Expanding Rämsch's Charge (GEAB12)

So we set ourselves all a little challenge of expanding the new army boxes into 'proper' 1750 points Flames of War forces - and at the same time doing it on a budget!

So this is basically what you get in the box. As the groups main german player I got Rämsch's Charge (GEAB12) to expand. In the box you get 5 Panzer 4's, 3 StuG's and a platoon of Panzergrenadiers. Not a bad starting point, but also (if I may whisper) a little unfocused with the mixture of StuG and Panzer 4.
Lastly I'm going to go for a choice based more on coolness of model, both for look and effect on the field -

So firstly let's find a 'competative' list I can use as a base for a new player. The answer is obvious I think personally - the free 'Devils Charge Digital exclusive (which is free on Forces of War, and known to many as Panzers to the Meuse) even less cost for those of you joining the hobby. For this list I've gone for Lehr.

So what's the core from what we've got. Well the first choice is how to split the Panzer IV, I prefer a platoon of 4 and 1 in the HQ, but you can go 2 and 3 if you prefer. Alongside this you have the Panzergrenadiers as the second compulsory choices (and depending on how strict your group are, you could use them as the Gepanzerte Aufklarungs platoon to turn your force into an auto attacking force).

So what about the StuG's, well you can get an assault gun platoon in the support - and if you like you can upgrade one to a StuH42 - who doesn't like a breakthrough gun and a little direct smoke!Talking of smoke lets expand this box! The first and obvious choice to me is a platoon of Nebelwerfers

(GE590) (RRP £14.50) - these are still the most ubiquitous unit in german lists, they throw smoke, their artillery is a good AT3 FP4+ - an obvious choice.

The next choice I like is some Recon - they have so many uses, and when you have such expensive tanks in such an aggressive list I think you really need something to push back ambushes. Thankfully you have the premier recon option in the game - the Puma (GE361) (RRP£8.00) - now recon should never fight, but if it's going to then the Puma is best disposed to do that!

Lastly I'm going to talk about adding some heavy firepower in the form of Panthers Platoon (Plastic) (GBX84) (RRP £26.00). A trio of them for this list adds mobility, firepower and a huge deterrent to any opposition. They're also fabulous to put together now they're in plastic. 

This brings you to 1740 points, and if you really want to a Bergpanzer will take you to 1750, but that's again personal choice.

PANZERKOMPANIE (LEHR)ARMOURED COMPANY

CONFIDENT     VETERAN   TANK COMPANY POINTS 1750 PLATOON QTY UNIT POINTS HEADQUARTERS Panzerkompanie HQ (Lehr)   p.9 1 1 Panzer IV J Bergepanzer III 100 COMBAT PLATOONS Panther Platoon (Lehr)   p.9 3 Panther G 560 Panzer Platoon (Lehr)   p.10 4 Panzer IV J 350 SUPPORT PLATOONS Assault Gun Platoon (Lehr)   p.27 2 1 StuG G StuH42 285 Gepanzerte Panzergrenadier Platoon   p.13 1 6 4 Cmd Panzerfaust MG team Panzerfaust MG team Sd Kfz 251/1 285 Panzerspäh Platoon (Lehr)   p.18 2 Sd Kfz 234/2 (Puma) 100 Volks Rocket Launcher Battery  p.33 RELUCTANT  TRAINED 1 1 1 3 Cmd SMG team Observer Rifle team Kubelwagen 15cm NW41 70 Devil’s Charge (Digital Exclusive) - German Late-War

So here's the list, and here is the force! I think it's a great list for any german commander you have everything you need to take it to those allied players, and it's a great basis for further expansion!
Thanks for Reading Adam

The army as a whole