jgdpzr

sorry...double post [ 08-16-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by coe: You would have thought that after encountering the Garand the Germans would have developed something new rapidly (ok ok we have the SG44 but that was only produced in limited numbers)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> The Germans did develop a semi-automatic rifle (forgot the designation), but it was deemed to be too unreliable, cumbersome, and difficult to manufacture to be widely produced. I find this thread interesting because I didn't think there was any question the Garand was the finest rifle of the war. I mean, every source I can remember points to that rifle being probably the greatest single asset the US infantryman had. The US may have fielded arguably sub-par tanks and some other weapons systems, but the M1 has been widely hailed as revolutionary and superior to any other rifle of the period, bar none. I'm not trying to sound pompous, in fact I usually scoff at most accounts of US weapon superiority, but to argue that the Enfield or the K98 were its equal flies in the face of all I have ever heard or read, and runs counter to reason. The rifle's accuracy was favorable to those guns and the volume of fire it provided the US rifle squad was so superior to bolt action rifles that I believe this transcends subjectivity. No disrespect to the fine British and German bolt action rifles, but this almost seems like saying the Panther is superior to the Abrahms (OK, I exaggerate). I simply cannot buy the argument that lower ammo expenditure results in a better weapon. [ 08-16-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ]

I just watched an episode of Dangerous Missions on the Sherman and I must say it was outstanding! Much of the footage was new to me (and believe me I have seen LOTS of WWII documentary stuff, just ask my wife...) and the accompanying narration was not beset by the customary gross misstatements and such. There was even some good footage of the Pershing. Really good stuff!!! If you happened to miss it, stay up late or set your VCRs to tape it at the later showing (12:00 Eastern US), you won't be disappointed.

Arty? Depends on how much you have and what you want to accomplish with it. It is very effective in buttoning them up so if you have enough to spare, calling down a fire mission and then opening up with AT assets is a sound tactic. Regarding vulnerability to a Daimler from the rear, absolutely. The two pounder, like the US 37mm, can be lethal to the rear armor at very close range. The key to engaging any of the German heavies is bringing in simultaneous fire from multiple angles. In most battles you should have the numerical advantage to do this. Oh yes, one more thing, that 17 pounder on the Firefly will make short work of the Tiger's armor. Engage the Tiger first with other assets, and then bring up the Firefly in a good hull-down position and chances are the Tiger is toast.

Oh Shatter, it was obvious you hadn't listened to them before you posted. Convulsive laughter makes it hard to type. I had to come back the next day to type in my response.

Rob, er Panzerman, I must tip my hat in recognition of your incredibly thick skin. Most people who are so openly derided slink away, never to be abused again. But you keep coming back for more. A new name and you're good to go! And now that I have a voice to go with the spelling salad...priceless!

Zimmerit paste was applied to many German vehicles from September '43 until September '44. It was a mixture of various things (only ingredient that I'm sure of right now off the top of my head is sawdust) and was applied with trowels at the factory. The purpose was to prevent the application of magnetic mines by creating a rough separation between the steel plate and the mine. The only problem was the threat of magnetic mines never materialized so it was essentially worthless. BTW, I have always heard that one of the reasons the Germans discontinued its use was their belief that it created a fire hazard both because it was potentially flammable and because fuel would sometimes collect in the crevices. Not sure if there is any validity to this, though. Also, are you talking about the E-75? I have never heard of the E-79, so I assume this is what you mean. I don't believe I have seen any drawings of the E-75, so if you have a link feel free to share, I'd definitely appreciate a peek. [ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gen-x87H: BTW does anybody have an idea on when the Panther II would have made a debut? I also understand some military museum in Europe has a display of the Panther II. Gen<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> The Patton Museum at Fort Knox has the Panther II hull on display. A late G turret is mounted on it, however, as the hull was never mated with the intended turret AFAIK.

I go to Fort Knox every year (for the past 7 years or so). We always arrive way too early and have to sit around too long. So this year, we decided to arrive just before it started. It has always started at 1:00 (according to our recollection, anyway) but this year apparently they started at noon. We arrived and thought, man, what a great parking spot. Then we noticed there was nobody there practically. DOH! Still, I got to climb around and inside the jpzr IV (which happens to be my favorite AFV of the war) and watch it roll off and up to the flatbed truck. That was cool!

Hiding has no bearing on the HQ's ability to impart bonuses and exert C&C. If an HQ is panicked, routed, or broken, it loses C&C capabilities, and of course bonuses. You can tell this when it is in such a state as the command lines will be black.

I'll be at Fort Knox on the fourth, as usual. I hope the Hetzer is operative this year. Last year, they couldn't get it turn over.

Not sure as to the specific reason why one carries the 42 at the end, while the other doesn't. The principal difference between the two is the mount. The LMG uses only the bipod mount attached near the front of the gun. The HMG, on the other hand, uses a much more substantial and stable mounting system. The utility of each is that with the bipod, the gun is very mobile. This is the gun that is the squad support weapon organic to the German rifle squads. The heavy mount, or schwere in German, is used for sustained fire. It provides a more accurate platform, and allows the gunner to maintain higher rates of fire, with accuracy at greater ranges. This setup requires a larger crew to pack around the ammo and the spare barrels, which are critical to provide the gun with sustained firing capabilities. BTW, in CM2, we'll get to see the similar versions of the MG34, I assume.

LMG=Light Machine Gun HMG42=Heavy Machine Gun 42 Hope this helps!

I'm in the bully pulpit, just call me Teddy Roosevelt!

