From: brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov (Brian Youse)
Subject: January ASL DIGEST
Organization: Computer Sciences Corporation
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1993 18:50:47 GMT

	-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- THE ASL DIGEST -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A Digest of Articles about the Advanced Squad Leader Game System.

Volume 3 Number 5  					     Jan 1, 1992
========================================================================

         Role Call ...................................From the Editor
         Tactical Problems ..........................Robert Feinstein
         Barrikady the Hard Way .........................Chuck Powers
         R&R - Book and Movie Reviews  ................Bahadir Erimli
         Reference Notes for ASL Support Weapons - German
                                    .....................Geir Aalberg
         Chateau Cherry - DallasCon Scenario ........Gary Fortenberry
                                                         Mike Tisdale
         Forward Observer (Tournys in the future) ........Brian Youse
         ASL Resources ...................................Brian Youse

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 Role Call - A few words from the editor                  By Brian Youse
                                               brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Well, the new year has started.  As I shake off the last bits 
of my vacation, and turn to compiling this months digest, I found a
MOUND of articles!  Imagine my surprise when I found that I had too many
articles for the January issue.  I guess my christmas wish has come 
true!

	So, get set for a few "killer" digests!  This month's
features an exhaustive article on German support weapons.  The gun behind
the counter, so to speak.  Other ASL nationalities will follow in the 
upcoming months.  Geir provides an interesting historical variant for
you DYO fanatics!  Chateau Cherry is a pretty tight little tournament
scenario - perfect for wasting away a snowy Saturday afternoon.  Also, 
my pal Chuck is starting a column of "tips" he has picked up from our RB
campaign games.  He promises to offer an article or two of German tips
based on a SECOND RB campaign game he is playing in at the same time.  A 
true Stalingrad fanatic.  Maybe we should have his wife write an article
about RB widows?

	We're missing a tactical problem this month, but based on Bob's
vacation adventure I guess we'll let him slide this month!  TP#2's 
solution is provided for those of you who have been sitting on the edge
of your seat for the last month!

	Upcoming digest will include the continuing adventures of our
favorite East Front soldier, Otto Snudle, more scenarios, more variants,
more tactical problems for you to stew over.  In other words, more of
everything!  

	I'm going to post a survey to the list (yes, a third try at 
compiling statistics on the "typical" ASL player).  Maybe we can use the
feedback from this survey to tailor the digest to the needs of the readers?

	Well, enough of my babbling.  Keep on submitting!

	Issue 3.06 is scheduled for February 1, 1993.  I'll talk to 
you then...

					Brian Youse
					brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov

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Tactical Problems - Brain teasers to sharpen your skills

                                                     By Robert Feinstein
                                                       rdf@chem.cusd.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I DIDN'T REALLY WANT THAT TANK ANYWAY!

The situation:  The war is almost over as you drive into
another German city.  You are a nostalgic Russian officer in
search of a cute little antique captured tank to call your own.
You came across a darling snip of a T-26, a throwback
to the late thirties.  In your enthusiasm to claim this little
buggy as your own, you stand proudly on the hood of your
headquarters truck, pointing out to the T-26 crew exactly
where you want them to go.  But then.... DOYY!!... around the
corner you find yourself face to face with a Jagdpanther! Darn!  
Suddenly, that dumpy little tank doesn't seem so important,
and your life does!  How will you save yourself?

The Set-Up:

German JgPz V in 1N6; TCA = VCA = 1M6
Russian Truck w/ 10-3 leader on hood (that's you) in 1L5, VCA = 1N5, in Motion
Russian T-26 M33 in 1K6, TCA = VCA = 1M6, CE, in Motion

It's your turn; and its your butt!  Can the truck get off the board?
If so, how?

Special Rules:
1.  AFV can fire only AP, no special ammo is allowed.
2.  Treat the T-26 as if it is NOT radioless.
3.  The German JgPz V will roll anything BUT a 2 on every shot.

THE SOLUTION:

There are a number of obscure little rules here to help you out.
First, consider:

D2.6:  ENEMY AFV:  A vehicle cannot voluntarily stop or end its MPh
in Motion in an enemy AFV's hex unless ...(blah blah blah) ..... at the
moment and position of entry into that hex, attack that AFV (regardless
of its To Hit possibility) and be capable of destroying or shocking it with 
an Original TK or IFT DR of 5.

The T-26 has a 45L, which at a range of 0 has a To Kill value of 10 + 1
(due to range 0) = 11, would result in a shock with a TK DR of 5 against 
the PzJg's side armor of 6 (i.e. 11 - 6 = 5).  So the T-26 can enter and stay
in the hex.  Why would it want ot do a silly thing like that?

A7.212:  TARGET SELECTION LIMITS:  .......(blah blah blah) ..... Similarly,
ordnance cannot fire outside its own Location while a Known enemy unit [EXC:
unarmored vehicle] occupies that same location.

Ah, so having that dainty little T-26 in the PzJg's hex denies the PzJg a chance
to fire on the truck!

Now all you have to do is get the tank into the hex.  Charge?  Nope.  You must 
move through the JgPz's side target facing.  But what if he just up and shoots 
you when you enter his hex?  No problem; with a 88LL's TK of 27, there is no
way he can hit you and NOT get a flaming wreck!  With the +2 SMOKE in
his hex, he would need a 10 + 1 (BU) + 3 (SMOKE) + 2 (Intensive Fire) +2 
(Motion Target, Case J) = 2 to hit the truck when it changes its VCA to move.

Hopefully, you made it.  I am sorry to hear about your prize little tank.  :-)

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 Barrikady the Hard Way                                  By Chuck Powers
                                          cpowers@tecumseh.gsfc.nasa.gov
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The following lessons that I've learned from playing Brian are 
probably common-sense kinda stuff, some may even find them trivial, but 
i'll report they anyway.  Most of these tips I've picked-up playing the  
first three days of RB CG-III as the Russians.  I hope you'll find some
these tips to be useful. 

