(Part 3) Best products from r/XWingTMG

Streaming is really fun, but it can get complex relatively quickly depending on what you want to do. Once you overcome the hurdle of getting everything set up, it's a lot easier.

 

Step 1: Establish Scope

The first thing you need to do is establish the scope of what you want to accomplish. Do you simply want to stream the game from a fixed position camera and that be it? Or do you want to include additional elements to the stream? If you are relatively new to videography, it can be easier to simply start small and do a basic stream. For my recommendations, I will assume that you simply want to get a stream up and running, and after that we can talk about what you can do to make the stream more appealing.

 

Step 2: Setup Your Streaming Account

Your 2 options are YouTube Gaming or Twitch. While I am sure that there are other options out there, these are the best for what you are trying to accomplish, and I can personally vouch for both platforms. YouTube Gaming is nice because if you have a gmail account, you already have a YouTube account. Twitch is arguably more popular though, and it has the option of directly exporting to YouTube. Both are incredibly easy to setup and work with though. I have used Twitch in my personal life, and I have used YouTube with work. Both are fine, it's just your preference.

 

Step 3: Download your Broadcast Software

Open Broadcast Software

Again, there are other options here in this category, but OBS is free, easy, and designed to be used with both YouTube and Twitch.

 

Step 4: Test Your Equipment

You will need to plug up your camera, log in to your streaming platform, open your broadcast software, and run a test stream. Doing an effective stream is more than just plugging a camera into a computer and leaving it at that. Depending on the scope of what you want to do, you are probably going to have to purchase some hardware.

Depending on the type of camera you have, you may be able to simply plug it into your computer, turn it on webcam mode (if it has that feature) and start your stream. Not every camera is this straight forward though, and you will need to do some research on what your camera can and can't do. Some cameras will let you connect to a computer and stream directly to that computer. Note that streaming to a computer is different than streaming online. Some cameras only treat a computer as an external hard drive and require some sort of capture device to stream to the machine. We purchased a Magewell USB to HDMI capture device at work and it works very well. It's expensive, but good. You just need to research what your camera can and can't do.

 

Step 5: Promote Your Channel

Now that you have set up your channel and tested your equipment to make sure it works, all you have to do is go to your store, stream the game, and get people to watch it. Ask your FLGS if they will give you a direct line to their router. If they will, bring a long ass ethernet cable; you don't really want to stream HD video wirelessly. Also, ask them what their upload speeds are. Obviously you need a connection to the internet, but some stores don't have a great upload speed. You don't want to get there and find out that your stream is garbage because the store only has 2mb up or something like that.

And that's generally it. Create your channel with either YouTube or Twitch, download your broadcast software, and make sure that your equipment works. After you have setup your stream you can start to add things like audio commentary, music, transitions, overlays, or even additional cameras.

 

Audio Commentary

To do this, you are going to need a sound mixing board and some microphones if you want to have more than 1 person talking. This is actually not as hard as you would think. There are some relatively inexpensive USB sound boards that you can plug a microphone into. This isn't explicitly necessary, but a good audio commentary separates the poor streams from the better streams. If you can't do this, at least consider some background music.

 

Overlays

Find someone with good Photoshop skills and ask them to make you a 16:9 overlay for your stream. You will quickly find that streaming a game of X-Wing is hard to see if you are the viewer, and a good overlay communicates so much information to the viewer. Trinity Squad Gaming have my favorite. Team Covenant are also really good. Most streamers either ignore the overlay completely, or they have a crappy one. Don't be one of those streamers! There are plenty of really good artists on this sub-reddit. Hell, I will make you one if you want. Just let me know.

 

Final Thoughts

There is a lot more here that could be discussed. There are other guys here who have expressed interest in helping you get started. Feel free to reach out to any of us.

> What is a good paint brand for X-Wing? I have heard positive things about Valejo (sp?). I'm looking for something that comes with good color density. I don't have an airbrush at my disposal.

Vallejo, Army Painter, and Citadel (Games Workshop) are all good. I use all three of them--just a matter of finding the one with the color you want. Also, you've probably heard this, but always thin your paints. I normally use about a 2:1 mixture of water:paint, aiming for a consistency of skim milk. If you don't thin them, you'll end up with visible brush strokes.

