Category: General

  • How to Find Cheap Warhammer Second-Hand (And Even for Free)

    How to Find Cheap Warhammer Second-Hand (And Even for Free)

    Warhammer is an expensive hobby, but if you know where to look, you can build massive armies, pick up rare books, and even score entire collections for next to nothing. Over the years, I’ve put together huge Warhammer Fantasy and 40K collections, snagged HeroQuest, Warhammer Quest, and Necromunda sets, and tracked down classic Rogue Trader-era models—all without paying eBay prices.

    The trick is knowing where to look, how to negotiate, and when to take a chance on a deal. Most of my biggest finds have come from Craigslist, estate sales, local marketplaces, and online auctions, using a few strategies I picked up while hunting for rare paintball markers like Automags and Autocockers. If you’re patient, persistent, and willing to put in the work, there are incredible deals out there.

    Now that I’m no longer living in the USA, I figure it’s time to share all my personal secrets—since I can’t use them anymore!

    The Greatest Deal I Ever Scored: 6 Armies for $180

    My best second-hand Warhammer deal of all time happened in Maryland, where I picked up six full armies for just $180 cash. It was an absolute steal, but there was a catch:

    • I couldn’t resell anything—the seller wanted it to go to a good home, not an eBay flipper.
    • I had to pay it forward—the idea was to use it to grow my local gaming group rather than hoarding it all for myself.

    It was a deal based on trust, but it paid off. I ended up using those armies to help new players get into the hobby, which is something I still try to do whenever I can. Deals like this don’t happen every day, but if you network and build a reputation, you’ll eventually find people willing to offload their collections at a fraction of their value—especially if they know it’s going to a good home.

    The Empire Army That Flew Across the Country

    One of my more memorable Craigslist finds was a massive Warhammer Fantasy Empire army, which showed up in an ad from Arizona. Normally, distance would have made this a non-starter, but by sheer luck, the seller regularly flew to Northern Virginia for work.

    We coordinated over email, and I ended up meeting him minutes from my house to buy his entire collection over the course of two of his business trips. The whole deal went down in a fast-food joint in a strip mall right before he had to return to work. One of his coworkers, who came along for lunch, was pretty amused watching us conduct the transaction—swapping cash for boxes of meticulously packed miniatures.

    Craigslist is full of opportunities like this, and you never know when a deal will line up perfectly if you’re patient.

    Craigslist and SearchTempest: Finding Warhammer in Forgotten Places

    Craigslist is one of the best places to find second-hand Warhammer, but its search function is terrible—you can only look in one city at a time. That’s where SearchTempest comes in. It lets you search all Craigslist listings across the USA, Mexico, and Canada at once, making it much easier to find deals.

    The best deals tend to show up in places where Warhammer isn’t as popular. Smaller towns and rural areas often have old collections sitting in basements, and since there’s less local demand, sellers tend to price things cheaper. I’ve found entire armies this way, along with books like Realms of Chaos and Rogue Trader that would normally go for a fortune online. I once picked up a bunch of 1980s era citadel orc war machine and dwarf lords boxes from a second hand store in a small town this way listed as “toys”.

    If you find something interesting, reach out to the seller as soon as possible. Craigslist isn’t designed for shipping, so you’ll need to convince the seller to mail it to you. Many won’t ship at all, and others are worried about scams, so you’ll often have to pay first and take a risk. Offering extra for their time and hassle can help.

    Set Alerts for Free Warhammer

    One of the best tricks for getting Warhammer for free is setting up alerts for $0 price listings and curb alerts on Craigslist.

    People clearing out their garages will sometimes list Warhammer models for free or leave them on the curb for anyone to take. This isn’t common, but when it happens, it’s worth the effort. I once picked up an entire Tau army off the side of the road in Virginia—Crisis Suits, Fire Warriors, and even a Hammerhead tank. Someone was literally throwing them away.

    To do this, search for “Warhammer,” “Games Workshop,” “40K,” and similar terms, then set the price range to $0. If you see something, move fast—free listings don’t last long.

    Check Local Marketplaces When Traveling

    One of my favorite tricks is checking local buy/sell marketplaces when I’m traveling, both in the USA and overseas. Every country and region has its version of Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and Warhammer prices can vary wildly depending on the area.