1.  Russians do not need to spend CPPs on Recon.  On day 2 I spent a  
CPP for Recon.  This was unnecessary as the defender since the Germans  
will be moving and attacking, thus revealing themselves anyway.  If the  
Germans can afford to purchase Recon, it may be useful - especially on  
day 1.

2.  Avoid giving the Germans good fire opportunities on turn 1.   On  
the first two scenarios I set-up too many units in forward positions (a  
long standing habit of mine), giving the Germans good Prep fire  
opportunities.  On day 2 this hurt me because the Germans were able to  
break a bunch of units and open a hole in my line.  It would be better  
to only set-up a few units and dummy stacks in forward positions.

3.  A-P mines can be useful.  On day 2 I purchased 24 mine factors  
which inflicted some damage on a couple of German units.  One stack  
(consisting of a leader and 3 squads) where stuck in a minefield for  
several turns, before they finally got free.  Another minefield eliminated 
a charging berserk German MMC.  Try to randomize where you set-up mines.  

4.  Try to always set-up Conscripts in the Factories.  Putting  
Conscripts in Factories gives them a morale of 7, and increases their  
chances of attacking Germans in CC.  Which I feel is their best use.   
Try to keep your Conscripts concealed, so they have a better chance of  
not being ambushed.  Finally, fanatic units don't have to take a PAATC 
so they may deter the Germans from charging tanks into the factories.

5.  Mortars are pretty useless.  The terrain in RB does not allow light  
mortars to be used effectively.  Putting them all together may help.   
Covering the relatively open area (mostly debris) on the southwest side  
of the board may be their best use.  They also can be used as "dummy"  
counters, making your stacks look bigger than they really are.  OK,  
maybe not.

6.  MOL-P can be effective against tanks, and for smoke.  Besides OBA,  
the MOL-P is one of the only ways that the Russians can produce smoke.   
The MOL-P Platoon is a fairly inexpensive anti-tank weapon since the  
tanks AF does not effect the TK# of the MOL-P.  Beware, MOL-P can  
explode in your face!

7.  Use a phone instead of a radio if possible for OBA.  The Russian  
radio only makes contact with a DR of 7 or less.  I lost a couple of  
good OBA fire opportunities because I could not make or maintain radio  
contact.  Also, placement of your observer can be critical with a  
phone.

8.  Buy infantry as reserves if possible.  Infantry cost 1 CPP less if  
purchased as reserves.  You'd be surprised how quickly reserve unit can  
be brought into the struggle.  They may also make the Germans think twice 
before they advance far enough to activate reserves.

9.  Buy MOL capability if possible.  This will increase your firepower,  
and give your units a way to eliminate tanks.

10.  Set-up ATRs with 527s.  This gives the 527 a FP of 6 if there are  
no tanks to be attacked.  This is only a minor consideration, and is  
not needed if the IIFT is used [which Chuck and I don't! - ed.].

11.  Use HIP units for counter-attacks.  Try setting up HIP units in  
locations that don't attract much attention, and then late in the  
scenario activate these units and try to regain some lost stone  
locations.  You can also activate these units to distract the Germans  
if they're hammering you elsewhere.

12.  Set-up ATGs back from the front, covering the clear roads (void of  
debris and rubble).  The Germans can easily overtake a Gun location, so  
try and take advantage of their range.  I've used ATGs successfully to  
keep the Germans off the roads.

13.  Try to set-up your best leaders, SW, and MMC together.  The way I  
do this is to set-up retained elite squads with new squads (like  
Militia), and then transfer any SW given to the Militia to the elites.   
I also have done this with retained elite squads and a new HW platoon.   
In this case, the elites take the MMGs and HMGs from the platoon and  
give the 127s in the HW platoon light mortars in exchange.  I then send  
the 127s up to the rooftops.

14.  Read Chapter O closely!  There are several purchasing limits and a  
lot of special rules in RB, so read this chapter carefully.  By not  
reading the purchasing limits, we had to replay a scenario day.  A RB  
scenario can take between 10 to 14 hours, so think about it. [although
I wouldn't consider it "wasted" time.  A bad day of ASL is better than a
good day at work! -ed.]

15.  Invest in the Future.  There are a few things that the Russian  
player should be thinking about when purchasing RGs.  First, how will  
my purchases help or hurt my chances of maintaining my present ELR?   
This doesn't really become a serious consideration until Day 4 of  
the campaign [and approx every 4 "active" days -ed.]  Assume you lose
the Day 3 scenario.  The DRM for your ELR Loss/Gain DR is +6 (for 3 days 
of continuous fighting), not including your infantry/AFV purchase 
modifiers.  This means your ELR will go down on a DR of 7 or greater.  
If you purchase an elite infantry company there's a -2 added to the 
DRM.  If you purchase a first line infantry company or AFV platoon, 
there's a -1 added to the DRM for each purchased.  Since I hadn't 
planned ahead earlier in the campaign, I was forced to purchase 2 
Militia companies (due to heavy losses on Day 2) and an AFV platoon.  
With this purchase, I need a DR of 7 or less to maintain my ELR.

How could I have improved this situation earlier in the campaign?  One  
answer to this question would have been to purchase more infantry  
companies on Day 2.  Normally you can only purchase 2 companies per  
campaign day (except that this maximum is modified inversely by your  
Historical DRM).  On Day 2, the Russians can purchase 3 companies.  I  
only purchased 2 that day, but could have easily purchased 3.  I  
purchased a reserve Guard Rifle company (8 CPP) and a reserve SMG  
company (3 CPP).  If I would have purchased 2 reserve Rifle companies  
(8 CCP) and a reserve SMG company (3 CPP) instead, I would have had  
more squads to cover my losses on that day.  This would have allowed me  
to purchase reserve first line infantry instead of all front line  
Militia on Day 3, making my ELR Loss/Gain DRM more favorable.  So, the   
moral here is to think ahead!

