Choose a historical period, a rules system and a group to play with before buying an army. A force can be attractive and historically themed while belonging to the wrong scale, theater or rules organization for your intended games.
Make three decisions in order
First identify the setting that interests you: period, theater and type of battle. Then find out what your opponents or club actually play. Finally select the scale and army organization required by that ruleset. Starting with a discounted miniature collection can leave you solving all three problems after purchase.
| Decision | Evidence to record |
|---|---|
| Period and theater | Dates, factions and scenario context |
| Rules and edition | Exact book, current errata and army references |
| Scale | Manufacturer scale and sample dimensions |
| Force structure | Legal units, bases and required specialists |
| Table | Battlefield size, terrain and measuring conventions |
Two product examples show why scale labels matter
Warlord’s A Gentleman’s War Third Edition starter identifies its models as 28 mm / 1:56 and includes a Third Edition Bolt Action rulebook. Its listing explicitly says models need assembly and painting, with glue and paint excluded. Warlord’s separate Black Powder Epic Battles American Civil War presentation describes smaller troops using a 13.5 mm foot-to-mid-eye measurement. These collections are not interchangeable purchases simply because both are historical wargames.
Use the publisher’s exact measurement convention rather than assuming every “15 mm” or “28 mm” range is physically identical. For a mixed collection, compare actual sample models and basing requirements.
Build one playable project
Ask a prospective opponent for a modest legal force and a suitable first scenario. Check current errata before selecting permanent equipment options. Include terrain and storage in the project plan. If historical research is part of the appeal, decide how closely you want uniforms and organization to follow a particular campaign; distinguish that preference from requirements imposed by the game.
Sources and method
This is a researched decision guide. Product facts were checked against the primary sources below on November 2, 2026. Selection advice and worked examples are editorial reasoning. This guide does not include hands-on testing.
