Minis Or Cards?

[Niclas]

For me the minis make the game. A very expensive game

So true Madboyo, so true - A very expensive game indeed!
Even though I also like playing with the cards a lot (don't have minis for all of them - yet), I still manage to ruin myself on minis.

[Keydet83]

With inexpensive miniatures like these, why would anyone use cards?

[Cruthers]

Miniatures. Just more tangible and visually appealing, and hopefully soon even more so once my Gimble Mounts arrive.

[Niclas]

With inexpensive miniatures like these, why would anyone use cards?

I would hardly call the several hundreds these babies run into "inexpensive", especially compared to the cost of the cards (and making your own cards is quite easy and costs almost nothing). Still, I can't resist those minis...

Anyway, it was the card-version that I first fell in love with and it still has me hooked. I use cards/minis about 50/50.

/Niclas

[Keydet83]

When I say "inexpensive," I'm saying the new gamer can get into this for less than $100 and still have a lot of fun--when you factor in the time and effort to paint hundreds of soldiers when compared with putting a single plane down, it is inexpensive in my eyes.

[Niclas]

When I say "inexpensive," I'm saying the new gamer can get into this for less than $100 and still have a lot of fun--when you factor in the time and effort to paint hundreds of soldiers when compared with putting a single plane down, it is inexpensive in my eyes.

Wait a minute...you mean that it's possible to buy just a few planes?

[Tommy Z]

Does 50 count as a few?

[itchy]

Minis 99% of the time take the cards on holidays etc for those rainy nights in.

[Doug]

Started taking card with me when I go on trips away from home for a couple of days. Its amazing the number of work mates who have never played a war game in their life will join in and enjoy the game!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Here is my holiday box.
Rob.
DSC_0667.jpg

[Bluedevil]

Looks like you are prepared for a fast gettaway Rob !

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Looks like you are prepared for a fast gettaway Rob !

Too true Alex. Never leave home without it.
Rob.

[RJB]

Miniatures for me too. The visual appeal is what makes the game (for me) but then I do lots of figure wargaming for the same reason.

We are pretty lucky at BAD (Burton And District ) wargamers in that we have a group of about 6 who will play on a fairly regular basis and also have aircraft, even if a couple only have one or two and a few others who will play if they have got nothing else on when we have a game.

As for storage I've got a KR Multicase so I just pick it up on the way out.

Rich

[Traysa]

It's more fun to use the minis. Although, I need to be careful to not run up the bill.

[radzak]

Mini's all the way for me!!

I can see how cards are cheeper and easier to transport around, but i prefire to use the cards for re-paint ideas and fly the mini's for the 3D battle feeling.

i love using the minis too. the 3D look is just right plus i also like to paint mine but i need decals.

[radzak]

Here is my holiday box.
Rob.
DSC_0667.jpg

i wish i had the money to get all those altitude stands. oh well paper cut outs still work.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

i love using the minis too. the 3D look is just right plus i also like to paint mine but i need decals.

The oberst does some decals on the Aerodrome Accessories site. Also our member Dom of Dom's decals has a line. Another good source is Hannants. http://www.hannants.co.uk/
Rob.

[Lord_Ninja]

Minis are like cocaine, you just can't go back to life like it's normal after using minis. Did you make that setup or did you buy it like that Kyte? I am at 12 minis and have 4 more on the way and may have another 11 soon so I can't keep carrying them around in their original boxes.

[Niclas]

Minis are like cocaine, you just can't go back to life like it's normal after using minis. Did you make that setup or did you buy it like that Kyte? I am at 12 minis and have 4 more on the way and may have another 11 soon so I can't keep carrying them around in their original boxes.

Please don't try to snort the minis Lucas, you'll hurt your nose.
/Niclas

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Minis are like cocaine, you just can't go back to life like it's normal after using minis. Did you make that setup or did you buy it like that Kyte? I am at 12 minis and have 4 more on the way and may have another 11 soon so I can't keep carrying them around in their original boxes.

I bought that box from Figures in Comfort here in the U.K. Lucas, but the Oberst does something similar on Aerodrome accessories.
Rob.

[LittleDogma]

I just brought a game, and don't have any mini(s) right now but one day, I would like to give it a try, and to owning mini(s) is appealing to me

[Niclas]

Be careful, Daniel!
You may think that you can buy just a couple, then before you know it you've bought them all - Those little minis are very addictive!