    If you plan to do this, keep in mind:

    • You’ll usually need a rental car to pick up larger lots.
    • Make sure you have space in your luggage if you plan to bring models back.
    • Some sellers are more open to bulk discounts, especially if they’re clearing out a collection.

    I’ve found incredible deals this way by taking a few minutes to check local marketplaces before arriving in a new area. You never know when someone’s clearing out a Warhammer stash that’s been gathering dust for years.

    Avoiding Scams and Staying Safe

    Most people selling Warhammer second-hand are just looking to clear out old hobby stuff, but you should still be careful.

    • For local pickups, meet in a public place—never go to someone’s house alone.
    • Tell someone where you’re going before meeting a seller.
    • If a deal feels sketchy, bail.

    So far, I haven’t woken up in a bathtub full of ice missing my kidneys… yet.

    That said, be smart about it. Warhammer is expensive, but it’s not that expensive.

    Final Thoughts

    If you want to build a massive Warhammer collection without breaking the bank, second-hand markets are the way to go. Craigslist, estate sales, and online auctions all have incredible deals if you’re willing to put in the effort.

    • Use Craigslist + SearchTempest to scan multiple locations.
    • Set up alerts for $0 price listings and curb alerts—sometimes you’ll get models for free.
    • Check estate sales and online auctions like HiBid for forgotten collections (some of my best scores were on here).
    • Look beyond Craigslist to Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp.
    • Check local marketplaces when traveling—Warhammer prices vary by region.
    • Negotiate with sellers—many have more than what they listed.
    • Stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks.

    I’ve been doing this since I was a kid in New Zealand, when I bought my first second-hand copy of Warhammer 40K 2nd Edition from a classified ad in Trade & Exchange. If you’re patient and persistent, there are still incredible deals out there.

    If you’ve scored an amazing second-hand Warhammer deal, drop a comment and let me know!

  • Why Can’t I Buy the Models I Want in the EU Anymore?

    Why Can’t I Buy the Models I Want in the EU Anymore?

    As of December 2024, the European Union’s new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) has come into force, replacing the 2001 General Product Safety Directive. While the regulation’s primary intent is to ensure the safety of products sold within the EU, its far-reaching requirements are having a significant impact on small businesses — particularly those involved in the miniature wargaming industry. Many overseas suppliers are finding themselves unable to comply with the GPSR’s stringent demands, effectively cutting off EU customers from accessing their favorite wargaming miniatures and accessories.

    What is the GPSR?

    The GPSR was designed to modernize EU product safety standards and harmonize rules across member states. It imposes stricter obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors to ensure the safety of non-food consumer products. Key requirements include:

    1. Detailed Safety Documentation: Every product must come with a technical file documenting its compliance with EU safety standards, including risk assessments, traceability, and more.
    2. EU Representative Requirement: Non-EU manufacturers must appoint an EU-based representative to handle compliance and liability.
    3. Explicit Warnings: Products must clearly state their intended age range and provide warnings if they are not suitable for children under 14.
    4. Packaging and Labelling: Enhanced labelling requirements apply to ensure transparency about product materials, hazards, and intended use.

    The Impact on Miniature Wargaming Companies

    Miniature wargaming manufacturers — often small businesses or solo artisans — are struggling to adapt to the GPSR for several reasons. These sorts of regulations act as anti-competitive, non-tariff barriers to entry that prevent small businesses from entering and competing in the EU market, all under the guise of child safety. If your child is eating lead miniatures, you’ve got a bigger problem.

    1. Prohibitive Costs

    Complying with the GPSR’s requirements is expensive. For example, creating a technical file for each product involves significant time and expertise, often requiring third-party testing to meet safety standards. Appointing an EU representative adds further financial strain, as it involves legal contracts and liability coverage. For businesses operating on narrow profit margins, such costs are unsustainable.

    2. Unsuitability for Adult-Oriented Products

    Miniature wargaming products are explicitly marketed to adults, often with warnings such as “This is not a toy. For ages 14 and up.” The GPSR’s focus on child safety, however, means these products are treated as though they could be marketed to children. Many wargaming miniatures are made from materials like resin or pewter, which would fail testing under toy safety standards, despite being entirely safe for their intended adult users.

