It Begins! - A New Scenario by Wild Bill Wilder

[Fabfire]

Hi, everybody!

It is my pleasure to inform you that there is a new scenario by Wild Bill Wilder available for download - "It Begins!" It deals with a hypothetical confrontation between the BOAR and the Russian forces in West Germany in the 80's. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

The scenario can be downloaded at the Armorsite's WinSPMBT page (http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/winspmbt.htm). Or directly, following this link: http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/WinSPMBT_FILES/Scenarios/WBW-131-ITBegins-SPMBT.zip

More info about it below:

IT BEGINS!

Meeting Engagement
UK vs. USSR
West German Frontier
August 6, 1986
Turns:15
Scenario Size: Large
Estimated Playing Time: 3 hours+

Design: Wild Bill Wilder
bwilder@bellsouth.net
Testers: Stephen Porter, Lars Remmen, Tom DeShetler
Last Updated: August 21, 2005

Design Notes: This is a hypothetical of a meeting engagement between armored forces of Britain and the USSR. It occurs in West Germany. The human player should take the UK side in a one player scenario.

Your Orders:

Colonel, C Squadron is patrol the high ground near Wolfsburg. We are in a state of High Alert. Negotiations between the Soviet Union and NATO appear to have stalled and large movements of tanks and troops toward the West Germany border indicate the initiation of possible hostilities.

If fired upon, you are to return fire. Keep us posted of your situation.

Historical background:

It was a sunny morning in West Germany. Colonel Richard Palmer accompanied C Squadron of the 1st Royal Tank regiment of the British Army of the Rhine (BOAR) in it's patrol of the area west of Wolfsburg.

Things were not going well. Rumblings of war in Europe filled the news. Palmer's unit was at the forefront of the defensive lines being established in case Russia and her satellites decided to take that ominous step to war.

Sitting in the turret of his Challenger tank, sipping on a morning cup of coffee (Yes, British soldiers do drink something besides tea), he watched as his scout units deployed toward Hill 1141, the dominant terrain feature in his sector of defense.

Something did not feel right about this situation. That instinct of a battlefield commander kicked in and he leaned forward and through his radio ordered his tanks forward to cover the reconnaissance force.

He began thinking about his third platoon of tanks, which was ordered to remain in bivouac for maintenance. Then there was the young Lieutenant Campbell, with the older and less powerful Centurion tanks. His was the only detachment in the squadron awaiting the arrival of the newer Challenger. Having Campbell leading the tank force into battle was not what he wanted, "but," he reflected, "circumstances sometimes overcome our wishes."

He was just crossing the railroad embankment when his radio became alive! The early morning sun in a clear blue sky was blinding. "Blimey! Can't see a bloody thing", murmured the Colonel.

Captain Raleigh, commander of the recon force was frantically calling for help. Soviet armor of the 106th Guards Tank Division were coming out of Wolfsburg at full speed, heading straight for him.

The rumors of war quickly became reality! The fight was on and now Palmer was right in the middle of it!

Enjoy! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Fab

[DRG]

So what happened to Bill that he cannot post notice of his own scenarios??

Don

[Fabfire]

DRG said:
So what happened to Bill that he cannot post notice of his own scenarios??

Don



Nothing as far as I know. He is alive and well, thank the Lord for that. It's an old tradition that goes back to 2000, I guess, from the beginnings of SPWAW. WB always gave the honor to post to the owner of the supporting web site he choose to give the scenario to.

Since we are back together thanks to WinSPMBT, he asked me to post, keeping that tradition. Don't bother. It's just two old friends remembering the past. As long as the gamers get the scenarios, no harm is done...

Fab

[DRG]

OK, just wondered.

However, you can mention to him that "Blimey!" hasn't been heard in the UK since the movies in the '40's http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Don

[WBWilder]

Well, blimey, Don! What do you expect from a lover of the 40s movies. How about bloody! I think they still use that (G).

Yes, Fabio and I are long time friends and he has worked so hard on his personal site that I wanted him to post this one and announce it. Yes, the testers and I did the scenario, but Fabio has been kind enough to post it on his site. And that for me is a real honor, always.

Everyone should pay his site a visit, with or without this battle. It is well done, well organized, very informative and extremely complimentary of SP-Camo and the game.

WB

[WBWilder]

Nah, I gotta go to the UK source. What about it, MOBHACK? DO you still use Blimey? (LOL)

WB

[DRG]

He was the first person I asked. Thats where the 40's movie comment came from http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Don

[Double_Deuce]

WBWilder said:
Everyone should pay his site a visit, with or without this battle. It is well done, well organized, very informative and extremely complimentary of SP-Camo and the game.