/Niclas

[Lord_Ninja]

I am now at 40 minis. And just bought a Bv-222 in 1/200 scale which is going to be about a nine inch mini. Someone please start a support group so that we may break this vicious cycle.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

I am now at 40 minis. And just bought a Bv-222 in 1/200 scale which is going to be about a nine inch mini. Someone please start a support group so that we may break this vicious cycle.

There is a support group in existance already Lucas. It goes under the name of Ares!

Rob.

[Tactics]

Got to be minis !!!

[Shiraz68]

Mini's most of the time, with an occasional game with the cards if I remember to take them with me on holiday.

[marcoperse]

I use almost only minis, only in particular situation I replace them with cards

Marco

[Baron Rolf]

I prefer to game with the miniatures and only use the cards when necessary.

[Пилот]

Minis are not so expensive, and, as Keydet said, it's easier to open two boxes than paint 500+ Napoleonic soldiers to get two armies you can play with
Altough cards give you more variety and take less space, I would vote for minis as first choice.

[7eat51]

I just started playing, and I am using minis. I find they add value to the game due to their quality, and it is just plain fun moving beautiful minis around a table. I am introducing others to gaming, and the minis have made the game seem more accessible to them. I will probably play with cards, though, when traveling.

[7eat51]

Be careful, Daniel!
You may think that you can buy just a couple, then before you know it you've bought them all - Those little minis are very addictive!

/Niclas

Amen. I started with two minis a month or so ago, and now I have 34 planes, 3 bombers, and 2 balloons, and am getting ready to buy some of the new ones just coming out. It wouldn't be so addictive if the pilots kept to the same color scheme.

[Captain Chum]

Mini all the way!

[OldGuy59]

Until I get minis, it's cards (paper, anyway).

And even when I get the Ares ones in the mail (waiting, waiting, waiting...), and with the paper ones I'm building, I will not have all the neat airplanes I want. I'm gonna have to get a second job, if I want to buy them all.

Building paper planes lets me print the colour schemes I want! If I get a plan of a Sopwith Tripe, I will be building the RNAS 10 Sqn's Black Flight of Canadian pilots. I could order Shapeways models and paint them up, but printing them (might) be easier. Paint and decals might be faster, at the rate I build, though.

But I will be using cards for two-seater and bomber runs for the next little while, no matter what comes in the mail.

I am planning to run an introductory event at my Air Base Officer's Mess, as soon as those Dual Packs show up! But I wouldn't want to do it without the minis. And if I'm gonna let newbies play (and they will all be newbies), I don't think I want to use my paper planes. So, I'm waiting. The Royal Canadian Air Force's 79th Anniversary will be on 1 April, so somewhere around that date, I'm hoping to hold the "Pilots vs Maintenance Officer's Dogfight Challenge". Fingers are crossed that the planes show up (I've had them on order since October). "I won't hold my breath. Although I look good IN blue, I don't look good BLUE!"

Mike

[7eat51]

Please let us know how it goes. Best wishes on the event.

I am planning to run an introductory event at my Air Base Officer's Mess, as soon as those Dual Packs show up! But I wouldn't want to do it without the minis. And if I'm gonna let newbies play (and they will all be newbies), I don't think I want to use my paper planes. So, I'm waiting. The Royal Canadian Air Force's 79th Anniversary will be on 1 April, so somewhere around that date, I'm hoping to hold the "Pilots vs Maintenance Officer's Dogfight Challenge". Fingers are crossed that the planes show up (I've had them on order since October). "I won't hold my breath. Although I look good IN blue, I don't look good BLUE!"

Mike

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Sounds a great idea Mike.
I'm sure they will turn up before that time.
Rob.

[KirkH]

I have some minis and like to use them, but get more enjoyment out of the many different types of aircraft on the cards. Plus, I enjoy things a bit more historically accurate so I like to keep flights of planes similar. Since I don't plan to go out and buy four Sopwith Camels and four SPADs and four Albatroses, the only way for me to play larger games is with the cards. For me, the biggest incentive to buying the minis is getting more maneuver decks. Personally, I just wish they'd sell maneuver decks separately. It would open up a BUNCH of options scenario-wise.

