Starting out

Are you new to miniature wargames, then read on...
Starting miniature wargaming can be a daunting task, or at least seem that way. So I thought I'd do my bit by showing how a prospective miniature gamer can get going.
The inspiration for this was the release of the Perry twins 'War of the Roses' boxed set. Costing £15 you get 40 (that’s forty!) superb 28m plastic figures, including 6 command figures. This I thought is a great way to get two skirmish armies (17 soldiers, armed with bows and hand weapons and three leaders).

This is the Perry boxed set. In it you get, as well as the figures, a basic background sheet with flags, painting guide and bases.
I this guide I intend to show you how to create your starter set and start playing.

Assembling your forces
To start with you need to assemble two small forces. I will publish a simple set of starter rules which you can use to have a battle as soon as possible. Then, I intended to build up the rules adding more complex rules as more figures are assembled. I'll list all the tools and paints needed and try to tell you were to get them. To keep thing simple I'll try to use Games Workshop as much as possible because I think most areas have access to one even though there are many alternatives out there. If you want to do a bit more 'leg work' I am sure you can find many cheaper alternatives on the net.

So first assemble the following:

• 8 figures with hand weapons in 'light' armour (ie look for figures on the big sprue without armour)
• 2 figures with 'heavier' armour (big sprue, armour)
• You also need 3x 'three man' (the long thin ones) green bases

To do this you will need:

• Snips
• A sharp knife
• Plastic glue
• A brush (standard)

You can get all this from Games Workshop (although the best knife is a scalpel, if you can get one). 

As with all sharp tools take care when using them, always cut away from yourself and use a suitable surface (an old 'plastic' breadboard works fine).

1. First snip your figures from the sprue.
2. Now using your sharp knife gently scrape off the faint folding lines around the edges of the figures.
3. To get the bases, use the small single base to mark the 3 man base, then score, bend and smooth the edges.
4. Finally glue them together (try to avoid using too much glue)

These are my assembled figures

Where are the rules?
These will be the first forces you'll need. My rules will be 'lite' and designed to get you into the game (with the emphasis on game). You'll notice I've not posted the rules! Well that’s to encourage you to paint the figures first!

Undercoat
You'll need:

• Black

Paint the figures black! Try not to get too much paint on or you will obscure the detail.

My undercoated figures