2k - tank heavy

[initforthetanks]

New to the forum, thought I'd post the 2k list I'm currently trying out and invite feedback on it:

Steel Host Formation 
Russ Executioner + plasma sponsons + Hull Flamer – Tank Commander

Russ Executioner+ plasma sponsons + Hull Flamer 
Russ Punisher + Hull Flamer + Heavy bolters

Russ Punisher + Hull Flamer + Heavy bolters

Russ Eradicator + Hull H. Bolter + Heavy bolters
Hydra


Imperial Knight Oathsworn Detachment

Knight Acheron 


Inquisitorial Detachment (PRIMARY)

Xenos Inq. – Psyker L1 Combi Melta



Imperial Guard – Allied Detachment

Company Cmd - no upgrades + Chimera

Vets - no upgrades + chimera

Vendetta

Deathstrike Launcher


We usually play Maelstrom missions with lists that vary from cheese to fluff on any given week so this will struggle against all of the usual threats but, on the rare occasions when I get first turn and the opponent actually deploys a decent amount of targets on the board, it should be a decent alpha strike, no?

[Trickstick]

Welcome to the forum! I am also a tread head, so I will try to help if I can.

I've never used the Steel Host formation, looks pretty nice though. I assume that you have the executioners as a squadron and then the others all as singletons? I would probably give the punishers bolters instead of flamers, as it gives them a bit more fire power at range.

I'm jealous of the Acheron. It is such a gorgeous model and has one of my favourite kind of weapon, the huge flamer kind! I have to make do with hellhounds myself, although I am thinking of getting a Malcador Infernus. The knight gives your list some awesome assault ability though, something that tank forces can lack.

I don't really know much about Inquisitors. He would have to be your warlord in this list, as they have to come from your primary detachment. As long as you can keep him safe somewhere it should be ok.

The IG allies seem to be a waste of points. With no special weapons the CCS and vets are not really doing much. Maybe put the CCS in the vendetta, using the points to add weapons? A 4x melta CCS dropping and giving orders to itself can be a powerful unit.

Overall, the list seems fun but may be lacking long range anti-tank fire. You have the vendetta and the deathstrike (sort of) but they won't do anything turn one. It may be worth changing some russes to AT, as you have a lot of anti-infantry already. Maybe drop the AV12 tanks from the list, as they will be the first thing the enemy goes for. If I was going to do a quick and dirty edit, it would be something like this:



Steel Host Formation 
Russ Executioner + plasma sponsons + lascannon – Tank Commander
Russ Executioner + plasma sponsons + lascannon 

Russ Punisher + Hull bolters + Heavy bolters

Russ Punisher + Hull bolters + Heavy bolters

Russ Vanquisher + lascannon + meltas

Hydra


Imperial Knight Oathsworn Detachment

Knight Acheron 


Inquisitorial Detachment (PRIMARY)

Xenos Inq. – Psyker L1 Combi Melta +3x Servo Skulls (these things are awesome)



Imperial Guard – Allied Detachment

Company Cmd + 4x Melta. - These go in vendetta

Commissar - for platoon

PCS - 3x Flamer + Vox

3x infantry, 3x meltas + 1 vox

Vendetta

Comes to 1994. The vanquisher is not great, personal preference really. You could swap things around a bit, use 2x vanquisher with the tank commander, 2 single executioners and a punisher. The russes in this list are really all about what works for you though.

Now, the platoon is something that I have been trying lately with my own armoured lists. I use a lord commissar instead of a CCS, although it should be fine anyway. They are really useful to bubble wrap some key russes and keep the deep strike and assault units away. I use them to protect my command tank. The great thing about commissars is you can choose not to execute if you want, letting the unit break from combat in the enemy turn and leave them at the mercy of the flamer PCS and the rest of your fire power. It can be really useful to have a few infantry around.

Hope my ramblings helped, I have been working on my own FW Armoured Battle Group list and quite like the army. I do want to put an acheron in it now...

[glutebite]

Something I've been playing with lately is having a Punisher (w/Pask)and Executioner(s) in one tank squadron (2-3 tanks). And then take another Tank Commander squadron (2nd HQ choice with 2-3 tanks) with different choices (I've used standard LRBT or Exterminators at times). The key ability of split fire for tanks can really shock opponents.

What I would like to see is an tank order that grants non-ordnance type tanks the ability to do Skyfire (on Exterminators would be hilarious)

I'll typically use some amount of grunts (Platoon typically) to form meat shields. I've even used BullGryns to protect tanks.

I've found that any Hellhound variant tank is becoming pretty much like a chimera and gone to quick for their points.

[treadiculous]

Trick - the Infernus is amazing! Buy the tank!

A for the advice; I'd go with Trickstick here as the bubble wrap will really help delay drop pod strikes and nasty bugs from causing your tanks to die in early turns.