New to Bolt Action: Baxter's First 500

Which Army is Right for Me?
Now that you have bought the basic game components for Bolt Action its time to start considering which army you want to play.  While this might seem straight forward, a lot can go into that decision.  Currently Warlord has made army lists available for the Germans, Russians, British and Commonwealth, Americans (Army and Marines), Japanese, French, and Belgians.  This is by no means the end all for army list options.  One might reliably predict one could expect to see Finland, Romania, Hungarian, Italian, Greek, Partisan, and Chinese lists in the future. (I can confirm that a schedule I saw earlier in the year had many of these lists on it! - Judson)  While it might feel relatively safe to go with one of the five major powers, a minor nation might interest you as well.  There are many things which can be considered when starting a new army.

Bolt Action Radio Episode 11!

Listen to the episode now!

Dano and Judson talk about the list making process. After a couple hours, they figure out this is not a topic to cover in just a couple hours.

Don't forget to listen to the BAR on your iOS or Android device by searching your respective app stores for "WWPD".  It's the best way to listen!

Terrain: Scratch Built Haystacks

(Another great how-to from Chris, a true fan of the do-it-yourself terrain table. Enjoy! - Judson)

Haystacks are, in my opinion, a neglected terrain piece. They were very common throughout Europe both east and west. They stand out in the series Band of Brothers,  Part 7, The Breaking Point. During the attack on Foy,  Easy Company found themselves using stacks for cover.

US Infantry vs Heer/SS Maximum Attrition

Somewhere in France 1944 a strong American force runs into a Germans force probing for allies near a villa.    Both armies consisted of approximately 2000 points; the Germans had 19 units and the Americans had 18 units.  We had six guys playing and did not want the game to bog down due to to many order dice.

  The villa and farm.

Review: Tiger I (Early) by Die Waffenkammer

On a total whim, I had Steven order a Tiger I (Early Production) from Die Waffenkammer.  At the time, Black Tree Design was having another 50% off sale, so I decided to make a German army for Bolt Action on the cheap!  My 29th has to have someone to fight, right?  So, I ordered a bunch of Infantry and decided to pitch in with Steven and get a Tiger from Die Waffenkammer.  Let's check it out!

Did I over do the mud on the wheels on this side?  Maybe.

There was a very impressive level of packing -- everything was bubble wrapped and really, really secure.  The model comes in all white plastic-y resin (I forgot to take a picture) with a ton of stowage and extras.  I declined to add any of these, as I wanted to get the tank painted and see how it looked first -- I can always add things to the model.  I was  a little concerned that the gun was plastic as well, but it turned out fine.

Armies of Imperial Japan

Is it a tribute to the people involved in making these books, or indicative of a real gaming sickness/obsession that makes we want to start a new platoon every time they release a new "Armies of"?

I present to you, Armies of Imperial Japan.

I don't think I can resist buying a Japanese force after reading this. Thanks a lot, Osprey and Warlord. My creditors, especially, would like to thank you.

Review: Battle Honors Japanese Infantry

This summer Warlord Games will be releasing the Armies of Imperial Japan book for Bolt Action.  This release will expand upon the basic Imperial Japanese Army list already available for download from Warlord Games.  Armies of Imperial Japan will allow you to fix bayonets and banzai charge for the Empire of the Rising Sun.  While Warlord has a range of excellent Japanese, figures several other companies also offer comprehensive ranges of Japanese figures. (One last teaser before the Armies of Imperial Japan book review! - Judson)

One of those ranges is the 25mm Battle Honors range offered by Old Glory 15s.   The Battle Honors range is diverse and includes many minor nations, like Finns, Sikhs and Ghurkas.  The figures come ten to a bag and cost $17.  However OG15 has two bulk deals.  They offer 30% off orders between $100 and $399 (use the coupon code large100) and 40% off orders over $400 (use the coupon code large400).  If you need less than $100 worth of figures, but don't want to pay full price, go to Warweb.com. They offer the Battle Honors bags for $13.60.

New to Bolt Action: Your First List

Craig did a great job earlier in the week letting you know what you need to get before you start playing, up to and including several miniature manufacturers to choose from. Once you've read the rule book and decided on your nation of choice, it's time to dive into my second favorite part of any miniature battle game - listing!

Time to form up and head to the table front!

Speed Painting US Infantry

(Continuing our "Week of the New Guy", here comes Martin Bond, "marticus", with another article for you Bolt Action-related pleasure. This time, he's showing us his quick and dirty painting guide for American infantry. Great for those of you first timers out there just starting out, and great for those grizzled veterans just looking for a fast way to get those models on the table. - Judson)

I’m not a great painter, I am the first to admit that, but I wanted to get my guys looking at least acceptable for tabletop standard, and I wanted to do it quickly.  So I painted these guys using my Flames of War US paint set, gunmetal grey, beige brown, flat flesh and that old favorite of mine Devlan Mud. (Not in the FoW US paint set, but OK! - J)

 

New to Bolt Action: Getting Started

So, You're New to Bolt Action
When reading through the WWPD Bolt Action Forum, and when talking to potential new Bolt Action players, a lot of questions arise about what you need to buy to get into the game.  Over the next few weeks I am going to be putting out a series of articles on how to go from having nothing to having a 1000 point Bolt Action force.  We'll start with the basics, then take a look at the thought that goes into a small 500 point force. Each week I'll add a little more until we have a 1000 point force ready for action. (And I might even join in. Let the "Week of the New Guy" begin! - Judson)