When I was a teenager in the 90’s I was fascinated with all things fantasy after finding the fantasy section of my local library and bookstore. I would devour all things Knights and dragons mostly to the detriment of my school work. I recall one day in the mid 90’s seeing a Games Workshop shopfront and being amazed at the miniature Knights on the table. Like many things though I did not have friends that were interested so moved on without actually walking in.

Fast forward about 17 years and I eventually found wargaming and the hobby and dived straight into fantasy. Unfortunately the world of fantasy battles seemed to have moved on (blown up) and I missed all the excitement and opportunity to purchase those wonderful old metal miniatures. Not all was lost though as I have been very fortunate to include several hoarders among my friends. You would have some too, you know the type that bought a fantasy army, or two or three, in the 90’s and never quite got around to painting them. Perhaps you may be one of those yourself and have a 1995 Elf army stashed away in a box in the garage.

But as I say I have been fortunate. I have managed to inherit, mostly through exchange for painting, several Warhammer Fantasy Battle armies from the glory days. These miniatures lack the grace, finesse and individuality of plastic kits but they make up for it with chunky heads and hands, big weapons and oh so much character!

When I first got my hands on some I fell in love immediately. They contain just the right mix of fantasy, chunkiness (so great for painting) and a touch of humour that seems to be missing from the new releases. I found that the old metals quickly became my favourite medium to paint and hobby with and quickly collected more. Ranges from the 90’s such as the Brettonians, Elf warriors, Dwarves and Dark Elves became my pet passion projects. I even found a use for them with the emergence of Kings of War as a rank and flank game.

There is no doubt that the miniatures produced today by Games Workshop are amazing quality however I find myself not as invested. Perhaps it is the nostalgia of painting a miniature that was created as the sculptors were playing Dungeons & Dragons or reading Magician by Raymond E Fiest in the 80’s or 90’s just as I was that grabs me. Perhaps it is a reminder of my youth as I approach middle age that does it?

Whatever the reason these are my favourite miniatures to paint, what are yours?

Painting all the old WHFB metal Miniatures