Forward
Chapter 1: Factions
Chapter 2: Where to buy
Chapter 3: Where to talk about it (aside from here of course)
Chapter 4: Transports
Chapter 5: Painting services
Chapter 6: Hobby supplies
Appendix
Warhammer 40k is a futuristic tabletop strategy game created by
GamesWorkshop that pits multiple races and factions against each other for control of the galaxy. The wiki article can be found
here.
The Warhammer 40,000 game world is most readily characterized as a gothic science-fantasy setting. The central and most popular elements of the Warhammer 40,000 universe are the Space Marines, anachronistic combinations of sci-fi super-soldiers and fantasy knights and the finest warriors of the Imperium of Mankind, a dystopian and degenerate galaxy-spanning empire.
The physical setting of this story is the Materium, with all action here in the Milky Way Galaxy. Much of this is controlled by The Imperium of Man, though it is not the only galactic power. Other races include the Orks, a greenskinned trollike race, and the Eldar, the former rulers of a great empire. A dynamic, galaxy-spanning story line is possible because of a separate plane of existence, the Immaterium or "Warp." The Warp is described as a realm of thought, where desires and emotions can take physical form, and with currents and eddies that make traveling vast interstellar distances difficult, yet possible. As this is a realm of thought, a coalescence yields an often sinister warp entity. The strongest of these entities are the Chaos Gods, Khorne (a god of rage, bloodshed, and war), Nurgle (a god of despair, decay and pestilitic disease), Tzeentch (a god of change, deception, scheming, Sorcery, and, oddly enough, hope) and Slaanesh (a god of pleasure, pain, depravity, pride and decadence).
The Gods of Chaos are the result of the strongest impulses in the living souls of the universe's inhabitants. Their cults have a dynamic and antagonistic relationship. Khorne opposes Slaanesh, while Nurgle opposes Tzeentch. Nurgle is the personification of powerlessness, Tzeentch personifies power, Khorne personifies duty and rage, and Slaanesh personifies the epicurean or the sensual. These four powers are not the only entities in the Warp, but they are the greatest and most powerful. It is said, in the background to Warhammer 40,000, that the nature of the Warp is beyond human comprehension and is truly unknowable.
Welcome to Warhammer 40,000
The 41st Millennium is a savage age where Mankind battles for survival in a galaxy riven by bloodshed and destruction. Humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, assailed on all sides by aliens, traitors and daemons, and only the superhuman strength of the Space Marines and the uncountable numbers of the Imperial Guard keep the slavering alien hordes from bringing total annihilation.
Warhammer 40,000, the tabletop battlegame of the far future, allows you to wage war with armies of Citadel miniatures across miniature battlefields in the ultimate contest of strategy and skill. Each player is a commander who must choose his finest warriors, decide upon cunning battle plans and strategies, and lead his army to victory or death. Games can vary in size from small skirmishes of just a few dozen models per side, to massive clashes with hundreds of miniatures.
So, what exactly is Warhammer 40,000?
Each player collects an army of Citadel miniatures then, using the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook as a guideline, they fight epic battles against their fellow generals. Dice (like you'd find in almost any board game) are used to determine success and failure: to decide whether a bolter shell hits its target, or whether a lascannon blasts through the armour of a tank. Each game is played, not on a regular 'board' but on a special gaming area where models are not confined to 'squares' but are free to move as their controller wishes. Because Warhammer 40,000 is not played on a set game board, tape measures or rulers are used to see how far a miniature can move - an agile Eldar jetbike can travel faster than a foot-slogging Imperial Guardsman after all.
That all might sound a little complicated, but a short game or two is all that is needed to grasp the basics. Seasoned commanders find that the rules become second nature, and they seldom need to refer to the rulebook at all.
The Warhammer 40,000 Hobby
There's more to Warhammer than just playing games. In fact Warhammer 40,000 is an exciting hobby in its own right. Many players enjoy painting their Citadel miniatures to amazing standards, lavishing extra detail and attention on their models to make their army extra special and unique. Likewise, while your chosen battlefield can be as simple as a bare table with few obstacles, many wargamers like to build modular tabletops as detailed and exciting as the ones you can see on the Games Workshop website.
Most hobbyists begin playing Warhammer 40,000 with a friend or two, honing their skills, and developing their army in regular battles, but the fun doesn't have to stop there. There are thousands of wargaming clubs around the world where players challenge each other to games of Warhammer 40,000 every week. Also, every Games Workshop store has its own gaming tables and boards. Most offer gaming nights for you to come and meet new Warhammer 40,000 generals, discuss painting, modelling and gaming tactics - and of course, do battle. For the really adventurous there are regular Warhammer 40,000 gaming events all over the world, run both by Games Workshop and by enthusiastic gaming clubs and societies. From competitive tournaments where hundreds of players battle to determine a champion, to campaign weekends where each battle forms part of an exciting storyline, there are Warhammer gaming events to suit every taste - all you need is an army of your own and the courage to do battle.
Getting Started
All miniatures wargames need a few basic things before you can get started. First and foremost is a collection of miniatures. Second a place to play. Thirdly, and just as importantly, are the rules for the game. Warhammer 40,000 has grown and developed over more than 20 years and the current rules are the best ever.
There are two ways that you can get to grips with the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook. It's available separately as a hardback volume - more than three hundred pages of glorious artwork, background and photography, as well as the rules themselves. This rulebook is the indispensable guide for hobbyists everywhere, it details the rich and colourful galaxy of Warhammer 40,000 and contains all the rules and instructions that you need to get started with your own games.
The second way to get your claws on the Warhammer 40,000 rules is with the Assault on Black Reach boxed game. This awesome game in a box contains two fledgling armies, the superhuman Space Marines and the brutal Orks - as well as scenery, dice, measuring sticks, a getting-started guide and a pocket sized rulebook. This book contains exactly the same rules as the larger, hardback rulebook - but misses out on some of the extra information contained in it (there's only so much you can cram into a box!)
The important thing to remember with both the hardback rulebook and the pocket sized rulebook is that the game is exactly the same - the rules are identical, it's just that the rulebook contains extra background on the Warhammer 40,000 universe and guidance on collecting and painting your armies.
Which rules set is for me?
In the end, the only person who can answer that question is you. People who are completely new to wargaming, and Warhammer 40,000 in particular, often appreciate the getting-started guide contained in the Assault on Black Reach boxed game, as well as the awesome collection of Citadel miniatures it contains! The boxed game contains everything you need to start playing. It's hard to argue with getting the complete package all at once.
Veterans of the wargaming hobby, and players who already have experienced Warhammer 40,000 before, often choose to go for just the hardback rulebook - they understand the basics of wargaming and sometimes already have their own collections of Citadel miniatures, so they don't need introducing in quite the same way.
In the end, the most important factor is: which appeals to you. Most new Warhammer 40,000 players start with the Assault on Black Reach set to get their collection off the ground, and get themselves a copy of the hardback rulebook later - covering both bases.
So, tell me about the rules.
