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I hope that most of you WW2 nuts allready have read it, if not I would strongly recomend the memoires of Col. Hans von Luck "Panzer Commander".
He tells in depth about his time as a commander of various armoured recon elements on all the fronts he fought (Poland, France, Russia, North Africa, France again). He gives a good idea on what it was all about and describes many different roles that such elements could adapt.
The book is acknowledged as one of the most balanced German military memoirs of World War II, and of course must read for anyone interested in WW2 command and warfare.

I re-read it recently and it made me look very much forward to this series of games moving out in the desert one day, and all the interesting scenarios to come [:)]

Hi Pergite,
Awesome!
I completely missed that. Indeed, I don't know where my copy of that book is. Thanks for the tip and keep them coming!
 

I re-read it recently and it made me look very much forward to this series of games moving out in the desert one day, and all the interesting scenarios to come

Until then, do you feel like making some maps and scenarios using that book as inspiration?
You could make some scenarios loosely based (I worry about the stabs, correct me if I am wrong) on situations described there ... or anything you feel like worth exploring.
I can help you to a certain extent (busy with PWC's next installment right now).
 
 
Julio
 
 

Chelco:
(busy with PWC's next installment right now).

Now that is good news [:)]

ORIGINAL: Chelco

Hi Pergite,
Awesome!
I completely missed that. Indeed, I don't know where my copy of that book is. Thanks for the tip and keep them coming!

I re-read it recently and it made me look very much forward to this series of games moving out in the desert one day, and all the interesting scenarios to come

Until then, do you feel like making some maps and scenarios using that book as inspiration?
You could make some scenarios loosely based (I worry about the stabs, correct me if I am wrong) on situations described there ... or anything you feel like worth exploring.
I can help you to a certain extent (busy with PWC's next installment right now).


Julio

I whipped up a quick (all though its rather long) scenario on the North Africa campaign. The scenario is meant to be played as Axis only with the objective to deny enemy movement in the area. Von Luck´s batallion got stationed at a place called Siwa in order to give warning on any allied movement in the south, as well as disrupt any allied recon of the axis defensive line.
I had a hard time finding good maps, so that part is loosely based on reality. Anyhow, this is a big map with lots of open spaces. Own forces are scarce and to find anything out there you really have to spread your forces.

I belive the scenario manages to give a few good pointers on the problems there is regarding recon in the desert.
-You have to cover very large areas (which takes alot of time to traverse)
-There are no obvious avenues of aproach
-The night is dark and dangerous

Sadly the game engine is missing a few features to make for a good desert combat simulation:
-No dust are kicked up by vehicle movement (spotting and obstruction)
-Sand storms (replaced them with fog)
-Desert terrain like Loose sand and Wadis.

Its difficult to make LRDG´s act in a good fashion. The AI seem to concentrate his forces rather than to spread them out when given an exit task. I had to make these "Mosquito Armies" a lot stronger than what they really where to give them some extra punch.

I am currently tweaking the intel level to compensate for kicked up dust etc. The supply function is also under consideration. Since the recon units where stationed rather far from the main effort, their supplies where often limited. The scenario lasts four days and the battallion should be able to make due with what they have got. The problem is that Basics are needed and I cant find a way to make the units to only recive that.

Just a thought and maybe you've already sorted it but CotA units dig in as standard. Given the underlying limestone this was a luxury in the dessert often afforded only to units with time and plenty of tnt. Sangars of loose stones collected from the dessert were more common and offered less protection from all forms of fire.

Wow Pergite! Cool!

Wadis: I don't know if this is helpful but what happens if you create deep slopes for them?

RE: AI behavior. Location and number of AI objectives have a dramatic impact on the behaviour of the virtual troops. Is it possible to place multiple exit objectives?

Julio

ORIGINAL: Chelco

Wow Pergite! Cool!

Wadis: I don't know if this is helpful but what happens if you create deep slopes for them?

RE: AI behavior. Location and number of AI objectives have a dramatic impact on the behaviour of the virtual troops. Is it possible to place multiple exit objectives?

Julio

Yes, slopes work great... I belive I was a bit lazy [:)]
I need to dig up some real maps to base future africa maps on so that the setting becomes a bit more realistic than the quick map I just created. Armoured warfare will be interesting to setup, pitting Matilda tanks against well dug in 88´s.

Multiple exit objectives diffrated in time is what I have been using to make the AI look like he is doing a recce through the area.

AI controlled reconnaisance isn't going to happen until special code is written for them.  Currently they are treated like any other line unit. 
 
Perhaps split them up in the ScenMaker, ie have each subordinate unit be independant or in teams of two, give a plethora of small value objectives that have small active time frames (to be used like phase lines), and I think your AI controlled recon should be properly spaced out.
 
I'll be interested to see how your scenario turns out.
 
Bil

The scenario called "Relaxing at the oasis" is now uploaded to Wargamer Games depot. Its nothing fancy, but it at least allowed me to try out one or two things.

I dont know how long it takes for Wargamer to approve files, but it will hopefully turn up.

Edit:
I can PM anyone the scenario if you are interested.