Royale with cheese, or, Patton con queso.

All this talk about cheese makes me hungry, but I'll give some response to the over-confident teuton. I have two games with Americans under my belt, and the other one was year ago with MW ARC in scenario games day at the club. That isn't much, but the ' Lucky 7th' is a joy to play, so I'm not too worried.

The Jumbo looses a lot of its OP versus AT17, But should be good for killing the rest, also, reserves with defender can really bite the remagen Cats where it hurts. I have olento smoke, and those cats are ReluctanT. If I was making list versus these JTs, I probably Would take no Jumbos, and using the Detroit Plus spearhead to be in flank as fast as possible. Maybe having some 155mm guns, air support or infantry also. But that's not this cheese. So we will go where the angels dare, and put some 76mm rounds Where they don't want them.

1250 points Panzerspäh take 2 to a tourney near you.

I took 1250 Späh to tournament last year, and los every single game with it. Had StuHs and Air, but no real assault power besides the StuHs, which was not enough. Also, not having any infantry wasn't too nice when defensing.

So, another list for next tourney, with two big platoons to attack with, enough recon, no AAA, no Smoke, but lot direct fire and infantry platoon that can do everything and stay there for few turns while doing it.

Pak40's, PZIVH's and Lehr Platoon should be enough to defend against most lists, while in attacking the big platoons should work together, assault first with the Panzers, then take the objective with Lehr.

6 Platoons, 1250 points, 7 AT9 guns, 5 AT11 Guns, 3 AT12 Guns, 3 Schrecks, 1 Faust, MG teams.

Heavy tanks are scarce in 1250 points games as are Air support, so will probably take my chance with this.

506. Schwere Panzer Abteilung at 1650 for a spin.

Was going to go with my FJ's/Westfalen to defend in the next game, but, let's try this first. 6 StuGs, 2 KT's, MG teams with HT's, AAA, decent artillery and Sturmvogels to go with. Can have 1-2 KT's, AAA, Artillery on board if no delayed reserves, or maybe 3 StuGs, Artillery, AAA and CiC KT if opponent has AOP or air support. Or all StuGs, or this and that, lots of options depending on enemy. The FA7 of Stugs and the veterancy of the list in general, should make it pretty hard nut for any list.

Fallschirmjäger from Bridge by Bridge at 1650

After beating my friends US lists black and blue with attacking forces, he's adamant in thinking that attacking is the key to do well in the game, which might not be too far from the truth. 

However, even though I told him to try out mech/tank options if he really wants to attack that much, he insists on wanting to attack with infantry. So without further ado, I'll use next time what I've used before and though originally was thinking of trying out the new FI iterations of FJ's, the BBB boys fit better thematically as they were historically very much in close relations with US Paras.

Here's my take on the 6th FJR at 1650 points, I would be pretty comfortable defending against anything with the list and opted for 4 Stugs in favor of 3 StuHs this time, although the swap is tempting to say the least, could probably go with 4th Pak and 3 StuHs.

4 Stugs

Stuhs, 4 Paks, Faust for CiC and 4th trap added, I think this wins...

I rather dislike the FV infantry vs. FV infantry fests, but we'll see if can make my point with this piece of nastiness.

Brainstorming German Mech - 1650 punkte.

So, the hunt for mech to train with goes on.

First one is your bog standard Atlantic wall - Panzer Lehr. This should attack infantry pretty well, due the ample recon and some digging power as well. Defending versus tanks would be doable as well.

Second one would be da Puma horde, likewise from AW. I kinda like this one, myself, Pumas, strong infantry platoon, Panthers/Pak40s.

Third one is geared towards getting there fast, and holding the objective long enough, all the while limiting risks with smoke. The mortar wagons double as digging tools.

4th option doesn't lack speed, either, and has my new favorite tool, StuHs on top, this might lack some staying power though.

