Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I've been thinking about it, and don't think that the Rhino actually belongs on the tabletop outside of scenario gaming.

It seems that in the fluff its role is to transport marines TO the battlefield, not around the battlefield. It doesn't make sense to have them driving around trying to grab objectives when they are not designed to take and hold objectives or even weather enemy fire that well.

Maybe Rhinos should instead be 35pt upgrades to give a unit Scout, representing that they were able to get to the battlefield quicker.

Or, as I said, used for scenarios where the Rhino convoy is ambushed or the Rhino users are using them in a combat role out of sheer desperation.


tl;dr: Really from this thread it sounds like a Rhino is a support vehicle that doesn't belong on the battlefield at all.

I predominantly use my Rhinos when I play Chaos marines and they are worth every point. I try to have 2 for every three units that can take them. Are they relatively fragile? -Yes, but they are also so cheap they can always make their points back. When I use Rhinos I think of them almost as one big extra model in the squad of marines. If there were a marine character that allowed a squad to move faster and shielded them from attacks for an extra 35pts, I don't think anyone would question their worth.

A rhino even if destroyed right off the bat turn 1, is one turn where your enemy cannot target the embarked unit. People pay more points to improve armor saves on infantry affording less certainty for more points.

You have to consider different tactics in the use of armored vehicles. When real life militaries were using Combat taxis in the style of what the rhino imitates they were more closely supported by medium and light tanks. The modern demands for greater fire power and armor has largely come from the need for units to spread out over larger areas where there support has to cover that larger distance to support. That lesson is applicable here: use Rhinos by themselves and they will die. Closely support them with heavier armored vehicles and the things likely to hurt a rhino will likely be directed at the other vehicle.

I have used my Rhinos using the LRDG style doctrines with my Space Wolves.
10 Wolves with two Plasma-Guns and run them along the Flanks [or if I using the 'Wolves Unleashed truly outflank].
Run them using as much cover as possible and if I got a shot with the two Plasma Guns take it, if not Move Flat Out and continue to Flank. If I need more Cover I pop Smoke. By turn two I usually have 2-3 of the starting 4-6 in their Backfield.