How to Buy Wargaming Miniatures

A wargaming miniature is a figure depicting a soldier and his machinery during a specific time period and location. Wargaming began when chess pieces were invented. Wargaming miniatures were first used for technique training for the military. H.G. Wells later published a wargaming guide known as "Little Wars." Here is how to embrace a little piece of history by purchasing wargaming miniatures.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Narrow your search for wargaming miniatures by pinpointing the style you prefer. Choose between historical, fantasy and sci-fi miniature gaming. If you choose a historical wargaming miniature, determine which war and whose history you want to add to your collection.

2. Determine the size of the wargaming miniatures you will buy. Miniatures come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the most common choices are 15mm, 20mm, and 28mm. Earlier wargaming miniatures tend to be smaller but more recently, the large 28mm choices have flooded the market.

3. Find pieces that match. Original wargame miniatures are made of lead. Pick alternative miniatures made of pewter, plastic, resin or photo-etched metals. Select an element and stick to it so your pieces look as if they go together.

4. Visit a trade show on wargaming miniatures to see the variety of items available before you buy a new set. There are several new avenues you can select in buying the miniatures and their accessories.

5. Join a wargaming society or group to learn more about the wargaming world. Yahoo groups has several wargaming groups depending on which pieces you have. Societies host gaming wars and other workshops.