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Hey Dakka. I'm sure the following questions have been asked a lot by new players, but I have searched through the past few pages of this forum and still have some questions about Epic.

I'm considering starting a couple beginner armies for me and my friends because I really want to play 40k the way it is meant to be played: huge armies, giant monsters and machines, all without having to carry my army in multiple suitcases. Having done some reading on the internet, I have a few questions.

First, what are the general differences between Net Epic and Net Armageddon? I am confused on how they differ. Is either one significantly different, or is it more just a personal preference thing?

Luckily I've found a link to NA thanks to an earlier thread, so I can start reading through that this weekend. Thanks Dave!

Second, I have been sourcing out some alternative models to cheaply build the core of these armies. The best source I've found so far is Vanguard, since they have two great ranges that represent a lot of the armies.
http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/product-category/defeat-in-detail/
Skinnerz = orks, Novan regulars = IG, Novan elites = SM, Cybershadows = titans, Eloi = Eldar (only 2 types though)
http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/product-category/onslaught-miniatures/
Avians = Kroot, Hellborn = SoB/Cultists/Daemons, Legion = Nids, Okami = Tau, Sisterhood = SoB, Stygian = Dark Eldar

So these cover the main armies that I want to start, which would be SM, IG, Orks, and Nids. However, are there any other good ranges that I am missing? Particularly for Eldar, as I'd love to have an army for them. I want to know my options before I commit to a range.

Third, where can I get some good Epic terrain? I am planning on attempting to build a lot of my buildings, since that's the cheapest way to get a battlefield. But it's definitely not the easiest or quickest. What would you recommend?
I have found one link that has some cool roads, a few buildings, and bridges here: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/685623.page But I am looking for more.

Fourth, how is an army generally built? I have been reading through the rules, and it seems to be almost like 7th ed 40k with groups of formations. But I am still a bit confused. (Sorry! )

Lastly, is there anything else I should know about Epic before jumping in? Veterans of Epic, what am I missing or what should I know before committing myself to my mini mini hobby?

Thanks for reading and dealing with another Epic noob


EDIT: More info

"Trolls under the bridge miniatures - loads of guard proxies.
Tanks, infantry (basic, command, heavy)
They also sell some gorgeous necron proxies. "

NetEpic is a fan-rewrite of Space Marine, Epic's second edition from the early 90s. In general: lots of special rules, crappier little stuff and bigger armies.

Epic Armageddon (and its fan-expanded FAQ/lists) is Epic's fourth edition from early 2k. In general: special rules for flavor, balanced lists and company level engagements.

There's likely a few posts/articles explaining all the differences. For what it's worth, you're more likely to find an EA player than any other edition.

This is a good thread for proxies: www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21593

GameCraft has some nice terrain: http://gcmini.mybigcommerce.com/

We generally use the SM era buildings (watch for big lots on eBay).

For EA, it differs per the army. Each army list in section 6 of the rules describes how to use it. In general, you buy formations and add upgrades to it. Sometimes you have to buy a core formation before you can get a support formation, and sometimes aircraft and titans are limited to 1/3 of your points, tops. There's also this:

http://traitor-legion.appspot.com/

Other than that, join TacComm, go through the training scenarios and ask questions there.

So looking at sites like Vanguard, it seems proxy models are easy enough to come by... but what about bases?

Is there any place to read up on standard base sizes, and/or also buy bases?

Likewise, can someone give me a rough idea of how much, at say Vanguard prices, enough models for a "full" sized game would run?

I've always loved the idea of Epic, but wasn't involved in the hobby when it existed.

Anyone still put up full video batreps for us to live vicariously through? :-p

Regarding the bases, how about these.

As for terrain, there's this, and this for the ones looking for something more Orky.