French Set…need help to finalize set.

I’m reviewing all Vichy rules available out there, as I plan to make a unique mod, because I like historical realism and simplicity, with minimized luck of dice, and some “asymmetric balance”.

Some major points I’ve posted elsewhere in the forum:

The main issue for this expansion is how to develop French neutrality, while at the same time providing a bonus to Germany. Apparently ignored by most players, in real life (IRL), Germany economically exploited Vichy, which had to richly sustain 300,000 German troops stationed in Northern France. Therefore, in the game, it only makes total sense that Germany gets the 3 IPCs from Vichy Southern France.

Another related major issue is what to do with French colonies in terms of neutrality/occupation and IPC flows. I agree that the Vichy setup should reflect what happened IRL: North Africa, Syria, and Indochina go to Vichy, while other French colonies stay Free. However, it messes up Italy’s incursions into North Africa (as IRL, Hitler denied French colonies to Italy). I’m not sure yet as to the best approach to subjecting these colonies to invasion, occupation, and who gains IPCs (other than agreeing that Japan has easy access “rights” over Vichy Indochina), and also remote units…

Germany never fought Vichy. IRL, with Operation Torch, Germany simply occupied Vichy in 1942, with no resistance whatsoever. Vichy units were disbanded. That can be also the case in the game. Just remove Vichy units.

The uncertainty surrounding local pre-battles is quite interesting (will Vichy troops welcome or resist Allies in North Africa?..). However, I’d try to minimize dice randomness that is often used to decide some outcome. IRL, Vichy troops (just like Italians) surrendered as soon as seeing enemy superiority: thus, in the game, if Allies send more land + air units than defending Vichy units, then there should be no battle but quick surrender. Or, make it highly unlikely that a battle would ensue (for example, need to roll a 1).

I’m now working on my own house rules, for an expansion (HBG lingo) that is quite realistic, fun yet simple. If anyone is interested, let me know and I’ll be happy to share my rules when ready…

phd_angel@yahoo.com

Chicago, December 2020

@Imperious:

I prefer this:

Infantry 6
Artillery 3
Mechanized Infantry 3
Tanks 3

Fighter 3
Tactical Bomber 2
Bomber 1

Transport 2
Submarine 2
Destroyer 2
Cruiser 1
Battleship 1
Carrier 1

Trucks 2

TOTAL = 32 pieces set

I really like your numbers IL. This would provide a much better ratio of more common units (infantry, tanks, fighters) to less common units (capital ships, bombers). Even more so than FMG’s current set. For example: With FMG’s sets, you only get 12 tanks per 6 Carriers. With your proposed numbers, you could buy 4 sets, get 12 tanks but only 4 Carriers.

The running infantry looks really neato!  I always like action poses.

I don’t know about printing any out (I assume you are talking about the roundels/national control markers).  At HistoricalBoardGaming.com, he has all kinds of different roundels to choose from.  They are of excellent quality and pretty cheap.  You can get a sheet of 20 for $3.95.  He has them for all the countries of Global 1940.  He also has roundels for minor countries if you ever want to play the 1939 varient, like Spain, Hungary, Dutch, Romania, etc.  He also has some variations of certain countries:  for Example, in Italy he has the OOB roundel (green edge), the “corrected” roundel (red edge) and the Facist party roundels.
There are also roundels for Oil and special units like SS, Paratroopers, Soviet Guards, etc.
Just an idea.

Well, I still like the Crusader, although I know it was more on the side of a light to medium tank.  I’m not as familiar with the Cromwell, though I do know it was more comparible with the Sherman and other medium tanks.
The Churchill was heavy in terms of armor and size, but I thought the gun was somewhat underpowered.  Now that I think about it, not really sure what caliber gun the Churchill had.
Perhaps HBG could make the Crusader in his British supplement set as a light tank, like his M-3 Stuart in the US set (those look great by the way).

i’m surprised we got neutral set with anything other than infantry. And very surprised it was released before USSR, UK, and Japan. I kind of get Italy, France and Anzac but before 3 of the 5 Major Powers? As far as USSR, UK and Japan goes I’m surprised we got two German sets and two American sets first and almost got a third american set.

Hi All,

I’m looking for 2nd edition navy pieces (BB,TRN,SUB,CC) for a game I’m building. I have some stuff I could trade or just pay for them. I have a set of red Japanese from Pacific plus some extra Americans and Brits all from Pacific and Europe. Any takers?