Soviet Ski Troops

[Iain McGhee]

Picked up a T-34/85 model the other day which came with a pile of Siberian infantry, many of which have skis. I was wondering what sort of stats to use for them. I'd probably just use standard Soviet infantry organisation and rules for the most part, but I'm undecided as to whether they should get the Elite troops rules (from various lists) and Tank Assault rule (probably should ?). Also, what sort of movement rate to give them if on skis. I was thinking of something along the lines of a Ski special movement trait, say 8" (or is that too much/not enough ?).

Any opinions please ?

 

[SnowDog]

I'm afraid that I can't give (or even guess) any hard numbers here, but here are something to base your guestimation...

1) During the Winter War many if not most of the troops were from the opposite side of vast Soviet empire. Hence the general lack of skill of skiing. So, the ski troops could be considered somewhat elite in that sense. On the other hand later on in the war (in Continuation War and other fronts) ski troops were much more common, to my knowledge.

2) WWII era skiis were not that superb but any skilled skiier beat the non-skiier in snow (in speed). So while I would probably keep the move at 4" in snow I would also reduce 'leg' troops' move to 2"

3) Skiing in deep snow takes endurance and skill but if you have a road that is relatively clear or have good tracks/paths then maybe you can increase the speed to maybe 6"

I hope this helps...

 

[Iain McGhee]

It does indeed, thanks. I'll probably leave the foot troops move at their normal rate (I think reducing their move rate would slow down the game too much, especially for those with a limited number of turns). I'll try a 6" move for skis, but rather than using a special movement mode I'll require them to take a Ready action to switch between ski and foot modes and have them only be able to fire in foot mode (even if they stop to shoot I'd think they'd still need to make some preperations).

 

[Mr Evil]

hmmm raher than increase spwwd why not allow them to traverse the snow with ease, ie spend an action to ski have ski as double double move, but make normal movment for units not adapted half.. ? think rather than aunit add on maybe make some scenario rules for heavy snow.

 

[SnowDog]

Deep snow is really restrictive to move on (like a swamp) and rules wise I think swamp effectively halves the movement rates. So yes, allowing ski troops to move at normal move rate.

 

[Iain McGhee]

All true guys, think I might just use them for special scenarios rather than as a normal platoon, with reduced moves for everyone else. Likely still use the snow-suited ski figures to represent recon and sniper teams (with normal stats) since that suits my terrain. The rather nice mortar team (2 figs+mortar on a terrain piece) have quilted jackets, so they fit in with my other stuff as is.