"starting ww2 thinking battlegroup" Topic

I've been wanting to start collecting ww2 models for awhile now. Could never really get into battlefront or really just 15mm. The men are just too small for me and I like to paint so they will need to be more than just playing pieces. I'm probably going to order the battlegroup overlord bundle when its back in stock at the war store. After that thinking 1/72 PSC Germans.
Hanomags, stugs and infantry should be enough to start with I'm hoping.

I stopped by the local hobby shop and found a few old 1/72 kits. Heavily discounted:)
Sdkfz 11 half track, not sure how useful it is as its weaponless.
Maybe it will have some kind of 'in game ' purpose other than towing guns.
Also an M6 anti tank vehicle. I know more than the average person knows about ww2 but I'm still no grognard and never heard of these. Maybe I can shoehorn it into a game.

Germans are a given but I want an American force as well. Does battlegroup have rules for airstrikes? I'd love to do battles in the Italian campaign as I'm currently reading about it in Atkinson's Day of Battle. Plus im lazy and know i dont have near enough terrain for normandy. Maybe next years supplement…

What I like about Battlegroup is how important softskins are. First off they move people and things around and secondly if they get "blowed" up it costs you force morale at the same rate as say losing an AFV. Along with moving things I like the idea of supply vehicles and battlefield engineering vehicles to be found in the Battlegroup rules.

Yes, there are rule for airstrikes. Some are random and others can be purchased like timed artillery barrages. Again, softskins with AA become really useful at these times.

Agree there are definitely rules for airstrikes…

Alas!

Well you could use the Battlegroup Overlord supplement to do Italy… Use the American Infantry list and it has Germans of course, both infantry and panzer plus Fallschirmjager. I'd say it would certainly do the job until we release an Italian Campaign book, which is on the list 'to do' but with only two of us working on the game it maybe a while till we get there…

We post updates on our Facebook page;

link

…and have a forum hosted on The Guild that might help with queries on the rules and mechanics and the AARs there will show you the games features;

guildwargamers.com

If you are new to the system, you can find out more at our website where we have an overview of the system;

ironfistpublishing.com

…Or watch the author discuss the system here;

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Anything else ya wanna know, ask away.

I haven't played Battlegroup, but I will give a thumbs up for I Ain't Been Shot Mum, which is primarily for 20mm although it can go with 15 and 28 as well. It has rules for infantry, armour, soft skins, artillery and air strikes plus has the advantage of being cheaper to buy than Battlegroup with OOBs available as PDFs.

As far as kits available, the internet is a great place to get what you want. However, partnering up with your FLGS is a good way to help both you and him out by getting your purchases through them. Helping local businesses has always been important to me anyway. Having said that, Battlegroup rules are the best rules for WWII I have played in a long time. There are many aspects of these rules that just rubbed me the right way. Piers Brandt and Warkick Kinkade have a website and forum that are top notch and will definitely shorten the learning curve for you. Can't recommend them enough. You can get more information on the Plastic Soldier Company Website.
Respectfully,
Gunny

Too Fat Lardies also produces two Italy specific scenario books for I Ain't Been Shot Mum. I would think they could be converted easily for battlegroup if they are the rules you choose.

Wow thanks for the info. I'll check out The Guild for sure. Maybe I'll get the lardie rules for WW2 as well. I do enjoy Sharpe practice after all. Completely agree about supporting the local business, but he has a hard time sourcing things like too fat lardie books and I assume battle group books. For sure will be getting my models through the flgs though. The game seems to be popular with it being out of stock so that's good at any rate.

Anyone have any experience with airfix buildings? They seem to be 1:76 scale but that shouldn't make a difference. They have a large selection of battle damaged houses and buildings. More interested in the quality, might be a quick way to get some terrain on the board.

I have the Italian Farmhouse and it's a nice model. Haven't painted it yet. Will use it for my Chain of Command "A Walk in the Sun" scenario (if I ever get to it).) There is also an Italian Townhouse. Just a quick picture taken now on dining room table.
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Available here and other places:
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Also take a look at Paper Terrain Mediterranean Range.
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Airfix buildings very high quality, with a price to match. Worth hunting around for a good discount.

And BG rules – I recommend them.