    3. Administrative Burdens

    Small businesses often operate with limited staff, and the administrative workload required to comply with GPSR regulations is staggering. Such compliance requirements are far more burdensome for a one-person company working out of a basement compared to large corporations like Games Workshop, which have dedicated legal teams and compliance budgets. This disparity underscores the challenges faced by small manufacturers trying to compete in the EU market.

    4. Inaccessibility of EU Markets

    For many overseas manufacturers, the cost and complexity of GPSR compliance make EU sales economically unfeasible. As a result, companies are choosing to stop selling to EU customers altogether. Shiny Games, a UK-based distributor, reported in their blog that even domestic resellers are reconsidering EU distribution due to the regulatory burden. And yes, let’s not forget that Brexit has exacerbated this mess. Thanks, boomers.

    Of course, the EU continues to lead the world in regulation rather than innovation. I guess that’s the trade-off I get for a low cost of living and free healthcare, but I do miss the “anything goes” nature of the USA… well, at least before they started throwing tariffs around recently.

    The Personal Impact: A Gamer’s Perspective from Gozo, Malta

    As a miniature wargaming enthusiast based in Gozo, Malta, the GPSR has profoundly affected my hobby. I often purchase historical, fantasy, and sci-fi models cast in metal from independent manufacturers. These niche suppliers, who produce high-quality miniatures, often operate outside the EU and cannot comply with GPSR regulations due to the associated costs and complexities. This means I can no longer order directly from them and have items shipped to Malta.

    For someone living on a small island, the only practical alternative is attending conventions in the UK, such as Partizan or Salute, and purchasing models directly. However, this comes with significant costs — flights, accommodation, and convention expenses quickly add up. It’s a luxury that many gamers cannot afford, making the regulation particularly restrictive for those in smaller EU markets like Malta. The loss of access to independent manufacturers also limits my ability to support the small businesses that bring diversity and innovation to the hobby. I can’t help but wonder if this regulation is also the reason some of my other orders haven’t made it through the mail yet.

    Miniature Wargaming Suppliers and Compliance Status

    Below is a list of suppliers affected by the GPSR, along with links to their statements about compliance or withdrawal from the EU market:

    Suppliers Who Have Stopped Supplying the EU

    Suppliers Who Have Complied or Resumed Supplying the EU

    Please note that this list is incomplete and could change at any time as more manufacturers achieve compliance or learn about the regulations and post publicly.

  • Manor Gaming moves to a 350 year old farmhouse in Gozo, Malta

    Manor Gaming moves to a 350 year old farmhouse in Gozo, Malta

    About 11 years ago when I was living in Thailand of all places I met my wife, Sarah. She was Maltese American and the reason why I eventually ended up living in the United States. After a decade of living in the USA (in San Diego, Maryland and Virginia) a lot had happened. I’d rediscovered miniature wargaming after a 15+ year break, purchased and renovated a house, and helped build and sell a startup.

    My mother passed away when I was last in New Zealand, and being closer to family had started to feel much, much more important, and being married to a Maltese citizen for 10 years, I was able to apply for citizenship as well as free movement in the EU. So while visiting Sarah’s father in Malta for a music festival in 2022, we borrowed the Toyota Hilux and secretly explored the neighboring island of Gozo. We’d toyed with the idea of moving back to Malta, perhaps Mellieha, St Pauls Bay or Armier where Sarah had spent her childhood, but felt that it was far too busy – driving around Gozo however, things just seemed right.

    By late 2023 we’d made the decision that we wanted to relocate, so entrusted one of Sarah’s childhood friends to help us with the house hunt. We decided we wanted a piece of history, such as a farmhouse of a “house of character” in a quiet village in what’s known as an urban conservation area – something that hopefully will protect against the rampant construction and development that is plaging Malta as well as having some pretty strong tax benefits.

    We eventually settled on a farmhouse that was in the westernmost village of Gharb (which funnily enough means “west” in Arabic, which a large amount of the Maltese language is derived from). It ticked all the boxes, and had a few stunning surprises that weren’t mentioned on the real estate listing in much detail – a WWII era air raid shelter converted into a wine cellar and a “study”. The study was what ultimately made us choose the house and will be the new home of Manor Gaming.

    Of course calling it a study doesn’t really do it justice, it’s a 2 story room where the second story was the former owners (who renovated the 350 year old farmhouse in the early 2000s) personal library. This of course will now be the home to all manner of historical books, rule books and source books for miniature wargaming here in Gozo.

