Picking up the brush again: why we’re stocking Warhammer 40k at LithGeek
I’m stoked to say we’ve started carrying Warhammer 40k (aka Warhammer 40,000) in store—and it’s reminded me how much I enjoy the hobby. I haven’t played in about twenty years. Back then I was broke, usually borrowing mates’ units, and quietly blown away by how carefully everyone painted. As an artist, I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated by their crisp basecoats and tidy edge highlights.
Life happened—family, work, and a big move from California to Australia—and the hobby went on the back burner. Fast-forward two decades and our shop, LithGeek Custom Gaming Computers, wanted another way to bring geeks together that isn’t just screen time. Enter Warhammer. I grabbed a beginner set with Space Marines and Tyranids, clipped a few sprues, and remembered why this hobby hooks people.
First surprise: modern kits are a dream. Most of the starter builds snap-fit; parts line up so neatly you can barely see a seam. The craftsmanship is next level—very satisfying before you even pick up a brush.
Painting, though, is where I found my zen. I’m used to big canvases and bigger brushes—the kind that could cover a Dreadnought in one swipe—so switching to tiny detail brushes took a minute. But once you’re dotting eyes and picking out carapace ridges, the stress of running a geeky computer shop just dissolves. I’ve been reading up on Space Marines, Tyranids and Orks; I reckon I’ll play Marines or Orks (the whole WAAAGH! spirit is hilariously opposite to my chilled personality), but Tyranids are my current favourite to paint—so much texture and scope for creativity.
Here’s the big lesson I’ve relearned: I’m not an expert—and that’s perfectly fine. Comparing your paint jobs to someone else’s is a shortcut to frustration. The point isn’t perfection; it’s progress and fun. No one’s going to stop a game because my Sergeant’s eye isn’t perfectly straight. I’ll keep practising blends and highlights because I enjoy getting a little better each time.
At LithGeek, we’re all about that learning mindset. Whether your basecoat looks patchy or you’re the person mates hire to paint their armies, you’re welcome here. We’ve got the basics in stock—starter sets, Combat Patrol: Space Marines, Citadel Colour paints, brushes and hobby tools—and we can order anything we don’t have. Check local stock and pickup at sales.lithgeek.com, see updates at lithgeek.com, and explore the wider range at warhammer.com.
We’re planning friendly learn-to-play tables and game nights for new and experienced players. If you’re in Lithgow, Bathurst, Katoomba, Leura, Oberon, Portland, Dubbo, Zigzag, Bilpin, Blackheath or even Mellow Bath, drop by 85 Main Street, Lithgow. Say g’day, grab a kit, and maybe talk me into starting that Ork horde. And if your PC needs love or your phone’s on the fritz, remember we’re also your local computer shop for gaming computers and phone repairs—right next to the paint rack.