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RogueRegault wrote:

 scipio.au wrote:
Are we using hand waving only for the technology of giant walking tank-robots and reanimated corpses but holding the plane models to the actual reliability and accuracy of the technology of the day?

It's not the tech, it's the proportions. The walkers have "realistic" proportions. The fliers all have these kind of stubby Fisher Price proportions.

Our brains can handwave legs instead of wheels. They can't handwave too fat to fly.

There are all sorts of fat planes that can actually fly. Take a look at the Airbus A300-600ST (Super Transporter) Beluga. Historically there were fat planes as well such as the Gee Bee racer. See no hand waiving needed.

The Worldwide Siege of Zverograd Campaign has started.
Any games of Dust Tactics and Dust Warfare that you report will count towards taking control of the city of Zverograd.

WWW.ZVEROGRAD.COM

Horten HO-347

In October, we announced that the Axis would be bringing some powerful aerial units to the battlefield of Dust Tactics. Now, the Axis is getting close to fielding its new Horten HO-347 jets over the skies of Zverograd, and guest writer Jeremiah Terry has taken the time to explore the potential of these speedy new aircraft.

Speed is Victory…

When the Horten HO-347 was conceived, one premise was held above all others: Speed is victory. The HO-347 is the fastest unit ever to appear on the battlefields of Dust Tactics. With its movement value of three and the ability to fly over any type of terrain, the ‘347 can cover the width of the average Dust Tactics board (twelve squares) in only two turns. However, this huge speed advantage does not come without its drawbacks, and the HO-347 may not be what some expect.



The Fledermaus III and IV are fantastic close air-support aircraft, packing as much punch as some tanks. With their massive speed advantage these planes are able to sweep across the battlefield and take out ground forces with ease. However, despite each having the “Air Superiority” skill, they are not a superior force in a dogfight. In air to air combat, either of the Fledermaus variants have only as much firepower as the SSU’s lowly Mil MI-45 Transport Helicopter. This means that while a Fledermaus can threaten ground forces and provide some anti-air support, it should avoid going nose to nose with the SSU’s most powerful anti-air gunship, the Striker. The Striker can easily take out a '347 in a single Sustained Attack, while the '347 will only ever be able to severely damage one of the SSU’s choppers in one round of fire.

This singular limitation of the HO-347s makes the task of planning a force around them a somewhat difficult job, especially when facing enemy air power. It pays to think hard about air combat before settling on a force. While the Fledermaus III and IV may need some extra anti-air support, using ground-based vehicles such as Heinrich or the massive Strumkonig could be an ineffective strategy. These vehicles will certainly get the job done in terms of firepower when combined with the HO-347, but they are far too slow to keep up with the lightning fast ‘347. Without having a comparable move value, these walkers will simply hold the ‘347 back, and the Fledermaus will lose its primary advantage: speed.



One option is to use the Axis’ fantastic class three armor infantry. These smaller units can move into spaces where larger vehicles cannot. When paired with Lara, they gain the “Assault” ability, allowing them to catch up with the speedy Fledermäusen. There are a few Axis class three armor squads that could provide the necessary anti-air support, but your best choice will likely be the Heavy Flak Grenadiers. While the Grenadiers’ weapons will need to be reloaded every so often, their burst fire can take down a helicopter with ease.

Axis Armored Infantry Company with Light Air Support
Unit + Point Cost

Fledermaus IV 48
Lara + Heavy Flak Grenadiers 21 + 25
Heavy Laser Grenadiers 30
Laser Jagdgrenadiere 28
Jagdgrenadiere 25
Heinrich 26
Ludwig 40
Lothar 36
Beobachter + Manfred 5 + 16
Total 300

In the force listed above you’ll have a lot of anti-armor, and anti-air, firepower. This army build should allow you to deal with all but the most entrenched infantry forces. Lara, the Flak Grenadiers, and Heinrich will all provide some anti-air cover for not only the Fledermaus IV but also for any other infantry and armored vehicles not outfitted for such a role. If this force is properly positioned, most enemy aircraft should find it hard to intercept your Fledermaus when faced with so much anti-air artillery. Additionally, the Fledermaus IV’s 150 Kg bombs can tear through infantry and armor alike, easily cutting a swath of destruction through the enemy’s lines.

And Victory is Life

Another option is to pair up two HO-347s, allowing them to provide their own covering fire. This is also a very tempting idea because of the HO-347’s low point cost of forty-five to forty-eight points when compared to the sixty-two to sixty-nine points that it costs to field the SSU’s Ground Attack Helicopters.

Axis Blitzkrieg Force with Air Support
Unit + Point Cost

Fledermaus IV 48
Fledermaus III 43
Lara + Heavy Flak Grenadiers 21 + 25
Heavy Laser Grenadiers 30
Laser Jagdgrenadiere 28
Ludwig 40
Lothar 36
Beobachter + Manfred 5 + 16
Total 292


Here’s a force that has a lot of tactical options. The speed and “Advanced Deployment” capabilities of the powerful Fledermaus III and IV allow them to strike deep into enemy lines, and the mass of heavy infantry can take out enemy walkers and tanks. Additionally, these ground units will provide the Fledermäusen with some added protection from enemy aircraft. True heavy support is provided by a Ludwig, a walker which no Axis commander should ever be without, and a Lothar. The Lothar combined with the Beobachter will be able to strike enemies virtually anywhere on the board, and Manfred provides the Beobachter team with some much needed protection.

