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Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: Lardy Rich on March 22, 2018, 11:01:58 AM

Title: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Lardy Rich on March 22, 2018, 11:01:58 AM
Morning all,

Just to let you know that our WWII tank combat rules are now at the printers and will be released on the 9th of April.  To celebrate we are offering a great advanced order deal where you get the hard copy rules, PDF and token set for £24.  We have a piece on Lard Island News about the game here: https://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/?p=7295

Or you can order here:  https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/what-a-tanker-complete-advanced-order-bundle/

And here's a snap of the cover:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DY1SdgjWsAAiGzW.jpg)
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: axabrax on March 22, 2018, 01:46:16 PM
Interesting. I don't see the scale or table size mentioned anywhere. Presumably 28mm and 6x4 table? Tokens are MDF?  Kind of hard to decide to order without this sort of basic info.

Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Gibby on March 22, 2018, 02:26:21 PM
Excited for this, and that's a hell of a deal there!

axabrax, I get the feeling it's rather scaleable, but I think I saw them using 28mm tanks in some playtest photos I saw.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Lardy Rich on March 22, 2018, 03:00:25 PM
It's scale neutral.  With tank ranges being what they are it's pretty irrelevant.  We play in 15mm and 28mm.  6' by 4' table, but larger if you have a whole load of mates round.  Acrylic tokens. 

Rich 
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Tom Reed on March 22, 2018, 03:38:05 PM
Very interesting and a good deal too. I just ordered the rules.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: boywundyrx on March 22, 2018, 04:41:14 PM
I'm in.  I have 1/72 tanks for my Chain of Command project that'll work, though I've only been collecting them in singles (occasional double) as CoC supports, so it'll look a bit Kelly's Heroes-ish to start. 

In 6mm (probably using cm instead of inches), I've got everything ready to go, in multiples of awesomeness.

Chris
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Sir Rodney Ffing on March 22, 2018, 05:18:32 PM
I have a load of TFL's rules and I'm sure this one will be enjoyable. 

However, if Lardy Rich is still listening, what I would REALLY like is a system able to handle effortlessly larger WW2 armoured forces of up to a squadron a side, that is neither so abstract that it glosses over equipment performance differences, nor too 'rivet counter' heavy on charts, while allowing for leadership and crew experience levels and national/doctrinal variations to give a strong period flavour.

C'mon Rich, you know you want to, and on the strength of a promise of doing it with a North Africa theme, I will buy "What a Tanker" too!  lol
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Vanvlak on March 22, 2018, 05:53:02 PM
Bought it - my first lard rule set.  :D
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Jeff965 on March 22, 2018, 07:13:04 PM
I'm in, and a large game being organised as I type at Firestorm Games in Cardiff next month woohoo "TANK ACTION"
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Lardy Rich on March 22, 2018, 08:24:40 PM
Sir Rodney

I'd certainly look at that. Not sure when though if I'm honest. I'm keen to do something larger at some point, although it couldn't be specifically desert.

Rich
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: dbsubashi on March 22, 2018, 09:44:46 PM
Bought mine last night. Looking forward to an occassional diversion from Chain of Command, which we have just started playing. I might be able to get the FoW/Tanks! crowd at my FLGS to try some nice, sugary Lard...
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Elk101 on March 22, 2018, 10:21:01 PM
This certainly sounds interesting and it's a bloody good deal.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Sir Rodney Ffing on March 23, 2018, 02:43:28 PM
Quote
I'd certainly look at that. Not sure when though if I'm honest. I'm keen to do something larger at some point, although it couldn't be specifically desert.

Rich - That sounds encouraging, and can we at least have a desert picture on the front?
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Ballardian on March 23, 2018, 05:56:49 PM

 Couldn't resist this,  I look forward to picking my pre-order up at Salute :)
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Gibby on March 23, 2018, 09:50:34 PM
Pre-ordered also. Quite intrigued by the Tanker Tool. Always happy to get assistance with Tanking. Couldn't resist this advance order deal anyway!
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Elk101 on March 24, 2018, 09:14:01 AM
Just been reading up on this on the TFL forum and it really does sound intriguing. I've had to go for it!

We played quite a bit of Disposable Heroes Coffin for Seven Brothers rules a few years back and tanks would often not last that long. With one tank per player what do game times normally come out at? Obviously this question is directed to Rich and any playtesters.  :)
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Lardy Rich on March 24, 2018, 09:25:33 AM
Elk

Typically we find that if you have six players with a tank each, the game will last an hour or so, bigger games a bit longer although not too long as you have more lead flying. 

You do have options for feeding back into the game as a reinforcement if you want to play a more rolling games.

If you played with just two tanks, it would be quicker but that's probably not the optimum size game.