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 R&R - Book and Movie Reviews                          By Bahadir Erimli
                                              erimli@systems.caltech.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The Battle For Stalingrad by V. I. Chuikov
     ( Holt, Rinehart and Winston; New York )

   This is the battle of Stalingrad seen from the Russian side. Although the
initial stages of the story of that summer may be boring to read (thanks to
all the propaganda General Chuikov adds), it gets much more interesting when 
the action begins to take place. If you've read any books by other Soviet 
generals, you will notice the frankness of this book.  It is not, however, 
totally free of the tendency to cover up mistakes or mention them 
superficially. I would suggest that you read this book if you are really 
interested in the subject and can put up with the propaganda. Otherwise,
read Enemy At The Gates.

     Dni i Nochi ( Days And Nights )  by Konstantin Mikhailovitch Simonov
     ( Simon and Schuster; New York )

   A fiction novel taking place in Stalingrad.  I would say that this is a
"must read".  Simonov was a newspaper reporter during WWII and he had been 
to many fronts in the Soviet Union. His books cast light upon the general 
feeling among the Soviet troops during the war. One gets to see what they 
feel, what they dream about, what they talk among themselves, and how they 
live and die. Actually, if one reads this novel, the novel Cross of Iron 
and any other novel talking about the soldiers of a different nationality, 
you notice that the differences are in fact superficial and the characters 
in all these novels are similar!

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Reference Notes for ASL Support Weapons - German         By Geir Aalberg
                                                        geira@ifi.uio.no
------------------------------------------------------------------------

; This article was actually mostly written some four years ago, for a fanzine
; called 'Heat of Battle` that never got off ground... Now that I've finally
; got an audience (thanks to Brian and the previous editors), it`ll finally
; see daylight - although revised, rewritten and twice as long!

; As Brian wasn't too happy with one huge article of 1200+ lines, we've
; decided to split it. First out are the Germans, next up are the Americans,
; Russians and British (plus the bibliography referred to). The rest will
; probably be split in two parts.  Oh, I'll make up a complete file and 
; send it to the archives (Postscript?). Heck, maybe a shot for the Annual?
; (I'll credit everybody that sends a comment! Even flames!!)

OK, admit it! How many of you bought ASL just to get the vehicle notes in 
Chapter H? So, i'm a hardware buff, shoot me for failure to rally to the
concept of 'generic SW counters'. Jokes aside, the strongest point of
ASL is that no other WWII tactical game has so much 'flavor' (otherwise, who
wouldn't find those 250+ pages of rules hard to swallow?), and I've always
regretted that the weapons we use most are the ones least documented. How
many of you haven't squinted at Charlie Kibler's minuscule drawings on those
counters and tried to figure out exactly what obscure weapons some of them
were supposed to depict? Although i'm certainly no gunslinger myself (having
been in the army for less than two hours...), I *have* spent several hundred 
hours nose-deep in reference books to dig out information on those intriguing 
cardboard contraptions.

Of course, I just couldn't resist to throw in a few more rules. But before
i'm beach assaulted by ex-marines (who'll gladly wade in with rules on coral 
reeves and surf up to the waist, yet resist a few one-liners to fine-tune 
their weapons) let me freely admit that yes, I *am* second-guessing Bob 
McNamara (and unlike him, document it), and I encourage everyone to do the 
same. Maybe some clever third-guesser will prove him right and me wrong. 
Oh well.

Anyway, I am tired of seeing all those pictures of SS troopers firing Chech LMGs
(like the illustration of `On the Road to Aandalsnes'), and decided it was
time to change a few things. Maybe these changes will wreck play balance. 
I don't know since I haven't playtested them (that`s YOUR job)!!!

Typography used in these articles follow standard ASL notation
(except where limited by the 7-bit ASCII character set). A `+' is
used instead of the customary `dagger' to denote an ASL rule
paragraph, which if preceded by a `*' is treated as optional.
Numbers in brackets {#} refer to the bibliography at the end of the
article, and denote that the subject is treated in greater length
in that volume. Although I hate it, I had to give up all the umlauts
and accents needed to spell some of the names right. Just remember that
'oe' means o+", 'ae' is a+" etc.

 A. GERMAN SW NOTES

 While the German assortment of support weapons in WWII included several
 of the most advanced designs in the world, it was no less bewildering
 than their multitude of tanks or planes as we've all read about. Parti-
 cularly in the early and late stages of the war the supply situation
 forced even nominally `elite' troops like the SS to rely on weapons
 of foreign manufacture or yesteryear's model. As a compromise, many
 machine guns were rebarreled to the German 7.92 calibre, thus relieving
 most of the logistic problems.

  1. MG 34 & 42 MPMG: To circumvent the Versailles Treaty banning the
     development of `sustained-fire weapons' by Germany,
     Rheinmetall-Borsig set up a `shadow' company at Solothurn in
     Switzerland during the early 1920s. This was to develop an
     alternative to the heavy water-cooled HMGs of the time, resulting
     in the air-cooled Modell 1930 (MG 30, qv). Although very advanced,
     production only reached a total of 5000, most of which were bought
     by Austria and Hungary. The German Army passed it over to
     Mauserwerke, who substituted a belt for the side-feeding box 
     magazine; by changing the feed unit, it would also take the 75-round
     saddle magazine of the MG 15. Thus was born the world's first
     multi-purpose MG, the Maschinengewehr 34 {1}.