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Otto Mekanik: ***Stupid Question Alert*** When YEcoyote says he uses his "spotters" does he mean Forward observers? Which artillery FO have smoke? I wasn't aware of that?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Mortar FOs are especially valuable for their smoke. IMO, that is one of the greatest assets of the 81mm mortar FO. I hate to use much heavier stuff than that because you are trading their killing power for smoke, whereas with mortars you are really looking at trading suppression for smoke. The only advantage with smoke from the heavier stuff is it seems to hang around longer, I think. Most mortar FOs should be able to call in smoke. The heavier stuff may or may not, I think largely contingent upon the scenario designer. Not real sure about how it shakes out in QBs with the heavy stuff because I rarely consider using them for that. And regarding this being gamey? Hell no, this is what smoke is for! Concealment, both when assualting and extricating.

So just who is this Nancy Arracourt person anyway? [ 06-05-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ]

Being conducted over on Gamespot, but since Combat Mission is currently sitting in last place with a paltry 3% of the votes, I thought I'd recruit some of our minions to go over and voice some support. Heres the link: http://gamespot.com/gamespot/filters/0,10850,6013054,00.html

Panzer Leader, At the risk of sounding like I am plugging my own scenario, I sent one to Manx's site a week or so ago that features a couple of bridges that span a confluence of two rivers. The scenario is called Gemunden (thread down below) and features an accurate map of a German town of the same name (approximately accurate, at least). It is meant to be played as the attacking US (when playing against the ai), and based on the feedback I have received, it is quite challenging. I have also received very good feedback about it's pbem qualities as well. I encourage you to give it a look if you are still looking for another scenario.

Maximus, Actually, on my computer screen, the grayish green appears fairly close to panzer green. Panzer green does have a slightly gray tint to it. However, it probably should retain just a bit more a green tint. As Private Ryan said, the second one seems to be relatively close to Russian armor green. If you have ever seen Jentz's seminal work on the Panther, (Germany's Panther Tank: The Quest for Combat Supremacy) you will note there are a few photos of a Panther that is predominately panzer green. It is black and white so of course it won't help with hue, but it provides an example of a camo pattern with green as the base color. Here is a link from the Testor's page that has a small thumbnail slide of their Panzer Olivgrun, it seems to be fairly close if memory serves me correctly. Of course, with any computer monitor, it is hard to tell. The link: http://store1.yimg.com/I/internethobbies_1634_25133854

Just thought I'd throw in my .02 worth garnered from years of model building experience: While it is possible that some vehicles may have been released from the factory in 1945 in schwartzgrau, there is little direct evidence of this beyond some battlefield reports. As others have alluded, most cases of presumed schwartzgrau were misinterpreted panzer green, the mistake coming from analyzing black and white photos. There are confirmed reports of vehicles in overall panzer green, and yes there was a period in late 1944 in which many vehicles were left in the red oxide primer, with some oversprays in both panzer green and dunkelgelb. One last note, the order switching from schwartzgrau to dunkelgelb was issued in February, 1943. At least this is what my memory still holds regarding the subject, of course I have been on model building hiatus ever since CM came out, so some fuzziness may have crept in.

SPOILER BELOW * * * * * * * * * * * * * * As the US, your artillery is key. Both smoke and HE are critical in dealing with the Hetzers and ATGs. My most successful playthrough involved isolating the Hetzers on the German far right with smoke from the mortars (around the town to block los of any guns and the Hetzers on the German left), brought down 105 on them. While they were being pounded, I brought up the Shermans from defilade positions on the US left while simultaneously bringing the Hellcats through the roads on the US side of the town to maximize their speed. I also sent the Stuarts racing around between buildings to distract the Hetzers. I was able to take out both Hetzers at the cost of 1 Sherman. Then used the 105 to pound positions on the interior of the German side of the town. By this time, the ai had begun shifting the Hetzers on his left to counter the action on the other side. I caught both of them trying to cross through the town. From there, finished my 105 fire missions on the town, smoked the areas around the bridge, brought the HT infantry across to secure a bridgehead and ran enough infantry across to secure most of the village. Now sure, I designed the battle so I knew the German positions. However, I purposely included fairly ample vehicles for quick recce, so I hope there is ample time to get the necessary intel to proceed methodically enough to get a decent victory. But at the same time, I wanted to make it a challenging scenario. Hope you enjoyed it.

Actually, CBase, these things happen in CM all the time. I have personally knocked out tigers with both Greyhounds and Stuarts. Even KTs can be taken out from the 37MM gun from the rear at point blank range. And yes, there has been some teeth gnashing over this.

Gemunden has now been updated to version 3 on Manx's site. Hope you enjoy, please don't hesitate to let me know what you think. [ 05-23-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ] [ 05-24-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ]

Aw Jason, I was just providing you with a lead-in. I knew you'd come through with the straight dope.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Panzer Leader: How is the Panther gun better? It is 75mm but Tiger has an 88. :confused:<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Simple: Muzzle velocity The penetration capability of a round (minus explosives) is determined by kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is, of course, determined by the mass of the round and the speed at which it is travelling. While the mass of the 88mm round is obviously greater than the 75mm, this difference is not sufficient to outweigh the much greater muzzle velocity of the 75, hence the 75L/70 is capable of penetrating more armor (except at very long ranges because of the velocity loss at those ranges while the mass of course stays constant, so at extreme ranges the 88 can penetrate more). Now I am sure a real grog can shed much sharper technical light on this subject. One more thing, I am comparing the 75L/70 with the 88L/56 of the Tiger I, not the 88L/71 of the KT. This last weapon was also very high velocity and was therefore more powerful than the 75L/70. [ 05-09-2001: Message edited by: jgdpzr ]