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Basically if I want to deviate from the tried and tested leafblower list, what are the best all comers options for IG Heavy Support? Basically I am running 4-6 Chimeras and 3 Vendettas (will not remove these as these are the reason I am going IG). I love the Manticore so I don't mind getting one but I don't feel like doing Manticore, 2x Hydra +Basilisk (and variant) combo. I really love the Leman Russes but I am confused as to which variants are needed and deserving in an all-comers list. I expect to face lots of BA, SW, Nids GK and ofcourse Vanilla Marines in our area. I plan to get all the HS in one purchase so I could really use your input guys.

Leman Russ Battle tank, with lascannon for kicks. It can take anything, light armour, MEQ and horde.
I would imagine most people would agree, LRBT are pretty popular.

If your planning to move a lot with your vehicles, then Leman Russes, particularly Demolishers is hard to beat. I got 3 of them in my 1750 IG list.

They can be used to pop vehicles, kill infantry, protect your softer tanks all for 165 points apiece. Plus their have a great psychological effect on your opponent and will usually draw the the most firepower which is good since that means less firepower going to the rest of your tanks. They can also instant kill a lot of things which would otherwise be hard to take out ( Nob Bikers/Paladins/Tyranid Warriors/etc )

Hope this helps you

Cant go wrong with the basic LRBT. Lascannon is a good upgrade too. After that, the Demolisher.

If you can make the points for it, a LR Executioner with plasma sponsons is an awesome terror weapon, and not easy to kill. Check out my batreps to see how I use them. Basically, 4-5 S7 Ap2 blasts are pretty hard and will hurt anything bar armour 13-14. AP2 ignores FNP and all armour, and S7 will blast through light vehicles and MCs. It needs to fit in your list though. If you're looking for artillery, and since you already plan on a manti (solid choice, btw), I think a pair of griffons might be a nice and accurate addition.

I like the executioner, but it can be a point sink. Rear armor of 11 is like butter, and there goes 190-245 points.

Then again, Av 11 is considerably better than Av 10 and the amount of AP 2 blasts the thing fires swiftly makes SM's shiver as their terminator armour bdecomes as saving as flak armour

I like the executioner, but it can be a point sink. Rear armor of 11 is like butter, and there goes 190-245 points.

I run a hybrid list with a platoon, so I got its rear covered . The man advantage of a LR is that enemies have to get within 6" (12" for a MM) to reliably damage it. The LR requires sme forethought, but I like it.

the amount of AP 2 blasts the thing fires swiftly makes SM's shiver as their terminator armour bdecomes as saving as flak armour

Exactly. And you can stack wounds on MCs. Or use it on a marine unit that just got shot out of it's transport. Practice your maniacal laughter beforehand . My record is 25 hits on a marine unit.

LRBT + LC.

You can never go wrong with a standard Russ. But don't overlook the effectiveness of the Exterminator. Four TL S7 AP4 shots plus a HB on the move is pretty nice. They're a decent replacement for Hydras since the Hydra only gets TWO S7 shots when it moves and has FA12, SA10.

-Reece

Exterminator? Never really gave that one a thought. I'm happy that the normal LRBT works. I really love the way it looks and a lot of people say that they still have a place on the field. I guess that makes it a Manticore and a LRBT. Now I just need to think of my 3rd slot. It's a toss up between 2 Hydras, a Basilisk and another Russ. Was thinking of the the Vanquisher as it really appeals to me but at BS3, I don't know if it's reliable and make its points back. I don't think I am willing to spend on Pask as of yet. I've also thought of the Executioner but again it seems costly.

Personally, I'm a huge Executioner fan. I've stated my reasons above, so I won't bore you with them again, but IMO it's a tank that fills a nice niche: long range AP 2 shooting in decent amounts. It can take on transports and MCs etc... But the fact that you can reach out 36" with high strength Ap 2 fire... That's just priceless. Because it has 5 shots, it's pretty accurate, which is my main problem wit the LRBT and te Demolisher: one shot mean you'll miss quite a lot. The Executioner should hit with some blasts most of the time, making it more reliable MO.

Pask is definitely worth it. He makes Russes much better just with the improved BS.

A Hydra is great, two is even better. Against largely MEQ though, I don't think they'll see much use. I would agree with CommissarKhaine about the Executioner. Personally I would run two Russes of some sort and a Manticore, though Manticore, Bassie and Russ could work. However, that's leaning more towards Leafblower, which you wanted to avoid, right?

As for the Vanquisher, it looks good on paper, but needs Pas and a Lascannon to be useful. I dont usually use it, as I have two demolishers to take care of armour.

I for one enjoy the Vanquisher as a dedicated Heavy Tank hunter. A Las Cannon and Multi-Melta Sponons make it a startling surprise for any heavy armor that tries to stay in the backfield and shoot at range. I just take one, as its strength is abundantly clear.

The only real downside to it is the lack of AP1, but its almost average penatration rate at such a far distance makes up for it.

KplKeegan wrote:I for one enjoy the Vanquisher as a dedicated Heavy Tank hunter. A Las Cannon and Multi-Melta Sponons make it a startling surprise for any heavy armor that tries to stay in the backfield and shoot at range. I just take one, as its strength is abundantly clear.

The only real downside to it is the lack of AP1, but its almost average penatration rate at such a far distance makes up for it.

IMHO, it's biggest drawback is twofold. It's BS3 and no large blast template option.

I personally would rather try to dropping 1-3 STR 10 pie plates a turn for 4 turns, than a Vanquisher. In other words a Manticore.

Edit:
I usually run 1-2 Russes(Demolisher most often), a Manticore and a pair of Hydras.

Hydras are also nice if you dont have enough autocannons. 3 off them costs 225 pts and gives you 6 tl autocannons. In one heavy slot.

MrTau wrote:Hydras are also nice if you dont have enough autocannons. 3 off them costs 225 pts and gives you 12 tl autocannons. In one heavy slot.

Fixed that for you....

And i usually won't squadron anything, but if i do i don't go more than 2.
3 makes it too hard to hide and move, IMHO.