[First impression] Warhammer 40K tabletop

Retail stores do not tend to stay open beyond 18:00 during the work week. Thursdays, however, are koopavond or ‘buying night’ where stores stay open until at least 21:00. On one recent koopavond, I stumbled upon the Den Haag Games Workshop store. Though I love the 40K universe and play the 40K RPGs and video games, I had never actually tried painting a miniature or playing the tabletop game. The salesman on duty told me that was near unforgivable and he went on to explain that the store offered a free introductory 50 minute class on painting and a free 50 minute demo game. There wasn’t enough time on the night to play and my wife and I decided to stop by last Saturday to try our hand at painting and a game of 40K.

The store was busy on the day, but the staff made time to sit with us at their dedicated introductory table. We discussed our knowledge of the 40K setting and decided to try and paint Deathwatch marines. The store had a few marines, already sprayed black, so we began by dry brushing the miniatures to add some highlights. Then, we painted one arm silver…

I’m not too happy with my silver pauldron, but I think the rest turned out alright, especially the hand. Next we tackled the Imperial Aquila on the chest plate.

Hmm, I think I need some practice. Next we handled the bolter and then the eyes (those were tricky).

And there we go, my first attempt at miniature painting (sand included). The store employees made the experience fun, despite the shaky brushwork. My wife wrote a bit about her painting experience over here.

We didn’t have time to try out the full demo game, only trying a few turns. However, we will be popping by the store once the new 6th edition rules have been released to try out the new introductory game. Maybe I’ll be posting pictures of my first army soon.

- Jerall