maybe we’re staging a daring raid on an enemy stronghold, with the attackers outnumbered but relying on cunning and surprise to carry the day. Whatever the situation, it’s the narrative that drives us, not just the desire to win.
In an unbalanced scenario, the narrative becomes the driving force behind the game. Players can get lost in the story and become more invested in their army’s fate, which adds to the overall gaming experience.
Of course, this kind of approach isn’t for everyone. Some players prefer the purity of a perfectly balanced, competitive encounter, where victory is determined solely by skill and strategy. And that’s totally fine! There’s nothing wrong with wanting a fair fight.
But for those of us who crave a bit more drama and excitement, unbalanced scenarios are where it’s at. We get to take risks, try crazy tactics, and see our armies perform feats of heroism and bravery that would be impossible in a strictly balanced game. We get to tell stories that are full of tension, surprise, and drama – stories that stick with us long after the game is over.
Finally, unbalanced scenarios can be a great leveller. They allow newer players to compete against more experienced players on a more level playing field. When a scenario is unbalanced, the outcome is not determined solely by the players’ skill level. Instead, it’s about how well they can adapt to the challenges presented by the scenario. This can give newer players a fighting chance and motivate them to keep playing.
Be sure to view the full gallery of photos from our game, as well as subscribe to our follow the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast on your listening app of choice.
Miniature painting has many benefits, including stress relief, artistic expression, and the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life. In our ultimate guide to painting miniatures, we’re going to cover how to get started, what you’ll need, and how to keep on growing and improving. First things first, though – let’s kick off with some reasons why you might want to consider it as your next hobby.
Miniature painting is a great way to express your creativity and bring your imagination to life. Whether you’re painting a fantasy creature or a historical figure, you have the opportunity to make it your own and put your personal touch on it.
Painting miniatures can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. It’s a meditative process that allows you to focus on something other than the stresses of everyday life.
Miniature painting requires a steady hand and a lot of attention to detail, which can help improve your fine motor skills. It can also help improve your hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
There’s a vibrant community of miniature painters out there, both online and in person. Joining a group or forum can provide you with inspiration, support, and feedback on your work.
Many people who paint miniatures do so as a way to enhance their gaming experience. Painting your own game pieces can make the game more immersive and personal.
Miniature painting can also be a great way to start a collection. Whether you collect historical figures, fantasy creatures, or anything in between, there’s a miniature out there for everyone.
Let’s get to the first part of our “how to”, then. What exactly are you going to need to paint up your first few miniatures?
Of course, you’ll need some paint! There are many different brands and types of paint out there, but for beginners, I’d recommend starting with acrylic paint. It’s water-soluble, dries quickly, and is generally more forgiving than other types of paint. Some popular brands of miniature paint include Citadel, Vallejo, and Reaper.
Once you’ve got your paint, you’ll need something to apply it with. Most people use paintbrushes for this, and again, there are a ton of different types to choose from. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a few basic brush sizes – something like a size 1 or 2 for larger areas, and a size 0 or 00 for details. You can always add more brushes to your collection later on as you become more experienced. Some popular brands of paintbrushes include Winsor & Newton, Army Painter, and Rosemary & Co.
Next up, you’ll want some kind of palette to mix your paints on. This can be as simple as a paper plate or plastic lid, or you can invest in a more specialized palette made specifically for miniature painting. Some popular options include the Wet Palette, which keeps your paint wet for longer periods of time, or the Everlasting Wet Palette, which uses a special membrane to keep your paint from drying out.
Another essential tool is a primer. Primer is a type of paint that you apply to your miniature before you start painting, and it helps the paint adhere better and go on smoother. You can get primers in different colours, but for most miniatures, a white or black primer will do the trick. Some popular brands of primer include Citadel, Vallejo, and Army Painter.
When it comes to painting miniatures, good lighting is key. A bright lamp with a daylight-coloured bulb will help you see the details on your miniature more clearly, and can reduce eye strain and fatigue.
There are a few different types of lamps that are popular among miniature painters. A desk lamp with a flexible arm is a good option, as it allows you to adjust the position of the light as needed. Some desk lamps also have a built-in magnifying glass, which can be helpful for seeing those tiny details.
If you want something more specialized, you can also look into a magnifying glass headset. These are like a pair of glasses with a magnifying lens built in, and they can be very helpful for seeing fine details and making precise brushstrokes. Some magnifying glass headsets also come with built-in lights, which can be useful if your workspace isn’t well-lit.
When choosing a magnifying glass headset, you’ll want to look for one with a comfortable and adjustable headband, as well as a lens size that suits your needs. Some headsets also come with interchangeable lenses, so you can switch between different magnification levels as needed.
It’s worth noting that not everyone finds magnifying glass headsets comfortable to wear for long periods of time, so it’s a good idea to try one out before committing to a purchase. You may also find that a combination of a good lamp and a magnifying glass or loupe (a handheld magnifying glass) works better for you.
Now that you’ve got your gear in place, what are some miniature painting techniques you can use to bring your miniatures to life?
Dry brushing is a technique that involves using a dry brush to apply a small amount of paint to the raised areas of a miniature. This creates a highlight effect that makes the miniature look more three-dimensional. To dry brush, you’ll need a stiff brush, a small amount of paint, and a paper towel. Dip the brush into the paint, then wipe most of it off on the paper towel. Then, lightly brush the raised areas of the miniature to create highlights.
Feathering is a technique that involves blending two colours together to create a smooth transition. To feather, you’ll need two colours and a brush. Start by applying the lighter colour to the area you want to paint. Then, dip your brush into the darker colour and drag it across the edge of the lighter colour, blending the two together. Repeat this process until you have a smooth transition between the two colours.
