Part of an Armorcast order from the late 90s which I shared with a couple of colleagues, this pride of the Adeptus Mechanicus spent a few decades in the manufactorum, while the Tech Priests worked out the right shade of grey to match the temperament of its machine spirit.
Weighing in at a reassuring 925 grams, it definitely lives up to its name. I still appreciate the chunkiness of its proportions and the no-nonsense approach to detailing which fits the miniature sculpts of the time.
Accordingly I gave it the regimental colours of my largely Rogue Trader era 89th Necromundian. Further markings and designations will probably follow in future, once I elaborate on its background.
The most sweeping battlefields and most dashing uniforms at Salute 2025 were to be found in the age of blackpowder and cavalry.
To the Strongest! took us back to war in Louis XIV’s time, when men were men – and wore plenty of lace.
Louis Quatorze’s Warses by To the Strongest!Louis Quatorze’s Warses by To the Strongest!Louis Quatorze’s Warses by To the Strongest!
A 6mm scale engagement during the Great Northern War in 1701 by Wyre Forest Wargamers featured a river crossing in boats, floating gun platforms, a pontoon bridge, ships and fortifications.
The Crossing of the Düna by Per Broden, Nick Dorrell and Wyre Forest WargamersThe Crossing of the Düna by Per Broden, Nick Dorrell and Wyre Forest Wargamers
General d’Armee 2 was the rules system used to refight a section of the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805.
Battle for the Pratzen Heights by Dave Brown (Reisswitz Press)Battle for the Pratzen Heights by Dave Brown (Reisswitz Press)
The Yarkshire Gamer staged the Battle of Mentana in 1867. “Rome or Death” was the motto of Garibaldi’s forces as they confronted the Papal State.
The Battle of Mentana by Yarkshire GamerThe Battle of Mentana by Yarkshire GamerThe Battle of Mentana 1867 by Yarkshire Gamer
An imaginary 18th century siege was under way via the Vauban’s Wars rules. Trenches were being dug and mortars fired from earthworks in this interesting looking scenario.
Vauban’s Wars by Wars of the Gelderland SuccessionVauban’s Wars by Wars of the Gelderland SuccessionVauban’s Wars by Wars of the Gelderland Succession
The Soldiers of Napoleon game was put on by its designers Warwick Kinrade and Piers Brand I believe (it wasn’t listed in the show programme). A very nice and naturalistic looking terrain board, heaving with regiments.
Soldiers of NapoleonSoldiers of NapoleonSoldiers of NapoleonSoldiers of Napoleon
Since the theme of Salute 2025 was “Highlanders”, it was attended by a group of practical historians in period costume, who’d brought a table full of Scottish wargear too.
Re-enactors from the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre (I think)Re-enactors from the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre (I think)
As this broad era of military history was possibly the best represented at the show, following a number of further gaming tables I took snapshots off while wandering the hall.
The Ballad of Kinmont Willie by Whitehall WarlordsWofun 10mm Napoleonic by Peter’s Paper BoysTrangen 1808 by Hugo’s HeroesBrandy for the Parson by Cornwall Wargames AssociationTest of Honour by Footsore Games (I assume, but couldn’t find a matching listing)
There was a large number of small demo tables, usually hosted by the publishers, for the many sci-fi and fantasy games currently available. I tend to not focus on them too much as they are often quite generic regarding their terrain and presentation. I probably missed a couple of gems (for example the Laserburn game that was set up somewhere by the stage), but here’s my selection of snapshots of those gaming boards that stood out to me.
Making inspired use of some bookshelves, Magrathea explored multi-level gaming with Judge Dredd and Burrows & Badgers.
What Lies Beneath… by Magrathea Builder of WorldsWhat Lies Beneath… by Magrathea Builder of WorldsWhat Lies Beneath… by Magrathea Builder of WorldsWhat Lies Beneath… by Magrathea Builder of WorldsWhat Lies Beneath… by Magrathea Builder of Worlds
An unusual take on Gaslands away from the barren wastes and towards more of a Cyberpunk future was presented by the Gravesend Gamers Guild.
Gaslands Neon Streets by Gravesend Gamers GuildGaslands Neon Streets by Gravesend Gamers Guild
Crow Industries had brought a selection of their gorgeous sculpts for Battletech and Starship Troopers themed games, while also presenting their fan-made Dune skirmish rules with figures by Skull Forge Studios.
Crow Industries and Skull Forge StudiosCrow Industries
Pendraken showcased a big battle using their latest Future War Commander rules and 10mm scale sci-fi range.
Future War Commander by PendrakenFuture War Commander by Pendraken
Finally, a couple of pictures of small but perfectly formed tables across a variety of settings.
Mars Defends! by Bunny Badger Games Fallout Factions by Modiphius EntertainmentAsteroids by Abingdon Wargames ClubCrypt Hulk by Ashford Gaming ClubWorld of Twilight by Twilight Miniatures
There were many fabulous World War 2 themed wargaming tables at Salute 2025, a selection of which I have captured below.
The Lard Zone featured several well presented games, the Too Fat Lardies’ ethos of authenticity in their games very much on show also for terrain building. Covering the WW2 period we had boards for Chain of Command (previewing the second edition) and What a Tanker!, a big participation event.
Chain of Command by Too Fat LardiesChain of Command by Too Fat LardiesOperation Charnwood by Joe BiltonOperation Charnwood by Joe BiltonOperation Charnwood by Joe BiltonOperation Charnwood by Joe Bilton
The landings an Omaha Beach were the topic of a 6mm scale game over impressive terrain using All Hell Let Loose rules.
Bloody Omaha for All Hell Let LooseBloody Omaha for All Hell Let LooseBloody Omaha for All Hell Let Loose
Anschluss Publishing brought a display game set during the Defence of Tobruk, with Australians fighting Rommel’s forces in the desert.
The Defence of Tobruk 1941 by Anschluss Publishing LimitedThe Defence of Tobruk 1941 by Anschluss Publishing Limited
Lasting Games showcased their brand new Butcher & Bolt rules set in a U-boat base, perfect for their commando style skirmish system.
Butcher & Bolt by Lasting Games
Retired Wargamers Reloaded re-enacted Götterdämmerung in Berlin of May 1945 on a grand scale, with Soviet troops advancing towards the Reichstag.
Götterdämmerung Berlin 1945 by Retired Wargamers ReloadedGötterdämmerung Berlin 1945 by Retired Wargamers ReloadedGötterdämmerung Berlin 1945 by Retired Wargamers ReloadedGötterdämmerung Berlin 1945 by Retired Wargamers ReloadedGötterdämmerung Berlin 1945 by Retired Wargamers Reloaded
The Loughton Strike Force did it again and brought my personal favourite wargaming table at Salute. Following last year’s Saigon ’68 board, the topic this time was the Warsaw Uprising during World War 2. The rules system used was ‘O’ Group by Reisswitz Press.
Warsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike ForceWarsaw Uprising by Loughton Strike Force
The Lost and the Damned 