Back to Basics

[TVsCHACHI]

I recently took a few of my MF creations to work to show my co-workers, they dug them, it was cool. I also took the latest copy of the Tweak, much to their surprise they saw that there is a magazine which informs and represents the MF enthusiast.

I was asked how I got started, who turned me on the the hobby, what figures I use, how I make customs, etc. This led to a long, long description, which also illuminated me to the fact that if I had not been hooked from buzz-one I may have turned around ages ago.

The reason is this: it took me over a year before I had enough materials to really swing. Thanks to my wife's understanding of my love for the hobby she let me invest a CHUNK of loot into this, whether at the hobby store, online, eBay, etc.

I fear these things could easily sway a newbie from getting down into the hobby. And so my question is this:
What are the bare bones (and economical) basics for getting started in the hobby?

Boards,
Bases,
Figures,
Tools?

I plan on a big recruiting drive in 2008 so all of this is research for that.


Thanks for your time and thoughts.