Sharing is caring, people, let me know if you prefer one, or if you think they all suck, let me know as well. I'm gonna pick one of these to start getting good with. And promise to do a show and tell afterwards. :)

Looking at the lists, Halkomahooli is producing, makes me wonder a bit...

Cheese on tracks - StuH party! 1650 points.

Well, Stuh, 32" range, rof 2, direct fire smoke and breakthrough gun, what's not to like?

8 of these beasts might be too many, but had to try it on...

Hq:
Knacker/smgs
3 schrecks

Cp1 full pzgren MG zug and Faust
Cp2 same as one
Sp1 4 Stuh
Sp2 4 Stuh
Sp3 nebs
Sp4 8-rads
Limited Stuka D

1650 points, 6 platoons, smoke, air, recon

Kicked the crap out of night attacking Brit para list. Tomorrow, new try versus US list.

SS-Panzerbrigade Westfalen - Part II

My friend wants to attack me, using his British Paras, was thinking that when I need to defend, I'll use the Westfalen. This might be a list that could be used in tourney also, so I want to see what is good and what's not.

So this time, RT Panthers, no KT's, 105mm Arty, otherwise same list as I used versus US Rifles.
Veteran artillery for 135 points is a novelty for a German list.

Will do AAR this time.

SS-Panzerbrigade Westfalen HQ (p.67) -
 CinC Panzerfaust SMG, 2iC Panzerfaust SMG (60 pts)
- 2x Panzerschrek (50 pts)
- 4x Panzerfaust Trap (80 pts)

Ersatz SS-Aufklarungs Platoon (p.67) - Command Panzerfaust Rifle/MG, 6x Panzerfaust Rifle/MG (200 pts)
- Replace Command Panzerfaust Rifle/MG with Command Panzerfaust SMG (0 pts)

Ersatz SS-Aufklarungs Platoon (p.67) - Command Panzerfaust Rifle/MG, 6x Panzerfaust Rifle/MG (200 pts)
- Replace Command Panzerfaust Rifle/MG with Command Panzerfaust SMG (0 pts)

Ersatz SS-Machine-gun Platoon (p.68) - Command SMG, 2x MG42 HMG (60 pts)

Ersatz SS-Panzer Platoon (p.69) - Command Panzer III L or M, 3x Panzer III L or M (200 pts)
- Replace Panzer III L or M with Panzer III N (0 pts)
- Replace Panzer III L or M with Panzer III N (0 pts)
- Replace Panzer III L or M with Panzer IV G or H (15 pts)
- 4x Equip Panzer with Schurzen (20 pts)

508. Schwere Panzer Platoon (p.70) - Command Panther G, 3x Panther G (520 pts)

Veteran Volks Light Artillery Battery (p.75) - Command SMG, Staff, Observer Rifle, 3x 10.5cm leFH18/40 howitzer (135 pts)

Panzer Anti-Aircraft Gun Platoon (p.71) - Command Ostwind, Ostwind (105 pts)


1645 Points, 7 Platoons

Edit- Might 'upgrade' 1 Panther for Tiger for 5 points, so 1650. 40" range and protected ammo, might be good to have.

2./512. Schwere Panzerjäger Abteilung - Defending Ludendorff Bridge

Finally received my price book "Bridge at Remagen" for Best Painted in Ace of Aces contest from Battlefront, big thanks for them!

This book is The Book for every player wanting to field a mix of Big Cats with Big Guns. And as you might have quessed from my previous post, I'm the kind of players to like and want them. From the first time I read that Carius, Jagdtigers and King Tigers were going to be in a same list I knew I just wanted to have this book ith all the sweetness.

Now that I've had my first look on the book I've come up with a list where I can have them all. It's not a competitive list in any way but you just can't have it all! ;)

This is 1650 points list using 2./512. sPzJgAbt. Nice thing with this is I only need one compulsory combat platoon.

This gives me 5 platoons, 4 which counts when counting for reserves. From the list you already might quess which platoons would go to reserve, unless there is a damn big tankrush coming my way and I need to bring as much long range AT into bear as possible. Reluctant isn't that bad when you still are veteran or have high armor value.