Edge highlighting is a technique that involves painting a thin line of a lighter colour along the edges of a miniature. This creates the illusion of light hitting the miniature from a certain angle. To edge highlight, you’ll need a small brush and a lighter colour than the base colour of the miniature. Simply paint a thin line along the edges of the miniature where you want the highlight to appear.
Washing is a technique that involves applying a thin, watery layer of paint over an area to create shadows and depth. To wash, you’ll need a darker colour than the base colour of the miniature and a brush. Simply apply the paint to the area you want to shade, then use a damp brush to spread the paint around and blend it into the surrounding areas.
Layering is a technique that involves building up layers of paint to create smooth transitions and depth. To layer, you’ll need several shades of the same colour, starting with a base colour and working your way up to the highlights. Apply each layer in a thin, even coat, letting each layer dry before moving on to the next one.
Glazing is a technique that involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over an area to change its colour or create a subtle effect. To glaze, you’ll need a transparent colour and a brush. Mix the paint with water or a glazing medium to create a thin, watery consistency, then apply it to the area you want to glaze. Let it dry, then repeat the process until you achieve the desired effect.
Stippling is a technique that involves using a stippling brush to create a textured effect on a miniature. To stipple, you’ll need a stippling brush, which has stiff bristles that are cut at different lengths. Dip the brush into the paint, then dab it onto the miniature to create a textured effect.
OSL (Object-Source Lighting) is a technique that involves painting a miniature as if it’s being lit by a light source, such as a torch or a glowing gem. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to paint the areas closest to the light source with brighter colours, and gradually darken the colours as you move away from the light source.
Wet blending is a technique that involves blending two colours together while the paint is still wet. To wet blend, you’ll need two colours and a damp brush. Apply one colour to the area you want to paint, then quickly apply the second colour next to it while the paint is still wet. Use the damp brush to blend the two colours together.
Chiaroscuro is a technique that involves using strong contrasts of light and dark to create a dramatic effect. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to paint the areas you want to be dark with a dark colour and the areas you want to be light with a light colour. Use a dry brush to create highlights and a wash to create shadows.
NMM (Non-Metallic Metal) is a technique that involves painting a metallic surface using non-metallic colours. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to use shades of grey and white to create the illusion of metal. Paint the highlights with white and the shadows with grey, then blend the colours together to create a smooth transition.
Zenithal priming is a technique that involves priming a miniature with two or more shades of primer to create a base for highlighting and shading. This technique helps to create the illusion of natural lighting on the miniature, as if it were lit from above.
To zenithal prime, you’ll need at least two shades of primer, one lighter and one darker than the base colour of the miniature. Start by priming the miniature with the darker shade, then spray the lighter shade from above, focusing on the areas you want to highlight. This will create a gradient effect, with the darker shade showing through in the shadows and the lighter shade appearing on the raised areas.
Once you’ve zenithal primed your miniature, you can use it as a guide for highlighting and shading. The lighter areas will be the ones that catch the most light, so you can focus your highlights there. The darker areas will be the ones in shadow, so you can shade them accordingly.
Zenithal priming can be a helpful technique for beginners, as it provides a guide for highlighting and shading that can make the process easier and more intuitive. It can also be a helpful technique for more advanced painters, as it can help to create a more naturalistic and realistic effect on the miniature.
Taking photos of your miniatures is a great way to showcase your work and share it with others. However, it can be a bit daunting to figure out how to take the best photos possible. Here are some tips to get you started:
Good lighting is essential for taking good photos. Ideally, you want to use natural light or a bright, even artificial light source. Avoid using a flash as it can create harsh shadows and reflections. If you’re using artificial light, try to use a softbox or diffuser to create a more even light.
Choose a neutral background that won’t distract from your miniature. A simple white or black background works well, but you could also use a coloured background if it complements the colours on your miniature.
You don’t need an expensive camera to take good photos of your miniatures. A smartphone camera can work just fine, as long as you have good lighting and a steady hand. If you want to invest in a camera, look for one with manual controls so you can adjust the settings to get the best possible shot.
Think about the composition of your photo. Consider the angle and perspective you’re shooting from, and try to position your miniature so that it’s in focus and fills the frame.
Don’t be afraid to do a bit of editing to your photos after you’ve taken them. You can adjust the brightness and contrast, crop the photo, and even remove any dust or scratches that might be visible. Just be careful not to over-edit your photos and make them look unrealistic.
Overall, taking good photos of your painted miniatures is all about having good lighting, a neutral background, and a steady hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions until you find the best shot. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll be taking great photos of your miniatures in no time!
Painting miniatures is a skill that takes practice and patience to master, but with the right mindset and approach, anyone can improve their techniques and create stunning works of art. Here are some tips to help you take your miniature painting skills to the next level.
Painting miniatures is all about building up your skills over time. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Try setting aside regular time to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Look to the community of miniature painters for inspiration and advice. Joining a group or forum can provide you with a wealth of information and feedback on your work.
Having the right tools can make a big difference in the quality of your work. Consider investing in good brushes, paints, and other supplies to help you create more precise and detailed work.
Understanding colour theory can help you create more harmonious and effective colour schemes in your work. Take some time to learn about the colour wheel, complementary colours, and other basic concepts.
Miniature painting is all about the details. Take the time to work on the small details, like eyes, textures, and highlights, to make your work stand out.
Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and approaches to painting. Experimenting can help you find new ways to approach your work and create new effects.
Remember that painting miniatures is a learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Instead of getting frustrated, use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Painting miniatures is just one great part of this vast and rewarding hobby. If you’re tempted to get your shiny new miniatures on the table and throw some dice, but don’t know where to start, check out our Best Miniature Wargames for Beginners roundup.
And, if you’re looking for some cool and interesting new miniatures to paint, be sure to check out our Best Miniature Companies roundup, too. Happy painting!