Games of Warhammer 40,000 are traditionally fought for five - seven 'game turns'. In each 'game turn' each player gets a go. They can move, unleash devastating ranged attacks and fight with all of their models. The rulebook explains how to do each of these things, and once you've read over it once, it becomes remarkably simple to do. In no time you'll be blasting your enemy's warriors with battle cannons and bolter shells, and hacking them down with whirring chainswords!
[Chapter 1: Factions
- The Dark Forces -
DaemonsLust, hate, despair, sorrow. All emotion has a reverberation within the warp, the worst, most bitterly felt, and the furtherest extreme becoming strong enough to persist, coalesce, and finally, become. It was from the darkest corners of the galaxy's hearts that Khorne - Lord Upon the Skullthrone, Tzeentch - The Changer of Ways, Nurgle - The Final Decay, and Slaneesh - The Feaster of Pain, sprang forth, and they await the time when the veil against the Warp wears thin, and their warriors, spawn, and offspring can pour through.
- The Betrayer -
Chaos Marines At the very birth of the Imperium of Man, fully half of the Emperor's most trusted Legions turned against him in a bitter civil war. Brother fought brother, and Mankind drove itself to the very brink of extinction. Ten thousand years after their defeat, those same traitors still launch their Black Crusades from within the Eye of Terror, their dead hearts intent upon nothing less than the utter destruction of the Imperium and the death of its weakling Emperor.
- The Hammer -
Grey Knights The Grey Knights are the most mysterious of all the Imperium's many organisations. Utterly incorruptible, they are armed with the best weapons and equipment that Mankind has to offer. Above all, they are humanity's last line of defense against the darkness of Chaos
- The Dying -
Eldar An unimaginably ancient race who once ruled an empire spanning the galaxy. Then came the hideous time of the Fall, when the Eldar were consumed by their own decadence and nearly obliterated to the last, the few survivors scattered across the stars. Though the Eldar are few in number, they continue to be one of the most technologically advanced races in the galaxy. This advantage is combined with the prescient abilities of their Farseers, who scry the future and guide their kin along the most favorable paths of fate.
- The Lost-
Dark Eldar These spawn of unquiet dreams inhabit a realm called Commorragh, a place as darkly twisted as its rulers, from which these merciless pirates launch raids across the length and breadth of the galaxy. The purpose of these raids is not to conquer planets or protect territory but to cause mayhem, steal, pillage, and – most importantly of all – capture new victims to be taken back to Commorragh for endless torture. Having fallen far into the depths of depravity, their every waking moment is dedicated to inflicting pain and suffering on the galaxy.
- The Dutiful -
Imperial GuardIn the midst of genetically engineered super-beings, alien killing machines, warrior mystics, and technology that approaches sorcery in its sophistication, the Imperial Guard are mere mortals. Protected by little more than faith, they contend with the most terrifying threats the darkest corners of the galaxy vomits forth. As such it is easy to identify with these brave souls and to see in them the qualities of true heroes. Also: tanks tank lol
- The Ancient -
Necrons Ancient beyond imagining, the Necrons are awakening from their 60-million-year dormancy to plague the living once more. Thousands of immortal, soulless warriors have risen from dusty stasis-tombs, their cold wills bent on harvesting the teeming species of the galaxy. Their miraculous technology was far in advance of any contemporary equivalent long before the Eldar, reckoned the oldest amongst the xenos races, had even begun their existence, and it is only that so few have awoken that they do not pose a greater threat in the current day.
- The Beast -
Orks The most widespread and warlike race of aliens in the bloodstained galaxy of the 41st millennium. From the depths of the galactic core to the distant ghost-stars beyond the galactic rim, burgeoning Ork empires rise and fall. In terms of sheer numbers and planets, Orks occupy more of the galaxy than any other single race, and if they ever unified, they would crush all opposition the stood before them. However, the Orks' passion for violence is so unquenchable that they spend their entire lives embroiled in war, and will fight each other as readily as any other foe.
- The Loyal -
Space MarinesThey are the most powerful and dreaded of all the human warriors in the galaxy. No longer strictly human, but superhuman, superior in all respects to mere men by a harsh regime of genetic modification, psycho-conditioning and rigorous training. Being few in number compared to the uncounted trillions of humanity, Space Marines are organized into small independent armies called Chapters. Their unswerving loyalty is to the Emperor of Mankind first, their Chapter second, and none other beyond that.
- The Young -
Tau Empire Since their first contact with the Imperium in the 35th millennium, the Tau have risen from a hunter-gatherer society to a star-faring race in less than six thousand years. Absolute obedient to the command of the enigmatic ethereal caste, the Tau believe that now is their time. It is their race and their Empire that will bring unity to the stars, all races equal, and the Tau first among them. There is no foe their technology cannot overcome, no quandary their science cannot resolve, the stars and all that lies between to be joined beneath the aegis of the Greater Good.
- The Hungry -
Tyranids Without a doubt the most alien race encountered by Humanity. They have been likened to galactic locusts, remorselessly hungry and too numerous to stop. Tyranids are a nomadic, space-dwelling race that emerged from the void between galaxies into our own in search of new resources to consume. These hive fleets have discovered sustenance in abundance in the forms of the myriad species of the Milky Way galaxy, stripping planets of all bio-mass before moving on, leaving nothing but a ball of scoured rock in the wake of their titanic swarms. What's worse, no one seems able to halt, let alone reverse, the Tyranid tide as its tendrils bore ever deeper towards the heart of our galaxy.
- The Faithful -
Sisters of Battle The darkness contained within the Imperium itself is a sinister and subtle threat. The heretic, mutant, and rogue psyker threaten humanity with an internal rot far more damaging than any xenos invasion. The Ordo Hereticus exists to seek and burn out this threat. Known as the Witch Hunters, these Inquisitors command the might of the Imperium – especially the Adepta Sororitas – in their hunt for the witch, the mutant, the heretic, the fallen cleric, and none is permitted to escape the cleansing fire of their wrath.
NOW UPDATED!Chapter 2: Where to buyhttp://www.games-workshop.com/ - The main site. Not the cheapest place to get minis, but if you can't find it anywhere else...
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk - Beautiful resin models to add spiff to any army. High detail, even higher cost, the place to go if you love your hobby, but hate your wallet.
http://www.maelstromgames.co.uk - Consistent discounts, extra discounts on 5+ 'army bundles', free international shipping, great selection. (
NB there have been reports that this company isn't very fast and/or having trouble, use caution)
http://www.giftsforgeeks.org.uk/ - A UK based LGS that sells at somewhere around 20% off or so. Mainly for UK based customers. Probably a good idea to call them to order.
http://www.chaosorc.com - Good discounts (particularly on large items), cheap shipping. patchy selection but carries lots of older products and non-GW stuff. Some items aren't clearly labeled differently from older versions, but they're a good alternative on specific items.
http://thewarstore.com/ - Excellent selection, good discounts, good service. 20% off normal prices, and an excellent selection of bits when you're just looking for a single piece in particular.
http://www.apocabitznow.com/ - Carries an excellent selection of bits, including metal and resin pieces, as well as selling GW kits at 20% off. Free shipping for orders over $75.