This army also features the added firepower of the Fledermaus III’s 75mm heavy anti-tank gun. While this gun isn’t terribly effective against infantry, and is useless against enemy aircraft, it can tear a tank apart. The 75mm allows a player to roll nearly as many dice against all armor classes as Ludwig’s 88cm does. The Fledermaus III can do even more damage against light and medium armor when it combines its 75mm gun with its Vier 20mm cannons. This allows the Fledermaus III to roll two more dice then a Ludwig against armor class three and four ground vehicles. With the HO-347’s speed and the innate benefits of being an aircraft, the three extra points you’ll pay for a Fledermaus when compared to a Ludwig make it seem quite the bargain. Just remember that if you’re facing down super heavy enemy armor, the Ludwig will still be the better option for the point cost.



As you can see, the new Axis Horten HO-347 is quite versatile, and it can easily break an unprepared enemy. With all the factions soon to be fighting over the skies of Zverograd, no commander should be enter the battlefield without some form of anti-air artillery, or air support.

Take the Skies for the Axis

Special thanks to Jeremiah Terry for his intriguing insights into creative ways to make the most of these new Axis jets. The HO-347 will be available next week, so make sure to visit your local retailer and add these troops to the skies above Zverograd in Dust Tactics!

The Siege of Zverograd Worldwide Campaign is well underway now and a number of locations in the city have already changed hands.
The city map at http://www.zverograd.com now shows what bloc (Allies, Axis, SSU) is in control of what location.

To take part all you need to do is play either Dust Tactics or Dust Warfare and report the result by filling in the form that can be found on the website.

Any way of adding in some 1/48 scale meshershmitts in there? Second the Fisher Price opinion.

The flyers just don't seem to fit the rest of the lines of the figures. One- The russian choppers? they look like a hot mess. The other- The planes don't even seem viable, I'd be dumping AA all over those without even a second thought from the mechs.

In case anyone is interested, Miniature Markets deal of the day is the revised Core Set for $40. Debating whether to get another for painting and modding practice.

I almost purchased a set the bother day from mini market.. Now I pretty much have to!

cerealkiller195 wrote:
I almost purchased a set the bother day from mini market.. Now I pretty much have to!

What miniatures come in that one again?

(Trying hard to resist!)

Allies have Death Dealers, Hell Boys, and The Hammers for Infantry; Blackhawk for the Walker, and Rhino for the hero.

Axis has Sturmpioniere, Heavy Flak Grenadiers, and Heavy Laser Grenadiers; Hans and Lara.

Triple9 wrote:
Allies have Death Dealers, Hell Boys, and The Hammers for Infantry; Blackhawk for the Walker, and Rhino for the hero.

Axis has Sturmpioniere, Heavy Flak Grenadiers, and Heavy Laser Grenadiers; Hans and Lara.

And outside of ebay or bitz sellers, the core set is the only place to get those minis

 Alpharius wrote:

cerealkiller195 wrote:
I almost purchased a set the bother day from mini market.. Now I pretty much have to!

What miniatures come in that one again?

(Trying hard to resist!)

Don't resist! DO IT!

And then throw the Dust Warfare rules in your cart if you don't have them already.

Going to preview the other two pages - one Friday, the next Sunday, which will be a doozy!

Do they ever mention where they get their terrain from?

 Alpharius wrote:
Do they ever mention where they get their terrain from?

I am sure if you asked Dust Studios, they might tell you. I haven't the slightest idea.

The terrain used in the pictures in the Dust Tactics and Dust Warfare books is by Vincent Fontaine and Bexley Andrajack.

You can see how Vincent created the scene on the front of Operation Cyclone in the latest issue of Dust Chronicles.

www.dust-chronicles.com

So they make it. Honestly, if you want terrain for Dust, you can buy standard WW2 Era stuff from Scale Hobbyist and places like that.

Of course, the Dust terrain boxes available are pretty great, too. Can't wait to get some Quonset Huts when I get some cash together.

Icarus-Preview

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=4001

Battle for the Airfield of Zverograd
Operation Icarus, a Dust Tactics Expansion, Is Now Available

Operation “Icarus,” an expansion for Dust Tactics, is now available at your local retailer and on our webstore! Beneath the city of Zverograd lay ruins filled with the promise of alien technology and VK energy, and the Allies, Axis, and SSU will stop at nothing to secure the city once and for all. The Axis has a firm grip on the airfield just outside of this Soviet city. Meanwhile, Axis troops are taking cover in quonset huts and leveraging their new Horten HO-347s to defend the skies.

If the Allies have any hope of taking the city, then they must secure the airfield to utilize their massive air fleet. Operation “Icarus” brings the Allied assault to life as the airfield becomes the centerpiece of the contest for Zverograd. The Allied approach will not be easy with a distinct lack of cover on the airfield, the entrenched Axis forces, and the SSU still trying to hold the city itself.