[Пилот]

Well, what about use of xeroxed copies of wanted decks (and use minis as proxies)?

[Jager]

I have some minis and like to use them, but get more enjoyment out of the many different types of aircraft on the cards. Plus, I enjoy things a bit more historically accurate so I like to keep flights of planes similar. Since I don't plan to go out and buy four Sopwith Camels and four SPADs and four Albatroses, the only way for me to play larger games is with the cards. For me, the biggest incentive to buying the minis is getting more maneuver decks. Personally, I just wish they'd sell maneuver decks separately. It would open up a BUNCH of options scenario-wise.

Yes, but it wouldn't really help the company profits, now would it.
karl

[Canvas Eagle]

I primarily use the minis, but I'll play with cards if it means getting in a game

[mike_espo]

Ok, I'm kinda curious about this. For me it's hands down minis, but I was wondering about who plays the game using cards, minis, or both?

Wow...guess I am in the minority by far.....I play with cards only.

[7eat51]

Wow...guess I am in the minority by far.....I play with cards only.

Just picked up Burning Drachens and Flight of the Giants last week. Almost have all the card sets. Great for travel, and I can see playing with them a lot more regardless. I love the minis, but the cards are quality as well.

Hope to play with you sometime before the year ends.

[mike_espo]

Just picked up Burning Drachens and Flight of the Giants last week. Almost have all the card sets. Great for travel, and I can see playing with them a lot more regardless. I love the minis, but the cards are quality as well.

Hope to play with you sometime before the year ends.

Wow...where did you get those? The only copy of Burning Drachens is from italy, 35USd plus gonna charge 35USD to ship!!!

Defiantely will play soon!

[7eat51]

Wow...where did you get those? The only copy of Burning Drachens is from italy, 35USd plus gonna charge 35USD to ship!!!

Defiantely will play soon!

Have you ordered the Burning Drachens yet? If not, let me know and I will do a little looking for you. As for shipping, I imagine we could meet around 2900 N. Harlem for a drop off and some cannoli.

[mike_espo]

Eric: Pm ed ya.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

For me personally I like 3D wargaming. Using the miniatures is what its all about you get more of a feel for the game and aerial warfare. Don't get me wrong the cards are fantastic and for space are easily transportable on holiday and the like.

[Teaticket]

I'm a sucker for the minis. The visual effect, especially on the new mats, is great.

I'll play either way but at just about all the game conventions I go to I see or bring my minis. At home with friends its minis all the way.

[milcoll73]

We only play with minis here! After reading some of the posts I think you guys play this game just a tad too seriously. We never have any issues with overlapping, as we just carefully reposition slightly if we have to, we never ever substitute planes with cards. I mean really whats the big deal if a plane is slightly out of position? Splitting hairs a bit aren't we? Haven't you guys ever heard of turbulance? Its a fun game and we like to keep it that way. Nobody around here takes it so serious that slight repositioning has ever been an issue. We use altitude and attitude repositioning with gimbling stands (no special rules there but it looks good), dyed cottonwool flak markers, itty bitty 2 mm scale terrain to photograph, straff and bomb, painted pipe cleaner smoke and fire markers that attach to the planes, we play on a huge laminated aerial photo, give me time and I'll make an exploded plane model to stick on a stand. We play with the whole 3D visual box and dice and have heaps of fun doing it. Miniatures is what makes this game fun!

i guess youve never played with a "nudger" (someone who keeps "accidentally bumping" his/her a/c that doesnt have you in his/her firing arc until you they do). we all bump a/c from time to time but im talking about those guys that shamelessly rotate bases A LOT when executing a maneuver or pulling a card.

[milcoll73]

There is a support group in existance already Lucas. It goes under the name of Ares!

Rob.

they seem more enablers to me

[milcoll73]

Wait a minute...you mean that it's possible to buy just a few planes?

i presume you mean "just a few" AT A TIME?

[milcoll73]

minisminisminisminis all the way for me!!!!! minis got me into the game!!!! ive always been a fan of minis for games and always been a fan of warbirds so a game that combines both is a game for me. the only time i (and our group) use cards is when 1 or more plane is going to overlap. we place the card out and have it "go virtual" until they diverge. i like the cards for the artwork but would use another mini for a stand in instead of playing with a card only.