Dark Sphere - A good one for the UK folks. They offer a straight 15% off most anything GW sells and are pretty lax about "street dates" too (they tend to start shipping stuff as soon as it turns up in their warehouse).
Great Canadian Minis For the discerning Canadian wargame shopper. Offers 30% off standard MSRP. (
NB there have been reports that this company isn't very fast and/or having trouble, use caution)
Chapter 3:Where to talk about ithttp://www.shiftedmatrix.com - Website owned and run by this threads own Sharp101. It has expanded to include other contributors who are regulars in this thread. Blog posting that cover all things related to 40k and wargaming
http://belloflostsouls.org - A great 40k (and sometimes fantasy) rumor site. They also post articles on campaigning, modeling and home made rules.
http://www.chessex.com/ - Online custom dice store, great customer service and speed. (see Gallery of Cool Custom Dice below)
http://www.warseer.com - Currently about the biggest GW-related forum on the net. Unfortunately, it has a horrible signal/noise ratio, but the rumors forums are frequently the first place to hear accurate news of upcoming products.
http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/ - Space Marines, and high fashion (not really)
http://www.the-waaagh.com - Orks orks orks orks! Jobs a gud'un boss.
http://forums.tauonline.org/index.php - All things Tau in one handy place. Sign up for the greater good!
http://www.dakkadakka.com/ - They used to be cool. Kinda fallen on hard times but you do tend to get much more signal and much less noise over there.
http://www.the-warforge.com - Ein's modelling and converting site. Totally slipped this into the OP because I could.
http://www.bartertown.com/ - The place to go when looking for like-minded people with models for trade and sale. (I got a Forgeworld Warhound Titan for half-off from someone who needed to raise cash for a ring.)
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Everyday I wake up is the worst day of my life.
Posts
Sabol Army Transports A little expensive, but I use them exclusively, because of the quite reasonable international shipping price, and mostly for the fact that you can custom cut the foam trays to fit your models. Also available from the War Store.
Figures in Comfort A wide range of precut foam trays, and carrying cases for whatever your needs.
Battle Foam Sturdy solid cases and custom cut foam tray. Pricey, but guaranteed to keep your little dudes safe and secure in transit.
Chapter 5: Painting Services
Blue Table Painting: Based in Utah, USA, these guys do good work for a reasonable price. They have quite a few videos up on youtube if you want to check out their work.
Painted Figs: Based in Sri Lanka. Just about the best $/painting quality ratio out there. They do excellent work at a very reasonable price. Shipping is pretty expensive from the USA, but for anyone closer to that side of the world (like Japan) even with the cost of getting your models there and back, the price can't be beat.
Game Fusion Studio: Based in California. They make and sell a large variety of terrain as well as offering mini painting services. Pricey, but they do some nice looking work.
The Warstore: Branching out into offering painted minis, as well as kits and bits.
Our own Paintvagrant. PM him to discuss commission details and prices. More of his work can be seen in his photobucket account.
Or you could paint it yourself. PA painting wiki has plenty of helpful tips to teach you how to make your mans look like mans.
Chapter 6: Paints, tools, and hobby supplies
Model Painters: Test out paint scheme templates without actually putting pigment to plastic.
Bolter & Chainsword's awesome multi-model painter.
Rare earth magnets: Tiny, strong, a modeler's best friend for making swappable pieces.
In the U.S.:
K&J Magnetics
In the UK:
Power Magnet Store
E-Magnets UK
Appendix
Non GW-Minis
http://ainstycastings.co.uk/index.php Resin scenic terrain and accessories for gamers
http://www.airconnection.on.ca/ Kits of vehicles to convert or raid for bitz.
http://www.amera.co.uk/ Vacuform terrain with fantasy, modern, and future themes. really cheap too.
http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/ Some neat stuff in his store in terms of 40k terrain and modeling.
http://armorcast.com/store/index.php/ Lots of Terrain and some tanks, their models and Steampunk stuff is okay
atlargegamers.tumblr.com/ Augmented wargaming terrain and accessories. Check out the Clockwork Cove and Penny Arcade commission table.
http://www.avatars-of-war.com/ So. Amazingly. Beautiful. If you play Fantasy, you owe it to yourself to take a look at these models for your lords or heroes; they have at least one model for virtually every faction and they are all gorgeous..
http://www.back2base-ix.com/index.php/ They have a decent range of resin bases, although nothing that blew me away, but they are at least alternatives to some of the others out there. They also sell a variety of other craft supplies, including plasticard, movement trays, basing supplies, and even GW/FW product.
http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=the_bannerman Bannerman's eBay store for cloth printed banners and pennants.
http://www.basecrafts.com/index.php?route=common/home Basing kits and weathering powders.
http://bitspudlo.com/products bitz and kits for missing models in the GW line, including Necron Triarch Stalker.
http://blackcatbases.com/ Despite the name they sell more than just bases, although they certainly have a good selection of those; they also do heads, conversion bitz, and especially accessories for figures, like weapons, tools, backpacks, etc.
http://cart.blackorc.com/Blackorc miniatures, a wide variety of scifi, zombie and fantasy miniatures to choose from.
http://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com/index.php Random minis, ton of pirates.
http://blightwheelminiatures.vendder.com/Adeptus Mechanicus style figures and conversion bitz.
http://www.brother-vinni.com/index_eng.htmHistorical, Steampunk, Post-Apocalyptic miniatures, with a section of women warriors using the power of bulletproof nudity...
http://chapterhousestudios.com/webshop/ Custom Sculpts and Bits for 40K and Fantasy.
http://www.comfychairgames.com/catalog.php Mostly a Horror-based Necromunda, but the W.i.l.d.fire robot spider is kewl
http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=FW From Gang Warfare to Terrain and historicals. You have to click each link to see the miniantures, though.
http://www.corseceng.com/online-store/ Acrylic flying stands and gaming templates for Battlefleet Gothic-style games.
http://custom-minis.blogspot.com/Bits and shoulderpads off of a 3D printer. Looks like he's testing printing up unique models as well.
http://www.darkswordminiatures.com/ Miniatures from George R. R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice, There's plenty of interesting stuff in here, although most of it doesn't quite fit the Warhammer "Heroic Scale" aesthetic.
http://dragonforge.com More useful for the micro chain and ready to use power cables than anything else, lots of custom base sets though.
http://www.ebobminiatures.com/products/tools.htm Tools, armatures, sculpting media
http://www.ema-models.co.uk/Architectural and Hobby model parts and supplies, including DC motors and gearboxes
http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/index.html Not a huge line of stuff and only tiny, tiny pictures available, but their range of metals seems to have some interesting options.
http://www.empressminiatures.com Some historical and modern figures, very realistic.
http://www.eurekamin.com.au/ They make all kinds of miniatures, including Nazi's riding dinosaurs.
