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Hi, I recently purchased a US starter set for bolt action: link

It contains a nice starter variety I assume, but there are several assembly options for the infantry models and I'd hate to limit my future play options by gluing not very logical weapon and gear options on the infantry. For example I could make 5 bazooka teams, but I don't think I'll ever need that with the rest of the starter set. So what minimal number of more specialised infantry options should I focus on?

I likely will create 500, 750 and 1000 pt lists from this set.

So far I am thinking this:

* maximum number of models with BAR (1 per 10 dudes)
* maximum number of models with SMG (2 per 10 dudes)
* 2 snipers total
* 2 bazzookas total
* rest have assorted rifles

What about "guys with binoculars"? forward observers or 2nd leutenants(?)

Could I assemble something looking like a medic with this kit?

If you're going to play bolt action with these models than you should know that most regular army squads have a max of 12 men and can usually have 1 SMG and 1 to 2 BARs depending on what time frame you play. Also most platoons only allow 1 bazooka team and 1 sniper team but some theater specific platoons allow 2 bazooka teams. Officers can be built however you like as well as observers and if you want a guy just assemble a figure with no gun and some extra satchels or something to represent his additional first aid gear

Great, thanks!

Clicking around in battlescribe I now see right away that I can only have one bazooka and one sniper team.

However some of the infantry squad variations do allow more SMGs it seems.

A medic with what I have left on the sprues should be doable as you suggest, thanks.

Here is usually what I suggest:

Officer with SMG +1 man with and SMG (2 models)

Medic (1 model)

Forward Observer, Forward Air Observer or Spotter with SMG (1 model)

4 squads of 1 NCO with SMG, 1 BAR and 6 Rifles (like like the M1 Garand but squads would often be issued a Springfield or two) (8 models x4)

Bazooka Team (2 models)

Sniper Team (2 models) your choice to also include SMGs on them, I think it makes them looks a little busy to add an SMG to the actual sniper along with his rifle though.

The above should easily cover you to the infantry portion of any Bolt Action game up to 1000 points. I don't know what kind of Bolt Action game you plan on playing, but having 2 BARs is pretty much an exclusively 1945 late war thing, though Bolt Action doesn't really care, and not as common as Bolt Action makes it seem. I can't really argue that BARs aren't easily worth their points though if you don't care for the historical part of playing pre-'45.

As for the squad size, I really like 8 man squads. It is large enough to put down a good amount of fire and take hit but not so large that it's hard to find cover/concealment or be a real set back if it gets pinned out (less common in 2nd edition) or crippled/deleted. I also strongly recommend at least 4 squads but I wouldn't try to go over 6 squads at least starting out. I like all of my squads to be equipped the same as to any given squad doesn't make itself more or less of a target than another. Technically, you could skip the SMGs for the NCOs, but I like them as they offer some protection in the assault both before and during.

For the officer, I suggest not skimping (points wise) and getting a 1st Lt. They were probably the best bang for the buck in 1st ed and still a pretty good balance of points to effectiveness in 2nd. I like them being armed with SMGs (since they are free) as it gives the team enough dice to make put a least a little hurt on the enemy.

Honestly, the Bolt Action medic is still kinda of poor choice. However, I can't see playing the Americans without one. Don't expect him to really make back his points saving soldiers. Think of him as a reasonable cheap order die with the bonus pf bring back casualties.

If you are running low on models, skip the FO/AFO/Spotter for now. You could technically use the SMG guy that normally pals around with the officer in a pinch until you have enough models. However, if you do have enough models, you will probably want to try out the Air Superiority rule the Americans have. I suggest either picking a tank or the AFO but not both. Even if you don't take a FO or AFO, you will want this model for mortar/howitzer spotting.

I suggest modeling a sniper as I find them a very useful counter to a lot of things. Even if you find you don't like using snipers you can mix the team in with your regular guys pretty easy.

I like the bazooka even back in 1st where I practically expected to roll 6 followed by 6 any time I had to shoot with it. Now, the bazooka team is even better. I also think the Americans have the best combination of range, damage and points cost of man portable anti-tank weapons.

After filling out those recommendations, by all means, start adding a second BAR to the squads or consider more riflemen.

Thanks! Really useful information. Alas I already glued a 2nd bazzooka model, but no big loss. There are 10 infantry sprues (5 models each) and 5 weapon sprues, each with 3 7-8 rifles, 3 SMG's and 1 BAR, 1 bozooka and 1 sniper.

Your suggested coniguration should be perfectly doable with this kit. (4-5 squads, 8 men each)

I dont know when I will get my first match, my background is mainly from other miniature games and a huge interest in WW2 history. I ran across a good offer on a miniature gaming tournament I visited and picked up the box.

I then by chance discovered a neighbor that was in the same situation and we hope to get a match with him soon. (with a 40k army, one flames of war and one bolt action collection started)

T.

I would personaly build only one sniper and one bazooka team for it wouldn't fit in the army scheme anyway.

Since you have a halftrack, I would advice you to consider building a close combat smg squad to go with it, with max smg and some 5 or 6 guys maybe (no need to overccrowd it)

You may use 12 men 1 smg 1 bar infantry squad, it works good for me at least in my soft playing environment.

Don't forget to use binoculars etc to build up an air observer since you gain the benefit from striking twice thanks to your special rule.

Finally, get good at on the sherman!

Hope it servs you somehow and have fun with that wonderful game!

how would you max SMGs for the halftrack? I mean what specific type?

There seems to be some late war unit types that can have a few extra, would that be it?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
And thanks for the advice, I'm really looking forward to playing!

If I remember well, depending on the type of unit you use, here i mean veterans, you should have access to more smgs per squad than the regular two. Look at rangers/paratroopers etc entry, or their dedicated ones if you use the Armies of the USA book.

The NCO and up to 4 men can have a submachinegun insteadof rifles for +3 points each.
Up to two men can have BAR automatic rifles instead of rifles for +5 points each.

Which could give you a very hard hitting unit to roll through the field!!

WARNING: don't be too foolish though when using them, or they might end up completly alone and wiped out. It's good to embark an officier with them to benefit from moral boost on that important unit.

Definitely, I like the of spear-head units to punch through defensive lines, or apply focused power, thanks.

From what little I have seen, this should all be covered in Battlescribe.

T.

torblind wrote:
Definitely, I like the of spear-head units to punch through defensive lines, or apply focused power, thanks.

T.

With the soviets they're even better for they can even be geared up as submachinegun squad up to like 10 of 'em