Bridge by Bridge - 2./506. Schwere Panzerabteilung in Oosterbeek

Lately I've been thinking heavy, and I mean German heavy. I have a lot of planned lists of German Heavy Tanks that I'd like to run given enough heavy tanks (right now not nearly enough).

One of these units is the Schwere Panzerkompanie from Bridge by Bridge. It's currently the only heavy tank kompanie that I've planned with full King Tiger (another list that I have King Tiger is Schwere Panzerkompanie from Atlantik Wall with one KT).

With only four platoons and such a limited numbers I'll be always outnumberet and outgunned. But what this list gives me is heavy anti-tank weapons (88mm KwK43/L71) with excellent armour with infantry support that can scare a s**t out of enemy armour trying to flank my Big Cats. Lastly there is my Coup de Main, 3 StuH42s ready to take out any gunteams or soften up dug in infantry before my pioniers or King Tigers make the assault.

I didn't take recon as four fearless veteran teams for 155 points is kind of a lot. Also no artillery as not enough points, but for that I've my StuH42s.

Lastly with points limited and after checking multiple times that I couldn't get anything else useful, I took Bergepanther. No obvious use for this but it nicely works as a bullet-magnet, and it has AA MG.

This all drops me few points short but I think I can manage that. All in all this list needs to be played in concert, each element supporting and protecting the other (an obvious thing!).

All ideas and comments are welcomed.

Bridge at Remagen - SS Panzerbrigade Westfalen

My new best opponent forever wants to try attacking with his Paras, so I need to have something that defense always :P

We will use 1500 points as his got the rules now, with 4 games or so. I have no idea what he'll have, but this what I will have.

The SS guys have Enjoy the War at 2+ for everyone. The traps are nice to get without paying for any hero. Also Ostwinds with RV are really nice, nebs are so and so, but so what, this will be somewhat painful exercise but so is life :)

We'll see how this goes.

HQ is CiC and 2iC with Fausts and SMGs
We'll add two Schreks
3 of those PF traps

2 Aufk platoons, CA MG42 and Schreck to each

Full 8 cm Mortar platoon, no observer

2 RV King Tigers for 600 points :D Tiger Aces and all

2 RV Ostwinds

RT Nebs

Edit. Decided to go with 1650 points, so will add 1 trap, 2 MG42's, an observer for the mortars and 1 Ostwind.

I really, really enjoy attacking after years with my FJs, though I attacked with them quite lot also, but they are not the best mobile force. So, I really hope this guy does not want to attack me after this game :)

It was a late, late war, and the weather wasn't too nice either. Of RT King Tigers and Optimized Americans.

With later BF books the Germany's diminishing war machine is in the process of getting the crap kicked out of it in the historical view, at least. Game-wise this might lead into strange phenomenon of more and better equipment for less motivated/experienced troops. Something like 11 RT King Tigers won't be fun to attack with any tank force, nor will it itself attack too well any infantry, but let's say you can add 4 PZIVJ's with riders to it?

American troopers will probably be RV's as well, possibly with CV infantry to make it the best combination ever.  The question here is what the hell will the Soviets do in that scenario?

Even now you have to built for combined force that can dig out infantry, attack forts, has enough rof for tank hordes and comfortably deals with couple of heavy tanks, surviving the NGFS while at it. Gonna be another kind of list that can also face 6+ super heavy tanks on top.

PanzerSpäh 1250 points! Pumas, StuHs and one Boston terrier.

So here's my Easter treat for our local tournament, or rather not that local, as it's a blood-feud between Helsinki and the rest of the Finland (Mostly Lahti and one accommodating Espoo-borne trooper).

CiC in Puma

6 * 2 Puma Patrols

4 StuH's

2 Nebs with transportation.

A Stuka G - limited (Not in pictures, thinking about getting a red Fokker dr.I to stand-in for Air :) )

I am not the best painter around, but I kinda like how these turned out.