Been there done that WB! Also added the link to his site to our new SP Microsite at ACG/SZO. Good to see Fabio back in the game.

[Gooseman2448]

Hey WB,

Did you use Alpha's updated OOB?

BTW, your senarios have been great, keeping me up late, this is another I will have to put in and try before I can go to sleep.

[Fabfire]

WB,

As always, thank you for your kind words. Yes, as you said, we gamers are like old soldiers, and we will be around while we don't fade away...

WinSPMBT most certainly brought new life to the SP series. Not to mention old gamers, like us...

It feels good to be back. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Fab

[Fabfire]

Double_Deuce said:

WBWilder said:
Everyone should pay his site a visit, with or without this battle. It is well done, well organized, very informative and extremely complimentary of SP-Camo and the game.


Been there done that WB! Also added the link to his site to our new SP Microsite at ACG/SZO. Good to see Fabio back in the game.



Double_Deuce, I've been to your web site too. It's a fantastic one that every wargamer should visit regularly. I highly reccomend it: Steel Panthers Zone! (http://sp.strategyzoneonline.com/)

Thank you, it is so good to be back... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Fab

[WBWilder]

THanks, Gooseman. You are very kind. No, I've not tried it yet. It looks great. I'm just getting the purchased game and I'm going to replace what I have not with it and see what new goodies are there.

WB

[Artur]

Played it, liked it.
Additionally one can play as the Soviets as well if you don't use their air force.

Those vechicles with TI rule the battlefield.

Artur.

[Alpha]

Gooseman2448 said:
Hey WB,

Did you use Alpha's updated OOB?

BTW, your senarios have been great, keeping me up late, this is another I will have to put in and try before I can go to sleep.



hey gooseman,

since my OOB only consists of changes to (west) germans it will be no use in a scen of GB vs. UDSSR.

i agree with WB´s comment on fabios site, btw.

and i will play your scen tomorrow, WB, bet i get some inspiration from it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

and again to WB: how about helping with my camp "red lighting"?? or any other person ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif

[Gooseman2448]

Yea, I noticed AFTER I played. I jumped the gun a bit, I thought it was with some WG forces at first.

[Alpha]

well it´s only a small battle for 20mins or so...but nice fight here, wild bill !!

my scens will be minimun double the size *g*

for your info:

red lighning camp development is put on halt until patch
is out!!!!

status:

2 scen are done 70-80%,
1 map is done ( thx. to double deuce )
1 map is ready 60%
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Sewter]

This was a real fun scenario! I enjoyed the fast pace of the battle. The introduction made the difference in 'personalizing' the units. The detail of the map is great. Thanks for the fun! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Busko]

I finally found time to play this scenario. Let's cut it short, it's great.
I love fast, small scenario, where planning and deploying unit it's just made on opportunity and on what the enemy lets you.

If any of you still haven't played the scenario, consider that by reading my short AAR you could read spoilers of the scenario.
I achieved a marginal victory, with 6 tanks and a couple of of APCs destroyed on my side, and almost the totality of Soviet units destroyed.
The first part of the battle it's quite linear, you start seeing hordes of t72s coming down the hill, hoping that yuor gunners earn their pay.
Mine did.
Flaming hulls of Soviet tanks flourished on the peak of the hill, while my infantry deployed in the woods under the slopes helped keeping BTRs and infantry occupied.
Then massive air strikes from the Soviets happened, most of my casualities happened now (i lost to enemy tank fire barely one of my Challengers).
My SAMs couldn't stop the Su-27 from unleashing hell on my formations, i lost 4 Challengers and 1 Centurion in that phase. But the Soviet pilots paid with their lives their precisions http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Other tanks (T80 and T80bv types) showed up, only to be destroyed by my tanks.
Then the rest of the battle is just beating the remains of Soviet forces, mainly remnants of mech infatry squads.
My Tow equipped Lynx helos were almost useless in taking out enemy vehicles, but were capital in spotting 5 or 6 Sp-ATGM vehicles, wich were hidden in the rear of the map, they could probably have been very dangerous, but i avoided advancing too much, and they were not a problem.

That's all. Another fine scenario from WBW. Congratulations.

P.S.: i don't know, should i post this small AAR in the proper section?

[WBWilder]

Busko, my thanks. I've been hoping for some AARs on some of the scenarios I've done. I've had a few, including the staff of SP-Camo, which I've greatly appreciated.

Knowing of the likes and dislikes of those who do venture onto these battlefields guides me in my future choices and designs.

This is a great little AAR. I don't know where it belongs exactly, but whereever it goes, it means a lot to me.

