Composition in long campaign

[Figgle]

I recently discovered this game through a lucky Yahoo search and it has brought back great memories of playing the original Steel Panthers. In fact, SP and SP2 were probably a few of the main reasons I was a "C" instead of a "B" student in my graduate studies back in the mid-90's.

I have searched through the forum for the answer to this question and couldn't find it, so I apologize if I missed it, but are there any resources that show a suggested or historically realistic composition of units to select when playing the 1939 long campaign as the Germans using the default purchase points? I am kind of overwhelmed by the large number of units and points available. I know that this is the type of thing where there are an infinite number of possibilities but some examples would really be helpful in getting me started. I am really glad I discovered this board and game and I get a nostalgic rush every time I start a new scenario. And to think all these years I thought I was the only one who loved and missed this game!

[Demtrek]

I myself like playing with a lot of units. Though from what I read here many prefer smaller forced. I basically divide all my units into a little of each.

For example 1939

B C Recon 6 light armored cars each
D E F Medium Tanks, I usually use them with my troops.
G H Heavy Tanks, I hold these guys back till I see theirs.
I J K Troops always grouped with trucks later half tracks.
L M Engineers with trucks later half tracks.
N O P Arty Scouts
From here on out I pick arty and AA. Then about 4 88's in 1940.

This force gives me a little of everything to play with. During the course of the campaign I change out the infantry units and experiment with some of the different ski troops, mountain troops, SS, panzer grenadiers, ect..

and of course the armor I change out as I can but it can get expensive starting with those dam french tanks.

[PanzerBob]

This site while in German is very helpful if you want to set up realistic forces to start campaigns.
Post#http://chrito.users1.50megs.com/kstn/kstnpanzermain.htm

This site gives you a nice over view.

Post#http://orbat.com/site/ww2/drleo/011_germany/__ge_index.htm

Hope this helps not overwelms.

[Figgle]

Ok, here's what I started out with. I've played 3 scenarios in the LC and got 2 marginal and 1 decisive victory. I usually divide most of the units into a north, center and south group and throw the pioneers in the group that looks like it will have the toughest going. I get some Stukas and heavy artillery with the supplemental points. I feel like the most useful thing now would be something to quickly mow down the hundreds of thousands of Polish infantry and calvary squads that seem to come at me every scenario.

15 PzKw III b/d (s) tanks (3 groups of 5)
12 PzKw IVb tanks (3 groups of 4)
6 SdKfz 222 armored cars (2 groups of 3)
12 infantry units (3 groups of 4)
4 pioneer units (1 group of 4)
3 MMG unts
16 SdKfz 251/1 halftracks
3 3.7 cm PaK AT guns w/transport
4 8.8 cm Flak guns w/transport
2 scout units
2 snipers

The last time I saved it looked like I was going to be heading into an assault scenario and the supplemental points went way up. Any suggestions on changing my core? Or maybe what to buy with the extra points for an assault scenario? Boy, I had forgotten how addictive this is! I've already lost track of the time one evening and ended up playing till 3 am and was worthless at work the next morning...

Fig Newton

[PanzerBob]

Have you used a lot of indirect MG fire? Especially in behind any massed charge. You have lots of MG's over 20 when you include your Company of Infantry with its Halftracks. In Poland HT's can be used within reasonable range. IF the Poles armour is dealt with shut off the main guns of your armour and having their MG's join the fray will help too. (Remember to turn the Main Guns on afterwards)

As for an assault at this period lots of pioneers and artillery some large calibre but make sure you have smaller calibre with smoke capability. Ensure the support units make the initial assaults and give them good smoke coverage. I also like to have a Motorcycle Platoon or two to go though once the minefields etc are breached and lead the way and recce the objectives.

As for the addiction, welcome to Club buddy!!

[Sniper23]

i second that!