I've decided I'll buy the full Sabre Squadron rules at the end of the month, but rather than wait until they arrive then order up minis (currently I don't have any Cold War era minis), I'd like to order those at the same time. I'll be starting with 3mm minis, to create a portable game, but as it's 1:1 representation that's not too important...
Point is, I've never been too good on the timeline of Cold War vehicles, which are comtemporary with one another - I like Centurions, Chieftains & Scorpions though. Can anyone suggest a minimum force to play the game, British & Soviet (or East German)? How many, and what type, of vehicles, how many infantry rifle stands, how many 'heavy weapon' stands?
I'm hoping for a Oddzial Osmy (or however you spell it) minis budget under £50 for both sides combined... If that would be easy, some support units could be added.
http://www.fireandfury.com/extra/ordersofbattle.shtml#CW (http://www.fireandfury.com/extra/ordersofbattle.shtml#CW)
Pretty useful stuff there, not always sure of the accuracy (as with anything!), and I don't know how Sabre Squadron "balances" forces (eg are two Cents worth three T-55's etc) so it might pay to have a loook at the rules and "army lists" to see what you need to give a good game, but the above will help organise them :)
From recent discussion of SS and a quick look at the starter rules I'd guess about a dozen-ish vehicles for both sides (approx a company worth) and two infantry stands per APC/IFV in the force (with a few heavy weapons) will do it. In 3mm I think you'll have to buy them in 15's, but then it's not exactly expensive so I'd think even for two sides with a an option or two should be well under fifty quid?!
Good choice Sir :D
I've got some 3mm for Operation Barbarossa and it's amazing what you can see at that scale. Telling a T55 from a T62 can be problem from the wrong angle in larger scales even.
With a few rare exceptions, companies are in the range 10-14 vehicles strong so a pack of 15 works very well. You will have to over-buy some things like recce and anti-tank, but it shouldn't put you over budget.
For the Soviets:
1 pack of T64B (note NOT T72!)
1 pack of BMP1
1 pack of BTR60PB
1 pack infantry
1 pack support weapons
1 pack BRDM2
For BAOR:
1 pack Chieftain
1 pack FV432
1 pack Scorpions/Scimitars (you will struggle to tell the difference!)
1 pack Striker
1 pack infantry
1 pack support weapons
1 pack Milan
13 packs for starters! You can always add BRDM3 (actually BRDM2/AT5), ZSU23-4, ACRV2, Mi-24, Lynx and aircraft to cover all 99% of options.
There are some sample lists on the website and a Warsaw Pact Supplement available - the NATO is WIP. For a quick and free look at a wide range of unit organisations join this group:
https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BGMR/info
It's for a different set of rules bu in the Files section you will find a wide range of armies by year. Some stuff needs revising but it gives a good idea of who had what and how it was organised.
There's a Sabresquadron forum for questions.
Nick
08's 3mm is amazingly good, and when pressed and up close and I remember what they are, I can tell the difference. Sadly it's just too small to really see unless I'm right in close :D
And there we go, that's over a tenner under budget :)
That list looks lovely, thanks. Good start for a game.
Terrain next...
For the North German Plain - village, roads and woods!
Nick
Do you want the order of Battle for Third shock army :D :D I have it in my army bits
Only if it costs less than £50...