Manx Posted January 8, 2001 Share Posted January 8, 2001 For those that aren't aware - i am attempting (attempting is the right word!) to compile a web-based dossier on the tactical usage of the units that can be found in CMBO. While countless historical documents, accounts and statistics exist on these units, i would like to get away from all that (as important as it no doubt is) and concentrate more on how these units perform within CM itself. BTS have (as closely as possible) made them as historically accurate as they can be anyway....so - How good are they at the role they are supposed to fulfill?. How do YOU make them "tick" within the game?. What tactics work with them....what don't. Again, any and all feedback is much appreciated. btw - The Hetzer will be posted on the site shortly. TIA ------------------ COMBAT MISSIONS - CM News, Supplies & Resources WWW.COMBATMISSIONS.CO.UK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chupacabra Posted January 8, 2001 Share Posted January 8, 2001 Halftracks historically were not a very useful weapon. IIRC the US halted production of all halftrack models after 1944 and has never looked back. That said, they're useful as infantry movers as long as they don't get shot at by anything more imposing than a Mauser. Also, 150 rounds of .50 Browning goodness can be a huge asset. Mobile fire support is always handy. ------------------ Soy super bien soy super super bien soy bien bien super bien bien bien super super Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer_n_Pretzels Posted January 8, 2001 Share Posted January 8, 2001 Keep them well away from MG42s. At 250m or less they are toast. However three of them transporting an infantry Platoon to within 300m of the enemy, and then providing fire support with 30 cal and 50 cal machine guns (only the M3A1) is absolutely devastating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vergeltungswaffe Posted January 8, 2001 Share Posted January 8, 2001 They're my favorite recon vehicle. Better to expose AT guns and nasty things with HT's than get something/someone more useful wasted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grobdeutschland Posted January 9, 2001 Share Posted January 9, 2001 I agree with B&P, I use them to move troops to key terrain positions. There are great mobile fire support teams. I used 2 of the m3a1 to repel a CA on one of my weak flanks. Keep away (250m) from all unoccupied opposition, when your INF are keeping the other guys INF busy bring them in at about 150m & watch the enemy's troops crumbly. ------------------ "Far better it is To dare mighty things... Then to take rank with Those poor, timid spirits Who know neither Victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt 1899 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monte99 Posted January 9, 2001 Share Posted January 9, 2001 In my experience they make handy bonfires for the men during winter operations, since mine have a tendency to combust spontaneously whenever they get within, oh, about 1000 meters of the enemy. Since most of my fights are on small to medium maps, I don't use HT's much for recon; grunts work better. I keep the HT's mostly hidden and then bring 'em up for the endgame, when having a mobile .50 can make a more significant difference. Still, they are about as bulletproof as a refrigerator carton, so you don't want to get too attached to the damned things. ------------------ "War does not determine who is right - only who is left." -Bertrand Russell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer_n_Pretzels Posted January 9, 2001 Share Posted January 9, 2001 Instead of fielding three M3A1's the Brits can use a combination of 2 M5A1's and a Ram Kangaroo. The M5A1 has 8mm of armour (compared to 7mm for the M3A1 - that extra 1mm seems to make a big difference) and sports the standard 30 Cal and 50 Cal MG's. While two of them supress Fritz from 250m, the Ram moves up and dumps its cargo (usually a pioneer squad and a flamethrower). Hopefully the flamethrower can turn Fritz into Bubble 'n' Squeak, at which time you can bring up the M5A1's with the remaining Pioneer squad and the HQ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grobdeutschland Posted January 10, 2001 Share Posted January 10, 2001 Good idea, B&P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer_n_Pretzels Posted January 11, 2001 Share Posted January 11, 2001 Thanks GD, I'll do just about do anything for a Gin & Tonic! (Actually more like a beer while I'm watch the cricket). back to the Ram and two M5A1's; its an even nastier combination when you add in an MMG carrier, WASP and Cromwell Close Support Tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jagdwyrm Posted January 13, 2001 Share Posted January 13, 2001 the .50 cal MG ive seen knock out german 1/2tracks, armored cars including pumas and even a couple marders and a Hummel...these were of the team variety and the vehicle type...something to keep in mind when considering your US 1/2track uses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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