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/ Do you need plasticard in odd shapes or sizes, or want something patterned, or otherwise odd? This may be the place for you.
http://www.evilmushroomgames.com/new_page_2.htm Not a huge selection, but some pretty okay bases and a number of interesting terrain pieces.
http://www.ex-illis.com/ Angels and Demons take sides in historical medieval Europe.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/index.aspFantasy Flight Games, where you can find Anima Tactics, AT-43, Confrontation, and Wings of War miniatures in their store.
http://www.ff-fields.com/ Many custom Blood Bowl pitches in heavy cardstock or rollable fabric.
http://www.figurines-studio38.com/default.html Tyranid Spore Pod and their own ranges of figures.
http://www.forgecraftgames.com/catalog/index.php Perhaps a little smaller than some of the other base manufacturers, but they have a good selection and all of the casts are excellent, both for wargaming and for tabletop minis.
http://www.gamezoneminiatures.de/ A wide range of our 1/5 inch (28 mm) fantasy miniatures.
http://gdesignsinc.com/ Laser cut plastic templates and gaming aids, plus terrain.
http://www.geniusfactorygames.com/ Plastic templates for helping out Necron forces, in green and blue.
http://www.greenstuffindustries.blogspot.com/ A mould for making ridged tubing/tentacles, very Cthulhu-esque.
http://www.grindhousegames.com/ On the one side, we have a weird-WW2 thing with gas-masked allies fighting German monstrosities. On the other side of the site, we have weird robots.
http://www.groundzerogames.net/ I have some of their models, but their online store is hampered by an extreme lack of photos
http://www.hfminis.co.uk/index.php Great detailed Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Modern miniatures.
http://www.heavy-support.com/ Heavy Support - Not much here, just an alternate Leman Russ/Chimera
http://www.helldorado.fr/figurines/index.php A French game, but available through some US (and potentially other?) retailers. They have an absolutely gonzo line of models, with everything from Chinese hell-demons to abominations of the pit to Arabic summoners to Victorian mercenaries. No idea how they're scaled, but some very pretty stuff.
http://www.heresyminiatures.com/ For when you need a unique looking miniature for your Inquisitor Reitnu.. Hey, is that David Tennant?
http://hitechminiatures.com/# Some could-be Grey Knights and Dreadknight here.
http://www.hlj.com/index.html A lot of mecha and tank parts that are of use to a creative IG or Ork player, so maybe search around a bit.
http://www.hotzmats.com/Painted felt mats for gaming surfaces, with hex grid option.
http://www.hydraminiatures.com/index.shtml Buck Rogers-y looking scifi and a line of prehistoric monsters.
http://impactminiatures.com/ Many Blood Bowl-like miniatures and a stand alone game, plus a a rock band of Orcs.
http://www.infinitythegame.com/infinity_ENG/ A standalone futuristic game akin to Necromunda, the models are pretty nice looking but not much cheaper than their 40K equivalents, which has kept me out of the game so far.
http://www.irondogstudios.com/store.html Some Orky bits and resin bases from the guy who built the Tater Titan
http://www.ironhalo.net/store/catalog/ Another resin base retailer, they do some interesting lines and actually have a quite large selection of stuff. They have a lot of more unusual base sizes including those for Fantasy, War Machine, cavalry, etc.
http://www.kabukimodels.com/ Resin and metal alternate Marine character models and bits, some larger scale models too.
http://www.kerrandking.co.uk/ A nice-looking site in a lot of ways, but awkward to browse through. Still, it's not completely awful and the bases all look rather nice, including a few more unusual types.
http://kingdomdeath.com/Pin-up adventure babes and some disturbing horror pieces.
http://demoslasercutdesigns.blogspot.com/ Laser Cut buildings and terrain
http://www.lead-adventure.com/Some Steampunk and Post-Apocalyptic figures plus heads with tophats.
http://www.lostclan.net/Lostclan/Home.html Home of the infamous Female Cadians, and also a bionics upgrade sprue.
http://www.manticgames.com/ An excellent manufacturer who is not only creeping in on GW's territory but also putting out a game of their own, heavily modeled on WFB. Their undead, elf, and dwarf kits are all very strong and have a decent variety of pieces, poses, etc, not to mention worlds cheaper than GW's kits.
http://shop.masq-mini.de/ Masquerade Miniatures, notable for horror gaming figures and a 'Giant Riding Wolfpack' not-Thunderwolf Cavalry.
http://www.maxmini.eu/store/ A nice little company with a quickly expanding line of conversion bitz as well as a few useful figures; their Thunderwolf is not completely awful, but there's probably better options. They do have a nice IG-scaled bike, though. Their conversion parts are the real treasure, though- they have an extensive line of awesome Ork parts (heads, bodies, bionics, etc) as well as a variety of other weapons, shields, and various upgrade parts.
http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/index.php Mostly known for their "mechanicus" guard and some cool heads.
http://micropanzer.com/lots of walker-tanks and sentinel/Tau suit variants in the vehicles, but keep in mind most of the infantry are 15mm, but some are 32mm, suitable fore 40K, etc.
http://www.miniaturescenery.com/ They make hardboard "punch out" scenery. Nax got me onto them recently.
http://www.mrdandy.com/wargamma/ Thunderwolves, bases, etc.
http://mythicast.com/More Thunderwolves and even Cyberwolves for your Iron Priest
http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/ Manufacturer of near-future/sci-fi models, with a strong emphasis on vehicles, spacecraft, and field works (turrets, walls, scenery, etc).
http://www.otherworld.me.uk/ More Dire Wolves of rideable size, but think D&D art inspired.
http://www.paulsongames.com/resin.html Another small manufacturer, but does a nice little line of conversion bits.
http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html A nice historical wargaming company that produces large boxes of figures for fairly cheap; they're mostly useful to Guard players as stand-ins, but be aware of the usual differences in scale between 28mm and heroic.
http://www.pig-iron-productions.com/ Ah, Pig Iron, beloved of Guard players everywhere. Not only do they have their own line of figures, the heads (and much of the other gear) are perfectly fitted for IG models.
http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/USDealers.html A very nice plasticard company that apparently supplies a rather large percentage of the US, as well as one of the companies I've dealt with personally. They have a PDF catalog with approximately one million different types of plastic in it; if you're willing to dig, chances are you can find what you want. Of note is their fluorescent acrylic rods, which are perfect for Necrons should you, for some reason, decide to hate yourself.
http://privateerpress.com/ Obviously also their own game, but several of the Cryx (Warmachine) miniatures could make good stand-ins for Dark Eldar units and Legion of Everblight (Hordes) provides some interesting possibilities for Tyranid players.
url]http://proxiemodels.com/basesonly.aspx[/url] Custom bases for your models.
http://pulp-city.com/index.html Pulp superheroes miniatures. Either you'll be super-excited that these exist and you can buy them or you won't care because they aren't what you need.
http://www.pulpfigures.com/ Just what it says. Nefarious Chinamen! Doofish henchmen! Dashing adventurers! Probably not appropriate for 40K or Fantasy! But still cool!
http://puppetswar.com/Bases, weapons, miniatures and conversion sets for 40K, incling Twin-linked Autocannon arms and viariant Dreadntought arms.
http://www.quantumgothic.co.uk/ A lot of neat scifi terrain.
http://www.rackham-e.com/en Makers of several miniatures games including AT-43, a prepainted future game with military gorillas. Let me repeat that: armed gorillas in space are a real thing in this game. If that isn't enough reason for you to be curious, I hate you. Some of their mecha have been converted with reasonable success into Killa Kanz by a number of folks.
