Resources
Paper: I use 90# or 110# cardstock paper. WAUSAU Exact Index. 8.5"x11". 250 sheets is #49311 for 90# and #49411 for 110#.
Rubber Band Gun. We use rubber band guns to shoot our opponent's soldiers and vehicles during "contact" games. Lower impact gaming is well done by using various dice rule sets. Many are available on the web for free.
Soldiers: Start a search on the web for plastic soldiers or military figures. There are many different manufacturers and 50 or so soldiers in plastic sell for between $5 and $7 USD. We sell some flat sets for
$ 3.00 USD.
Supplies
Tweezers: These come in handy for getting those small corners together and securing other hard to reach spots. Long narrow pointed-end ones are best. Flat ended tweezers will work fine.
Scissors: Get a good pair with sharp edges. The ends are safer being rounded. A comfortable grip is nice too.
White Glue: I use the big E. Get yourself a blob about the size of a nickel and let it start to get tacky.
Tooth-picks: Round and wooden. Flat and thin will not do. Squared shaft almost as good. You will use these for the fine application of glue as well as for cannon barrels, smoke dischargers, structural reinforcement, etc.
Cuticle Scissors: Those short curved blades are great for small round parts though the ends are usually very sharp and should be used with caution.
Blade: To score lines that need to be folded i use a dull razor blade and lightly draw it across the paper where needed. You must take care not to cut through the paper or cut yourself. Some folks have even been known to use guitar picks, with a slightly sharpened edge.
Masking Tape: Use this as sizing on gun barrels and muzzle brakes.
Paper-clips: Needed for certain applications such as some landing gear supports. BIG ones and small ones.
Paint and Brushes: For the most part, talking paints, while there are few areas that will need painting there are a few colors you will want in acrylic. In order of priority I would list them as; Sand, Olive Green, Black, Burnt Sienna, Red, White, Yellow, Metallic gun metal. A very fine brush is good for application. Sometimes a fine point permanent marker will work best.
Color Wheel: For mixing and matching paint colors. Available at art stores. Inexpensive.
Other:
Floral wire makes for great antennae, hand-railing, re-bar, tow shackles, etc. I use 26 gauge. Have a good, sharp-ended stick pin to pierce holes in the paper for the floral wire. This is usually best done while the parts are still with the page.
Guitar strings actually make the best antennae, as they don't bend much and usually spring back into position. They can be sharp and pointy though...
Tea bags (used) are also handy. Snip off the paper tags (leave the string) and leave a few out in the sun to dry. The drying tea leaves will stain the outer bag in a natural scale manner. Now trim the bags open and dump out the tea. the leaves should be saved, as some like to color it and use it as a natural looking ground cover or flocking. The outer tea bag can now be soaked in thinned acrylic paint of the color desired. While still wet, the stained outer bags should be crumpled into a ball or folded into a small square (not too tightly) and allowed to dry. Once fully dry, the outer bags may be carefully unfolded and cut to size. There should be staining as well as crinkles to your tea bag "tarp". The stranded string should be saved for cables. They may be cut to length and then colored metallic gun metal. You can do it by taking UN-thinned paint on two finger-tips and drawing the string through. The un-thinned paint works into the strands and dries quickly. It will also be much stiffer but still pliable. The ends may be doubled over around the end of a tooth-pick and secured with glue. Remove the tooth-pick and there is your cable end loop. Carefully glue your tow cable into place. Almost every armored vehicle has at least one.....
Square tooth-picks, cut to length and colored, make good vision blocks.
Tips
1. Do not remove parts from the sheet(s) until you need them for assembly.
2. Use glue sparingly.
3. Read directions completely before assembly.
4. When using a blade or scissors be careful. Have an adult help you if needed.
5. Take your time. Once you have the file you can print and make one or a dozen to equip your legions. Start by making one carefully and then go for the rest.
6. There are no unit markings or vehicle numbers. In some cases there are no nationality markings. This is in expectation of you assigning (painting) them yourself. These can also be added to a back-up file of the model in simple art software programs.
7. Markings are sometimes easier applied (hand painted) when the parts are flat, before forming into shape.
8. It can help to make a photo copy of the parts pages for reference during building. Do this in back and white so you don't waste color inks.
9. Research the subject (I have). There is a lot of information and many images of some of these subjects. Not so much for others.
10. ALWAYS a good idea to wear protective glasses during craft projects involving sharp stuff. Keep some bandages in your art box just in case.
Wargaming
GETTING STARTED: You will want to get some soldiers. You may want to start by looking at the models offered free on this site to determine which soldiers will go well with the vehicles listed. If you are lucky enough to live near a large city there will probably be a decent hobby store. Call ahead. You may have to order them online. There will be a delay but this will give you time to build some equipment. Some people like to paint and detail their soldiers but this is not necessary unless your opposing forces are molded from the same color plastic. Directions for doing so will be included with the soldiers. A rubber band gun and some rubber bands for ammo. will be needed also. Firing from a straightened finger will work as well. This is known as projectile gaming. There are other methods of gaming using other rules and dice, etc. There are many sets of rules available for free on the 'net. Some paper soldiers are available on our site. I recommend about 50-100 soldiers for each side so attention challenged young minds do not become bored. In time more soldiers will need more equipment. A good open area indoors with a hard floor can be your battle field. Pick up and count your men when finished, NEVER LEAVE A MAN BEHIND. I do not recommend playing with these small soldiers outdoors unless you do not mind a few MIA after each skirmish. KEEP SMALL SOLDIERS FROM YOUNG CHILDREN. Some soldier sets I have seen are marked 8+ age while others are 6+. We recommend the upper range of age. Use your discretion. Please keep in mind that, despite the term, war is not a game.
Resources, Tips, Gaming
Paper Tiger Armaments
1/72 scale paper models
