Watching YouTube

When I was confined to my bed for several months last year, I became an avid watcher of YouTube ... and I thought that I would share a list of some of the channels I subscribe to with my regular blog readers.

History of Wargaming Project: As a longtime supporter of John Curry's project to publish as many of the 'lost' wargame books as possible and publishing new works about Matrix Games, Cyber warfare, and professional wargaming, it would have been very remiss of me not to subscribe to this channel!

Miniature Adventure: As Big Lee's states on his channel introduction, his videos 'are designed for the busy wargamer who enjoys long-form videos but doesn't always have the time to watch them. So if you want short, interesting battle reports, hobby conversations, rules reviews and show reports, this channel is for you.' They certainly are as described, and I thoroughly recommend that all wargamers should subscribe to his channel!

Phil Sabin: Phil's occasional series of videos include battle reports and explanations of his rules.

Big Wargames: Ken Hanning's channel covers the Rapid Fire wargames he stages in his superb  purpose-build wargame room in Perthshire, Scotland.

Doug C: Doug describes his channel as a 'channel for vintage, Gilderesque wargaming 'In the Grand Manner''. In particular, it is the only place on the internet where I have found videos of the episodes of BATTLEGROUND, the Tyne Tees TV series about wargaming that was hosted by Edward Woodward. These include the battles of Chalons, Edgehill, Waterloo, and Gettysburg.

Budget Model Railways: My 'go to' model railway YouTube channel! Lots of ideas and inspiration, with regular updates.

Michael Chartres: I have only recently discovered this channel, but I find listening to and watching Michael renovate his 00-gauge model railway both interesting and inspiring. Like me, he is no spring chicken, but some of the methods he has used certainly made me sit up and say to myself 'why didn't I think of that!'

Jago Hazzard: Jago specialises in railways-related topics, especially those operated by TfL (Transport for London). He also has several model railway videos on his channel ... and they are well worth watching.

Sam's Trains: Sam's regular reviews of model railway locomotives and rolling stock are a must for anyone with an interest in the hobby.

WW2 Pod: We have ways of Making You Talk: This is Al Murray and James Holland's official YouTube channel about the Second World War. The banter between these two is fun, informative, and thought-provoking. What's not to like?

Lets Tab 59: This channel's owner is an ex-British Army NCO and besides doing lots of 'tabs' (Tactical Advance into Battle ... or countryside walks, during which he talks about all sorts of military topics), he also raises money for charity.

Shrewsbury House: This is a very new channel, but I subscribe because it is our local community centre and its where I go for my weekly gaming session with Dice on the Hill.