Armoured trains

PatG · #1 June 26th, 2006, 04:42 PM

I've drawn up a generic tank-engine. It looks pretty good but I need more information on scaling. I'm looking at some of the existing shp files to rob for turrets etc.

If any interested parties have top down views of rolling stock - esp armoured units but even flat cars and passenger cars would be good, I would love to see them.

Once I get a few more done, I'll post them as Icon0110.shp which remains un-used at the moment.

PatG · #2 June 28th, 2006, 05:01 PM

Release early and release often.

The attached file is in no way official and may very well corrupt your game and cause the next world apocalypse. Use at your own discretion. Which at the moment means unzipping into the graphics folder, loading it up in SHPedit and looking at it.

I am not an artist so no whining about the quality.

I have gone with "European" sized rolling stock with one car per hex.

A "proof of concept" scenario is in the works.

PatG · #3 June 29th, 2006, 12:22 PM

Here we go again!

Attached is the latest version of Icon0110.shp, a bmp of the icons so far and a proof of concept scenario 343 Winter Wolves.

As always, not approved by the powers that be and may corrupt your game, cause impotence and affect the outcome of the world cup.

Enjoy!

MarkSheppard · #4 June 30th, 2006, 01:17 AM

Picture of the Panzerzug scenario, looks pretty good in my opinion; 1 hex per car is about right I think.

Helm · #5 June 30th, 2006, 01:58 PM

looks ok to me

markgame · #6 June 30th, 2006, 02:04 PM

This is getting to be one of my favorite threads

.

Would someone enlighten us on what would be considered the normal operational use of armored trains? For instance, would the train halt to return fire if fired upon by partisans? Also, were there special devices or techniques used to detect or disarm potential mines or explosives on or under the rails?

I'll post any information I come across as well.

PatG · #7 June 30th, 2006, 02:19 PM

My admittedly limited source (German armoured trains in WWII - Schiffer Military Volume 17) states that attempts to use them offensively to capture bridges etc in the early war were unsucessful. It seems that they were often used as support - especially in anti partisan operations. Code limitations mean they cannot move and passengers cannot fire while loaded so your best bet is to assume the train has come to a halt, and off load your squaddies. Note that some passenger cars were equipped with disembarking boxes - basicly a hatch in the floor - to allow infantry to safely unload under fire. Only real game effect would be to increase survivability (I think).

Unarmed flat cars were used at either end of the train to detonate mines etc. Sometimes troops and support weapons were added on top with ersatz armour.

PatG · #8 June 30th, 2006, 02:27 PM

And for today's offering:

Somua S-35 tank carrier

Panhard 38(f) Armoured car with radio aerial - had both rail and road wheels.

Wooden flat with sandbags and infantry

Gondola with sandbags and infantry

New SPWW2Trains readme with some design notes.
And a new bmp of the set.

Usual cautions about compatibility and corruption apply - use at your own risk.