So I'm pretty new to Epic and using Minigeddon as my entry point. Starting off with a few armies so I can loan them out in attempts to get other people interested. So far I've played 2 games, Orks vs Marines and while the Orks seem to have come together nicely I'm still struggling with a good list for the Marines.

So far we've tried

Codex Marines
275 - Tactical: 6 Tactical units, 3 Rhinos
250 - Devastators: 4 Devastator units (skipped Rhinos to garrison)
175 - Assault: 4 Assault Marines
300 - Whirlwind: 4 Whirlwinds

and

Scions of Iron
375 - Tactical: 4 Tactical units, 2 Land Raiders, Chaplain
325 - Tactical: 4 Tactical units, 2 Land Raiders
300 - Whirlwind: 4 Whirlwinds

Neither really felt right (although the second list didn't get a fair show after the Ork Stompas' Overwatch shots destroyed 2 Land Raiders in a spectacular display of poorly rolled reinforced armor)

For models so far I've got the following: 12 Tacticals, 4 Devastators, 8 Assault Marines, 8 Bikes, 15 Attack Bikes, 4 Scouts, 10 Land Speeders (various configs), 4 Terminators, 4 Dreadnoughts, ~a billion each Rhinos/Land Raiders (with Crusader options)/Whirlwinds, 2-3 of each character option, (and a Warhound Titan that hasn't arrived in the mail yet). Any suggestions on a reasonably balanced force that would be n00b friendly and good for getting the feel of the game?

Best minigeddon marine list I've seen is Rug's Dark Angels

RAVENWING [325]
4 Land Speeders, 4 Bikes
RAVENWING SUPPORT [200]
5 Tornado
RAVENWING SUPPORT [250]
5 Typhoon
SCOUT [225]
4 Scouts plus Transport, 3 Razorback LAS

3 of the 4 units can garrison forward so you're in a position to assault, shoot at things very early doors while the ravenwing is a solid mobile BTS.

You can see a lists for the last 3 Battle of the Thames events here https://sites.google.com/site/epicarmageddonlondon/tournaments03/battle-of-the-thames-201503

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