Shermans, 2 kinds, in a build

[cannonfodder]

I'm thinking of building an army around a Sherman Firefly and a Calliope.
Any comments?
Suggestions for infantry?
I haven't put a lot of effort into this yet, it's still just an idea.
What do you think?

[horacus]

it is better to biuld an army around tree basic shermans.

Well, you may use a Firefly, a Calliope, or two Firefly for better AT punch, 7 rangers, 1 red devil captain. 100pts.Lack a little the AT punch if you use a Calliope, but the rangers should be able to keep the enemy infantry , plus the rocket salvo. The Firefly may be ablo to disrupt, or damage 1 or two enemy Tanks if lucky, if you use two of them you may have a better chance.

[Richter von Manthofen]

May I point you to this weeks strategy article ;)

[Predator666]

I'd use the Rangers definetly for AI usage. Maybe try to fit in a mortar with those nice strong infantry as spotters.

[zkraut]

Hmm, If you really wanted shermans, I would have 2 fireflies and a 105, not a calliope.

2x Fireflies
105 Sherman
2 Rangers
Resourceful Hero


Hmm, Maybe too much anti tank. Well, I would personally then use a Firefly and a Churchill Crocodile. The crocodile is the BEST tank IMHO. That flamethrower ability doesnt care how many successes you have if you have 3 6s. Hell, Throw in a 105 also. You will have 12 points leftover for an M1 Heavy Mortar, or a SE Captain for initiative for that Croc.

[Rick]

I'm thinking of building an army around a Sherman Firefly and a Calliope.
Any comments?
Suggestions for infantry?
I haven't put a lot of effort into this yet, it's still just an idea.
What do you think?

Those are two powerful tanks that are priced about right. But really I would ask for more information such as: is this for a 100, 150, 300 pt. army? Is this for a competative build, or historic, or just for the fun of playing?

But assuming a 100 pt. army, I'd add in one 81 mm mortar, one 3" AT for some added AT punch, and round it out with Garands, and an RD Capt. If air is a concern, add in one Quad 50 for good measure and drop the 3" AT, but add in one Baz.

My bet would be that you'd have to play this very carefully, not exposing yourself to too much infantry fire. But if you are able to isolate opposing units, you should be able to pick them off well enough. Certainly, you have enough firepower. But Shermans are still only meduim tanks, not the heavies and won't hang in a long fight with Tigers or Elefants. The same is true for Garands vs SS Panzergrenadiers. So play smart.

[cannonfodder]

Merci and thank you. It was a 100 pointer I was thinking of so I wasn't too worried about facing a heavy tank. The main reason I want to build this army is so I can practice being sneaky. I'm more of a CHARGE guy by nature and that's losing me a lot of battles so it's time to practice sneakin'.
I'm not sure why people don't like the 'Fly. Good AI good AT (well reasonable) and Rockets that aren't inaccurate. What's not to like? Too slow?Or is it that it's yet another Sherman?

[General_Blitzkrieg]

The only bad sherman is the useless DD. I like all the others and would probably use them all if I had them. I like my Vet. Sherman and use it quite a bit along with the basic version. Nothing says AAM like a sherman army.

[FSSF]

The two 29 pts. Shermans heh?

I have yet to test the Sherman Firefly yet (I own one, but when I play the Brits I always end up playing other tanks).

But I've tested the Calliope a few times and I'm not sure it's worth it's points cost. The 105 M4A3 Sherman is a better choice IMHO as a partner to your Firefly. The Calliope is much better vs vehicules than the 105 (+3/+3/+2), but if you already have the Firefly, you already pack a pretty good punch. The 105 Shermy has slightly better attack vs soldiers (+1/+1/+0) and has better speed to flank and costs 5 points less. They could make a good team.

[FSSF]

The only bad sherman is the useless DD. I like all the others and would probably use them all if I had them. I like my Vet. Sherman and use it quite a bit along with the basic version. Nothing says AAM like a sherman army.

Well the Easy Eight is not a bad tank but sure is pricey when you compare it to other heavy tanks. I was a big fan when the game started (I loved the sturdiness and Transport ability and used to carry a Flamethrower on it), but has set III and other came out, it became pretty much unplayable. I have not seen one in play for a looong time.

[fifleche]

Said it before:

Sherman Rush MkII:

Veteran Sherman "Rhino" x2
M4A3 Sherman 105 x2

:D

[FSSF]

Merci and thank you. It was a 100 pointer I was thinking of so I wasn't too worried about facing a heavy tank. The main reason I want to build this army is so I can practice being sneaky. I'm more of a CHARGE guy by nature and that's losing me a lot of battles so it's time to practice sneakin'.
I'm not sure why people don't like the 'Fly. Good AI good AT (well reasonable) and Rockets that aren't inaccurate. What's not to like? Too slow?Or is it that it's yet another Sherman?

It's not that it's bad. For a british tank, it's even very good.
But it's pretty much the Allies version of the Panzer IV Ausf.G.
Exactly the same attack numbers vs Soldiers and Vehicles.
Almost same cost (29 vs 30 for the Pz IVG).
Almost same defense (5/4 vs. 5/3 for Pz IVG).
The Firefly has Speed 4 over the Pz IVG's 3.
So the Pz IV trades -1 Speed and -1 rear armor for it's Extended Range 10 SA. The Firefly comes out better in the trade off I think. Still... Outside of newbies who don't own a lot of units, have you seen a lot of play for the venerable Panzer IV Ausf. G recently? Not when you can get a Hetzer for 10 points less or 2 Stug III for the same price. Since the Firefly is in the same category (+/- 30 points medium tank), that's why it's not that popular. It's also not that good vs infantry. PLayers tend to either go for the heaviest tank, or the cheap swarm-category tanks.

[cannonfodder]

I'm an ijit. I meant what's wrong with the Calliope. People seem to have a hate on for this thing. (The comment about non-innacurate rockets must have confused some of you). The 'fly is okay but the Calliope rocks -IMnotsoHO. With Rocket Salvo it can devastate inf and still be as good against enemy armour as any stock Sherman. The only downside is the Speed 3, and that's not such a big deal as it's still faster than it's prime target-infantry. For AT purposes it's the bait that keeps the German tanks facing forward while the Fly tries for the flanking move.
A mortar, a bunch of M1s and a RD Cpt and I think I'm built.
Thanks for the input, I suspect that this thread will now slide gracelessly off the front page.

[Surfer_Sam]

MGC- 36
2 Shrrmans- 78
4 Rangers
2 Anti-tank obstacles