Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I have been on an ebay kick lately, buying large 40k lots that are good deals, stripping the paint from most of the models (sometimes having to completely disassemble them), and then flipping the models again on ebay or collecting some for my own projects. One of those projects is a "starter set" I have created for my two sons. They are still a little too young to get into 40k, but they have enjoyed observing a couple games I have played and I have a feeling at least one of them will likely be interested in the hobby when he gets older. So, I created this to gift to them in a few years:






Basically two fairly even armies of Ultramarines and Blood Angels from the 2nd edition era of the game. They each get two 10-man tactical squads, 5 scouts, a terminator squad (ultramarines) or a decked-out assault squad (blood angels), a couple characters (Calgar/Tigurius, Apothecary; Dante/Mephiston, Standard Bearer), a predator, a dreadnought, and a fast attack choice (land speeder or bike squad). All in one box with foam trays. I have rule sets for 2nd through 5th editions, 8th edition w/Indexes, as well as Kill Team and Apocalypse, but I will likely recommend either 2nd or 4th edition for them to start.

And if either or both really gets into the hobby, they will likely get this as a gift (metal minis; I still need to glue some arms, backpacks, and bolters):

That's a really sweet thing to do and I think your boxes are quite good. They make a good representation of each army. The choice of two Space Marine sub factions might be a bit alike though.

And the cool dad trophy of the year goes to...

What I love is that it's the classic marines and a simple blue vs red colour scheme. The kids can either leave them as is and have great fun, or they can add paint/details as they get older.
Great idea and great execution.

 bullyboy wrote:
What I love is that it's the classic marines and a simple blue vs red colour scheme. The kids can either leave them as is and have great fun, or they can add paint/details as they get older.

Exactly!

Thanks for the comments everyone!

I mean, if you're gonna make a starter box you might have at least gone for two fun factions :p

Very very sweet gift though. Dad of the year!

 the_scotsman wrote:
I mean, if you're gonna make a starter box you might have at least gone for two fun factions :p

Very very sweet gift though. Dad of the year!

Thanks!
LOL, if there is anything I have learned after three decades with 40k it is that young boys really like Space Marines Don't worry though, I have several other factions for them to battle against:

German orks are awesome!

Orkanoi Nazis. I hate Orkanoi Nazis...