This is almost an exact copy of how I've started. Been playing for a few months, so take what I say as a fellow beginner
Johan is almost a must have. He get's better with M&SU models, and he's your solid piece for removing conditions when needed. He's also a healer.
Soulstone Miners are fun to use in schemes were you need/can place a model hidden in a corner. From there it can threaten flanks/rears, drop schemes or harvest for soulstones.
Ironsides and Mei Feng, to me, feel like they are competing for the same strategy/scheme combos, the difference is how you want to play it out (and depends on opposing faction). However, the Ironsides box has the Oxfordian Mages. I might be biased towards the trio, but I found myself severly lacking ranged potential in my crews so far (and I like mages).
I have gotten my hands on Willie, 2 Wind Gamin, 1 Metal Gamin and Hans in addition to the 3 masters, spiders, miners, Johan and creation