    We’ve started meeting other gamers on the island, and while the gaming community isn’t as extensive as those on the main island of Malta (Gozo seems to be more expats when it comes to gaming, while Malta has a massive competitive 40k, Blood Bowl and Kill Team scene) I think it has a lot of potential to grow. So I’ve started a facebook group for Gozo Miniature Wargamers in the hope of attracting more folks to game, whether it be Sci Fi, Fantasy or Historical.

    In the mean time, I’m waiting for our shipping container to arrive from the United States so we can unpack and get to gaming on a regular basis here on the island.

  • Creating a Dedicated Wargaming Shed: My Journey from Childhood Dreams to Reality

    Creating a Dedicated Wargaming Shed: My Journey from Childhood Dreams to Reality

    Ever since I was a child I wanted a dedicated wargaming shed or room. I think it goes back to seeing some of the orginal photos of the Perry twins and other OG members of the Games Workshop team with sheds in their backyards.

    10 year old me grew up on the farm, and my dreams were to convert a room next to the stables in our old barn that was used for storage into my wargaming room. Sadly my father passed away when I was young (I have a very vivid memory of receiving my mail ordered copy of the 4th edition of Warhammer Magic on the day of his funeral, its strange the things you remember from childhood) and this was never to happen.

    Fast forward 30 years or so and I’m now living in the United States. We rent our first place in the manor and I finally have a semi finished basement. This becomes my hobby room with a gaming table, plenty of shelving and a painting/modelling desk. It’s messy – but it does the trick.

    Later we end up buying a place in the same neighborhood. Having some gaming space was a key part of the buying decision (as were our neighbors!), and this place was a bit nicer than our rental. My painting area got relegated to the unfinished part of the basement/laundry, while the gaming space was shared with my wife who uses it as a gym, and as a quasi spare room.

    Once we could afford to we started doing some renovations. The first thing we built was a shed in the back corner of the yard. At 10×12 foot it isn’t huge, and was limited due to the location of a large tree. I left it unfinished for much of last year and essentally it became a dumping ground/storage for tools and the like.

    Later we finished it by adding insulation, flooring and power. I now had a dedicated hobby space and I could move out of the basement, and paint using natural light (or really nice LEDs when it was dark). A portable AC or Oil heater helped with when it was too hot or to cold, and a TV + beer fridge were mounted in the corner.

    Now there was enough space for 2 3D printers (one Resin and one FDM), a full length work bench and storage for all the hobby supplies we could dream of.

    Later however we decided on a big move. Which meant saying goodbye to Jefferson Manor and a move to Europe, but that’s for anther post.

  • Trip to Warhammer World in 2022

    Trip to Warhammer World in 2022

    We had a brief stopover on the way to Malta in the UK, and for my birthday I got to tick off something from my bucket list – a trip to Warhammer World in Nottingham, UK. I was a little disappointed as I was hoping it would feature more old school GW goodness – but I guess that will require a trip to Wargames Foundry instead for Bring Out Your Lead which I hope to do next year.

    Still, super impressive and well worth the trip, and great to get some of the exclusive stuff, as well as the 30k transfers and templates I need for my titans.

    A word of warning, it can be a little bit confusing to find it from Nottingham train station if you are walking and using Google Maps. Though you can simply take the light rail/tram and it drops you off virtually outside. I can’t begin to explain the excitement that 10 year old me would have felt coming over the hill and seeing that building for the first time though, and even my wife was impressed with what was on display – and the cake at Bugmans brewery.

    It was great to see some of the old models from my childhood flicking through White Dwarf in the flesh as well. Thanks to my wife for putting up with me and humoring me on my birthday when I told her “we were going to a museum”.

  • Welcome to Manor Gaming

    Welcome to Manor Gaming

    Welcome to the brand new Manor Gaming website. We are a bunch of miniature wargamers based in Jeffeson Manor in Alexandria, Virginia. For some reason, this little neighborhood has one of the highest concentration of wargamers on the planet.

    We play a mixture of games, but this will primarily focus on Warhammer 30,000, Warhammer Fantasy (and all its editions and offshoots) and Warhammer 40,000 with a good bit of specialist games like Blood Bowl, Necromunda, Epic, and Mordheim too.  There might even be a bit of historical content when we find the time.