Thank you again...Wild Bill

[WBWilder]

Wow! Now I am looking at the other posts. Thank you all! THis is great encouragement. I really appreciate all of you taking the time to write and let me know.

Yes, if my work inspires you to be creative or just want to play the game more, it is work already rewarded.

Bring 'em on, Alpha. There is a big crowd here waiting to take on your battles.

WB

[WBWilder]

Alpha, I'd love to do it, but my time has become so limited. I hardly have time right now to do my own scenarios.

Still, send me what you have and at least let me take a look.

I wish you the best with it.

Where are your OOBs?

WB

[WBWilder]

For some good info, we are checking some remakes of this scenario using West German forces in place of the British ones.

These modified scenarios were done by my good friend, Fabio Prado. The testers are going over them this weekend.

If all goes well, you might want to try this with some different units and see how you do.

Good job, Fabio!

WB

[Alpha]

WBWilder said:
Alpha, I'd love to do it, but my time has become so limited. I hardly have time right now to do my own scenarios.

Still, send me what you have and at least let me take a look.

I wish you the best with it.

Where are your OOBs?

WB



thanx WB,

i wait now for the patch and then put
my camp together.

my OOB is at fabios site.

[Fabfire]

WBWilder said:
For some good info, we are checking some remakes of this scenario using West German forces in place of the British ones.

These modified scenarios were done by my good friend, Fabio Prado. The testers are going over them this weekend.

If all goes well, you might want to try this with some different units and see how you do.

Good job, Fabio!

WB



Thanks for the kind words, WB! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Fab

[WBWilder]

I got 'em now and I'll take a look!

WB

[Busko]

WBWilder said:
Busko, my thanks. I've been hoping for some AARs on some of the scenarios I've done. I've had a few, including the staff of SP-Camo, which I've greatly appreciated.

Knowing of the likes and dislikes of those who do venture onto these battlefields guides me in my future choices and designs.

This is a great little AAR. I don't know where it belongs exactly, but whereever it goes, it means a lot to me.

Thank you again...Wild Bill



Thanks for the kind words.
I also noted one more thing, replaying it to achieve a decisive victory. The Helo ATGMs are quite effective against tanks, but totally unuseful against the BRDMs, SPSAMs and SPAAs vehicles. The missile have always a 1% hit chance against a normal 40-50% for a first shot against a MBT.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif
Maybe it has something to do with smaller dimensions?

[MacGalin]

Well i finally found tim to play it. Great work, Wild Bill! Get a DV, lost two centurions during airstrike + one of my challenger crews panicked and bailed out of almost undamaged challenger (they returned after two turns). Most of russian tank havent even managed to fire... TI is great advantage. In my opinion adding TOW armed helos was a mistake - they make things too easy for player http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[Pierre]

That's a very enjoyeable scenario to play.
The first time I played it I underestimated two things that caused me a lot of trouble.
First I lost the Jaguars to SA-6 fire. And second I lost almost all the centurions killed by sprandel equiped BRDM-2's. That's two problems that may easily be cared of with the two TOW armed lynx.

[WBWilder]

The interesting thing about this scenario is its variability. Even as in the real thing, luck or fortune does play a role.

A unit gets hit, a key unit, but keeps going. In another game it is hit and is destroyed, complicating a victory for you.

Those helicopters are important for victory. If their aim is good, you are on your way. If they should get shot down, you have big problems.

As always good air support is so important.

Thanks Pierre and MacGalin for your comments and suggestions. These things help me a great deal, both in motivation and in attempting to do better the next time around.

The always ready to listen Wild Bill

[Artur]

MacGalin said:
Well i finally found tim to play it. Great work, Wild Bill! Get a DV, lost two centurions during airstrike + one of my challenger crews panicked and bailed out of almost undamaged challenger (they returned after two turns). Most of russian tank havent even managed to fire... TI is great advantage. In my opinion adding TOW armed helos was a mistake - they make things too easy for player http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.



Try the scen with the Russians - without using their Air ofrce.

Artur.

[WBWilder]

Now that is an interesting variation and worth a try, Artur. Without air assest, I imagine that its quite a challenge, but can be done. The Chieftans pack a terrible punch. Don't let them get the drop on you!

WB

[Gooseman2448]

WB,

Dittos!!!

You are the master of challanging and interesting scenarios.

I have played all of them a few times. Just finished It Begins, but with a different twist. I substituted US units.

