Originally posted by Belisarius:
Hi all.
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The reason? I'm currently playing the old 'Rommel to the Rescue' campaign. (Easy version, mind you) Now, I know 37mm PAK's are an utter piece of crap, but just how bad can they be? Currently, I'm having difficulties taking out even such small things as Matilda I's!!
Compare armour penetration of the 37mm with the armour of the Matilda. You should find that it is less than the armour of all but the rear of the turret of the Matilda I. Thus it is not suprising that you can't pentrate them.
As this campaign doesn't exactly spoil you with points, I can't be expected to buy 88's for my full point allowment, can I?
I went through the "easy" version (V4.5) buying at least two (2) extra 88's and tows (support forces not core, although I did upgrade my 37mm ATG to 88mm when I could afford them), plus when possible, ammo trucks (I managed to run out of AP more than once and its no fun trying to rearm while the Matilda's advance to MG range). Through out the campaign my side never had fewer than 4 88's (made up of auxillary, support, and at the end core).
I'm in the second battle, and I'm getting crushed! Granted, I may have been better of going defensive, but so far I've managed to take out ONE tank, and that with my 8-rad 20mm at 2 hexes. That's all. And I've used about half the ammo for my PAK's. (I currently have five within range)
As the Pak's won't penetrate the Matildas you are wasting you ammo shooting at them. Use the 37mm on ACs, APCs and trucks. At least they can have some effect on these.
So, is it just me having a bad day, or is there something wrong with the picture?
I mean, although a tad weak, there must have been some use for the PAK36?
PAK36 can be used against lesser armoured vehicles (trucks, bren carriers, Armoured cars, also dismounted infantry and heavy weapons) saving the 88's to only engage tanks.
(btw, how are units upgraded??)
At the end of each battle you have the option to "FIX" or "CHANGE" units using available build points. By highlighting a unit to upgrade and then depressing the "change" button you are taken to a page where the left column is units you can afford to change the highlighted existing unit to, while the right column shows your current OOB.
Run the cursor down the units on the left hand table, allow time for the pop-up dialog box. This box will tell you how much it will cost to change/upgrade the current highlighted unit (right hand list) to the new unit/item.
NOTE: you should look at this dialog box because the actual cost to change old for new is usually less than the cost listed for the new unit - probably representing some degree of salvage value.
Note: Make changes BEFORE fixing the unit you want to change - when you change (upgrade) the new unit starts with no damage and thus some or all of the points spent "fixing" a unit before the upgrade may be lost.