http://www.ragingheroes.com/28mm and 54mm versions of Dark Eldar-ish and Female Commissar character models, nicely detailed with options.
http://www.ramshacklegames.co.uk/nuclear/index.html Fulfilling that Post-Nuclear/Necromunda/Orky Bitz. Look at their 'Tridlins' for vehicle bitz
http://www.reapermini.com/ If you have ever wanted a figure for your D&D character or fancy monster the PCs are facing, this is the site for you. They have an absolutely enormous range of tagged, searchable models of all manner of heroes and horrors. Their modern and sci-fi lines are much more limited, but there are still possibilities in here. (The Darkspawn in particular could easily be some kind of alien or Tyranid beasties.)
http://www.resinfx.com/ Very detailed resin bases of various kinds, many of them fairly unique. Lots of "scenery" bases that aren't just some bumps on a standard 25mm/40mm circle, so if you're looking for something damn fancy, this may be the place. A little more pricey than most as a consequence, though.
Robogear Model kits - Want some cheap plastic toys to chop up for your conversions? Here's the place.
http://www.iconusa4.com/online/Robog...dels_index.htm
http://www.sciborminiatures.com/ Can't say for sure, but the pics of the sculpts look amazing. Various minis and parts, very obviously 40K/Fantasy-themed ("celtic space warrior," hrmmmm?) including lots of alternate heads, shields, and breastplates. Also squats.
http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/ Mostly just bases, but a few conversion bitz mixed in (backpacks, helmets, Extra Armor). None of them are ground-breaking surprises, but if you have a specific look in mind for your army you'll probably appreciate another option.
http://www.shadowforge.com.au/ Have I done any Australian companies yet? Here's one with anime-styled figures.
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/customminis 3D printed miniature bitz and accessories
http://www.smog1888.com/ You know how some games have crazy character models? Smog has a flying doctor with robo-arms and a smoke-belching stove-top hat, oh yeah. I know absolutely nothing of the game, but the models are perhaps the best thing in the whole world.
http://southpawart.bigcartel.com/ Acrylic templates and game aids, plus a source for small, medium and large acrylic gears.
http://starshipmodeler.biz/shop/index.cfm/category/93/lighting.cfm LED lighting kits for vehicle conversions.
http://www.studiomcvey.com/ A small selection of extremely well-sculpted minis, although they're generally just a bit too large to use in 40K. Pretty, though.
http://www.studiominiatures.com/Zombies, WWII Zombies, 90mm zombies, and survivors of the zombie apocalyse.
http://www.taban-miniatures.com/ Another of the shops I haven't really browsed in extensive depth, they produce a stand-alone game with a vague gladiatorial combat theme.
http://www.tabletop-art.de/More bits, bases and variant figures for Marine Character models.
http://www.tabletop-world.com/index.php Fantasy buildings and accessories
http://www.tengumodels.co.uk/index.htm Grey Aliens, Zombies, and Cthuluhu, oh my...
https://www.thunderboltmountain.com Mostly fantasy, but I bought some wolves from them.
http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index.php Pre-made RIVETS! Click the 'NBW & Rivets' link.
http://www.tobsen77.de/index.php?lan=en Vehicles that would look good in an Ork army, or a wooden Steam Tank
http://www.toysoldiersdepot.com/ Cheap plastic off-scale models which could be used for 40K, or as terrain/wrecks/etc.
http://trollforged.com/index.html Another company I can personally vouch for being pretty excellent. Resin casts of several useful styles of models- Daemons, beasts, definitely-not-Tyranids, and best of all, Guardsmen with greatcoats!
http://www.ultraforgeminiatures.com/ If you aren't going to Avatars of War for your Fantasy needs, you damn well better be going here. Ultraforge specializes in huge, detailed models of monsters like dragons, greater daemons, and the like, and their work is second to none. They also enjoy cult popularity as the makers of an excellent set of wings that can be added to models that are in need of flight, not the least of the Hive Tyrants and Harpies.
http://www.urbanmammoth.co.uk/ I have some of their older models for my Necromunda gangs
http://www.victorialamb.com/store.html IG Conversion bitz from the sculptor who did those 'Spanish Inquisition' Monty Python models.
http://www.victoryforce.com/ They have a 'Gamer Rules Lawyer' figure, and WWII re-enactors
http://www.voodooworx.co.uk/index.htm Custom resin bases
http://shop.warlordgames.co.uk/ Not sure if these are the same guys as Wargames Factory, but if you want to 40K-ify some historical plastics.
http://www.warmill.co.uk/storepage814911.aspx Custom clear bases, MDF terrain kits and bitz.
http://www.wargamesfactory.com/webstore Makers of a variety of plastic kits, all of them competitively-priced compared to the alternatives. Foremost on the list would probably be their zombie and shock trooper kits, but they also have a variety of historical minis that could be integrated into a thematic force of some kind.
http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/asp/nocookie.asp Lots of miniatures, but not to scale with 40K. Diverse selection, though.
http://www.warploqueminiatures.co.uk/Fantasy miniatures
http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/ These guys have alternate-future WWII scifi stuff. Some cool mech thingies and neat troops.
http://www.wholesale-miracle-beads.com/25mm-round-flat-back-clear-crystal-glass-cabochon-top-quality Clear glass bases for your miniatures.
http://willy-miniatures.blogspot.com/ Fantasy Football alternate models. Some of the Undead team would look great in a Zombie Apocalypse type game.
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/home.php Makers of Malifaux, a very cool-looking game that I unfortunately can't really afford to get into right now. But, like Hell Dorado, they have an awesome line of minis with a style all their own, slightly steampunk with a fantastic twist and some of the dark sensibilities that infuse GW's games.
http://www.zealotminiatures.co.uk Resin miniatures and bitz, female tau heads, Space Marine scaled Guitars and bionics, etc.
http://www.zombiesmith.com/ Zombies, survivors, and a tutorial video on "how I cast miniatures".
http://www.zuzzy.com/ Scenery pieces and tabletops almost exclusively- and pretty nice ones, at that. If green felt isn't your thing, give this a look and see if you can't go for something more exotic; I'm told they are rather durable and quite worth the price.
The Penny Arcade 40k Map
Either add yourself or notify TraceofToxin that you want to be added. Be warned, ToT is not responsible for anything written on this page, by himself or others.
Penny Arcade Deathwatch Collaboration Project
A group effort to create a unique counts-as Deathwatch army.
Looking at it, I just realized that big open space, the raised areas around it... that would be an amazing base to modify into a titan hanger, with a titan standing in the middle...
Forge World needs to spill on that new Tau Riptide based suit. I need that. It will be my first Forge World purchase.
D3: HexDex#1281, PSN: DireOtter, Live: DireOtter
Please say no
I host a podcast about movies.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
Not even close. They're limited availability at GDUK to go on general release shortly afterwards. Like, just in time for Christmas. This is a coincidence, honest. :rotate:
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I host a podcast about movies.