     Using a saddle drum and bipod, it could be carried by one man and
     used as a squad support weapon; mounted on a tripod (the Lafette
     34) with a 50-round belt and a telescope sight, it could double as
     a HMG. Its high rate of fire (800-900 rpm) and barrel quick-change
     facility made sustained fire over long periods possible. As usual,
     workmanship was excellent - in fact so excellent that after a few
     years of war Germany could no longer afford it in terms of
     production potential, and a simpler version had to be developed.

     This led to the arrival of the Maschinengewehr 42. Using welding
     instead of screws and metal stampings for the receiver and barrel
     housing, it did away with the expensive machining processes
     required for the MG 34. But its greatest improvement was the
     inclusion of a new recoil operation system; together with a more
     effective feed mechanism it increased the rate of fire up to 1,550
     rpm! This was almost double of any contemporary gun, and the sound
     has often been described as `tearing linoleum'. To employ this
     advantage only the 50-round belt was used (usually several linked
     together), and a simpler method of barrel change was also invented.
     Although it was used as a LMG, the high ROF made it difficult to
     control when using only a bipod - especially since it only fired on
     full automatic.

     Reportedly made in a total of 750,000 (200,00 for the MG 34), it
     was undoubtedly the best machinegun of its time. The Germans even
     developed the MG 45 with an even higher rate of fire, but the end
     of of the war halted the project. After Germany's entry into
     NATO, it revived the MG 42 and rechambered it for the 7.62mm NATO
     round. Now known as the MG3, it is still one of the best machine
     guns ever made.

     The importance of these MGs is apparent in the strength factors of
     their counters, which is one higher than the respective LMGs, MMGs
     and HMGs of other nationalities. Couple a LMG and a MMG, and you
     have a substantial firebase of 8FP; compared to the 6FP for other
     nationalities, who also usually have a shorter range. It is
     interesting to note that in the 1944 TO&E the SS squad has two such
     LMGs. As the SS were given the majority of the StG 44 assault
     rifles as well, a strength factor of 6-5-8 suddenly seems too
     weak...

     [Sidenote: Chris Farrel claims (in issue 3.2 of the Digest) that it
     can be proven that the German 4-6-7 squad does *not* include an
     inherent LMG. His reasoning is probably along the lines that since
     the German LMG is 1FP stronger than those of other nations, the
     line squads also should one more FP. To this I will retort that the
     `missing' FP could stem from the low range and accuracy of the
     Mauser rifle {3}. There is no way ten Germans with Mausers could
     deliver the same amount of fire as a Bren gun and nine British
     riflemen (who, given proper training, could deliver 15 rounds per
     minute)!]

     *+ The German HMG counter represents the MG 42, and is not
     available before 5/42. Allotted HMGs prior to this are replaced by
     MMGs counters (alternately, if second line the Axis Minors HMGs may
     be used). (This rule is for purists only, and should only be used
     in DYO scenarios!)

  2. MG 08/15 & 08/18 LMG: A `lightened' version of the sMG 08, using a
     pistol grip, a bipod and a basket magazine for the ammuntion belts.
     Being the first LMG used by the German Army, its was issued widely
     to company level and below (unlike the sMG 08, which was retained
     at battalion level). During the final stage of WWI, single weapons
     repeatedly covering the retreat repeatedly held Allied battalions
     at bay. A later version, the MG 08/18, did away with the cooling
     jacket, but the war ended before this was widely issued. Although
     obsolete long before WWII (as any water-cooled LMG must be), these
     weapons were still used to some extent by second-line units in the
     Wehrmacht; the MG 08/18 being issued to mountain and cavalry units.

     + Use Italian LMG counters for the MG 08/15 and 08/18 [EXC: The MG
     08/15 (only) costs 2PP]

  3. MG 13 LMG: To supplement the shortage of sMG 08s during WWI, the
     German Army bought a quantity of the Dreyse-designed MG 10, a
     water-cooled HMG with short recoil action. Of these several were
     fitted with a bipod and used as rudimentary LMGs in the Middle
     East; known as MG 15, these must not be confused with the WWII
     aircraft gun of the same name (see above). After the war these were
     rebuilt with air cooling and magazine feed; designated MG 13, these
     were used as the standard Reichswehr LMG from 1932 to 1938 {4}.
     Externally similar to the MG15, its most recognizable features are
     a square receiver and a saddle magazine hanging on the left side.
     When replaced by the MG 34, stocks were sold to the Portuguese
     Army.

     + Use Italian LMG for the MG 13. This weapon was probably not used
     by the Wehrmacht.

  4. MG 30 LMG: Although initially not accepted by the German Army (see
     MG 34), the Solothurn MG 30 nevertheless ended up in the inventory
     of the Wehrmacht when it absorbed the Austrian Army in 1938. These
     had, along with the Hungarians, bought most of the 5000 made. Very
     similar in appearance to the MG 15, it used a 25-round side-feeding
     box magazine. In German hands it was mostly used for training and
     garrison duty.

     + Use Axis Minors LMG for the MG 30 [EXC: B12]

  5. MG 35/36 LMG: Designed in Sweden as the LH33, this 6.5mm gun (using
     BAR magazines) was offered and rejected by several nations before
     the war. Knorr-Bremse, a German car brakes manufacturer, bought the
     patents and modified it to the German 7.92mm calibre, using a
     20-round box magazine on the left side. Some numbers were sold to
     the Waffen SS, where it was mostly used for training; when their
     supply of standard MGs reached sufficient numbers the MG 35/36 was
     handed over to the SS Foreign Legions fighting in Russia.

     The conventional gas-operated design of the Knorr-Bremse was
     generally sound but had some disadvantages. The butt was poorly
     attached and tended to fall off under fire; also, the safety catch
     could if carelessly applied cause the gun to fire when released.

