TYW Newbie wondering where to start?

[MaxieTPB]

Hi all.

I've just got interested in Pike & Shotte because the miniatures look so good, especially the Cuirassier Boxed set. I don't have anything for this period yet, it'll probably be a few weeks before I can buy anything, so this is a good timer to start my research.

Anyway, I think I want to do Swedes. I know there are a couple of boxed sets for Swedes, plus would the Battalia Starter Army be a smart purchase? What books would you recommend I start with to learn about the TYW?

Thank you,

Max

[BigMike]

A battalia box would be a great start, and the WL metal commander models are stunning to look at and really nice to paint.
for research i would recommend 'Europe's Tragedy' by Peter H Wilson.

Which side are you thinking of doing?
Mike

[MaxieTPB]

Hi. I'm thinking Swedes, and I just read about Gustavus Adolphus on Wikipedia and he seems like my kinda guy.

Thanks for the recommends, I'll look for Europe's Tragedy right away. I'm thinking now of the Starter Box, a box of Cuirassier - I love heavy cav - and the Gustavus Adolphus figure.

[BigMike]

Excellent! If you dig around a bit i posted some pictures of some TYW Swedes i did this sort of time last year! Lovely army to paint.
Curaiassers are nice models too.

welcome aboard btw!

[grant]

A battalia box would be a great start, and the WL metal commander models are stunning to look at and really nice to paint.
for research i would recommend 'Europe's Tragedy' by Peter H Wilson.

Which side are you thinking of doing?
Mike

Thanks for book tip, Mike!

[mikeland]

I would heartily agree with BigMike, the metal command both TYW infantry boxed sets are lovely, and both could be used for either sides, also Europe's Tragedy is an excellent read.

Your starting choices seem very sensible, the Gustavus Adolphus model is absolutely splendid.

[MaxieTPB]

Thank you, Mikeland. I must admit, I'm interested in these minis because they remind me of my late, lamented, long-gone Warhammer Fantasy Empire Army, with a War Wagon, Hot Pot, and metal infantry I now realize were modeled after the ECW/TYW history.

Real history always ends up having more pull on me than fantasy, but I think that Pike and Shotte will scratch a lot of itches for me!

[Biggus Dickus]

Max the first thing i would recommend is, it is healthy to have an interest in the Civil war period but ......just put that down that Pike and matchlock and pick up the Gladius.
Take a look at Romans...Romans have everything, in the civil war both sides wore red......some wore floppy hats and frilly shirts, some didn't.
You know where you are with Romans, big shield short sword, large empire. You know it makes sense

[MaxieTPB]

Max the first thing i would recommend is, it is healthy to have an interest in the Civil war period but ......just put that down that Pike and matchlock and pick up the Gladius.
Take a look at Romans...Romans have everything, in the civil war both sides wore red......some wore floppy hats and frilly shirts, some didn't.
You know where you are with Romans, big shield short sword, large empire. You know it makes sense

Strange you should post this, B.D. - I'm planning a Roman army too!

[mikeland]

Max the first thing i would recommend is, it is healthy to have an interest in the Civil war period but ......just put that down that Pike and matchlock and pick up the Gladius.
Take a look at Romans...Romans have everything, in the civil war both sides wore red......some wore floppy hats and frilly shirts, some didn't.
You know where you are with Romans, big shield short sword, large empire. You know it makes sense

Normally BD talks sense however I would on this case advise you to ignore his clearly deluded ramblings and stick to the pike and shotte, which every right thinking individual knows to be the most splendid of wargaming periods.

You can always do a few Romans at a later date, I did...