Nintendo Network ID: AzraelRose
DropBox invite link - get 500MB extra free.
Forgeworld has been on a tear lately releasing new Horus Heresy stuff. Not that I'm surprised; I'm sure it's making stupid amounts of money.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
Forgeworld, please do all the things, always.
I Spent 90% of my Money on Women and Warhammer. The Rest I Wasted.
The rest of the place was pretty near. Not very big, but cool to spend an hour or two. I was a little miffed they didn't have any specialist games or much forge world in the mini hall. The stuff they did have was divine, though.
I'm hoping for a Dark Eldar style revamp.
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So I'm thinking about cannibalizing bitz for 40k.
1 box of Deamonettes + 1 box of Witches = 20 pretty cool looking Deamonettes maybe?
Medusa = Greater Deamon of Slaanesh? Or a Deamon Prince?
Then, hey, free plastic Avatar :P
http://www.3t-studios.com/Scratchbuilt terrain and tables
http://www.advancedterrain.com/ Pressure cast rubber terrain, with prepainted options
http://ainstycastings.co.uk/index.php Resin scenic terrain and accessories for gamers
http://www.airconnection.on.ca/ Kits of vehicles to convert or raid for bitz
http://www.aliendungeon.com/Joomla/ Native American Centaurs, Fae satyrs & treefolk, Flying Monkeys, Otherworld miniatures and plastic terrain
http://www.amera.co.uk/ Vacuform terrain with fantasy, modern, and future themes
http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/ Some neat stuff in his store in terms of 40k terrain and modeling
http://www.anvilindustry.co.uk/index.php?route=common/home Lots of bitz and alternate modelling themes for your conversions
http://www.architectsofwar.com/ Medieval, Civil War, Modern, Scifi & Fantasy figures and terrain
http://armorcast.com/store/index.php/ Lots of Terrain, tanks and Steampunk stuff
http://www.avatars-of-war.com/ Variant heroic centerpiece models for Fantasy or 40K
http://www.back2base-ix.com/index.php/ Resin bases, craft supplies, plasticard, movement trays, basing supplies, and GW/FW product
http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=the_bannerman Bannerman's eBay store for cloth printed banners and pennants
http://www.basecrafts.com/index.php?route=common/home Basing kits and weathering powders
http://stores.ebay.com/Battlefield-Architect?_rdc=1 Battlefield Architect terrain for many gaming systems
http://bitspudlo.com/products Bitz and alternate models in the GW line
http://blackcatbases.com/ Bases, heads, conversion bitz, and accessories for figures, like weapons, tools, backpacks, etc
http://cart.blackorc.com/Blackorc miniatures, a wide variety of scifi, zombie and fantasy miniatures
http://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com/index.php Random minis, ton of pirates
http://www.blacktreedesign.com/northamerica/home.php Historical, Fantasy --->Doctor Who<--- and SciFi (40K) Models
http://blightwheelminiatures.vendder.com/Adeptus Mechanicus style figures and conversion bitz.
http://www.brother-vinni.com/index_eng.htmHistorical, Steampunk, Post-Apocalyptic miniatures, women warriors with bulletproof nudity...
http://chapterhousestudios.com/webshop/ Custom Sculpts and Bits for 40K and Fantasy
http://www.comfychairgames.com/catalog.php Mostly a Horror-based Necromunda, but the W.i.l.d.fire robot would work in Infinity
http://www.combatstorm.com/download.html Paper terrain for green army men, with free downloads
http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=FW From Gang Warfare to Terrain and historicals. You have to click each link to see the miniatures
http://www.corseceng.com/online-store/ Acrylic flying stands and gaming templates for Battlefleet Gothic-style games
http://custom-minis.blogspot.com/Bits and shoulderpads off of a 3D printer and unique models
http://www.darkartstore.darkartminiatures.com/ Resin Bases, cyber-gladiators and a Not-tyranid Aegis Defense Line
http://www.darkswordminiatures.com/ Miniatures from George R. R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice
http://dragonforge.com Micro chain, ready to use power cables, lots of custom Base sets
http://www.dreamforge-games.com/ Plastic Titans and stormtroopers
http://shop.eastridingminiatures.co.uk/index.asp Models in 15mm 25mm and other scales, post apocalyptic, fantasy and WWII miniatures
http://www.ebobminiatures.com/products/tools.htm Tools, armatures, sculpting media
http://www.ema-models.co.uk/Architectural and Hobby model parts and supplies, including DC motors and gearboxes
http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/index.html Their range of metals seems to have some interesting options
http://www.empressminiatures.com Some historical and modern figures, very realistic
http://www.eurekamin.com.au/ They make all kinds of miniatures, including Nazi's riding dinosaurs
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/ Do you need Plasticard in odd shapes or sizes, or want something patterned, or otherwise odd? This may be the place for you.
http://www.evilmushroomgames.com/new_page_2.htm Bases and a number of interesting terrain pieces
http://www.ex-illis.com/ Angels and Demons take sides in historical medieval Europe
http://www.exoduswars.com/ Also known as Steel Crown Productions, they have 6mm Epic scale models, and 28mm scale Human Sci-Fi, plus big (Dreadnought) robots/Titans
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/index.aspFantasy Flight Games: Anima Tactics, AT-43, Confrontation, and Wings of War miniatures in their store
http://www.ff-fields.com/ Many custom Blood Bowl pitches in heavy cardstock or rollable fabric
http://www.figurines-studio38.com/default.html Tyranid Spore Pod and their own ranges of figures.
http://www.forgecraftgames.com/catalog/index.php Bases
http://myworld.ebay.com/foundrygaming/ A game store that is selling terrain they make
http://www.fullborerminiatures.com/store/ A 40K Artellerist for your IG command, female Sci-Fi models, plus Bases
http://www.gamezoneminiatures.de/ 28 mm fantasy miniatures
http://gdesignsinc.com/ Laser cut plastic templates, gaming aids, and terrain
http://www.geniusfactorygames.com/ Plastic templates for Necrons in green and blue
http://www.gf9.com/ Gale Force 9, from plastic templates for multiple games, to conversion plastic. to Battlefield in a Box, what's not to love?
http://www.greenstuffindustries.blogspot.com/ A mould for making ridged tubing/tentacles, very Cthulhu-esque
http://www.grindhousegames.com/ Weird-WW2 gas-masked allies fighting German monstrosities and retro robots
http://www.groundzerogames.net/ A large range, but their online store is hampered by an extreme lack of photos
http://www.hfminis.co.uk/index.php Great detailed Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Modern miniatures
http://www.heavy-support.com/ An alternate Leman Russ/Chimera
http://www.helldorado.fr/figurines/index.php A French fantasy game with an absolutely gonzo line of models
http://www.heresyminiatures.com/ For when you need a unique looking miniature for your Inquisitor Reitnu.. Hey, is that David Tennant?