     + Use Allied Minor (or Russian) LMGs for the MG 35/36.

     + If an Original 12 is rolled while firing this gun, an accident
     has occurred. This is resolved as a Sniper attack (EXC: The Sniper
     counter is not moved; Sniper Check NA) in the location of the LMG.

  6. MG 15 LMG: As production could not keep up with the rising demands
     for more machine guns, stocks of the old Rheinmetall MG 15 aircraft
     gun were issued for infantry use in 1944 {1}. This was developed
     from the Solothurn MG 30 (qv) for the Luftwaffe in 1932, and was
     very successful in its intended role. Its heavy barrel absorbed
     much of the recoil, and the 75-round double saddle drum fed from
     both sides alternately, thereby eliminating imbalance caused by one
     drum being heavier than the other. When adapted for ground use, a
     metal buttstock (as well as a bipod) was added; as it was in line
     with the barrel, the gun had little tendency to `climb' when
     firing. But its weight (13kg) and length (133cm) made it too
     cumbersome for a LMG, and although reliable and accurate it was
     never very popular. {1}

     + Use Axis Minors LMG for the MG15 [EXC: B12]. ETO Dates are
     7/44-45.

     When used on vehicles these shortcomings were less notable, and as
     a result it can often be seen as an AAMG (easily recognized by its
     tubular smooth receiver). Several late-war halftracks had a
     pintle-mounted MG 15 over the back door, with the usual
     shield-mounted MG 34/42 in the front. Other aircraft guns adapted
     for ground use were the 7.92mm MG 81, the 13mm MG 131 and the 15mm
     MG 151/15; the former was probably used as the MG-15, but the
     weight of the others made them practical only as semi-permanent
     AAMGs. Most of these aircraft guns were used by Luftwaffe units.

  7. MG 07/12(oe) MMG/HMG: After the annexation of Austria, large numbers
     of WWI Schwarzlose MG Modell 12 and its variants ended up in the
     German inventory. After most were rebarreled to the standard 7.92mm
     calibre, it was reissued as the MG 7/12(oe). See also Hungarian MMG.

     + Use Axis Minors MMG or Allied Minors HMG for the MG 07/12(oe)
     [EXC: B12].

     + The designation (oe) denotes the weapons as being Austrian
     for historical purposes (no pun intended).

  8. sMG 08 HMG: The schwere Maschinengewehr 08 (aka Spandau, see Axis
     Minors note) was, as the standard German HMG, responsible for the
     majority of allied casualties during WWI. After the war many were
     given as restoration payment to the Allies, several of which were
     captured back during the opening phases of WWII. As the production
     of the MG 34/42 never satisfied demands, it could be found in rear
     areas and by units whose mobility were not hampered by its heavy
     weight (30kg, plus another 38 for the mount). On the plus side it
     was reliable; if given enough ammo and a splash of water for
     cooling, it could fire all day.

     + Use Axis Minors' HMG for the sMG 08 [EXC: B12]

  9. Captured MGs: The Germans also used several captured MGs: notably
     the British Bren, French m 1924/29 and the Czech ZB vz.26. Several
     versions of the BAR were also pressed into service, captured from
     the Belgian, Polish and US armies.

     + When issued as part of the normal SW allotment in the OB, these
     weapons do not incur any penalties for captured use.

 10. PzB 38 ATR: When the Reichswehr needed a weapon to replace the WWI
     13mm Mauser `Tank-Gewehr', the Rheinmetall-Borsig company developed
     a weapon which was designated Panzerbuechse 38. This had a novel
     feature in that the breech was opened by lowering the pistol grip.
     It also featured semi-automatic action, in which the barrel would
     recoil after firing and open the breech, whereby the case was
     extracted and another round could be inserted. This proved costly
     to manufacture (only 1600 made), and the PzB 38 was not officially
     adopted; its only probable use would have been in Poland.

     + All German ATR allotted prior to 1940 represent the PzB 38. Use
     German ATR for the PzB 38 [EXC: 1 ROF].

 11. PzB 39 ATR: Instead, a development known as the PzB 39 was chosen,
     which dispensed with the recoiling barrel (and thereby the
     semi-automatic action). Instead it was fitted with a muzzle brake,
     so the recoil was similar to its predecessor. Each rifle was issued
     with two ten-round ammunition boxes attached to either side of the
     receiver. Although a near-perfect compromise between power,
     portability and manufacturing ease, the use of ATRs did not suit
     the tactics of the Blitzkrieg; and the increase in armor after 1940
     made the PzB obsolete, a fact which the Germans grasped sooner than
     most others. Indeed, one source {1} claim that `apart from very
     limited use in the 1940 campaign in France, the PzB saw practically
     no action'. In contrast, ASL PzBs linger on until 1944!

     The most notable aspect about these two weapons was the ammunition,
     which successfully married a 7.92mm bullet to a 13mm cartridge,
     giving exceptional power for such a small calibre (a feature copied
     from the Polish wz.35). Also, the bullet contained a small capsule
     of lachrymatory (tear) gas, which was supposed to be released
     inside the penetrated vehicle. As the Allied combatants only
     discovered this by examination of captured specimens, the effect
     seems to have been minimal; it has been suggested that the heat
     from the nearby tracer element would destroy the chemicals before
     the target was hit {1}. According to {1}, the Germans (and
     Russians) didn't develop tungsten carbide cored bullets (APCR) for
     their ATRs until after the Polish campaign; if correct, this could
     be simulated by lowering the PK# by one prior to 1940.

