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Here is what I am looking at so far as an army:
Panzerkompanie
HQ
2 Stug G
CP
3 Stug G
5 Panzer IVH
DP
3 Panzergrenadier Squads

Total 1145 points

I figure a good starting point is to have at least 1500 points. I have a Ju Stuka on order just because I am thinking of air support. I am also thinking of adding an Anti-Tank Platoon or an Artillery Battery. Any C&C are welcome.

Minor bit of advice from someone who learnt the hard way, don't attach your Panzer IV's with your Command STuG's. It gives the enemy the option of "Gun Tanking" your IC (e.g singling him out for extra unwanted attention!), which can be a quick way to lose a game. Otherwise seems solid list, I would recommend Nebelwerfers(either size), because they are cheap and you get alot of firepower for your points and take a battery of 3 minimum. I like Panzer IV's but they don't hold up well against Russian Mediums like T-34's and T-34/85's. They do reasonably well against allied Shermans.
The STuG's are an all round win, effective and relatively cheap. I would consider dropping the IV's and grabbing another platoon of STuG's, you might want some heavier AT guns on the field, PaK 40's or 88's (the 88's are amazing at knocking down heavy armour).

A pioneer Platoon can be an effective Anti-Tank Assault platoon and with Stormtrooper move's can get into position quickly.

Imminent version 3, might nerf your Air support, we will have to see what the new rules say.

I had no plan on attaching my Stug and Panzers. I was hoping to bulk up on panthers or tigers. The Pak 40's and 88's were in my mind also but was just looking for a good deal. Also, I could not decide what platform I would use if emplacement or motorized. I found a PaK 36 (for E/M/L) but I had a feeling it did not provide enough firepower. I do not know what Stormtrooper moves are. So, are they that good?

Stormtrooper for German Units, is basically a Skill check at the end of the turn (Per platoon) if successful you can move a further 4". This is great as you move away/towards the enemy more quickly, you can also potentially get out of assault range, which allows another round of shooting the enemy before they get you. It allows you to move units out of trouble, Artillery can be ranged on the smoke trails of rockets (read nebelwerfers) so stormtroopering gets you out of the hot zone quickly.

It can allow you that extra reach to get units fully in cover etc. It's all round useful.

mwnciboo wrote:The STuG's are an all round win, effective and relatively cheap. I would consider dropping the IV's and grabbing another platoon of STuG's, you might want some heavier AT guns on the field, PaK 40's or 88's (the 88's are amazing at knocking down heavy armour).

In V2 of the rules, yes the StuGs are more effective. That's why the Mark IVs had their points values decreased slightly in Grey Wolf. But in V3, turreted vehicles will be getting more bonuses that are unavailable to assault guns. So it might be a bit too early to write the Mark IVs off.

Eumerin wrote:

mwnciboo wrote:The STuG's are an all round win, effective and relatively cheap. I would consider dropping the IV's and grabbing another platoon of STuG's, you might want some heavier AT guns on the field, PaK 40's or 88's (the 88's are amazing at knocking down heavy armour).

In V2 of the rules, yes the StuGs are more effective. That's why the Mark IVs had their points values decreased slightly in Grey Wolf. But in V3, turreted vehicles will be getting more bonuses that are unavailable to assault guns. So it might be a bit too early to write the Mark IVs off.

I didn't know that! Well my Panzer IV's might well be coming out to play. Cheers Eumerin.

mwnciboo wrote:Stormtrooper for German Units, is basically a Skill check at the end of the turn (Per platoon) if successful you can move a further 4". This is great as you move away/towards the enemy more quickly, you can also potentially get out of assault range, which allows another round of shooting the enemy before they get you. It allows you to move units out of trouble, Artillery can be ranged on the smoke trails of rockets (read nebelwerfers) so stormtroopering gets you out of the hot zone quickly.

It can allow you that extra reach to get units fully in cover etc. It's all round useful.

I find it annoying that both main axis forces get the ability to move extra each turn that the allies don't get at all. Not sure I agree with the logic behind those special rules, but oh well. Avanti isn't as bad because it is swapping the units ability to shoot for the move, but the Germans can do everything as normal and *then* stormtrooper.

I do have to admit though, in play against German players, I have found that their ability to make stormtrooper move skill rolls is indirectly proportional to how important it is for the unit to move. If they are in dire danger it seems that my opponents almost *never* make the necessary roll. Meanwhile when they are just playing around early in a game and rolling out, shooting, and moving back behind cover they make the rolls often.

Skriker

I got my POC Tiger 1E's and ordered the PSC Panthers so I am really bulking up my forces. Hopefully, I will get to assemble my Stug's this weekend.

Posts pics

Pre-Painted Point of Contact Tiger 1E tanks


I've actually already filed down the mold lines. I am planning to paint up the details and hit it with a wash to make it pop more. I also need to set the correct date and time stamp on my camera.

I like that photo! Grey Wolf as a back drop adds that little extra something.

Battlefront has an article on the different Sherman variants, and who got which ones. You can find it here - http://www.flamesofwar.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=813

It appears that the British did get the round-hulled M4A1 version, which they renamed the Sherman II.

That Battlefront article is very good. For the record, the British used most models of the Sherman (and were the ones who gave it that name):

Sherman 1 (M4) - used principally in NW Europe (although the first examples saw service in the desert - many having been handed over by the US Army). This type was used as a basis for the Firefly conversion (Sherman IC). The M4 had a welded hull and was powered by a Wright aero engine. Late versions had a cast (rounded) hull front with large hull hatches and 'wet' stowage. As with all Sherman types, starting in 1944 'applique' armour (i.e. welded armour plates) was added to M4's turret and hull sides in an attempt to protect the ammo bins - it wasn't very effective. Fireflies built on the hybrid M4 chassis were designated 'Sherman Hybrid IC'.

Sherman II (M4A1) - the first Sherman in British service. Initial versions had the M3-type suspension and sandshields; these participated in the battle of El Alamein in October 1942. The M4A1 had a cast (rounded) hull and also had a Wright aero engine. Units sometimes fielded both M4s and M4A1s because they had the same power train. Late versions (Sherman IIA) had a 76mm gun, large hull hatches and 'wet' stowage; these were mostly used in Italy. The final version had HVSS suspension, which gave the Sherman a cross-country performance on par with the Panther. M4A1s were not converted into Fireflies, although it is not known why they were considered unsuitable.

Sherman III (M4A2) - also first introduced during the desert war, this type had become the most common Sherman in British service by 1943. It had a welded hull and twin General Motors diesel engines, and was apparently the most popular type with crews because the power plant was so reliable. The British did not use the 76mm-armed version of the M4A2 - these seem to have all gone to the Soviets (most of the Shermans sent to the Soviet Union were M4A2s, as they preferred the diesel engine - they were known as 'Emchas'). Note that the PSC M4A2 kit includes the 76mm turret, but this was probably not mounted on the early hull type that comes with the kit. M4A2s were not converted into Fireflies.

Sherman IV (M4A3) - probably not used by the British, the M4A3 was the main version used by the US Army. It had a welded hull and a Continental petrol engine. Later versions had a 47 degree hull with larger crew hatches, and eventually a 76mm gun and HVSS suspension.

Sherman V (M4A4) - the most numerous Sherman in British service. It resembled the M4 in that it had a welded hull, but it was longer than the other types because it was powered by 5 Chrysler engines bolted together. Most Firefly conversions seem to have been carried out on M4A4s (Sherman VC).