Getting started

I started this summer with a starter pack. Then I bought some boosters (39-45), but now I’m buying on Ebay.
This way you combine your own army,depending on the side you want to play.

Here’s a good idea, buy a starter set so you can get maps and counters.  Download and print the revised cards (most of the cards that come with the minis have been revised).  Print the current rules and give it a shot without using any actual units.  Gameplay is 1 hour time limit… at least you’ll get a couple of games played in one night.

Half-Track

Its funny you mentioned kids knocking over the board.  I came up with this solution yesterday:

http://www.custom-magnets.com/39Inch_Magnetic_Rolls.htm
http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&partNumber=490429&cm_mmc=GoogleBase--Shopping--Office_Supplies_%253E_Resume_and_Specialty_Paper_-_-490429-70972&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=490429
http://housewares.hardwarestore.com/37-188-contact-papers/clear-contact-paper-105240.aspx
http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/product/productdetail.aspx?product=22122&es=10190200000

Basicly…I will have a magnetic wall…big magnetic campaign map, and magnetic pieces (im going old school cardboard squares only instead of cardboard I will use magnets)

The sticker paper is to print the graphic representation (map or units).  Then cut and stick on magnet piece.  Then seal with clear contact paper which will give it wipe on wipe off capabilities.

Edit:
After reading more on the units and what not I have to agree with you.  This simply wont work.  At first I thought just using the Mini unit cost = the number of IPCs to purchase but this would mean it would take several turns just to buy a tank.  Not to mention balance issues on the campaign map.

I think what I am going to do is talk my old man into pulling his dusty advanced squad leader boxes out of storage.
I am also looking into World in Flames to satisfy my delusions of grand conquest.
Gonna keep A&A around for casual family games though.

@dezrtfish:

I have to agree a gang of elite Pzr IVs is pretty hard hitting

Yes of course.  But a Panhard in only 10 pts.  10 strike-n-fade, speed 4, high gear Panhards VS 5 speed 3 EPIVD’s would probably result in a Panhard victory.

I may have been slightly exagerating, but only slightly…

Well it also depends what country you are wanting to collect.

If collecting:

USSR: Buy either a set II or a set III.  Set I has 2 good soviet tanks but thats about it.  Id recommend you just buy those online or trade.

UK:  Buy either set I or set IV.  Lots of goodies for the UK in those.  There are 2 good rares in set II but I just recommend you to buyem online or trade.

Japan:  Set I and set II is the way to go for Japan.  Set IV only has the Honor Bound hero.  Buy that one online, im sure hes only like 75 cents.  :wink:

Germany and US:  Just buy any freakin set!!  They all have lots of good German and American units.  :-D

If you are looking to collect whole sets like my friend Sol….then just buy a whole case of any set.  Simple as that.  :-P

DJ, you seen to be echoing alot of concern I’ve heard elsewhere about the Veteran Tiger and the Heroes.

nods sagely

-=Grim=-

Usually they provide their maps for download.

I had the same as above, except i had a carro armato. Its better to get the boosters and then if u have any dye use them cause what u get for 30 bucks isnt worth it. PEACE