http://www.hirstarts.com/ Molds for fantasy architecture, castles, ruins, etc
http://hitechminiatures.com/# Alternate Grey Knights and Dreadknight
http://www.hlj.com/index.html A lot of mecha and tank parts that are of use to a creative IG or Ork player
http://www.hotzmats.com/Painted felt mats for gaming surfaces, with hex grid option
http://hydracast.blogspot.com/ Russian sculpted Tyranid alternates
http://www.hydraminiatures.com/index.shtml Buck Rogers-y looking scifi and a line of prehistoric monsters
http://impactminiatures.com/ Many Blood Bowl-like miniatures and a rock band of Orcs
http://www.infinitythegame.com/infinity_ENG/ Infinity models.
http://www.ironcladminiatures.co.uk/ Victorian Steam Tanks, scenery, and models in 10 mm to 28mm scale
http://www.irondogstudios.com/store.html Some Orky bits and resin bases from the guy who built the Tater Titan
http://www.ironhalo.net/store/catalog/ Resin Bases and a large selection of stuff
http://www.jrminiatures.net/ Buildings and terrain in many different scales
http://www.kabukimodels.com/ Resin and metal alternate Marine character models and bits, some larger scale models too
http://keeblerstudios.com/ Candemonium terrain incorporating your empty soda cans, silicone molds for resin casting terrain and GEARS!!!
http://www.zinnfiguren-martin-hille.de/index.php Kellerkind Minatures: A German site with historical, steampunk IG, and larger scale figures
http://www.kerrandking.co.uk/ Resin Bases
http://kingdomdeath.com/Pin-up adventure babes and some disturbing horror pieces
http://www.knightmodels.com/ 70mm scale Marvel, DC, and Zombie sculpts.
http://demoslasercutdesigns.blogspot.com/ Laser Cut buildings and terrain
http://www.lasercutcard.co.za/index.php?route=common/home Terrain from thick card rather than MDF, Necron & Chaos Aegis lines, and shipping containers
http://www.lead-adventure.com/Some Steampunk and Post-Apocalyptic figures plus heads with tophats
http://www.lostclan.net/Lostclan/Home.html Home of the infamous Female Cadians, and also a bionics upgrade sprue
http://www.manticgames.com/ Alternate fantasy and 40 plastic models
http://shop.masq-mini.de/ Masquerade Miniatures, 'Giant Riding Wolfpack' not-Thunderwolf Cavalry
http://www.maxmini.eu/store/ Bases, conversion parts for Orks (heads, bodies, bionics, etc) as well as a variety of other weapons, shields, and various upgrade parts
http://www.meowmeowminis.com/ Female Heads, Torsos, and models for Space Marine and IG armies
http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/index.php Bases, conversion bitz "mechanicus" guard and some cool heads and heroic models
http://micropanzer.com/ Walker-tanks and sentinel/Tau suit variants, the infantry are 15mm, but some are 32mm, suitable fore 40K
http://www.miniaturescenery.com/ They make hardboard "punch out" scenery
http://www.mrdandy.com/wargamma/ Thunderwolves, Bases, etc
http://mythicast.com/More Thunderwolves and even Cyberwolves for your Iron Priest
http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/ Manufacturer of near-future/sci-fi models, with a strong emphasis on vehicles, spacecraft, and field works (turrets, walls, scenery, etc)
http://www.otherworld.me.uk/ More Dire Wolves of rideable size, but think D&D art inspired
http://www.paulsongames.com/resin.html Another small manufacturer, but does a nice little line of conversion bits
http://www.pegasushobbies.com/gm_main.htm A wide selection of terrain and prepainted miniatures
http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html Historical wargaming plastic figures but be aware of the usual differences in scale between 28mm and heroic
http://www.pig-iron-productions.com/ Bitz, models, heads (and much of the other gear) are perfectly fitted for IG models
http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/USDealers.html Plasticard company whose extensive PDF catalog if you're willing to dig, chances are you can find anything
http://privateerpress.com/ Warmachine & Hordes miniatures and bits
http://proxiemodels.com/basesonly.aspx Custom Bases
http://pulp-city.com/index.html Pulp superheroes miniatures
http://www.pulpfigures.com/ 1920's & 30's models
http://puppetswar.com/Bases, weapons, miniatures and conversion sets for 40K & fantasy
http://www.quantumgothic.co.uk/ A lot of neat scifi terrain
http://www.rackham-e.com/en Makers of AT-43
http://www.ragingheroes.com/28mm and 54mm versions of Dark Eldar-ish and Female Commissar character models, nicely detailed with options
http://www.ramshacklegames.co.uk/nuclear/index.html Fulfilling that Post-Nuclear/Necromunda/Orky Bitz. Look at their 'Tridlins' for vehicle bitz
http://www.reapermini.com/ D&D characters, monsters and their Bones line is very cheap
http://www.resinfx.com/ Resin Bases of various kinds, many of them fairly unique
http://www.iconusa4.com/online/Robog...dels_index.htm Robogear toys to chop up for conversions
http://www.sarissa-precision.co.uk/ Laser cut terrain for Sci-Fi, Old West, Modern, and WWII games
http://www.sciborminiatures.com/ Bitz, Bases 40K/Fantasy alternate heads, shields, and breastplates. Also squats
http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/ Bases, bitz and weapon muzzle flashes
http://www.shadowforge.com.au/ Australian anime-styled figures
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/customminis 3D printed miniature bitz and accessories
http://www.shapeways.com/model/323875/mk3-dual-gyrojet-1-x5.html Another Shapeways bitz maker with 40K in mind
http://www.smog1888.com/ Steampunk character models
http://shop.spartangames.co.uk/default.asp From the makers of Dystopian Wars, now in 28mm scale, Dystopian Legions!
http://www.spellcrow.com/index.php Bitz and miniatures for 40K and Fantasy. IG Ork Templar Fantasy Zombie Bitz Heads
http://southpawart.bigcartel.com/ Acrylic templates and game aids, plus a source for small, medium and large acrylic Gears!!!
http://starshipmodeler.biz/shop/index.cfm/category/93/lighting.cfm LED lighting kits for vehicle conversions
http://statuesqueminiatures.shop033.com/ Female IG
http://www.studiomcvey.com/ A small selection of extremely well-sculpted minis
http://www.studiominiatures.com/ Zombies, WWII Zombies, 90mm zombies, and survivors of the zombie apocalyse
http://www.taban-miniatures.com/ Gladiatorial combat themed figures
http://www.tabletop-art.de/ More bits, bases and variant figures for Marine Character models
http://www.tabletop-world.com/index.php Fantasy buildings and accessories
http://www.tectoniccraftstudios.com/index.php Laser cut fantasy and sci-fi terrain, tokens, transport board, etc
http://www.tengumodels.co.uk/index.htm Grey Aliens, Zombies, and Cthuluhu, oh my...
http://terranscapes.com/index.php A small company making very realistic gaming terrain
http://www.theterrainguy.com/ Just what you'd expect from the website name, it's terrain
https://www.thunderboltmountain.com Mostly fantasy variant models
http://www.threestagestudios.blogspot.com/ True scale pre-Heresy Terminators and Ad Mech styled miniatures
http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index.php Pre-made RIVETS!!! Click the 'NBW & Rivets' link.
