Hi guys!
With all of the interesting scenarios I have seen here, and what seem to be numerous opportunities for different wars/conflicts I really think I want to start a WW2 or Napoleonic Era scale army. My biggest issue is my ability to color or draw in real life, is absolutely atrocious. And the figurines I have been seeing seem to be fairly expensive, what would you recommend as a "Practice" figurine while I learn to add details, etc? Do you think this is a skill that can be learned? Secondly, how difficult is it to find people with an army specifically in your era, WW2, Civil War, War of 1812 there just seems to be so many choices!
Best, Agrippa
Honestly to get a decent looking set of minis you could start practicing on plastics. For example http://us-store.warlordgames.com/collections/napoleonic-british/products/napoleonic-british-line-infantry-peninsular-war (http://us-store.warlordgames.com/collections/napoleonic-british/products/napoleonic-british-line-infantry-peninsular-war) $32 for 36 minis which means if you mess up you have 35 other chances. If you are looking for an entry method to make them look half way decent you could try the dipping method. http://gfbrobot.com/2010/12/03/andrews-guide-to-dipping-minis/ (http://gfbrobot.com/2010/12/03/andrews-guide-to-dipping-minis/) after that you can move to the two color method and finally (my personal favorite) the Triad Method http://guitarheroandy.blogspot.com/2007/05/using-foundry-3-colour-paint-system.html (http://guitarheroandy.blogspot.com/2007/05/using-foundry-3-colour-paint-system.html)
Dan
I know a lot of guys that swear by the Army Painter paints for their rank-and-file troops.
It's a couple of dips - an undercoat for main color, and a dip or two for shading high-/low-lights
http://www.thearmypainter.com
You can then go back with just 1-2 colors for a key detail on each: silver bayonets, or white cross-straps, etc.
Go with a 10mm line of figures (Pendraken is what I use for ACW). They're inexpensive and of the size to where you can get away with the least amount of painting details and still have them looking fine and they are of a decent enough size that you can tell what they are when looking at them from a few feet away.
Do some research and find a rules set that you want to try and game with. It will (or should!) tell you what type of "basing" to use (how many figures per base). 10mm will work for large engagements down to smaller tactical battles.
Are you anywhere near an Historical Miniatures Gaming Society group?
www.hmgs.org
They hold conventions with painting classes, and have flea markets where you can often pick up figures cheap.
You just missed Historicon in Fredericksburg, VA in July, but there are lots of others. What part of the country are you in?
Quote from: besilarius on August 03, 2015, 05:17:07 PMWhat part of the country are you in?
he's in NYC
http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=14377.0
Quote from: agrippamaxentius on July 30, 2015, 11:14:40 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 30, 2015, 05:06:12 AM
Greetings!
Are you in NYC, or somewhere else in New York? We've got folks all over the state up there :)
NYC :D, Astoria Queens to be exact.
If you're in New York City, try this club
http://www.nycwargames.com/
Quote from: besilarius on August 03, 2015, 10:55:50 PM
If you're in New York City, try this club
http://www.nycwargames.com/
Thanks Belisarius, and thanks for all the replies so many excellent ideas! I just hope my awful painting can improve, I mean I really really really am awful at painting. We're talking 1st grade painting skills xD.
Agrippal, here is the webpage for a miniature's convention, Fall In
https://hmgs.site-ym.com/?page=FIHome
It is in early November in Lancaster, PA. Since things have only begun, there will be more information, and posted events, as the date approaches. Although it's a bit of a drive from NYC, you should consider it.
Nothing quite like being surrounded by hundreds of people who share and understand your evil hobby.
Quote from: besilarius on August 07, 2015, 06:56:57 AM
Agrippal, here is the webpage for a miniature's convention, Fall In
https://hmgs.site-ym.com/?page=FIHome
It is in early November in Lancaster, PA. Since things have only begun, there will be more information, and posted events, as the date approaches. Although it's a bit of a drive from NYC, you should consider it.
Nothing quite like being surrounded by hundreds of people who share and understand your evil hobby.
Thanks Belisarius! Will try to be free at that time, I also assume at these conventions I might be able to snag an army or some figurines cheap?
There is a flea market, called Wally's Basement, and a lot of things are on sale.