> What primers work? I'd love to be able to throw down a basecoat with primer. Does it obscure the detail too much due to the fact they're already painted?

1. You can strip the original paint off the X-Wing if you want. I always do. I let it sit in isopropyl alcohol for 6 hours or up to a week. (The alcohol doesn't seem to hurt the plastic no matter how long you let it soak.) Then attack it with a toothbrush and some more alcohol.
   
   
2. For primer, I use spray Rustoleum 2X primer in flat white. Goes on quick and easy, doesn't obscure details and gives a nice canvas that the paint likes to stick to. Downside is the quoted 24 hour drying time, which will slow you down compared to a brush-on model primer from Vallejo or the like.
   
   > What do you guys do for squad markings/line work? Seems like the models are big enough to benefit from the ease of use with masking tape but I've heard that they can damage paint. Any suggestions?
   
   The Testor's and Tamiya masking tape suggestions here are good. Also consider waterslide decal paper if you want logos or things more complicated than just lines and curves. You use your computer printer to print out whatever logo, cut it out, get it wet, and it slides onto the model. (There are slightly more steps than that to ensure success, but that's the jist)
   
   Some more of my first X-Wing repainting adventure here, if you want a little more: https://www.reddit.com/r/XWingTMG/comments/519xsv/my_first_repaint_dead_airlines_jumpmasters_and/
   
   I can't imagine trying to paint the small "Pan-Am" or the small logo on the back by hand--just way too small and detailed.

Edit: If you look at this party vendor listings Rasshu has this for $28 with free shipping. That's a pretty good deal. It'll take it 1-2 weeks to get there but if you're fine with the wait it's worth it.

CamelCamelCamel shows that this is near the lowest price for a Shadowcaster, though it seems to go on sale for slightly less than this pretty often. Miniature Market and CoolStuffInc only sell the Shadow Caster for a few bucks more than this sale price so it's really not like you'll be missing out on much if you don't grab this. Still if you've already been wanting to grab the Shadow Caster then the decreased price and free shipping could be worth it.

Miniature Market: $34

CoolStuffInc: $34


This is a fantastic ship if you're a Scum pilot. Asajj with Latts as a crewmember and the Shadow Caster title makes for a fantastic control ship. With all your shenanigans with Gyroscopic Targeting and the Mobile Arc this ship is fun to fly! Not to mention it's played in a few high-tier Scum lists to great effect. Unfortunately most of the upgrade cards are useless to the non-Scum player. The crew are all Scum-only, the Illicit slots are Scum-only (without a smuggling compartment), and the modifications are pretty underwhelming. It does come with one copy of Veteran Instincts though that can also be found with the Millennium Falcon, Slave 1, and Sabine's TIE Fighter.

Great ship if you want a maneuverable and competitive control ship. Terrible expansion if you have no interest in playing Scum.

I know you wanted boxes but that gets pretty annoying pretty quick. It is only marginally easier to arrange when you buy a new expansion and a lot more annoying each time you look for or replace a used card.

I have sleeves which I arrange by type and cost and make sure there is plenty of space between types and costs to make inserting new cards easier. Every so often I need to put in a bit of extra work to keep everything nice but it really isn't much work even with over 130 ships.

I use the sleeves below, with different colours of the 18 card ones for different factions, and a folder for ships and 1 for upgrades to make life even easier.

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CS0ZWC0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521795317&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ultimate+guard+sleeves+pages&dpPl=1&dpID=51

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CS0ZL9O/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521795387&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ultimate+guard+sleeves+pages+18&dpPl=1&dpID=51VF--9B0IL&ref=plSrch

I use foam core boards (5mm thickness) from any art supply store (I use jerry's artorama). I have a ruler in millimeters to measure with and a foam cutter/exacto knife to cut with. Measure your ships dimensions, plan out your design, and start cutting.

I use elmers glue and straight pins to hold it together. The straight pins are key. They are super helpful in keeping it all together until the glue dries.

Essoteric Order of Gamers has an excellent series on making board game inserts using foamcore board. I checking them out.

