Weapon 61 in the Soviet OOB
Although I know very little about this bow machine-gun installed in the T-54 (and early T-55) and Type-59/69, I sometimes wonder how realistic are the stats given to it in the game. There are some facts which, if correct, I think should make it significantly less effective than the usual old ball-mounted BMGs fired by the radio-operator (as the one in T-34-85 for example). Firstly, it's fired by the driver, who is normally pretty much occupied with the task of driving the tank. Secondly, the mount doesn't seem very flexible - if movable at all? Thirdly, how is the driver supposed to aim it - or does it have a sight at all?
This brings me to my primary suspicion, is this BMG even intended to hit anything or is it supposed to just keep the enemy's heads down? If so, I would suggest reducing its range by half at least and decreasing its accuracy catastrophically.
EDIT: Found this discussion elsewhere:
http://208.84.116.223/forums/index.php?showtopic=26767
Quotations:
"T-54 model 1946 did not have bow MG - it had two MGs (SG-43) mounted on the boxes on the fenders."
Weapon 81 in the game. Same problem as with thread title weapon.
"Fixed installation, fired by driver with trigger on IIRC right driving stick."
"It is not for hitting, it was purely for suppression. Just like early versions of Stuart that had two fixed .30cal MGs in fenders."
So, how to edit the stats or should these terror-guns just be deleted?
Sgmt Bmg
Threaded Mode