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Guide to Getting Started in Warhammer40k

I thought I’d put together some info for beginners based on the hours of research and amount of time I’ve recently spent modeling. This is what I would have liked to know when I was getting going.

Armies #

I’ve always loved Tyranids – they look crazy awesome and have a lot of versatility. I have NEVER played Warhammer 40k (but would like to try it out soon) and while I’m sure tactics and play style come into your decision, you’re going to have to stare at these models for hours on end, so you should like the look. I’m also starting a Tau army so I can have small battles with myself to figure out the rules.

Gear #

This was probably the most annoying part to figure out. How do I put these models together? What will I need? What glue do I use? What paints?

Here is a list of all the things I use for modeling and why:

  1. Metal “clippers” – basically a small pair of pliers – to cut pieces of the sprue and big chunks of extra plastic off models.
  2. Sandpaper – File down and smooth out all excess plastic on the models before assembly. (fine grit, so you don’t damage the models)
  3. Poster tac – several purposes outlined in the next section
  4. Xacto Knife – used on excess plastic that can’t be filed down with sandpaper. Afterwards, I clean up these areas with the sandpaper.
  5. Gorilla Glue Super Glue – a drop of this when putting pieces of a model together. Dries in an instant, and you only need half a drop.
  6. Revel Contacta Plastic “Cement” – Many people use the “green stuff” to fill in gaps on models, and while I am not a professional, this stuff is great for that and much quicker. (details of gluing process in next section).
  7. Basic Matte WHITE Spray Primer – I just picked this up at the closest local store. Nothing special or made for mini modeling, just basic matte white spray primer.
  8. GW paints & brushes (I know many people prefer others, because these are priced quite high, but if you are a beginner the ease of ordering & use may outweigh the cost).

Process #

Here are the steps I use when putting together a model.

  1. Clip all pieces off the sprue.
  2. Use xacto knife and sandpaper to clean up every single piece of the kit (excess plastic)
  3. Organize kit into each model you’re building – for example, decide what limbs you want on the carnifex and set them aside, do the same for every model in the kit.
  4. Use the poster tack to “fake glue” the model together, just to get an idea of how the model fits together and what pose you might like it in. This may seem like a useless step, and if you’re building a model you know well, you probably can skip it – but it is useful if you’re figuring a kit out for the first time.
  5. Remove poster tack and disassemble model (sometimes I take a quick picture to remember positions).
  6. Begin assembly of the model. For each piece I place one small dab of Gorilla Glue on and place the part. Once the super glue has dried holding the piece in place, I go around the gaps with the Revel Contacta glue to seal them off. This is a very PERMANENT process, so if you think you might take the model apart in the future just go with the super glue.
  7. Once the model is fully assembled, I use the Revel Contacta in gaps and spaces that shouldn’t be there. Just a little bit “melts” the plastic a little and can seal off gaps. If you use too much, it will ruin the area and make it look AWFUL… so be careful.
  8. Glue the model to a base – check your position for balance, some of the more unique models can be tricky to balance in some positions (I’m thinking Flying Hive Tyrants and Hormagaunts)
  9. Spray the model with white primer. Use the poster tact to stick the model to something like an old paint cup so you’re not directly spraying your hand. Go outside and hold the spray can a foot or foot and a half away from the model. You’re basically misting the model and making sure everything is covered. Don’t get too close or it will pool. Try and get all the crevices, but sometimes it’s nearly impossible. These areas aren’t usually seen anyways.
  10. Let it dry. Keep it stuck with the poster tact to the paint cup, it’ll be a nice handle to paint the rest of the model on.
  11. Paint it. I’m not going to go into details because there are so many ways to paint your model. There are starter sets on GW and youtube tutorials everywhere on painting. Just remember, water down your paints a bit (the new GW paints are much better without being watered down, but still, it doesn’t hurt).

So there it is. My beginners guide to the modeling portion of Warhammer 40k. I really hope it helps someone. I am relatively new at this, so anyone else who is more experienced feel free to comment and adjust some of the steps.

Hammer on!