ED NOTE: This article was originally submitted by Mike Reese quite some time ago and has been extensively modified by Bill Rutherford to bring it up to date and reflect models and figures presently available. - DICK BRYANT
An often-asked question for the beginning armor miniatures gamer is "What do I need to get started?" Fair question. I'm not going to plug a particular rules set here, but you should start with something.
Let's consider the basic types of rules available. There are two: 1:1 scale rules, in which a tank company is represented by 10-15 miniatures, with the player controlling one or more companies, and the 1: platoon/troop scale rules, in which a tank company is represented by 2-4 miniatures (1 to a platoon), with the player controlling multiple battalions of equipment. Each type of rule set has advantages and disadvantages, in terms of feel, size of battle playable, etc. Whichever is played, however, will require a varying mix of miniatures.
The bulk of what follows will be a series of "beginner's lists" of WWII equipment (modern lists will follow), forces that one player may expect to control during the course of a game. As will be seen, some brand-mixing is committed; nobody makes everything needed. The models used were based upon my preferences; separate cost totals are provided using different manufacturer breakdowns for comparison. Addresses of manufacturers follow the lists; always check your local game shop first, though - he's there, ready and willing to help, and probably has what you're looking for!
More Let's Make an WWII Army
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