Zverograd Beckons

Operation “Icarus” introduces new rules for minefields, the limited cover provided by the trees that line the airfield’s landing strips, and the quonset huts in which the Axis forces await the Allied assault. All these elements come together to create the dangerous new battleground that comes sharply into focus with the seven tense and ferocious scenarios of the Operation “Icarus” campaign.



Operation “Icarus” ffers a large dossier of information on the city of Zverograd, featuring an expanded look at the ravaged city that began to be revealed in Operation “Hades.” Zverograd has a number of key tactical locations, and many are connected by the very underground tunnels and metro lines that housed the claustrophobic Rattenkrieg. Operation “Icarus” brings a wealth of information to players about these various strategic locales, allowing you to build your own scenario objectives.

New Heroes Take the Field

The Axis has brought their best and brightest to bear in this struggle to hold the airfield from the Allies and the SSU. Colonel Prince von Furstenwerth, known as the “Panzerprinz,” is one of the most famous armor commanders in the Axis army. His innovative walker tactics have become the stuff of legend, earning him the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. This soldier’s tactical genius will be one of the greatest threats to the Allies’ Operation “Icarus.” The Axis soldiers will rally around their Ace Pilot and provide a wall of opposition with walkers performing at peak efficiency.



In turn, the Allies will hope the stories surrounding their superhuman hero are true. They say that Sergeant Percy Washington can run faster than a horse, tear apart a Luther with his bare hands, and survive direct hits from enemy bullets. With his telekinetic strength, remarkable speed, and uncanny resistance to kinetic weapons, “Sgt. Victory” may provide the Allies just the edge they need to turn the tide of their battle for Zverograd.

Dust Tactics Premium Edition

Operation “Icarus” is also available from FFG’s Dust Tactics Premium Edition line. The Premium Edition of Operation “Icarus” features detailed and professionally painted versions of Sgt. Victory and the Panzerprinz. Each one is painted according to the art direction of Vincent Fontaine from Dust Studio. From the highlights that call out the expressions on their faces to the polish of their boots, each of these Premium heroes is a stunning and stylish addition to any army.

The SSU and Axis forces have closed off the other points of entry to Zverograd. Now, as the world’s greatest militaries battle for control of the crumbling city and the skies above it, the Allies risk everything to establish a greater foothold and a base of operations for their future air strikes.

It’s an all-out offensive fought in the open, and there’s no time to spare. Get ready for fast and furious combats as the Allies seek to seize Zverograd’s airfield in Operation “Icarus”!

No idea though what's in that box beside the book and the two heroes. I guess, it's not the barracks that look quite cool.

Actually, a few Quonset huts are included.

 BrookM wrote:
Actually, a few Quonset huts are included.

Sweet!

I love that terrain, and I'll pick up a few sets, if possible.

Come on resellers!!!

The huts will also be available on their own, in a boxed set containing six of them IIRC, as opposed to the four included in the Icarus boxed set.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
There we go: http://store.fantasyflightgames.com/productdetails.cfm?SKU=DT061


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also, according to the OPERATION ICARUS rulebook, the set does indeed contain four Quonset sections: http://new.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/dust-tactics/support/DT061_OpIcarus_Rulebook_eng%20low%20res.pdf (see page 2)

Even better - thanks for that news BrookM!

I think it is awesome how sgt. victory looks a lot like clark gable, makes me want to buy icarus just for that mini.

Hey, surprised nobody has posted this yet from Dust Studios:



http://dust-models.com/products_d.php?sid=58&id=403


Very nice Puma conversion. Although you can buy the Italeri kit for around $30 shipped and a dust walker (for the turret and the walker) for about $25 if you want your own paint scheme.

Yea, $80 is just too expensive for a collector's item, in my book. Since it won't be playable for Dust Warfare (in tournaments), I will be passing on this one.

 em_en_oh_pee wrote:
Yea, $80 is just too expensive for a collector's item, in my book. Since it won't be playable for Dust Warfare (in tournaments), I will be passing on this one.

You can build one for about $50-$60. It looks pretty nice, but I do agree on the $80 price tag. I currently have 3 different armoured cars I am converting for dust, including the puma, a half track and the SDKFZ22 (Whose turret seems to match the Axis Transport/Nordwind turret as well, wondering if they are the same. I will know when I get my kit)

On a related point: That's about $20 for building and painting it. Very good deal on the work they are doing.

Paolo Parente's DUST vs Achtung! Cthulhu : Secrets of the Dust RPG Mashup announced in our latest Kickstarter update for the Achtung! Cthulhu setting.

We unlocked the cross-over Adventure supplement with Paole Parente's DUST universe, another awesome 128 page book including missions for DUST Tactics and stats for Call of Cthulhu and Savage Worlds.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modiphius/achtung-cthulhu-the-ww2-keepers-and-investigators/posts/440437

Campaign Book: Icarus was announced as officially released and has started shipping out. The article has a few tidbits. It is a great expansion, I think!

The new issue of Dust Chronicles is now available for free download from http://www.dust-chronicles.com