1 Mech plt
1 M1A2 SEP Plt
1 M1A1HA+ plt
1 Mech AT plt (M2A3+)
2 Hmmwv Scout sec
1 AH64D sec (one w/ 8 Hellfires and 1 w/ 4 Hellfires and rockets)
2 Linebackers and 1 Vulcan
1 M7 FIST-V w FO
And last but not least...
2 A-10s w/ Mav ATGM and CBUs.

I have gotten several Marginals and one Decisive between the different versions. Probably because I am a bit aggressive.

I have the same basic tactic in all versions. I send my scout just short of Hill 141 to watch for units coming around the hill and ambush any Inf. I move my AT units to covering areas, one to the North to cover the North road, two in the center and one to cover the south highway.

I pull my tanks (Challenger 1, Leo 2, M1 SEPs) up to the rail road. This gives good view of top of hill. I bring the second tank platoon down through the southwest to cover the southern highway and southern side of the hill. As the reinforceing tanks arrive I usally send one north and the others to fill in for lost vehicles.

I tend to use the infantry to fill in the middle, kind of a speed bump, with metal spikes!!! I set them up defending the little house before the west face of the hill. If any one makes it that far the will ambush them. Usually I have to put one squad in the trees south of the the north village (approx 19,10 or 19,11) for some scouting of the north intersection.

This is my basic plan. I works fair enough.

As I said I just finished my US mod. Marginal victory. I got pounded in the middle. Lost all but one M2A3 of my INF Plt. Infantry got pounded also by Art. (Id swear the Computer was learning http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.
Everything started out well, M1 SEPs and M2A3 ATs were knocking Russian tanks like a old WW1 trench assault. Nothing that came over the hill seemed to have a chance.

A few T90s and BMP3s slipped down the hill and beat up my M2's. But the covering M1s got then one shot too late.

Usually I get more of a split in the attack, but this time most of the force came around or down the hill. It baecame a fist fight. Arena and VRRS popping everywhere.

Finally with the center contained I move my M1HAs slowly along the southern highway to clean up and move to the east side. I have lost quite a few tanks along this route, Kriztema-S (and BRDMs) hide back here.

By about turn 6 I have used my AH64s and A10' to pound the left overs and I can move units in to strat to take the VIC Flags by turn 9.

I think the 2005 version is harder. With the Russian ATGM defenses missiles are less of a sure kill. If they defeat the missile they are usually going to get the light skin ATGM APC.

The first time I played this US mod I didn't fair too well. Russian takes got better shots and I lost 2 SEPs trying to defend the northern road. Lost 3 M1Ha's and 2 M2A3 AT's defending the southern highway. Lost one apache also and A10's were knocked out the sky (bad floght plan).

Overall, TOW's good, Hellfires only killed one, they seem to be defeated easly.

Keep up the great work Bill.

BTW, I loved Larry, Currley, and Moe so much I modified it a bit with basically same units, just with units from my current MOD. I might get it out before the patch.

[narwan]

Hi Bill,

just played the scenario. It was an enjoyable slaughterfest! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Lost 1 tank, a couple of APC's and a rapier unit; few russians survived the engagement.

My Lynx's had no problems hitting the BRDM's or ZSU's with TOW's. Hit percentages varied but went up into the 80's. Probably because they hovered in place and only moved up and down to spot enemies.

I do have a question though. Using older tanks next to Challengers does give a nice twist, but weren't all MBT's in the BAOR Challengers and Chieftains by '86?

Narwan

[Mobhack]

Yes - by then the only "front line" users of Centurions were in Hong Kong I belive ( A single squadron ?).

I cannot think of any unit that would have gone from Cents straight to Challengers.

As an example (History of 2RTR):
http://www.army.mod.uk/2rtr/regimental_history/

So - 1968, Centurions out and Chieftains in for 2 RTR.
Re-roled 1972 as a Recce regiment, back to the heavy role in 1984 again with Chieftain, and then CR1 in 1986, CR2 in 1998.

After the early 70's its highly unlikely you would see any Centurions other than the odd squadron in say HK. Most were probably sold off to other NATO countries by 75 or so.

UK regiments would block-convert to a new type post war (unlike WW2 when you got what you got given, unless pulled to the rear for a full refit. Saves on the logistical burden. Possibly, there may be a squadron by squadron roll in, but never troops in the same squadron mixed, other than adding conqueror troops to centurion squadrons briefly at one period.

Cheers
Andy

[narwan]

Second remark on the scenario; the SA-11 Gadfly has a minimum range of 60 so it's just about useless on such a small map... except to serve as further cannonfodder. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Narwan

[Mobhack]

Those SAM with long sabot (i.e. minimum) ranges are really only useful for the stand-off role - i.e. on fixed wing planes as they are placed on the map edge, not e.g helos.

Cheers
Andy