Strategic Command Europe: Sickle Cut Scenario question

[Neul]

Hi all,
I've played, or rather started to play SCWIEurope, Sickle Cut scenario a number of times. Have attempted to replicate the Manstein plan, however I always find some massive Allied resistance when I go through the Ardennes with my Panzers.

Also, checking my supply lines and projected supply, I also have some logistic issues, even if I advance along rail/road axis.

Has anyone out there had success in playing this scenario, and if so, what type of plan did you execute?

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks

[BiteNibbleChomp]

Hi Neul,

Sickle Cut's creator here, thanks for giving the campaign a spin Because it's more fun to discover winning strategies on your own, I won't give away all of the map's secrets, but the following pointers should help you along.

1/ Air power is your best friend. Bombers are the only unit type in which Germany holds a real advantage, so you want to use that for all it is worth - almost always you want to make sure they are reinforced even if it means MPPs don't go to units on the front line (you'll have enough infantry that you can keep a few back for a turn or two and reinforce them later).
Your bombers do start spread out across the front, but after the first couple of turns it is often a good idea to concentrate them in whatever sector is looking most promising (depending on where your opponent puts their forces, this could be in the north or the south - I once had a game where I smashed through the Netherlands and Antwerp, and used that route to encircle Brussels). Once you've ripped a hole in the enemy lines somewhere - anywhere - the Allies will have a hard time recovering.

2/ Bomb Eben-Emael, kill the garrison, drop a para in on turn 1. There's a good reason the Germans pulled this stunt historically, and it is well worth repeating!

3/ Panzers don't do well in the forest. The Allied armies that accumulate around Dinant can be dealt with by the infantry later. The tanks are best used getting to - and through - Sedan and the open ground beyond as quickly as possible.

4/ Once you've got a breakthrough and momentum behind you, don't stop for a moment. France can recover from the initial attacks if afforded the opportunity, so make sure you never give them one. If your subordinates are reporting logistics issues, tell them that they can rest in Paris. (A day's halt may be necessary occasionally to let the HQs catch up, but you don't want to stop longer than that).

Good luck!

- BNC

[Neul]

Thank you BNC, I'll try this approach. I always ensure I take Eben Emael on turn 1. The Albert Canal line, I find, can be slowly flanked, however the Allies defend in depth on the plain behind it.
I like the challenge of this game. A lot.
This attempt, I'll shove straight through the Ardennes along the road/rail with the Panzer and motorised divisions, avoiding combat and allowing the infantry to do that.
Thanks for your insights into this scenario. You've given me many hours of challenge.

Robert Neul