[Re-edit update (14/10/17)]
After looking more into the subject, I want to correct some errors I’ve made on this post. The post was intended to be based around using outside miniature company models as substitutes for AoS warscrolls. This was my own journey on making my own Freeguild army using 17th/18th century French army models.
My original edit didn’t clearly mention that this was focusing on GW related areas for using other company miniatures. I would like to apologise for this error.
My use of the word ‘controversial’ for this post was for anyone who invest in GW products, since this post is technically presenting an alternative that might hurt GW stores and Clubs, which will upset people. Again, my terrible structure in litriture and lack of research was at fault, again I apologise for this error.
For awhile I’ve been pondering wether or not to scrap this post and make new one. However, I felt it would be mature to keep the post up with minor alterations with better explinations for any future readers.
Thank you for reading this update, if you have any questions or anything that I’ve missed out, post a comment below and I’ll reply back as soon as I can. Thanks!
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There are times when a budget can only fit so much for a hobby project, especially when you’ll need multiple kits of models that are expensive. So when it came to collecting a Freeguild army, I went and purchased other model brands.
Positive aspects for buying different miniature company models
Going for miniature company’s that supply different ranges of models is a fresh landscape for kit bashing and unique looking armies. My Freeguild army is based on 17th-18th century French soilders, which look unique for their scale and uniform design.
Not only that, but having sets of x40 and x80 models in one kit is an easier way of filling up a full unit for match play. It’s great for hobbyist new and old who are either struggling to start an army or need a unique aesthetic look to display their collection.
Negative aspects for choosing this option
For those of you who are unaware of using proxy models for AoS, there are limitations for using other miniatures manufacturers for your army. Since the models aren’t officialy part of GW’s products, they will be banned from any official GW stores. Examples of areas that won’t accept these models include:
- Official GW gaming tournaments
- Gaming clubs that are part of GW (although there are many independent gaming clubs that are fine with substitute models, as long as they fit with the rules you’ll be using)
- GW painting competitions instore and events.
Unless your going to a gaming/ tournament group that house rule unofficial models, or to a friends house, your options are limited. Any investments you make are down to you, just keep in mind of what I’ve mentioned above before making any decisions.
Some model brand will lack multi-part options for customisation for kit bashing, many kits are even just a single mould altogether. The quality is also an issue, as the models might be made from cheaper materials that could break easily.
A brief history on the collection
A few years ago, I’ve found a hobby store (now sadly closed down this year) in an indoor market. The open shop had a variety of models ranging from cars, WWI/WWII kits, planes and so much more. What caught my eye though was the historical model range, which had 17/18th century period French milita models.
Grabbing myself three kits (unfortunately, I forgot the model brand name and kit names, I apologise for the obscure information) consisting of a set of 70 cream white troops, 4 cannons and 40 blue troops.
Progress on the kits
So far I’ve divided the kits into units based on warscrolls that best fit the units. The cream white models will be the Freeguild Guard, a total of a full x40 unit, and an extra unit of x20 (and a few more models that need counting). The blue plastic kit will be Freeguild Gunners, since I have just the right amount of models to fill a full unit of x30, or two units of x20.
I’m planning on reposing the cannons and rebasing the models, which will be my ally units from the Ironweld Arsenal. These will be useful to shoot at prime targets weaken any unwanted advancing units.
The proxy Freeguild models are a lot smaller compared to other kits, which actually looks more immersive for scale. Here’s a selection of comparisons that will give you guys a visual scale on how tall the proxy models are.
I like the scale difference, especially comparing models like the Primaris sergeant and Rotbringers Blightking. The proxy model has a fragile, squishy appearance compared to its bigger comparisons.
My goal now for this side project is to get enough round bases to cover all of the models. Once that’s sorted, I’ll then consider finding a kit of horses that fit with the scale and aesthetic of the army. Or optionally, other kits of the same scale that will be close fit to proxy for warscrolls.
Then, I’ll be adding a Freeguild General on a Griffin as my final addition to the army. Finally, I’ll create a name and backstory for this faction once I’ve got enough models to cover 1,000pt.
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Thank you for reading this post. If you have any questions, post a comment below and I’ll reply back as soon as I can. Thanks!
-Bjorn
The Tidal Leviathan 
Uh… using unofficial or proxy figures is a thing that goes back as long as gaming. Certainly it’s older than Warhammer itself. (Plenty of “unofficial” models are scattered through older GW books and White Dwarves!) Not exactly controversial unless you only shop in GW stores and only consume GW-sanctioned media produced in the last decade or so for your miniatures-fix.
Most gaming clubs will be okay with you using anything you like – it’s your opponents that you need to satisfy, and those can range from the strictest to the most relaxed.
In my experience – and I’ve been playing for over three decades now – is that if your proxy figures fit what they’re supposed to be then people are generally happy. It’s called “rule of cool”.
Most FLGS’ main concern is that you’re purchasing models from them, so if you’re playing with your Napoleonics in their store but also purchasing stuff from them, they’ll likely be cool. They don’t care about GW’s “official model” rules. Likewise with tournaments – as long as what the models are supposed to be is pretty obvious and it’s not going to cause confusion, they don’t care what you use (unless GW is sponsoring their tournament with that being a precondition of the sponsorship). Finally, the only paint competitions that anyone will care about are the Golden Demon and anything run by your local GW. (or anything that’s “company-only” to promote that company’s models. Take a look at Crystal Brush.
As for your Napoleonics, they look a little small to me, but I’d have no problem with them being used shy of any LOS issues. They look pretty good painted up!
…and enjoy your newfound “freedom”! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing your views and information on this subject, It’s given me more of an insight into the table top hobby. I’ve been committing to the hobby for about eight years now, so my knowledge is vastly inexperienced compared to yours.
Thank you for the compliment! 😁
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