Random chatter...

[Jim von Krieg]

This would not be possible for a typical platoon of PzV... It was not one of my platoons but I am guessing this was one of morale 1 platoons which are common in this scenario- i.e. easy to kill by morale going to 0 when losses inflicted or retreated ( i.e. shot was reduced by 1 Eliminated -not possible for 5 step unit unless morale very low etc..).... I would be interested to learn what Earl has had in mind setting them up like this..

Well with EA on and high assault factor of Soviet SMG's it is a nightmare fro a commander of German side to plough through these infinite trench lines...

Welcome to Kursk Comrade Fascist Invader.. We've been preparing a long time for your arrival... LOL...

Low morale is to simulate the un-battle worthy nature of the Panther at this stage of its development. Also, crews were literally untrained on the tank as they drove into the fight.

I'm currently reading several books on Kursk and before the battle ever started the Germans were losing Panthers to mechanical failure/engine fires. I read a passage about the Panthers coming off the rail cars, receiving their combat loads, then literally crews driving into combat a few hours after that with only a few days training on the vehicle. That's bad military planning and execution which will definitely affect the combat worthiness of those units.

Based on discussion with Earl, this phenomenon is what I gathered he is attempting to simulate. One of the problems in this game is that mechanical reliability/crew training is not a factor; when in fact it was a huge factor in the early Panther and King Tigers.

I think its a good factor to include with the Panther Brigade otherwise this would be a useless exercise as the 200 Panthers would be impervious to the Russians. Even with a 1 morale, we still have to figure a way to disrupt or kill them. That is tough when the biggest threat to them are T34/43's and Il-2's. T34s are going to die in large quantities to kill a few Panthers with full morale or even with low morale. Il-2's can't seem to find an armored vehicle, preferring to shoot up the supporting infantry.

As to the SMG, you guys haven't really faced many of them yet. For the most part, you're digging out straight line infantry out of the trenches so far. Only now are you guys starting to run into them.

Both sides have their issues in this fight. Right now, Red Army is looking down the barrels of a heck of a lot of German armor with little ability to stop the hurricane that is ripping our troops to shreds. It's a proverbial meat grinder ala World War One.

Regards,

Jim