 12. GrB 39: After quickly realising the futility of ATRs, the Germans
     cleverly converted the PzB 39 to a grenade launcher late in 1941.
     This conversion, designated Granatbuechse 39, amounted to cutting
     the barrel down to 24 inches and fitting the 3cm `Schiessbecher'
     rifled discharger cup, while filling the 13mm cartridge with a
     special propellant and a wooden bullet. It fired the standard
     assortment of rifle grenades, but the ranges were probably longer
     due to the powerful 13mm cartridge.

 13. PzB S.18-1000 ATR: The 20mm Solothurn S.18 was also used to some
     extent during the first years. While the initial purchase was
     rather small (it was issued only on a trial basis), it was later
     supplemented by captured stocks of Dutch S.18-1100 (the
     fully-automatic version). It may also be identical to the alleged
     PzB 41, which differed in having a lower penetration (probably
     caused by the use of a common steel bullet, due to shortages of
     tungsten carbide). Some, if not most, of the stocks of various
     S.18s were later supplied to the German allies. (See also Italian
     Ordnance Notes)

     + Use Axis Minors 20L ATR for the PzB S.18-1000.

 14. Captured ATRs: Several types of foreign ATR were used by the German
     Army, most notably the Polish wz.35 and Russian PTRD-41 (designated
     PzB 35(p) and PzB 783(r) respectively), but also of English,
     Italian and Dutch origin. Most of these were however handed over to
     Italy and their other Allies. As their performance (except for the
     Russian ones) in ASL are nearly identical, ordinary ATR/20L
     counters are used.

     + When issued as part of the normal SW allotment in the OB, these
     weapons do not incur any penalties for captured use.

 15. PFk: Appearance of Russian heavy tanks led in 1942 to the
     development of a LATW known as the Faustpatrone - a 14" tube with a
     gunpowder charge in the middle, and a hollow charge bomb at the end
     (which actually makes it a recoilless rifle, not a rocket launcher
     like the BAZ/PSK). This was held at arms length and fired by a
     trigger, but with no way to aim it the result was rather haphazard.
     A simple sight was later fitted (actually just a folding trigger
     guard with notches for various ranges, to be lined up with the edge
     of the warhead and the target). The proximity to the firer meant
     that the tube had to be extended to 31.5", thus creating the
     Panzerfaust Klein (aka Faustpatrone 1 and "Gretchen"). Effective
     range was 30 meters, and it could penetrate 140mm of armor at 30
     degrees. Field trials commenced in July 1943.

 16. PF: Weighing only 0.68kg, the warhead of the PFk was judged too
     small, and in October '43 the Panzerfaust-30 m was put into
     production (at a rate of 200,000 per month). This had a 3kg
     warhead, which allowed penetration of up to 200mm - a figure
     considered satisfactory for the rest of the war. Further versions
     centered on improving range, resulting in the Pzf-60 m (which
     actually had a range of 80m) in June '44, and the Pzf-100 m in
     November.

     Further improvements known as the Pzf-150 m and 250 m were
     developed, but of those only the former was put into production (at
     a total of 100,000 during 1-4/45), and as the transport network
     deteriorated very few reached the troops. Apart from range, the
     most notable change was a reusable tube; for anti-personnel use a
     cast-iron fragmentation sleeve was also produced.

     + PF range is "3" on an availability dr of 1-2 during 11-12/44, and
     "4" on a dr of 1 after 1/45.

 17. PSK: Much impressed with the American Bazooka, the Germans set
     forth to copy it from examples captured in North Africa. Late in
     1943 this resulted in the 8.8cm Raketenpanzerbuechse 43, commonly
     known as "Ofenrohr" (stovepipe) after the prominent flames and
     smoke when fired. It incorporated a few improvements, some actually
     later implemented on the Bazooka (like using an impulse magneto
     instead of batteries in the firing system); also, the larger
     calibre enabled the use of a more powerful warhead. Unfortunately
     the motor still burned upon exiting the tube; as a result the firer
     had to wear special protective clothing (mittens and face mask). To
     rectify this, a later version - the RPzB 54 "Panzerschreck" (tank
     terror)- was fitted with a protective shield. This was produced
     from '44 to early '45, although a critical lack of propellant
     inspired several replacement weapons - of which very few which ever
     reached the troops.

 18. FT FlW 41 et al: To eliminate bunkers and similar defensive
     positions, engineers and smoke troops were issued flamethrowers.
     The first model was the Flammenwerfer 35 `Kleif' (as featured in
     Scenario 49), which can be recognised by its large singular
     vertical barrel. An enlarged trolley-borne version, known as the
     Mittlerer Flammenwerfer 35 was also issued in small numbers. Being
     heavy and cumbersome, it was soon superseded by the FlW 40 (having
     two concentric `tires' similar to the British Portable No. 5), and
     later by the FlW 41, which used two horizontal barrels as depicted
     on the counter.

     *+ All German FT alloted prior to 7/40 represent the FlW 35
     `Kleif', and has a portage cost of 2PP.

     + The German player may exchange any two FlW 35 `Kleif' in his OB
     for half that number of MFlW 35. These are represented by FT
     counters of any other nationality [EXC: 3PP; X11; FT Vulnerability
     is NA]

 19. EsFlW 46: In addition the Germans produced a single-burst FT known
     as the Einstoff-flammenwerfer 46 for assault troops. Although the
     range was limited, this was offset by its portability - consisting
     mainly of a small cylinder filled with flame mixture, with nozzles
     and a grip in one end. It was discarded after firing, and could
     later be collected and refilled {5}.

     + Use ordinary FT counters (or SL counters) for EsFlW 46 (EXC: FP
     factor is 20; Long range is NA; counter is removed after use
     regardless of result; FT Vulnerability is NA; PP cost is 0).
     [Strictly, this should be an inherent SW but let's try to keep the
     rules to a minimum!]

     *+ A player may after rolling an Availability dr <= 1 exchange all
     his normal FTs for three times that number of EsFlW 46s.