Rich
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Elk101 on March 24, 2018, 11:50:51 AM
An hour or so sounds ideal. Thanks for the reply. I've ordered the bundle so I'll find out soon enough. My collection of 1:50 Corgi die casts with the odd mod here or there will be perfect for this.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Arrigo on March 26, 2018, 02:26:35 PM
Rich,

just some questions... from reading the blurbs and discussion on LIN I got the impression that the game is a sort of miniature version of world of tanks or war thunder... but on the other hand you have an established reputation for realistic rules, and from discussion on the yahoo group I got the impression that it was supposed to be a tank centered game, but still catering for infantry and guns (albeit in a supporting role)... so I am wondering what is the aim of What a Tanker and which kind of engagements it is supposed to represent. For example there are rules for AT guns or infantry (but in a supporting role as vehicles are supports in Chain of Command).

I am also curious if it could be ported to more recent periods.

Arrigo
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Baron von Wreckedoften on March 28, 2018, 10:02:39 AM
Ordered my advance copy and looking forward to picking it up at Salute (and possibly even playing the odd game, if the Lardies are demonstrating it).
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Elk101 on April 10, 2018, 07:38:50 PM
I've read through this and it sounds like a very interesting system. I like the TFL friction elements whereby you can't always do what you want and don't have complete control over your troops. Some in my regular group don't like this side of things but I personally think it makes for a more involved experience as you try and react and preempt what's going on on the table top. I know I'll get a few comments along the lines of "what do you you mean I can't fire just because I didn't roll a 4?" but to me that just means that the gunner has hit a problem at that moment,  has hesitated, or is otherwise unable to respond to the tank commander's order. The use of the Wild Dice should help prevent this ever being a game breaker. I am very much looking forward to playing this.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on April 10, 2018, 08:02:48 PM
Got my copy yesterday. First read-through looks like a great system. One more read through and then a game ASAP.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Jeff965 on April 10, 2018, 08:04:49 PM
My copy arrived today, got a big What a Tanker extravaganza at Firestorm Games this Sunday so it's time to get reading.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: olyreed on April 10, 2018, 08:14:55 PM
 I have my first game lined up on Thursday, really looking forward to it
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Elk101 on April 10, 2018, 08:56:20 PM
My copy arrived today, got a big What a Tanker extravaganza at Firestorm Games this Sunday so it's time to get reading.

That sounds good. I'd be interested in what you think.
Cheers
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: geoffb on April 11, 2018, 09:43:53 AM
Rich,

just some questions... from reading the blurbs and discussion on LIN I got the impression that the game is a sort of miniature version of world of tanks or war thunder... but on the other hand you have an established reputation for realistic rules, and from discussion on the yahoo group I got the impression that it was supposed to be a tank centered game, but still catering for infantry and guns (albeit in a supporting role)... so I am wondering what is the aim of What a Tanker and which kind of engagements it is supposed to represent. For example there are rules for AT guns or infantry (but in a supporting role as vehicles are supports in Chain of Command).

I am also curious if it could be ported to more recent periods.

Arrigo

AT Guns were playtested but dropped, its all about the tanks and the melee between them.
I would imagine its very easy to port to more modern periods.

cheers
Geoff
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Eric the Shed on April 11, 2018, 06:41:51 PM
Played our first, second , third and fourth games last night - interesting but Lady Luck is very important

ideal for big games but don't get shot too soon or you will end up twiddling your thumbs whilst the others play

my thoughts on the blog here

https://shedwars.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/what-tanker-rules-review.html (https://shedwars.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/what-tanker-rules-review.html)
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: fred on April 11, 2018, 06:57:05 PM
Useful review. Your ideas for mods are interesting. One of the guys in our group has bought the rules and it has interested us. But I wonder if it will be even more of a one hit wonder than most skirmish games are with us...
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Elk101 on April 11, 2018, 07:45:01 PM
I picked it up as a fun multiplayer game so it does sound like it will tick those boxes.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Truscott Trotter on April 11, 2018, 08:12:51 PM
Having played  a fair bit of air and naval skirmish games where if you have one plane ir ship and it gets knocked out early you have nothing to do we are intending to try it out with 2 or 3 tanks per player with 2 or 3 players per side
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Poiter50 on April 12, 2018, 01:50:21 AM
Played our first game last night, 8 players, 4 Pz IV against 4 Shermans. Lots of laughs, managed to survive despite some movement difficulties and had to keep backing up against the table edge (several times).
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Truscott Trotter on April 12, 2018, 04:04:58 AM
".....and had to keep backing up against the table edge'

Perhaps you should play with different people Pete if thats a concern?  lol
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on April 12, 2018, 08:09:02 AM
Interesting review, thanks.
Title: Re: What a Tanker Advanced Orders
Post by: Poiter50 on April 12, 2018, 08:15:53 AM
I don't know what you mean TT. lol

".....and had to keep backing up against the table edge'

Perhaps you should play with different people Pete if thats a concern?  lol