After playing 20 years of GW games (40k V1 to V5, Space marine then netepic, Space Hulk, BFG, Man O War etc...), now I'm adding a non GW army to my collection (yeah I'm an Heretic now ).

I've read the rules, they're clear and 40k look a like, seems easy but more realistic, looks like a good cross between fun & realism to me (the recent 40k have a lot of crappy rules for realism purposes).

So, I've bought a crate of mini, I'm reading WWII books to know how to paint them in the accurate schemes, and now, the questions:

-What's the typical size of a game which last a good afternoon (something like 4h00)?
In Epic/40k etc, I'm really bored with standard games, in general i play more 3000 points 40k or 5000 points Netepic, that allows players to field lots of options.

-What are the good addresses to buy things to build a cool table? I need tons of hedges for bocage and Ambush
I already know timecast & Jr Miniatures, but if you've got others, share it !

-what are the beginners mistake? (in army list, general tactics etc). Or any general advices.


Thanks in advance !

1500 points seems pretty popular for game size.  Likewise it seems like most players are on a Late War kick now.

I am a newbie also, so I cannot give you too much game advise.  I actually played a few games back in 2003(?) but didn't have too many players in my neck of the woods so I got out of it.  I've now painted up a new army (Desert Rats) but have not fielded them yet.  But I have found a group who plays actively and are closer than before (still not around the corner close, but oh well).

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Ah yes i've seen your desert rats, they're nice
I took late war german so i can play against US or Russian with just some minor tweaks.

Here is a typical size.

1250 - Small and Quick
1500 - Medium done in couple of hours
2000 - Large more stuff to add. 4 hours maybe to play/
3000 - Big game lots of toys on the table.  

What you aim for is to field a company of three platoons, with a bunch of goodies to support it.  Recon, Tanks, Arillery, etc.

I have a late war German Motorized Panzer Grenadier platoon tops out at 2600.

HQ
Platoon 1
Platoon 2
Platoon 3
HMG Platoon
Mortar Platoon
Tank Platoon
Artillery
Recon Platoon

by the way VIVA FRANCE!!!!

As for Terrian sense I see you are in Europe...

Excellent 15mm terrian can be found at Timecast.  They also offer a painting service that is amazing. I just read that you are aware of them but I will leave it here.  

Timecast

I have seen some nice things from ESLO terrian in Germany.  I don't know if they to 15mm

ESLO

In the US Creseant root is excellent as well.

Cresent Root

Boccage is hard to find mine was created by a local gammer and then he didn't want it any more. I got lucky

Also have you seen the articles on the making the French Amrored Divison for flames of war.

Beginners mistake...

Buying too much and then not being able to use it on the board at once.

Make an army list first then buy and organize.  

This helped me minimize my flames of war army somehthing I didn't too with my 40K army.

Haha, I do this for all games

Thanks for the infos & links !