Wargames Illustrated WI461 May 2026

OBSERVATION POST

This month’s reviews cover 20mm minis for modern settings along with Italian armies and Operation Barbarosa armour for WW2.

RELEASE RADAR

Dom Sore’s Release Radar highlights the latest newness in the world of wargaming.

QUICK FIRE

Short, quick-read posts from WI readers about their hobby projects, notes, news, and observations.

FRAME FOCUS: HOW TO BUILD THE MODELS

A guide to constructing your Freebie Frame Somua S35 or Vickers light tank.

BY FORCE AND VALOR

Matt Parkes makes a scene using this year’s free Salute digital mini.

FRAME FOCUS: THE HISTORY OF THE TANKS

A look the history of the Somua S35 and Vickers light tanks.

FROM CAEN TO MONCORNET

Team WI and friends got the chance to playtest an excellent Salute 53 demo game, presented by show-stopping modeller Joe Bilton.

FRAME FOCUS: PAINTING GUIDE

Need some simple painting steps to get your Freebie Frame tank tabletop ready? Look no further!

HAMMERHEAD 2026 PAINTING COMPETITION WINNERS

Here are the stunning hobby projects judged to be the worthy winners at this annual event.

“ALL HAVE DONE THEIR DUTY”

Karim van Overmeir shares the rules behind the show game he presented at Crisis Wargame Convention in November 2025.

BRING ON THE TRUMPETS! - HAMMERHEAD EDITOR’S CHOICE

Editor Dan presents the Trumpeter of the 13th Regiment, French Dragoons, 1805 - winner of the Editor’s Choice award at the Hammerhead 2026 Painting Competition.

AMID THE RUINS OF JERASH

Editor Dan employs the services of TM Terrain to build a unique miniature Crusader stronghold, inspired by the Temple of Artemis in Jordan.

LEVEL-UP YOUR PAINTING

We talked to a selection of the winners from the Hammerhead painting competition to find out what it takes to reach the highest levels of miniature art.

DESIGNERS’ NOTES: BLOOD ON THE SANDS

Frank Sultana tells us about his one-on-one, action-packed, gladiatorial arena combat game.