Stalin tank company need help

[60buick]

I am about to start running the IS-2's I got from Warren. They are very different than what I am used to.

I have ten IS-2's Should I run all ten as a sledge hammer
or...
run 2 company's of 4 and drop the extra tank using the points else ware. (The rule with Sherman's was always run 4)


One list I like (on page 39 in Stalin's Onslaught)

Battalion HQ
1 IS-2 obr 1943 Heavy tank=155

Gvardeyskiy Tyazhelyy Tankovy Company
4 IS-2 obr 1943 Heavy Tanks=625

Gvardeyskiy Tyazhelyy Tankovy Company
4 IS-2 obr 1943 Heavy Tanks=625

Shock Sapper Company
3 sapper platoons=300
Supply truck=25

Total is 1730

I have no experience with heavy armour other than trying to hide from it so I am not sure why some things would work better than others.

what all do I get with the supply truck if I run Sappers.

Why not use tank riders?

Why not drop the infantry and the 10th tank for some air power or Rockets?

Which is would be harder for the enemy to kill, fewer Sappers or more Strelk?

9 tanks or do I need all 10?



I don't know how to run big armour and trying to build a list for something you don't know how to use yet is tough. What works for minimal $ and what doesn't.

[Tiger505]

I am going to be honest here and tell you keep the 4 platoon list. I had trouble trying to cover my objectives in every mobile battle I played in. The lack of storm trooper and wide tracks really hurt me mobility wise. With Stalins you need to run the numbers and be able to figure out if it is time to shoot at range or close down fast. Smoke is your worst enemy as with ROF 1 you will not get allot of shots VS Vet targets. I suggest you give all the tanks AA Mgs as this gives you the ability to move and gun vs infantry even if they are dug in as you are FP 5. You also need to watch your flanks more because being trained gives the enemy alot more chances at those 16% chance shots. You also really need to respect bog checks because once a Stalin bogs its rolling 4+ to unbog so your allot more terrain sensitive than a Tiger Kompanie. Use cover wisely and don't be afraid to tempt someone into taking long range shots with at 13 or 14 weapons. If your smart they need a 5+ and only kill on a 1 or a 2 depending on the gun. Mass is the key when attacking. You must focus at least 7 preferable all 10 Stalins on a single unit and HAMMER it. Do no spread out unless forced or you will hurt seriously if someone comes at you with flamers or FV infantry loaded with AT. the best support I have found is a small pioneer unit with a truck. If you get stuck defending a minefield or barb wire line is quiet handy to slow down the other guys stuff.

[60buick]

4 platoons? How are you running four?

I can only come up with 3 while running 10 tanks.

HQ IS-2 155

4 IS-2's 625

5 IS-2's 780

AA upgrade 50

Strelk 165 and less AA or Sappers + truck 135

I like the idea of the sappers because of the mine field and wire but that is not a lot of boots (6 stands), would the strelk be better? Maybe drop one tank and add both?

[60buick]

Duh. Sometimes you overlook the thing staring you in the face.

[mcginn]

Here is the list I'm running against cdbeer

1 IS-2 HQ w/ AA MG

3 IS-2 all w/ AA MG

3 IS-2 all w/ AA MG

3 IS-2 all w/ AA MG

sapper company with one platoon and supply truck

I lose...a lot...but maybe I just suck XD

[60buick]

That is the list I am leaning toward. I will have to learn to use it.

[mcginn]

Learning to use it is the trick. I've played his tigers 3 times and out of all those games I've killed one Tiger and bailed out another. It's the hitting them that's the problem with moving and RoF 1. I'm having trouble with them being able to run circles around me and sturming into concealment and having to move to hit them but then needing a 7 to hit em. Any suggestions out there? I don't want to give up on the IS-2!

[Tiger505]

If he is sitting still and shooting you sit still and shoot. If he is running away then move up and let him shoot. You have 10 tanks he has 5 or 6 you can lose a few to get your shots.