Greenhorn Needs Advice

[TigerJon]

I am gearing up to play some Victory Decision.  I have the main ruleset and that is it so far.  I plan to start out and play my scenarios in the western European theater (France, Holland, Belgium, Germany). I want to base models individually rather than team stands. I want to start off with small-level skirmishes of 1 on 1 with each player controlling a fire team of 5 or 6 models and eventually be able to play larger platoon-level games of 2 - 6 players controlling a fire team or two each and a player or two a side controlling a piece of armor. I am going to play in 28mm and plan on having a playing area no smaller than 6'x5'. Anyway, I have some questions right off the bat I am looking for help on:

1. How many models should I work my way up to and what kinds (I currently possess 21 Waffen SS, 21 German inf., and 21 U.S. paratroopers)?

2. How many pieces of armor (I already possess a Tiger and thinking of adding a Panzer IV and a pair of Shermans, but not sure what models. 75mm? 105?)?

3.  Which supplements will I need and are there scenarios available?

That is all I can think of thus far.  Thank you for any help and additional advice.

-Jon

[Agis]

ViDe is designed to be played as platoon level. I strongly suggest at least 1 Command unit and 2 Combat Elements. (Basically as outlined in the corresponding platoon organisation charts.)
If you are only playing with one unit per side many of the neat gaming elements (unit activation, reactivation) will shine less prominent in the game.

After that add maybe 1 tank, an MG or Mortar team to each side. By doing so you can add layer upon layer of the rules and don't have to get everything at once!

Otherwise simply use the provide force organisation charts and have fun!

As far as supplements are concerned I recommend the U.S. Paratrooper Field Guide (since you already have 21 of them):

http://www.wargamevault.com/product_info.php?products_id=95792

If you want to use more vehicles check out the German and US Technical manuals:
http://www.wargamevault.com/product_info.php?products_id=94296
http://www.wargamevault.com/product_info.php?products_id=92490&src=FrontPage

Maybe also take a look at my website for a free scenario and QRS. http://www.adpublishing.de/html/downloads1.html

[pigasuspig]

I'm also starting with US Airborne and Germans! I can tell you this much without just giving away the manual: US Airborne squads are 12 men with one machine gun, and command squad is 7 men. So you will likely need more figures than you have now. Even two rifle sections + command would require 23 figures.

For the Germans, 42 should get you started just fine, as long as most of them have Kar98K rifles. My first box of Germans is heavy on special weapons, which actually limits its usefulness. Second box (Italeri DAK) is on the way, which is chock full of rifles, making it a perfect Victory Decision starter set: that one box alone would provide a full German platoon.

[TigerJon]

Okay, good info. Two more questions:

1. Obviously I am going to need the U.S. AB supplement. Which supplements will I needs for German infantry, Falshirmjagers, and Waffen SS?

2. Campaigns; are there any campaigns available?

Thanks again!

[moiterei_1984]

A quick look on Wargamesvault.com and here they are:

Fallschirmjaeger:
http://www.wargamevault.com/product/95284/Victory-Decision%3A-WW-II---German-Fallschirmjaeger-Field-Guide?manufacturers_id=2468&filters=0_0_0_0

Panzergrenadiere & Waffen SS:
http://www.wargamevault.com/product/92856/Victory-Decision%3A-WW-II---Late-War-German-Panzergrenadier-Field-Guide?manufacturers_id=2468&filters=0_0_0_0

For Standard german infantry the LW-German Grenadier Platoon included in the corebook will do, I think.

and for your german vehicles:
http://www.wargamevault.com/product/92490/Victory-Decision%3A-WW-II---German-Technical-Manual?manufacturers_id=2468&filters=0_0_0_0

Panzergrenadiere and Waffen-SS in my opinion will almost play the same. Both were high trained elite units and therefore I don't think you need an extra supplement for the SS. Just take your full load off Sdkfz. 251 to represent the better supply they had and evrything is fine.

Btw: I would be very interested in Volkssturm :-)

[Agis]

Thanks moiterei_1984 for already answering that one (could not have done it better).  Waffen SS will indeed not get any dedicated books. You can field them with the corresponding Grenadier lists.

@ TigerJon: Maybe check out my website about Victory Decision: http://www.adpublishing.de/html/victory_decision.html
Free Downloads, what is planned and more detailed descriptions of all the field guides and Technical Manuals including many preview pics. 

@ Volkssturm: Eventually yes, but right now the Pacific War range of books has to be completed and Gear Krieg to be written. I am on it!

[TigerJon]

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I do appreciate it. I knew I'd think of a few more:

1. I am planning on using some Dave Graffam paper/foamboard models for some of my structures. Do I need to worry about figs having access to the inside of a building?

2. Is there a thread on this forum designed to allow me to search for groups in my are that game with VD, or possibly other gamers looking for a group?

Thanks again!

[Agis]

1. I am planning on using some Dave Graffam paper/foamboard models for some of my structures. Do I need to worry about figs having access to the inside of a building?

2. Is there a thread on this forum designed to allow me to search for groups in my are that game with VD, or possibly other gamers looking for a group?

A 1: See P. 38ff (12 Buildings and other Structures). It all depends on your preferences, it would not hurt to have the roofs removable, but the rules can do without.

A 2: Not as far as I know. Start one!