You Tube finds

[John Cook]

This is an interesting piece.  It seems that trends in the US might be different from the UK.

[Ithoriel]

The comment in this that struck a chord with me was Richard Clarke's comment that people are more likely to see themselves as gamers rather than wargamers.

The thirty-somethings and below that I know play computer games, collectable card games, board games, table-top role-play games, cross-over board games with minis and the occasional tabletop miniatures game and see them all as much the same.

The miniatures games tend to be small figure count, small table size affairs. Historical games tend to be things like Tanks! or What A Tanker rather than Rommel or BKC.

My sample size is pretty small, a couple of dozen or so, but it seems to me the hobby is pretty healthy but evolving.

[John Cook]

I associate the term gaming with betting and I hope the adoption of it by wargamers is not an attempt to drop 'war' from the name of the hobby in an attempt to avoid giving offence to the politically correct, who seem determined to limit enjoyment of just about everything these days.

Fortunately, if you look at on-line directories, although a few have adopted the term gaming, the vast majority of clubs in the UK still call themselves wargames or wargaming clubs. 

There was a time, in the 60s and 70s, when wargaming was considered rather puerile by outsiders and wargamers tended to keep their hobby to themselves but it 'came-out' properly in the UK in about the mid-70s, and I think we have Games Workshop to thank for that.  It became respectable. 

Something that seemed to emerge from the interviews was the wargaming demographic where historical wargames seemed to be the preserve of the older players, while fantasy and science fiction seemed to be preferred by younger players and entry level.  I haven't belonged to a wargaming club for at least five years but my perception would tend to support this, a generalisation though it is.

I think it is right to say that newcomers and younger wargamers tend to want something that they can play right out of the box but I disagree with David Ensteness, from the Wargaming Company, that historical wargaming is inaccessible in comparison to other genres.  On the contrary, I remember a time before Osprey books existed and reference material comprised largely booklets produced by Almark.  I would say that with access to the internet historical wargaming is more accessible than it has ever been.  You don't need all those books and uniform plates that he alludes to anymore. 

What also emerged from the interviews, I thought, was that historical wargaming was not in decline and I'd tend to agree judging by the number of manufacturers of figure, in all sizes and historical periods, and publication of rules in the UK where we seem to be far better served than the US these days.  But was it not always thus? 

I agree that wargaming has changed dramatically since the early 60s when I started out.  It is much more mature than it was, even 20 years ago, and today we are spoiled for choice in comparison.  My perception is that wargaming is thriving and historical wargaming with it.

[Raider4]

I like what these guys are doing for a mad max/waterworld/bladerunner vibe:

1st of six parts. The end result is just a little too orange for me, would like to give the thing a black wash.

[fsn]

Pendraken figures painted on Little Wars TV.

[ronan]

(...)
Pendraken figures painted on Little Wars TV.

Interesting. Thank you for sharing

[steve_holmes_11]

Little Wars Greg is a great recruiting sergeant.

[paulr]

I'm a little surprise Nobby hasn't posted this one already

[mmcv]

Found the full series of WW1 in colour on YouTube. Old series but some interesting footage.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJv4Ce9SBFaXSoTXLNUl0i2WhrcTleQ3-

[fsn]

Some inspiration for the new range.

Short videos (<5 mins)

 

Bit longer (9 mins)

Longer (36mins)

[fsn]

I have recently been watching videos by Perun. He's Australian (let's not hold that against him) and does longer, thoughtful videos on the Ukraine situation. For example:

 

[Heedless Horseman]

Sounds evaluated. Inclined to agree.

[pierre the shy]

Centenary of Machine Gun Corps Disbandment Commemoration Demonstration

16 Vickers MG's firing simultaniously.....Now I see why MG companies in If the Lord Spares Us get so many dice  when they fire 

Judging by the amount of water and steam pouring out of the guns later in the video they must get incredibly hot after firing for a while, even if they only fire 50 rounds per engagement (from the sound of the orders given at the start of the video).....handy if you want a cup of char after an engagement though     

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Judging by the amount of water and steam pouring out of the guns later in the video they must get incredibly hot after firing for a while, even if they only fire 50 rounds per engagement (from the sound of the orders given at the start of the video).....handy if you want a cup of char after an engagement though     

Given the nature of the liquid use a brew is not indicated. Yes they do get very hot indeed.

[Ithoriel]

Given the nature of the liquid use a brew is not indicated. Yes they do get very hot indeed.

Indeed, my ex's godfather used to tell the tale of winding up in a dugout with a number of Vickers guns during a German attack in the desert. If there were any particularly prim ladies present he would delight in explaining why, having had a particularly liquid lunch with the officer in charge, he was well placed to help keep the MG's water tanks filled!

[pierre the shy]

Great story Mike!

Might explain why some other contemporary makers choose air cooling rather than water cooling?

Anyway I prefer coffee myself 

[Heedless Horseman]

My Grandfather was a Driver on Water Carts in the MGC in WW1. Lots of water needed. Not such a 'cushy' job... had team killed under him. Had 'altercation' with Officer in trench over a 'reluctant' soldier...punched Officer... and was, I think, 'Lucky' to get FP1... and be put on Gun Crews. Regarded as 'Death Sentence' as MGs high profile targets. Knee injury meant he survived.

[Raider4]

Foldable Portable Table:

I love this idea! Especially the folding bit. Brilliant.

[steve_holmes_11]

Indeed, my ex's godfather used to tell the tale of winding up in a dugout with a number of Vickers guns during a German attack in the desert. If there were any particularly prim ladies present he would delight in explaining why, having had a particularly liquid lunch with the officer in charge, he was well placed to help keep the MG's water tanks filled!

The popular term by WW2 was "We carried our own water".

[fsn]

I love this idea! Especially the folding bit. Brilliant.

That's clever!