Gamodls/BF Pumas, PSC StuH's, rest is BF

Lot of wheels for 1250 points, hoping nobody has wire...

Carlos, (Wild and Strong Mister X) in all his glory.

Mechanized German Lists for ETC at 1780

Since it seems I won't be allowed to play tanks at ETC team this year, and really would like to play something else than mine FJs, here's my start for Mechs.


Panzer Lehr has those combat platoons from hell :) 10 Teams, 3 Schrecks, MG teams, HT's, when in defense, you cant assault that with Infantry nor Tanks.

With HT's, you can move those platoons to objectives and dig them in.

Mech list needs to be able to attack and defend, so's I think I'd like to have the Panthers to help not only with tanks, but also Gunlines, AT 10 and such can be real hurt for PZIV's/HT's, but Panthers can merrily ignore them.

Panzerwerfers should give more infantry/gun team killing power, not to mention the 3-wide smoke template.

Puma <-> HT Recon Mostly cause I own the Pumas.

4 PAK 40's is a very decent Ambush platoon and can be without trucks as it's not likely I'd not want them onboard if defending in Mobile reserves scenario.

German's Trained or Veteran, few points.

As Desperate measures was launched, the newest collective understanding is that the Confident Trained panzers that survive platoon morale checks on 3+, are your best bet when running Teuton tanks on the table-top...

Well, Quick check on the worst enemy of a Panther. the Su-100, the thing re-rolls misses over 16" range.

Q: What can't be hit on over 16" range when Gtg?
A: Veterans...

I have my doubts on the survival of CT tanks, they shoot as well, get hit easier, ST more badly (if possible...) and are worse in assaults also.

You can have more tanks, sure, but you'll really need those :)

Also, something else, the Command range for trained tanks is 6" so the Arty/Air/NGFS are more dangerous..


Anyway, this is how I see this, YMMV and all.

List building philosophies in Flames of War

It seems that there are different schools of thought when it comes to building an Army list for playing with little men.

Most common I seem to have encountered in forum threads lately is the

All bases covered or Combined Arms
Meaning you should have Anti-aircraft, Recon, Smoke, something to assault with, something to hurt heavy tanks with and something with high rate of fire for the hordes.

Obviously it's good to have options for dealing with different sorts of enemy, as long as these options are also something that can be used for other purposes when the particular enemy is not around.

F.Ex  17pdr, a gun to shoot cats with, when facing only infantry , it's a rifle gun team, AAA quite often comes in 2-tank platoon so is a liability in itself, recon is bit more resilient but fragile still.

Play to your list's strengths or Concentrated force
This approach means you should only have units that directly support your combat platoons and their mission, as in if you play Panzers, play as many panzers you can, with minimum points into other 'bases', essentials being Recon and AAA, smoke a nice to have, but not a necessity as you're not gonna stand and deliver, but rather be mobile.

And mostly it's about thinking about what you want to achieve with the force in principal, and figuring out which parts you need for that, then seeing the critical tasks, and possibly adding backup for that, giving redundancy.

If you only have one assault-capable unit in your list, or only one high AT unit, breakthrough/flametank unit, guess which unit the opposing infantry player will be gunning for from the start.

Rambling's over.

Panzer!

Been thinking about going for something completely different for a while now, and was originally thinking about doing a tank army out the SU arsenal, which I have none myself.

Now I'm hell-bent on trying out my Panzer General skills with the workhorse, PZIV-centered lists, mostly inspired by the writings of 'Panzer' Dan Larsen.

Here's my first creation, with 14 Panzers, AA, 3 Recon elements and 2 Smokers. 9 Platoons at ease.

The general idea is to smoke the opposition somewhat securely where it hurts the most, and manouver the crap out of him (in the end at least, guess it will be the other way round before that happens...)

So, here's the list #1, will update on the progress later on.