http://www.tobsen77.de/index.php?lan=en Vehicles that would look good in an Ork army, or a wooden Steam Tank
http://www.toysoldiersdepot.com/ Cheap plastic off-scale models which could be used for 40K, or as terrain/wrecks/etc
http://trollforged.com/index.html Resin variant models ofDaemons, beasts, definitely-not-Tyranids, and best of all, Guardsmen with greatcoats!
http://www.ultraforgeminiatures.com/ Ultraforge specializes in huge, detailed models of monsters like dragons, greater daemons, and the like
http://www.urbanmammoth.co.uk/ Necromundaand 40 variant models
http://www.victorialamb.com/store.html IG Conversion bitz from the sculptor who did those 'Spanish Inquisition' Monty Python models
http://www.victoryforce.com/ A large line with 'Gamer Rules Lawyer' figure, and WWII re-enactors
http://www.voodooworx.co.uk/index.htm Custom resin bases
http://www.war-zone.com/ Gaming terrain and portable folding boards
http://shop.warlordgames.co.uk/ Historical plastics
http://www.warmill.co.uk/ Custom clear bases, MDF terrain kits and bitz
http://www.wargamesfactory.com/webstore Plastic zombie and shock trooper kits & Historical minis
http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/asp/nocookie.asp Lots of miniatures, but not to scale with 40K
http://www.warploqueminiatures.co.uk/Fantasy miniatures
http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/ Alternate-future WWII scifi stuff. Some cool mech thingies and neat troops
http://www.wholesale-miracle-beads.com/25mm-round-flat-back-clear-crystal-glass-cabochon-top-quality Clear glass bases for your miniatures
http://willy-miniatures.blogspot.com/ Fantasy Football alternate models. Some of the Undead team would look great in a Zombie Apocalypse type game
http://blog.winterdyne.co.uk/ Commission modelling and painting, with a Spartan bitz set for Blood Angels
http://www.wreck-age.net/ Post-apocalyptic miniatures
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/home.php Makers of Malifaux
http://www.zealotminiatures.co.uk Resin miniatures and bitz, female tau heads, Space Marine scaled Guitars and bionics, etc
http://zinge.co.uk/ Flexible ammo belts and power cables, bitz, and tread/tire/track systems
http://www.zinnfiguren-martin-hille.de/index.php A German site with historical, steampunk IG, and larger scale figures
http://www.zombiesmith.com/ Zombies, survivors, and a tutorial video on "how I cast miniatures"
http://www.zuzzy.com/ Scenery pieces and tabletops almost exclusively
GW sent us a giant shipment of toys, and with all the coming and going of old employees and new, there's a new round of interest in 40k at work. All these fresh faces, proud of their newbie paint jobs and armies, eager to get excited.
I brought my Space Wolves and destroyed them in every facet of the game.
Are there any brands or online stores in particular that anyone would suggest?
Tamiya are high quality paints but are alcohol-based rather than after like the others so they require different thinners and mediums etc. or they can clump up and generally behave weird (when wet; once dry they're fine).
Avoid enamel paints (Humbrol and friends) like the plague.
Brushes; most any natural sable round point brush will work as well as the next though some are more equal than others mostly by virtue of the care taken in selecting and assembling the hairs. Anything you find in an arte shoppe sold for water colouring ought to be fine as long as you remember "natural sable". Outside of that there are no real horror stories associated with any of the brushes sold under the brands mentioned above, though I'm beginning to feel Citadel's "Standard Brush" is going through a rough patch right now.
Sprays… aerosols are always a pain to work with, being toxic, smelly and outrageously sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly humidity. If you are undercoating stuff, you would be better served getting a decent brush-on primer (Vallejo Surface Primer is the king and reigning champion) and a large brush. If you're actually colouring stuff, consider an airbrush; you can get 'em cheap on eBay or Amazon and with a compressor will work out cheaper in the long run. You can also even use one to undercoat with if you use a decent primer (Vallejo Surface Primer is still the king and reigning champion).
Aerosol-wise though, Citadel's own are not really primers. Various people will recommend various brands but the ones that seem to stand out are Krylon and Army Painter.
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At least, with the way I paint, I imagine I would get a better, more even coat.
I think I've found my stormtroopers. Umpteen Atillan Rough Riders. A Griffin! I was really sore about that Griffin.
My Nordian Berserker conversions that I absolutely have to paint now. Some undead stuff I was using for Mordheim.
I also found a box of the Armageddon Steel Legion troopers, with extra stuff in it. It has the sgt, missile launcher, grenade launcher and troopers that were in the box, but there is also a heavy bolter, at least one lascannon, and some Valhallans.
I also have an unopened metal chicken walker sentinel. Ha! At least I know why it's unopened. Once the plastic sentinels came out, I didn't want to look at the old one again.
I'm gonna do an inventory tonight. This is gonna be neat!
EDIT: Okay, most of this stuff is parts. But I have parts for 6 rough riders, A couple of Cadian voxcaster troopers, and I only have three stormtroopers. Two flamers and one grenade launcher. So the majority of those are still gone.
EDIT2: And somehow I have 5 Eldar BFG ships. I have no idea where those came from.
Thanks a ton for the info dump dude.
I have one other question, though: are there any good sites out there to order decent sized amounts of paints from, that ship internationally and aren't outrageously overpriced like GW are? In the past I used to just buy paints a few at a time from an actual store here but they've pushed the prices up so much that I've been trying to look elsewhere, but haven't had any luck so far.
Which city are you in? There are a bunch of Aussie online stores, like Defiant and Combat company that sell pretty much everything you need hobby wise that's not GW.
All of Mr Rose's info is great. I personalyl prefer Windsor and Newton Brushes for fine detail work, but find that a GW standard works ok for most basecoating. My personal preference at the moment is Vallejo for paints with a bit of P3 mixed in for some colours liek Coal black or Arcane blue which are just amazing. In terms of Undercoating, I generally either use Vallejo Surface Primer through an Airbrush, or White Knight Squirts in either Matt Black or Matt White. It's not AS good as GW or Army Painter spray, but it's like $7 a can and you can get it from pretty much any Bunnings or Mitre 10.
...the title of this thread is so, so true.
Why is my big pay raise a year away, taunting me?
I'm thinking Game colour since it's specifically for, well, painting minis but I figured I'd ask just in case there were some model colours worth getting or something.
Looks like those two sites sell minis for a decent bit cheaper than GW too, which should be neat. Though I'm going to wait til the new 'nids stuff comes out later this year anyway.
Game color is made for handling and model color is meant for displaying.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
I haven't touched it in forever, but people are free to add themselves. Most people on it still post, so it's worth a shot.
Edit:
More:
Nintendo Network ID: AzraelRose
DropBox invite link - get 500MB extra free.
Glasgow ham here, fairly active scene over here in the west out of both the store and on a couple of facebook meetup groups. Bit closer to you there's Common Ground Games up in Stirling, and there's a GW store in Edinburgh itself, although if I remember rightly it's pretty small so not much good for pickup games
How many allied detachments can you take per primary detachment? I am guessing it is 1:1 but am not 100% sure. Could you take 1 primary and 2 allied in a single list? (i.e. 1000 pts of army A, 500 of army B and 500 of army C)