how to create custom big armies

[seawarrior]

Hi,

    As many of you probably know, i mainly like pirates and military, but now it is all military. I would like to ask how much time, money[US$], and figures it takes to build a small band of about 20, custom men. Im still not old enough for a job, and get 14$ a month so how long would it take me to build a small army between the 1700s and 1930s? i thought i also might add i use ds plenty, and this army would be for display. i paint klickys and just realized a lot of people will say ebay is the cheapest way to go, and if they do, ill see about getting an acount.  the armies would be napoleon and other armies of the time, wich means about every color i have a lot of the soldiers geobra realeased but they just dont do it for me, as for equipment, they would all have [infantry would] knife, bayonet, rifle, canteen, and small pack, like the one in 4628. if nessesary i will paint, but i really dont want to, id rather use laser stickers

                              Seawarrior

[Richard]

I would like to ask how much time, money[US$], and figures it takes to build a small band of about 20, custom men.

Hello, Seawarrior ...

You have said that you would like a "small band" of about 20 soldiers.

First, decide which period it's going to be. If you have decided that you want a Napoleonic army, then decide which regiment you want to create first. Sometimes, the figures that are currently avalable, will help you to make that decision.

The least expensive Playmobil are the "blister packs" that are available at Target. Each Klicky will only cost you about $1.50. That means that in two months (you said that you get $14.00 a month) you could buy almost 20 figures (10 blister packs).

Don't get discouraged if you don't see exactly want you want in the blister packs at Target. Look at what Ralf, Cheng, Henry Martini and others have done with different figures. Also, go to the gardenwargaming.com website "Gallery" and look at some of the custom figures there.

You might want to think about learning how to make your own accessories. Go to the Mofreaky website and follow Barth's easy instructions (the address/URL is in the Garden Wargaming "Home Manufacture" section).

If you get really good at making accessories (like Malone (Javier) at the Spanish Playclicks forum), you might be able to sell some and make enough money to expand your army.

Lots of possibilities. Just think creatively and use your imagination.

All the best,
Richard

[Justindo]

Hi Seawarrior and welcome.

As Richard writes, it really depends on what period and country you are trying to recreate as there is a big difference between soldiers in 1700 and 1930.  You may be able to use ready-made soldiers or you may need to customize them.  Something that might be helpful is that a new American Civil War Union and Confederate 2-figure blister pack is coming out this fall.  It will feature brunette the Union soldier from the 7047 Add-On package and the Confederate 4622 Special and should sell for $3.00.  This is a huge bargain considering that each figure alone would cost you that much or more.  These figures are both pretty versatile and the Confederate has some great accessories.

[seawarrior]

its napoleionic period im gonna make, british armies, and they will be stuff like this

[seawarrior]

does anyone else feel intimidated when people show off their huge armies, then roman and medieval armies, and they are creative and good at painting and seem to have 1000s of every part?

[Richard]

does anyone else feel intimidated when people show off their huge armies, then roman and medieval armies, and they are creative and good at painting and seem to have 1000s of every part?

Do you mean like these Highlanders by Graf George?

see attachment

[Richard]

Or, maybe this battle by Cooster and Kaisergarde?

see attachment

[seawarrior]

ya ecspecialy kaisergarde and cooster67

[Richard]

ya ecspecialy kaisergarde and cooster67

Seawarrior ...

Ask Cooster and Kaisergarde to tell you how many years they have spent collecting their Napoleonic armies. And, also how many years they have been customizing toy soldiers.

I know that you want a really big, well customized Napoleonic army today. But, it all takes time. I have been collecting and customizing toy soldiers since I was your age. And, I've been collecting and customizing Playmobil toy soldiers since about 1976.

However, if you were to win the lottery, that could all change. You could probably buy someone's huge Napoleonic army ... 

All the best,
Richard

[Justindo]

If you are going to create British Napoleonic customs, Playmobil has done most of the work for you with their Add-On Redcoats.

As far as huge armies go, after personally creating a large semi-custom Roman army, it looks impressive, but it's a pain to move around.  I've decided that 20 men in a unit is plenty and one to four units is more than enough for an army.

[seawarrior]

i have one unit of 18 redcoats the officer, and a customized guy for another officer

[seawarrior]

[/quote]


I know that you want a really big, well customized Napoleonic army today. But, it all takes time. I have been collecting and customizing toy soldiers since I was your age. And, I've been collecting and customizing Playmobil toy soldiers since about 1976.

[/quote]

How many figures do you have richard and how old do you think i am?

[Richard]

How many figures do you have richard and how old do you think i am?

Hello, Seawarrior ...

You said that you were under 18 and had only been collecting Playmobil for 12 years. So, based upon what you've said you are somewhere between 12 and 18. You also said that you have 4 sisters (18, 16, 14 and 9). You told us that your 3 older sisters gave you Playmobil and that your younger sister (Aine) is 9 years old. You said that you were the only boy. So based upon what you have shared with us, here and at PF, and since your older sisters are two years apart, it would seem that you are probably 12 years old. Oh, BTW, your sister said that your name is Conor which means that you're probably Irish.

Oh, yeah ... and you live in Connecticut and since you're going to the doctor in Boston, you must live close to the Conn/Mass border. My guess would be somewhere in the Hartford area.

To answer your other question ... I have thousands of Playmobil.  I do not know exactly how many.

I posted an inventory (a few years ago) over at Playmofriends with a list of all the sets that I had at that time. But, I've added to my collection since then.

All the best,
Richard