From the Toysit archive
Warhammer 40,000 Starter Paint Set
Explore the older Warhammer 40,000 Starter Paint Set, its miniature-painting possibilities and an original three-color squad design activity.
The play at a glance
Give a small squad its own visual identity
Gray miniature frames, small paint pots and fine brushes surround the box in Toysit’s original image. The older Warhammer 40,000 Starter Paint Set presents painting as part of making a miniature world: choose a color for the armor, another for the trim, then give a tiny figure a detail that makes it recognizable across the table.
From a shared palette to individual characters
The preserved product description lists nine colors, ranging from Blood Red and Ultramarines Blue to Skull White, Chaos Black and Boltgun Metal. It describes five plastic Space Marines as a small group on which to begin. A limited group makes an inviting design question: which details should all five share, and which should belong to just one figure?
Imagine a squad whose armor repeats the same blue, whose shoulder edges carry a warm contrasting color and whose badges identify different duties. A tiny emblem can tie the group together. A stripe, a number or a carefully chosen accent can make one member easy to recognize.
Later Citadel guidance describes separate roles for base colors, shadows and highlights. That vocabulary can help a reader think about a miniature’s broad areas and small details, while the old kit remains a historical set with its own paint names and materials.
Try a three-color squad studio
Plan a group on paper before thinking about a physical model. This original activity uses crayons or pencils and five drawn armored silhouettes.
- Draw five simple figures with a helmet, shoulder panels and boots. Large shapes leave room for the color plan.
- Choose three colors: one for the main armor, one for the trim and one for a small accent. Make a labeled sample of each at the top of the sheet.
- Apply that shared palette to all five drawings. Then design one emblem that appears somewhere on every figure.
- Give each figure a role badge: scout, navigator, signaler, repairer or keeper of the expedition journal. Invent symbols that can be recognized from a short distance.
- Make a display card naming the group and explaining your three choices. Invite someone to identify the five roles from the badges.
Try a second version in which the accent color moves to a different area. Compare which version makes the group’s identity clearest. For work on actual miniatures, use age-appropriate materials and their current labels, with an adult handling any required cutting or assembly.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The complete earlier product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
Warhammer 40,000 Paint Set by Games Workshop
To help you get painting and collecting in the Games Workshop Hobby, we've put together the Warhammer 40,000 Starter Paint Set. Inside you'll find a paint brush ideal for your first brushstrokes as well as nine (9) Citadel Colour paints: Blood Red, Skull White, Chaos Black, Snakebite Leather, Bad Moon Yellow, Dark Angels Green, Ultramarines Blue, Bronzed Flesh, and Boltgun Metal. You'll also find a painting guide with hints and tips on how to paint, five (5) models for you to practice on, and an overview of some of the types of armies you can find in the 41st Millennium.
Citadel Colour Paints are non-toxic, water-based acrylics, specifically formulated for use with Games Workshop's Citadel Miniatures. Some assembly is required for the models. Collecting Warhammer 40,000 armies and sending them off into combat is--obviously--a lot of fun, but the hobby can be even more satisfying in the quiet moments between the battles, when you painstakingly assemble, paint, and detail your beloved little troops. Painting can be intimidating for a newbie, but this kit and guide offer a great primer, even for the artistically challenged--an excellent booklet walks you through the process step by step, with color photos and countless tips on everything from removing flash to applying undercoat (even reminding you that it's okay to make mistakes). Even better, this set includes a full set of nine Citadel paints, two Citadel brushes (a standard and a starter), and a plastic tray--everything you need to start painting. You even get some brave guinea pigs: five plastic Space Marines ready for the worst you can dish out.
Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40,000, often referred to as Warhammer 40k, is a tabletop miniature wargame created by Games Workshop. Set in a dystopian science-fantasy universe, the game is played with physical miniatures representing futuristic soldiers, aliens, and monstrous creatures. Players assemble and paint their miniatures, build armies, and engage in strategic battles on tabletops designed with intricate terrain. The game is supported by a rich lore, novels, video games, and other media, creating an expansive universe that has captivated fans for decades.
What Makes Warhammer 40,000 Popular
- Rich Lore and Storytelling: The game's universe is filled with complex characters, factions, and narratives, providing depth and immersion for players and fans.
- Strategic Gameplay: Warhammer 40k offers a deep and engaging tactical experience, requiring players to think strategically about army composition, positioning, and tactics.
- Creative Expression: The hobby aspect of assembling, painting, and customizing miniatures allows players to express their creativity and personalize their armies.
- Community Engagement: Local gaming clubs, tournaments, and online forums foster a strong sense of community and camaraderie among players.
- Expansive Universe: The Warhammer 40k universe extends beyond the tabletop game, with novels, video games, and other media enriching the experience and attracting a wider audience.
- Continued Support and Expansion: Regular updates, new releases, and expansions keep the game fresh and evolving, maintaining interest and excitement among players.
- Collectible Aspect: The collectible nature of the miniatures and the pride in owning rare and beautifully painted models add to the game's appeal.
Warhammer 40,000's combination of strategic gameplay, creative expression, rich storytelling, and community engagement has made it a beloved and enduring hobby for many. Its influence extends beyond the tabletop, shaping a cultural phenomenon that continues to thrive and inspire.
Sources and editorial notes
The earlier account names nine Citadel colors and five Space Marines, but its two descriptions disagree on one versus two brushes; both remain intact. The image visibly shows two brushes. A matching original kit guide and dated catalog entry were not recovered, so the exact edition and complete contents remain unresolved. Games Workshop’s 2022 Citadel article is later context only. Old non-toxic claims and paint condition are unverified; no physical testing, assembly or assessment of old materials was performed.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site image reviewed and retained unchanged.
- Games Workshop: Citadel Colour painting overview — June 24, 2022 manufacturer article describing base, shade and layer roles; later context, not verification of the older kit, paint formulas or contents.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete historical account retained, including its original claims and wording.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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