Edit: One last thing : This Foamwerks Foamcore cutter is worth its weight in gold! It has replaced my exacto knife. HIGHLY recommend.

This is the glue I love, I also use insta-set which is a spray that will make the glue dry in seconds so you can keep working on the same part without stopping for a bit, great stuff.

When you're gluing two surfaces together it never hurts to roughen them up with sandpaper or a hobby knife, it gives the glue a better gripping surface and creates more of a mechanical seal.

If you want glue suggestions I'd say Loctite super glue, I have yet to find two surfaces it won't stick together (including your skin, so be careful)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014VTPPS2/ref=pd_aw_sim_21_of_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZR9TG4RN3TZZCMS2TXKK

They have a whole series of them only about 25 dollars each. The plastic is molded in color but to make them look good you wanna paint them yourself. No glue required however which is nice, and they are the nicest fitting and looking model kits I've seen at that scale, star wars or otherwise.

I personally got a TIE fighter and TIE interceptor and painted the interceptor red to look like a royal guard tie.

I found them on Amazon UK, closest to me, for £5.86 and prime availability.

Thanks for your help people.

Link if you're interested:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CS104FE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_nyvCybFP6GCP1

The box I've got actually fits the upgrade cards nicely. I've got one of these deck boxes and the left side of it is pretty much perfect to hold upgrade cards with minimal wasted space (while pilot cards go in the right side, upright).

Other folks have good suggestions for storing multiple lists worth of ships (or your whole fleet). But for bringing just one list, something like this works well:

https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Section-Drawer-Organizer-Clear/dp/B00AN8CTX0?

Better get it fast then.

Most Wanted
Rebel Aces

And yes, they are only producing 2E content now. Only exception being the Saw's Renegade and Tie Reaper expansions (because those come with 2E content)

I got a set of these sleeves for tournament play (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CS104FE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and am really liking the idea of horizontal ship cards. Might have to make some alt arts myself by the next tournament.

You need to find side loading sleeves that have the textured backing.

The Ultra Pro 4-pocket binder has these kinds of sleeves (this is what I'm using atm). Basically the front of the pocket is clear/plastic, but the back of the pocket is this black textured material. It helps a lot with keeping the cards straight and in place.

I have seen a couple of other brands with the same thing (and in larger folder sizes), sorry I don't remember what they were though... Basically I just went down to my local and they had a whole bunch there.

Harbor freight has them, but they are not available online.

Go to Amazon to find a cheap one. Like this one: http://www.amazon.com/As-Seen-On-TV-Straight/dp/B00068J2V4/ref=sr_1_1?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1398221299&sr=1-1&keywords=laser+line

I use ultimate guard sheets in a regular binder, works pretty well

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CS0ZWC0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TZhdzbXZ3NEWR

This is the one I have. It works well for 2 mats, rolled together. Nozlen Document Poster Tube - Black Plastic Storage Tube Expands from 24.5" up to 40" with Clear ID Card Cap - Water and Light Resistant - Telescoping For Posters, Artwork and Drawings Model DT3001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGWRHQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_StgPAb76E0QK8

Ok, thanks for the replies. Think I'm going to go with this, decent reviews and not too pricey.

Its been back up for a few days (now with correct picture) from order history. But it's not in their search engine so you can't find it. It's not longer purchasable but here is the link if anyone cares http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616619937

I've fixed every break I've had, which includes two of the type you described, with gorilla super glue gel https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CJ5EO2E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483811105&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gorilla+super+glue+gel

I keep my cards and pilot bases in binders:

• Pilots: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XH8DV6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Upgrades: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018OM5MGC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Small bases: https://www.amazon.com/BCW-20-Pocket-Pages-Pocket-Size/dp/B002KDNAU2/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1479145791&sr=1-1&keywords=bcw+coin
  
  
• Large bases: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DDTQFN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  The ships I actually keep on their bases and pegs, using the ID token holders on the bases to hold the chit for the maneuver dial and the actual maneuver dial (I'm using the dial upgrades: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/x-wing/products/imperial-maneuver-dial-upgrade-kit/). That way, when I want to fly a ship, I can just grab it off the shelf and I've already got the maneuver dial and the chit ready to go.

