bogusheadbox, where are you located? If there is a GW shop near you, go there and have a game demo run for you. They will show you how it works, how the "phases" in each turn works, etc. Then grab a rule book and tell them you want to figure out for yourself the target numbers for your dice rolls. You'll have most of the game mechanics sorted once you have that understood. Like any GW employee, I would recommend the Assault of Black Reach box set simply because it contains both Space Marines and Orcs, one squad of mooks, one heavy-hitter, and one leader-guy. So basically, once built and primed and basecoated, you can play with either Space Marines or Orcs in the store, or versus a friend. Good way to get started. However, note that the rulebook in that box set is now out-of-date; the new rulebook has got new rules goodies in them, so far I like what I've seen.

MadDog, I've read the first book of the Horus Heresy as well, quite interested in it since it seems like everything started from here. I got book two, but it wasn't as gripping as book one. The audiobooks make for nice background while I'm "working" on the minis.

kome, thanks for pointing out the Tau. I was considering them, but holding off till I know more. I just might build an Ork army, they seem like fun if nothing but blind assaults into the enemy line and simple dice-whoring! And I can practice my painting on them too since I can "not take them too seriously." Imperial troops are too... meh for me. I like my fancy armor and fancy gear (hence Space Marines and Tau).

FrenchToast, thanks for speaking up. Maybe we can compare painting notes? I've always struggled with my painting. The GW shop guys always say it's very easy to do, and yes, it is if you just want "playable quality" paint jobs but I'm aiming for the best I can do --- I'm not stupid enough to compete in the Golden Demon, but can you blame me for wanting to paint to THAT standard? I like the minis I see in the pictures in the books, and I want my minis to look like those.

@ Ice:

Yes, I'm using a (cheap) airbrush for vehicles. I'm painting all my models to "tabletop quality", meaning they should look OK for actual playing without going over the top on details. I prefer a fully painted army in decent quality to a plastic grey army with three awesome models.
If you're interested in learning how to paint minis I'd suggest joining a WH40k forum and reading the painting sections and post your own minis for criticism. Most people are really helpful and you'll quickly improve.

The Bolter&Chainsword website e.g. is an excellent ressource for Space Marine players.

A couple of tips for painting:

1.) use a spray can primer to base coat your minis
2.) THIN YOUR PAINTS
3.) apply several thin layers of paint rather than a single thick one
4.) THIN YOUR PAINTS
5.) washes are your friend
6.) careful dry-brushing is great for applying highlights
7.) take your time

I LOL @ the "thin paint" advice. Nobody in the GW shop tells you to do that, but that is almost mantra in the internet mini-painting community.

No worries, I used to subscribe to Miniature Mentor up until a year ago I think. That first tutorial is very helpful in showing thinning paint and layering.

I used to post in CoolMiniOrNot but I get more "that's awesome" comments than actual helpful replies.

I tend to avoid CoolMiniOrNot, and specifically the "top10" gallery, because whenever I take a look, I end up weeping uncontrollably and then binning all my miniatures in a fit of frustrated rage...

FT

I played 40K for a long time, starting at Rogue Trader (1st edition). Eldar initially, then moved to Nuns With Guns. I sold it all about 8 years ago.

A few weeks ago my son (7) and I walked past the GW store in Brisbane, and he got really excited about the Lord of the Rings game (he loves the movies and has read both LOTR and Hobbit). We bought the Mines of Moria set, played through all of the scenarios and he's now thinking about what army he wants to put together for the more traditional battle game (I'll play the goblins from the box set).

That also got me re-interested in 40K, and I picked up the 6th edition rules. It's become a lot more comprehensive since the 3rd/4th ed that I used to play! I have a lot of hotel time during the week, so can do some painting while I'm away and play on the weekend. Good times.

Sisters again? Dark Angels? Grey Knights? Hrm....