 20. FmWSa: A protective suit known as the Flammenwerfer-Schutzanzug was
     issued in 1940, consisting of jacket, trousers and mittens in grey
     acid-resistant material, and a steel helmet with plexiglass face
     shield. This provided only temporary protection since the material
     melted if any adhering flame liquid was left unattended; apparently
     the suit was rarely worn in action {5}.

     + Units equipped with the FmWSa are immune to FT Vulnerability
     (A22.4), but cannot Double Time (A4.5).

     *+ FwSAz can be purchased by German Assault Engineers (only) during
     5/40-41 by rolling an Availability dr of 1. This costs one extra
     point per MMC purchased; all Assault Engineers on that side must be
     given this capability (note "FS" in the "A/B" column of their line
     on the roster).

 21. ATMM: Although made in several versions weighing from two to ten
     kilograms, the most popular ATMM was known as the
     Heft-Hohladunggranate 3kg (Adhesive Hollow Charge Grenade, 3
     kilograms). With its three Alnico magnets attached to the target,
     it could penetrate 110mm of armor - enough to knock out any tank
     encountered (the only AFV with a side AF > 11 is the Maus!). Two
     kinds of igniters were issued, with a 4.5 and 7 sec fuze
     (distinguished respectively by a blue and a yellow cap). The former
     one was used when throwing the grenade, while the other enabled the
     user to get away when placed by hand.

     ATMM is available in ASL from 1944, but as the war went on the
     supply of magnets became increasingly worse, and it was largely
     superseded by other types {1}, like the Panzerwurfmine 1(L) (a
     hollow charge fin-stabilized hand grenade copied after the
     Russians), Geballte Ladung (a stick grenade with six other grenade
     heads attached), plus various rifle grenades.

     *+ In 1945, ATMM is available on a dr of 1-2 (not 1-3)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GERMAN SW DATA TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name/origin	German designation	Counter			EXC
------------	------------------	----------------	---
Mauser		MG 34			German LMG/MMG	
Mauser		MG 42			German MMG/HMG	
DWM		MG 08/15		Italian LMG		2PP
DWM		MG 08/18		Italian LMG	
Dreyse		MG 13			Italian LMG	
Solothurn	MG 30			Axis Minors LMG		B12
Knorr-Bremse	MG 35/36		Allied Minor LMG	+
Rheinmetall	MG 15			Axis Minors LMG		B12
			
DP 1928		7.62mm MG 120(r)	Russian LMG	
Bren MG		7.7mm MG 138(e)		British LMG	
FM M1924/29	7.5mm MG 116(f)		French LMG	
Breda M30	6.5MM MG 099(i)		Italian LMG	
ZB vz.26	7.92mm MG 26(t)		Axis Minors LMG		B12
ZB vz.30	7.92mm MG 30(t)		Axis Minors LMG		B12
Lewis MG M20	6.5mm MG 100(h)		Allied Minors LMG	
			
Schwarzlose	8mm MG 07/12(oe)	Axis Minors MMG		B12
Schwarzlose	7.92mm MG 07/12(oe)	Allied Minors HMG	
ZB vz.37	7.92mm MG 37(t)		Axis Minors MMG		B12
DWM		sMG 08			Axis Minor HMG		B12
			
Rheinmetall	PzB 38			German ATR		1 ROF
Rheinmetall	PzB 39			German ATR	
Solothurn	PzB S.18-1000		Axis Minors 20L 	ATR	
			
?		FlW 35 `Kleif'		German FT		2PP
?		FlW 40 & 41		German FT	
?		EsFlW 46		German FT		+

EXC: Exceptions to factors as listed on counters (+: see rules paragraph)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GERMAN SW SUBSTITUTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modifies rule H1.83, when allocating SW, roll a DR once for each type to 
determine the correct type received. If the modified number is >= 12 is 
rolled, use the SW Substitution Table to determine the correct counter, 
otherwise use ordinary German counters (EXC: If an Original 12 is rolled, 
substitute HALF of alloted SW (FRU) and use German counters for the rest). 
The following DRM apply:

1. Scenario set in 1939/1945			+2
2. Scenario set in 1940/1944			+1
3. Scenario set in 1942				-1

4. Player is attacking                          -1
5. Player is defending                          +1

6. Majority troop type is Elite			-1
7. Majority troop type is second line		+1
8. Majority troop type is Conscripts		+2
9. Majority troop type is foreign volunteers	+2
10. Scenario is vs. Partisans			+1

11. Force is out of supply on tactical scale	+1  (eg. paratroops)
12. Force is out of supply on strategic scale	+2  (eg. Stalingrad)

13. Weapon type is not LMG			-1

Cases 4 and 5 are applied if using the `Going All Out' rules, otherwise
substitute with `scenario attacker/defender'. Cases 11 and 12 demands 
a certain degree of historical knowledge or common sense. Players lacking 
both are advised to play something else. 8)

SW SUBSTITUTION TABLE

Roll a dr < 4 to use LMG A table, otherwise use LMG B table. Apply -1
if scenario attacker, +1 if scenario defender.

dr LMG A	 LMG B		MMG		HMG		ATR
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

0  ZB vz.26	 MG 08/15	Schwarzlose	sMG 08		PzB 38	
1  Bren	MG*	 MG 08/18	Schwarzlose	sMG 08		S.18-1000
2  Breda M30%	 MG 30		Schwarzlose	sMG 08		S.18-1000
3  Lewis M20*	 MG 35/36	Schwarzlose	Schwarzlose	S.18-1000
4  DP 1928#	 ZB vz.26	ZB vz.37	Schwarzlose	PzB 39
5  FM M1924/29*	 ZB vz.30	ZB vz.37	Schwarzlose	PzB 39
6  @		 @		@		@		PzB 39
7  @		 MG 15		ZB vz.37	Schwarzlose	PFk

* Use LMG B if not set in France or BeNeLux after 6/40
# Use LMG B if not vs. Russians
% Use LMG B if not set in Italy

@ Use corresponding counter for army native to country of scenario (if
neutral, treat as Partisan)

Applicable DRM:
Scenario set prior to 1941	-1
Scenario set after 6/43		+1

EX: SS Freikorps Danmark coy got lost and ended up on the wrong part of
Stalingrad in 12/42, now trying to break out: +2 for LMG, else +1
(cases 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12 and maybe 13).

