Red Metal 1943

 

I was asked for an update on Red Metal a while ago. At that stage it was in a bit of a state. I had been playtesting using counters and a hex map of OHW scenario 5. I rolled up the two forces as shown below. These looked quite realistic to me and I have been using them for all of the playtests.

Initial set up in this scenario is easy. One blue unit north of the bridge. In this case it is Leutnant Schmidt with the improvised bicycle fusilier unit. 

The scene at a later stage in the game after Soviet units have entered from random locations.

There were many issues with the rules. The combat tables did not produce enough casualties and interpenetration restrictions held everything up. One thing I found really difficult was the blocking of LoS by units. I usually prefer units to block LoS, one does not open up on an enemy unit over a friendly unit directly to your front, at least without telling them first!

As this issue was bugging me I reviewed a umber of modern tactical games on BGG. To my surprise, few imposed any LoS restrictions. Mark Walker was asked a specific question about this on his Kursk game because the rules did not mention it. Mark decided the answer was no.

Anyway, I have tried to address in the latest, v4, version of the draft. I have set up a page for the game and you are welcome to use it as you wish.

I am also working on getting some real toys in to replace the counters. My current forces using ancient H&R troops:

I have also just received an order from H&R to cover off T70s, ATRs, HMGs and, most importantly, some German cyclists for Leutnant Schmidt!