Module:Death Ride Kursk: 11th Panzer

From Vassal
DRK-11Pz.jpg
Publisher Grognard Simulations, Inc. Era WWII
Year 2011 Topic Eastern Front
Players 2 to 2 Scale Tactical
Length Medium to Long Series Death Ride

Files

Filename Filetype Size Date Compatibility
1.0
DRK-11PzD v1.0.vmod Module 15.4 MB 2012-11-02 3.1

Module Information

Maintainer Antonio Pinar
Contributors Christopher Fasulo (Grognard Simulations, Inc.)

Comments

JVM Heap Size: Warning

The DRK-11Pz module is not very heavy (file around 16Mb), but the size of the map and the huge amount of pieces makes this module a good RAM eater. Increasing the Maximum JVM Heap Size to 1024 will solve problems related to RAM, helping the module to be loaded.

Also, enabling the preference "prefer memory-mapped files for large images" will help to deal with this issue.


Changes from previous “Death Ride Kursk” modules released:

- The DELETE restriction is not in effect. All game pieces can be freely deleted from the main map.

- A new mechanic for SUPPRESSION markers has been included; fully adapting the module features to the new suppression rules.

- A new tracker has been added to keep track of current GAME PHASE.


Death Ride Kursk - 11th Panzer: Introduction

The game features the 11th Panzer Division and some supporting XLVIII Panzer Corps units at mostly Platoon and some Company/Battery level and the Red Army (31st Tank Corps, and other supporting elements) at Company/Battery level. The combat system utilizes combat multipliers that players must use correctly to have the best effect. Each hex is 330 meters. Turns are 2 hours long during the day and 4 hours at night. The rules are modeled around the seven battlefield operating systems which make them easily understood and easy to learn. Unlike other games at this level the rules will not be massive. This system features extensive use of obstacles (mines, wire, improved positions, and fortifications), a patrol rule, overwatch fire, air and artillery support, and reserve movement. These obstacles help channel the attack and force the Germans into kill sacks and forcing them to push through the heavy resistance to take ground. Overwatch is a type of fire that allows the player to move a short distance and then setup to fire suppressive fire at enemy units that might otherwise use opportunity fire. Reserve movement will allow a player to respond to enemy movement and move more units into a hex to strengthen it before an assault. Units are modeled to represent the 2 major types of weapons that most units have. Secondary (usually small arms) and a primary (main gun, machine guns, etc...). These weapons may fire at different targets if they want. They also effect targets differently. Suppression is also handled uniquely in this game. Units that are suppressed get a defense bonus since they take better advantage of the terrain in the hex, while at the same time they have their other factors reduced. Units are also modeled as needing transports and get the benefits of movement from them with the vulnerability that goes with it. The battle follows the divisions actions during the 10 days of the battle. The amount of armor in this game is astonishing. Added to the other 2 games and it's tremendous. 11th Panzer has its 2 Infantry Regiments and supporting elements. The game will also force players to account for Command and Control and Supply (expressed in a different way than the other games). Maintenance and repair are critical to both sides as this determines most of the replacements that arrive every morning. Troop replacements are generated by returning casualties to the battle. Lots of these casualties are minor in nature and both sides worked hard to get these wounded back to the front quickly. Air-Ground Attack can have a significant effect on the battle and both sides have a capability in the air to affect the battle. The Germans were eventually bled white and forced to suspend Citadel. The German attack starts facing only the soft crust and outposts the Red Army put in place to alert them of the assault's start. The Germans have overwhelming numbers for this first phase of the battle and must utilize this advantage to make every kilometer of progress they can. As the attack develops the Germans must generate fast movement through this area and break free into the tactical second echelon quickly to keep from getting bogged down. The Soviets must use terrain and their considerable obstacles to slow down and stop the Germans in their tracks. Stopping the Germans is going to be very hard. The Germans will find their force attrited slowly but surely over time and the Red Army will be slaughtered in the first few days and then settle down to the grind that was the battle.

Screen Shots

Players

  • Antonio Pinar