These are perfect for dials.

LOT OF 5 - SINGLE ROW 2x2 STORAGE BOXES For Coins in Plastic, Vinyl, Paper and Cardboard Flip Holders https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722YDXJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yHh.BbEKCAZ0N

I bought some of these: Coin Boxes

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I cut/folded some index cards to act as dividers between the different ship types, so its easy to open it, thumb through the tabs, and find what you need...

​

I use the plastic dial covers and I store them in there as well (they fit perfectly)

I use binder pages for pilot cards and use these for dials: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074FJKRVN

​

Washi Tape organizers are also the right size.

​

I know a few people who are using these:

https://www.michaels.com/three-drawer-washi-organizer-by-recollections/10542364.html

​

If you search for washi tape storage on amazon or the like you'll find similar sized containers of various shapes and sizes.

Thanks man, I went with that math.

Ended up getting 4 of the pilot card size (2 Luke and 2 Vader)

The FFG yellow sleeves sold out before I could get them!
So I got these
https://maydaygames.com/mini-usa-premium-card-sleeves.html
Went with 6 for now

Also picked up on of these
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I0Z53U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered a 4-page binder like this:
Amazon - Ultra Pro binder

The pilot cards fit just fine. For the mini-weapon cards I inserted a staple on some of the pages to divide the card slot, allowing 2 smaller cards to sit side-by-side.

It was enough room for the base set and waves 1/2. Have not added wave 3, but there was a little extra room.

a link would have been nice
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Fantasy-Flight-Games/dp/1616619937

i like this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CS0ZWC0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

its dual sided. you dont have to insert them back to back or flip to the front of the page to pull out a card thats on the back side.

This is the only glue.

https://www.amazon.com/Insta-cure-filling-Bob-Smith-Ind/dp/B0000DD1QQ

There is nothing better. It will definitely fix any X-Wing model. You can glue your car back together with it.

Speaking of the 32 pocket ones, here's the exact pages you wanted on Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/Pages-Pocket-Stand-Sleeves-Piece/dp/B01CS104FE/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_1_dp

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GPEL9VS

The dp/... is a link to an amazon ASIN (stock code) and will be consistent across all their sites.

It's the same date that Amazon put on his site though:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-X-Wing-Miniatures-Expansion/dp/1616619414/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421487468&sr=8-1&keywords=x-wing+most+wanted

There is an amazon US seller that just put wave 6 up for sale today and they are listing Feb 20th as the release date.

I've seen others mention https://www.amazon.com/Print-File-Preservers-3-5x3-5-Inch-Prints/dp/B00DDTQFN6/ as an option.

Pages 14 Pocket Stand Card Sleeves (10 Piece), Black, Mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CS104FE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ha3HzbZ6ZQ09N

I got mine from my FLGS but this is the equivalent Pages 32 Pocket Card Sleeves (10 Piece), Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CS0ZWC0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nWEwyb3X1YF9P

Most Wanted is listed back in stock on the same day, $29.99

https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-X-Wing-Wanted-Expansion/dp/1616619414

This is what I've found for the 14 pocket:



https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B01CS104FE/ref=olp_tab_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new



http://www.fishpond.com/Toys/Ultimate-Guard-14-Pocket-Mini-American-Compact-Pages-Ultimate-Guard/4056133002516?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=ps&utm_campaign=US&gclid=CjwKEAiA3NTFBRDKheuO6IG43VQSJAA74F77n-wo3qlOOeVXTEHmFf2JCe4cb9SXriBgKIU6Y8hZMxoCm9jw_wcB



And for the 32 pocket:

https://www.amazon.com/Pages-Pocket-Stand-Sleeves-Piece/dp/B01CS0ZUCC - (this is cheap and Prime eligible. 3 left!)



http://www.games-island.eu/en/32-pocket-pages-mini-american_269/



Edit: wrong link for the first 32 pocket

I'm going to disagree. Yes, the side loading pages are nice (but you can get binder pages that are side loading), but they're horrific to keep organized. As more waves come out and you get more stuff, it takes FOREVER to reorganize one of these because you can't take (or add) individual pages.