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Hello everyone! I want to rebuild the Bolt Action community at my not so local Friendly Gaming Store. The owner is a good friend of mine and he's down with the idea! But first I've got to get some stuff together. The terrain at the store is fantastic and works for WW2 wargaming so I'm covered on that front. However, I need to make a couple of demo armies. At the moment I own Germans, Americans (Late War Para and Infantry) and Soviets. So, with this in mind, I have some questions.

1. Obviously the demo games should be some kind of allied army versus the Germans. But I'm not sure of whether or not to paint the Americans or Soviets first for this purpose. The Americans would have more instant appeal especially to those who are not really into historical gaming but has seen Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers. But most if not all WW2 wargaming starter sets use Americans as the allied force. Soviets might be more unique. Also, should I paint the Airborne or the infantry first?

2. What should the armies be? I was thinking two infantry squads lead by a 2nd LT on each side with some kind of support weapon. The Americans and Germans both get an MMG or something.

3. What should the game be? Just straight up kill points or should I introduce simple objectives? Like "Seize the Hill!"? Maybe I could use that for a more advanced game after the first intro one.

Any other suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

Soviets vs German's would be good, garner some 40k Guard players with how their rules are.

1: I think you'd probably have more luck with the Americans.
2: 2 x infantry squads, 2nd lt and an iconic weapon for both sides. Give the Germans an MG42 and the Americans a bazooka. Now the Bazooka is technically more expensive points wise but is less suited to a infantry only game, so it balances out.
Maybe give an infantry unit from both sides squad support weapon (LMG and Bar respectively)
3. A bit of both. Points for kills, but MORE points for capturing the objective.

one thing I'd avoid is the more contentious units and equipment: assault rifles, observers, flamethrowers.

Good luck.

Go for Americans - it's obviously easier to sell to American people. Band of Brothers was quite a popular TV show, and of course Saving Private Ryan was a well know film, so whatever you choose, infantry or airborne, it's an easy sell.

As the posters above say, keep it simple and don't bog it down with complicated rules or things like flamethrowers.

If possible try and have a tank or vehicle on each side. In my experience, people like tanks blasting away at each other, and they have an obvious visual appeal on the table.

Good luck with your demo.

Alright, here is what I was thinking.

US: All forces are veteran except the Sherman.

2nd LT
Assistant

7 man Airborne Squad
-Sergeant has SMG
-BAR


7 man Airborne Squad
-Sergeant has SMG
-BAR

Bazooka

M4A1 Sherman (Reg)

Germany: All Forces are Regular.

2nd LT
Assistant

9 Man Grenadiers Squad
-Sergeant has SMG
-LMG


9 Man Grenadiers Squad
-Sergeant has SMG
-LMG

MG-42 MMG

Puma

Things are slightly skewed in the allies favor but I think most people would be playing the Americans so it works out! It has a nice selection of units plus the iconic sherman and the unique looking Puma.