"Tank Rider Company - v3 rules questions" Topic

I used a Soviet Tank Rider Company in a solo game on Sunday and had some rule quandaries. I think I did it right, but since it's a solo game it doesn't really matter either way. Just want to know for future reference:

I started the game with the Tank Rider Company mounted on T-34/85 tanks. Note this is a Tank Rider Company (infantry bases) and not the Tankodestantniki upgrade. These rule quandaries would also apply to any infantry taking a ride on tanks (I think).

1) Can the tank company assault with the Tank Rider Company still mounted? If so, would the Tank Rider bases get to "swing" in the assault?
2) Can the Tank Rider Company shoot while on the back of tanks?
3) Would partially dismounting the Tank Rider Company and their Company commander (i.e. leaving one base still mounted) affect either of the above? Company here being the same rules of Platoon leaders, with the whole Soviet structure being one level up in Flames of War.

My answers:
1) Yes and Yes
2) No. I did it in the game but after reading relevant rules I think I did this incorrectly.
3) No.

What do you think? I could use the insight of a more experienced Flames of War player!

I don't have a lot of experience, and I've never played Russians but, my interpretation of the rules is;

1) Yes and No.
2) No

As far as I remember, a Tank Rider Company is a separate company from the tank.
If it does ride a tank, it is considered a passenger, much like a unit being transported in a truck.
So, it would have to dismount, if being carried on a tank, to assault or to shoot. Truck mounted units cannot fire from the tank, and neither can units riding a tank.
The Tank Rider Company and the tanks assault separately.
Tank Rider Company is simply the NAME of the unit, and doesn't describe its game function.

Tankodesantniki are actually part of the tank unit and have their own rules. They are not the same thing, and are not considered passengers. Consider them an upgrade.

Ok. I just checked my Eastern Front. I was correct. They are merely an infantry company that accompanies tanks.
A few clues.
1. It can have up to 21 stands. How can you have 21 stands fighting from the back of tanks?
2. Then you can add a Comissar, a PTRD stand and 2 Maxim HMG stands. How can an HMG stand fight from the back of a tank?
3. Minimum unit size is 8 stands. How can you have a tank unit with 5 tanks and mount 8 stands on them?

No. It's a separate unit entirely. It can of course hitch a ride normally, but must dismount to fight.

Sounds like the Tank Rider Company, or any infantry riding tanks, would not be able to swing in the assault or shoot while riding.

However, does this stop the tanks from assaulting themselves?

Also, Winston, each tank can have more than one stand mounted (I think up to three, would need to check).

Yes, but as passengers.

Tanks cannot assault tanks.