Rolls a 10 for LMG (all), 4 for MMG (none), 12 for HMG (half) 
and 11 (all)for ATR. Subsequent dr for LMG is 4 -1 (attacker) = 3,
so uses LMG A table.

Rolls 1 for LMG, but is stuck on eastern front and get lousy MG 08/18s.
Rolls 6 for HMG and have picked up half a Russian HMG (no .5-cal) which
is rounded up to one.
Rolls 6 for ATR and get ordinary German ATRs.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Chateau Cherry                                      By Gary Fortenberry
                                                         and Mike Tisdel
                                               jtisdel@digi.lonestar.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ This scenario is brought to us by Mike Tisdel (who received permission
  from the designer, Gary Fortenberry).  It was used in the first round
  of the DallasCon Winterfest tournament.  Enjoy. -ed. ]

NEFFE CHATEAU, BELGIUM, DECEMBER 19, 1944 -- Three allied battle groups were
created from 9th Armored Divisions CCB to delay the Germans by any means
possible.  The German offensive edging towards Bastogne cut off the HQ of one
of these battle groups, Team Cherry, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Cherry.
Colonel Cherry moved into a walled ancient heavy stone chateau and decided to
put up a roadblock and stay put instead of blundering around in the confusion.
In mid-afternoon on the 19th, Cherry was reinforced by a platoon of 3rd
Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry from Mont.

BOARD CONFIGURATION:  
                      +-----+-----+
                      |32   | 6   |    S
                      |     |     |   E+W
                      |     |     |    N
                      |     |     |
                      +-----+-----+

VICTORY CONDITIONS:  The Germans win immediately if they control building 6N4
and there are no good order US MMC and SW with LOS and within normal range of
the 6Y1-32Y10 road.  Normal ranges for GUNS is 16 hexes for this purposes.
The US wins immediately if the German loses more than 31 casualty VP.

GAME LENGTH:  7 turns.

BALANCE:  US : Reduce casualty VP requirements to 23.
	  German : Increase game length to 8 turns.

U.S. sets up first, German moves first.

American OB:
  Headquarters, Team Cherry, CCB, 10th Armored Division and Elements 3rd Bn,
  501st Parachute Infantry [ELR 4] {SAN 4}:  Set up anywhere (EXC: not within
  German set up area).
    9-2, 9-1, 8-1, 8-0, 6-6-7 (x3), 3-4-7, 7-4-7 (x3), .50 HMG, BAZ44 (x3),
    60mm MTR(M2), M4A3(76)W Medium Tank, M3A1 Halftrack, Jeep (4fp aamg),
    roadblock.

German OB:
  Elements of 902nd Panzergrenadier Regiment, Panzer Lehr Division [ELR 4]
  {SAN 2}:  Set up within 4 hexes of 32X8 and/or enter on east edge on/after
  turn 1.
    9-1, 8-1 (x2), 8-0, 4-6-8 (x4), 4-6-7 (x4), 4-4-7 (x4), HMG, MMG,
    LMG (x4), SPW 251/10, SPW 251/1 (x3), PzKpfw IVH (x3)

SSR:
(1)  EC is overcast (E3.5) and falling snow (E3.71) may occur on a wind
     change DR >= 10.
(2)  The only road that exists is the 6Y1-32Y10 road.  All other roads are
     trails.
(3)  The U.S. roadblock must be placed on board and not HIP.
(4)  Ground snow (E3.72) is in effect.
(5)  Rooftops (B23.8) are in effect only for building 6N4.
(6)  Building 6N4 is stone with a +4 TEM; all others are wooden.
(7)  The GERMANS (vehicles and infantry) and U.S. paratroopers and the U.S.
     9-2 have winter camouflage (E3.712).
(8)  No vehicle may enter (even in bypass) or set up within any hex of
     building 6N4.

AFTERMATH:  Colonel Cherry and this Ah Hoc troops put fought off repeated
German attacks all day.  By nightfall the roof of the chateau was burning
and there were numerous fires throughout the building.  Cherry and his men
withdrew to Mont to join the 501st right flank.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Forward Observer - Upcoming ASL Tournaments               By Brian Youse
                                               brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov
------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 26 - 28  WINTER OFFENSIVE '93 - Baltimore, MARYLAND
                  Contact: Brian Youse
                           8191 Turn Loop Road
                           Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061
                           (email) brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov

                   Free-form 50 hr ASL Tournament

April 3 - 4  WINDS OF WAR - Greenboro, NORTH CAROLINA
             Contact:  Raymond Woloszyn
                       7162 Mantlewood Lane
                       Kernersville, NC 27284
                       (919) 996-5677

                   5th Annual ASL Tournament

	That's all for now, if you know of an upcoming event let me 
know and i'll ad it to the list!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Resources for the ASL Digest and Discussion List             Brian Youse
                                               brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov
------------------------------------------------------------------------
	If you want information on further resources for the list and
digest subscribers (ie., ladder, record, and archive information) please
email me at "brian@tpocc.gsfc.nasa.gov" with a subject of 
"resource list wanted" and i'll gladly email you all the information I 
have!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
END		The ASL Digest: Volume 3, Number 5 		     END
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.games.board