The Wargames Figure Company - Beginners Page 2.

Welcome to the Wargames
Beginners Page - Page 2

Do I just go and start buying these items now?

You can if you want but I’d hold off a little longer. I appreciate that you may be enthusiastic about getting started, it is good fun after all, but you probably need some more information. By far the largest cost of time and money is your army (or armies - most wargamers have two or more armies).

In order to avoid any unnecessary expense, why not find out if wargaming is for you before you start buying anything. You can do this in a few ways, including…

1. Wargaming Magazines.: There are a few magazines available from newsagents and hobby shops which cover wargaming. A couple of the most popular are ‘Wargames Illustrated’ and ‘Miniature Wargames’. By reading or flicking through these magazines you will get an idea about what wargaming is about and whether it’s something you would enjoy.

Subscribe to Miniature Wargames from our site.
2. Wargames Club Websites.: Most of these sites are well layed out and contain useful information and pictures. These will also give you more of an idea about wargaming. Some of the sites can be accessed from the wargames websites section in the links directory.
3. Visit a local club or convention.: This is probably the best option if you can manage it. By looking at our club guide or convention calendar, you can find your nearest venue and take a good look at wargaming happening. At a convention you have the benefit of more wargames tables, some conventions have over a hundred tables. They are open to the public and cost about Ł2-Ł3 to get in for the day.

Where is my nearest wargames club and what generally happens?

If you select the 'club guide' option on the main menu, you will find a listing of UK clubs by city/town. Simply scroll up/down or select a town starting letter. There you will find a contact name, telephone number and, if available, an e-mail address. This should hopefully enable you to find a club nearby. Contact the clubs spokesperson and ask for some details.

All clubs vary a little depending on location and available space. Most clubs have someone who looks out for new people arriving and shows them around a little, explaining some of the details like annual fees, meeting times and so on.

You shouldn’t have to pay the first time, and you can look around to your hearts content. Most wargamers at the club are decent folks and will take the time out to help answer any questions; you may even be invited to participate in a game.

A few clubs host a ‘Junior Wargamers’ night/section where some of the senior members organise and referee games for younger players. This is great and encourages younger people to have fun with wargaming, which can’t be bad for the industry. Games Workshop already does this in their stores throughout the UK.

What army to build?

This is a very important decision - not to be rushed into. The figure companies today have vast ranges of figures. These ranges cover warfare from the Ancient battles in history (i.e. Alexander the Great) through the battles of Napoleon and the World Wars to Modern day battles. I feel that there are two main thoughts to consider in this process

1. What period of warfare are you interested in, and would you like to build up their army?
2. Does your opponent or club have an army which could fight against yours?

Welcome to the WargamesBeginners Page - Page 2

Do I just go and start buying these items now?

Where is my nearest wargames club and what generally happens?

What army to build?

Welcome to the Wargames
Beginners Page - Page 2