When is it okay to proxy and not to proxy models on the table top? Come see some suggestions and a way to checkout a ton of “Proxy models” all at once!
The Bizarre and Wonderful Land of Proxying
A guest article by Vincenzo Bruni,and Jacob Bolton
The word proxy is a rather vague, often derogatory term used in the Warhammer and the larger miniature wargaming community, in general: infamous soda bottle used as Carnifex and empty base “count as anything you want” come to mind and understandably give more skilful proxies a bad name.
Yet proxying is an old art, almost venerable activity: veteran gamers still remember early White Dwarf WWI tanks used as Land Raiders, when Zoids mecha and G.I. Joe vehicles were transformed into space marine vehicles and of course Rick Presley’s iconic deodorant stick/military hovercraft, which made and elusive come back upon the arrival of the vehicle design rules released by chapter approved in 4th edition 40k.
Half between full scratch built monstrosities and the minute conversion most refined proxying is almost an hobby unto itself.
Sometime to spare couple of bucks, something uniquely offered to the battlefield – children toys, action figures, fish tank and cake decorations, birdhouses, SciFi models… cut, repainted, rebuilt, reassembled and given new form and function, realistic, satirical or gore drenched: “Rule of Coolness” should be the only limit.
Truly an interesting and underestimated asset to our hobby proxying both an indoor entertainment and outdoor treasure hunting: finding such perfect specimens at many flea markets, OP shops, thrift stores, pound shops, $2 stores, garage sales, junk yards salvages. Making things once discarded of use again.
Tony Contrell’s Titan from the 1980’s
No such limitations can be said, of the mind of the hobbyist of such tastes!
Checkout the Warhammer Proxies! Facebook group, it’s 3200 members strong, growing, and waiting for you.
Warhammer Proxies!
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at the Las Vegas Open, each of which attracts thousands of players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the 2011 Adepticon 40k Team Tournament. He was even featured for his painting in issue #304 of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf Magazine.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
