One downside to starting from zero is not having a massive library of bits.
For those not in the know, “bits” are the leftover items on the sprues of the model you just finished building. For example, when you buy a new box of Ork Boyz, GW gives you the option to add on extra armor to make them ‘Ard Boyz. If you choose no to do the conversion, you now have leftover “bits”. Although I am the very definition of a n00b in 40K, one piece of advise I feel compelled to give, keep every bit no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT. At some point in your 40K career, you will be glad you saved whatever it is.
Anyway, back to my plight. Normally, a lack of bits wouldn’t really be an issue because as you build your army, bits are sure to follow. My problem stems from my approach to gathering my Waaagh; eBay & local sales/trades. When folks sell you 50+ assembled Boyz, they don’t necessarily include the gigaton of bits from all the boxes they used to assemble them. While you do get an assembled model you miss out what might have been. This seems trivial, but in the end, it’s costing me almost as much acquiring all the bits I need as if I bought the boxes new.
Lesson learned, Universe, you win again.
That’s not to say that I wouldn’t have to purchase bits to make unique items.. but you get what I’m getting at.