Battles 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.