Iron Cross again US versus Fallschirmjager

Another game using Iron Cross rules today with Stephen at my gaff again.

Used essentially the same table as last game just rejigged somewhat with some bocage and change to some hills, woods and more buildings.

Stephen brought his US forces and I decided to use Fallschirmjager (I did however make a mistake with list fielding a Sniper but only allowed if defending in a scenario).

We used the Escalating Engagement scenario which has up to a third of forces deployed at start with rest coming on on turns 2 and 3.

I had Elite FJR with support from 2 Stugs and Stephen had Regular Yanks but with 6 Shermans, two with 76mm (we again just used the points system with 500pts apiece).

Another excellent game with this very playable and fun set.

Lots of AFV action and even a close assault by some FJR on a Sherman (sadly ineffective) with Yanks running out victors (once both Stugs dispatched for loss of just 2 M4s it was tough for FJR)

Not the meatiest of rules but they simply work and with the Activation/Reaction system there is a real game of stalking each others AFVs (not many sets grant this so easily).

Stugs are decent but their lack of turret is shown really well as whole vehicle has to turn to align gun with -2 To Hit modifier whereas turreted Tanks can traverse up to 90 degrees without suffering modifier.

I thought I would be turned off by a set of WW2 rules that have no Artillery indirect fire (only Mortars) or Aircraft but for the low level scale of the game it seems fine as action is fast and furious.

The choices of what to activate and when and if to react and when to pass initiative are excellent decision points (I have read that some have bolted this system onto other rule sets and I can see why).

We looked at inserting a few house rules but decided against most as not worth added complication for such a fast playing set.

Beyond a brief set of LOS rules (as none really in rules) we have given Infantry in buildings a -2 to hit just to differentiate from lighter cover such as low hedges/walls, and it seemed to work fine.

Am sure for a scenario we could include off-board HE if needs be but as I say not really missed.

Only other items not really covered in rules are stuff like foxholes, trenches, minefields and the like but again should be easy to 'scenario rule' these.

Certainly I prefer this to the 'lets include everything' style of FOW or Battlegroup systems.

Two fun games thus far with WW2 kit.

Fallschirmjager side of table

Yanks move into central Church area

Stug takes out an M4 then ko'd by M4/76

More US armour appears

And trundles along roadways

Blasting FJR in buildings

Overview with other Stug brewing an M4 on left flank

FJR section goes 'toe to toe' with Sherman (they failed to inflict any damage)

The Sherman backed out of contact and decimated the FJR

FJR section with PzFst in trouble in woods after hitting but failing to destroy an M4 !

Yanks firmly in control of church and grounds

FJR sections opposite

Other Stug brewed by 76mm this spelled disaster for FJR