Recreating Fred Reed’s Iconic Howling Griffons Army: With Jonny Watson Gaming

Recreating Fred Reed’s Iconic Howling Griffons Army: With Jonny Watson Gaming

Author: Bedroom Battlefields January 12, 2026 Duration: 55:28

White Dwarf readers of a certain vintage will undoubtedly remember Fred Reed’s iconic Howling Griffons space marine army. Then-Games Workshop store worker Fred showcased the stunning force in issue 179 (November 94), and it had a runout in the mag’s battle report a month later.

Fred’s army was a source of inspiration to many young hobbyists in the mid-90s and is still talked about more than 30 years later. One man who’s gone above and beyond in his nostalgia, however, is Jonny Watson of the Jonny Watson Gaming YouTube channel. Jonny did the ultimate homage to Fred’s Howling Griffons by assembling and painting his own tribute act.

I had the pleasure of chatting to Jonny about this project and the opportunities it brought him, from interviewing Fred Reed himself to being featured on the hallowed pages of White Dwarf. We covered his origin story, returning after the inevitable deep freeze, and how running a YouTube channel can supplement and enhance your hobby when you’re not playing the algorithm game.


Remember those afternoons spent hunched over a desk, a tiny brush in hand, trying to get the eyes just right on a Citadel miniature? Maybe your gateway was the grim darkness of Warhammer 40k, the dungeon-crawling of HeroQuest, or the claustrophobic corridors of Space Hulk. For many, life eventually pulled them away from those bedroom battlefields, only to draw them back decades later with a newfound appreciation and a whole new world of games to explore. That’s the shared journey at the heart of Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast. Hosted by Bedroom Battlefields, these conversations feel like catching up with old friends who never stopped thinking about the hobby. You’ll hear genuine discussions that dig into the tactile joy of painting an army, the strategic nuances of games like Frostgrave or Kings of War, and the simple pleasure of collecting miniatures that spark your imagination. It’s a space for those who understand that this pastime is more than a game; it’s a creative outlet, a historical deep-dive, and a social connector. Each episode explores the layers of the hobby, from brush techniques and kitbashing to campaign stories and rule debates, all with the warmth of shared nostalgia and a keen eye on the exciting present and future of tabletop gaming. This podcast is for the returning veteran and the curious newcomer alike, offering a welcoming audio companion for your next painting session or drive to the game store.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Best Wargaming Clubs & Local Friendly Hobby Stores [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:14
Several listeners enthusiastically took up the opportunity to tell us about their local hobby store or wargaming club. And here is next month's QotM.
Gaming Etiquette, & Are Quickplay Miniatures Games a Fad? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:40
We explore what makes the gaming experience enjoyable for everyone, talking about everything from the art of respecting the miniatures to handling wins and losses gracefully, and even the subtle vibe checks that keep the…
Long-Term & Sustainable Hobby Projects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:42
Dan of Paint All The Minis fame joins me for a chat about going deeper on fewer games, podcasting, and turning 40.Mentioned: my sci-fi undead warband
Who Would You Most Love to Play a Miniatures Game With? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:32
Necromunda with Napolien? Frostgrave with Florence Nightingale? Battlemasters with Barry Gibb?Our question of the month for September 2024 was: Which person (dead or alive) would you love to play a miniatures game with,…
Dungeons & Dragons at Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:12
Dungeons & Dragons at Work is a blog by this week's guest, Tom."I’ve been playing roleplaying games since the 80’s and love the freeform storytelling that results. There is real joy to be found sitting round a table with…
Warhammer in Wetherspoons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:42
Mark and I sat down to chat (that's not even true—I was standing up) about wet palettes, manticores, and Wetherspoons toilets. Also mentioned: GoFundMe Page Supporting Paul Sawyer & Family
Playtesting a Sci-Fi Skirmish Ruleset [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:45
Robert's back, and we're rolling some dice to playtest a game. The aim is to have a go-to ruleset that supports any future scenarios we play.