Version B Lots of stuff in the air with all the AA and Panzers, still a smoker and lot of small, angry cars arriving in your backdoor :)

Thinking about joining the Red Menace...

Hah,

At our club in Finland, the Eastern Front is close and close to the heart as well, I've been looking for another force for quite a long time now, but it's starting to seem like the Russians are my choice, no matter the bad talk I read about them.

So far I'm thinking of having either a Strelkovy or Tankovy... Gotta look up some of the speed-painting techniques...

Gonna test the FJ Pioneers tomorrow.

I seriously think these guys are not tourney-worth but gonna try them versus those 'we eat infantry for breakfast' Hungary HBG tanks.

Here's the list...

The idea behind this is rockhard combat platoons with FTs, two trucks for fun. Two mobile platoons for AT and limited Air for people who bunch their tanks... 6 Platoons, no problem with Armoured Reserves with Marders TA0. Will let you know how this went :)

Preparation game vs. Hungarian HBG list from hell :) Pics and thoughts... Not a proper AAR

Sorry not a proper AAR at all, just wanted to share my thoughts after meeting the worst thing I could imagine, and surviving... well almost, fearless isn't...

Had a list from BBB with VDH all the traps, Stuhs, 88's(my first time with these and lost them without firing them at all...) , Pak40s, mortars, no 'real' artillery and short scouts with PzF

OpFor was 10 Zrinyi II's (Hungarian StuH with HBG), 3 panthers, pioneers, nebs, Toldi recce tanks and nebs.

We chose to play the Breakthrough as I haven't really played that before. The game proceeded very quickly, and ended on round 8 or 9 when Vdh rolled 1 for company morale, Hungarians having passed theirs before...

I really feel this list can win vs. anybody given the player(me..) is up to his game... I would not play this kind of list if the scoring was done BF style only, but with the upcoming ETC, the winning is more important.

Setting Up the factory did not block LOS, my bad placement of 88s seen below...

Finally got a proper Feldherr backpack with right sized slots...

FJ 1 ready to move to seize the objectives. Mortars seen behind them.

FJ 2 with it's attached stummel, holding the another flank with Paks.

Recon move.

Nebs, blissfully unaware of the fanatical faustmen, Eric and Karl, ready to drive them off the table... 

Reserves of the Hungarian, they did not fare so well after entering..

Perceptions of the units:

The trap teams were wonderful again in directing and delaying the enemy, one trap team eliminated the nebs in first 3 turns...

88's got smoked, then killed by the HBGs, Vdh resurrected one, these I need to think again, how to use them successfully.

StuHs were not stars here, but they forced the enemy to move the longer way.

The Recon caused trouble for the enemy by having that Faust and being a buffer for possible infantry early attack through woods, these I think will be useful.

Paks I really like, they were not stars of the game, but really forced the enemy movement again.

FJ with Schrecks and Fausts is the bomb, pure staying power and willingness to assault tanks... :)

Stummels were essential in keeping the enemy's no save guns to minimum fire.

ETC 2013 - Big Points vs. Little ones...

So gonna be going to the ETC - Fow Tournament as part of the Team Finland, and it's gonna be my first big tournament, 5 rounds of pure fun... Or not.

Well to the point of the title. Last year the big points as in Wins, meant that a team that scored less on BF scoring than some in the last ladder, actually managed 5th place, for they had more wins. I'm not criticizing this, but it means new approach to the lists, you can have 'glass cannons', you don't need 9 platoons, you can sacrifice platoons f.ex. As the 4-3 is a lot more valuable than 1-1, or 3-2.

Certainly, a list that does not leak points is not a bad approach, but there is also the possibility of always meeting the worst possible opponent, due to pairing, so it's not completely random, and you can't count on meeting all-comer lists, but it's quite probable to meet some specialized ones, all in theory certainly.

Looking forward to this experience and hopefully meet some of the fellows from forums I've had the pleasure to share thoughts with.