Slitherine

For this second run i decided to play on FM difficulty.

After using replacements and upgrades, this is the core i deployed in Kharkov.
I sold 1 Ba-64, 1 T34/41 and 1 KV-1C.

1 **** Gebirgsjäger43
3 **** Pioniere43
3 **** PzIIIM
3 **** PzIVG
2 **** and 1 ** Tiger I
1 **** KV-1B and 1 *** KV-1C
1 **** and 1 ** StuG IIIG
1 **** 21cm Mrs 18
2 **** Sturmpz I
1 **** and 1 ** Wurfrahmen40
1 **** and 1 *** StuH42
2 ** SdKfz 7/2
4 **** Bf109g
1 **** and 1 ** Fw190a
2 **** Ju87D
2 **** Bf110g
2 **** He177A
SE units: 2 **** PzIIIN, 2 **** and 1 *** Tiger I

So i can start with 6 Tiger I tanks

Kharkov43

I had the impression that this scenario is better than it was. Especially the enemy was more active to attack towards Kramatorsk. Even though i increased the lvl of difficulty, the mission was still easy.
I could have finished in 14 turns but i decided to give the units more shooting practice till the end. The AI kept spawning BT-5's...i just couldn't resist getting them. A few Tiger tanks received another hero and i was in luck, they got their initiative increased. For an opening scenario the number of enemy units is enough but those on the west side on the river are still too passive. I left a serious gap in my defense at Krasnograd but the AI didn't take advantage of that to kick my artillery support.
DV 20/20, 1926PP. More PP than my first test, this time after their initial attack i overran Severodonetsk and started capturing cities and airfields on the east side of the river.
No units lost.

Belgorod.

Upgraded one PzIIIM to Tiger I.

Second run only revealed a hidden T34/41, obsolete by now but good for prestige.
It went as easy and smooth. Russian units on the east side are too passive. Little stings from their airforce.
Once the counterattack stopped near Vovchansk, i went on the offensive on the east bank. The same near Lukyantsi.
I kept playing till the last russian was gone...again a horde of BT-5's. I could have finished in 13 turns.
DV 16/17 and 1775. No units lost.

Orel.

I had enough PP for reinforcements.

Great scenario. The russian counteroffensive from the south-east this time was much better. At least T34/43 have the guts to attack. The attack on Orel was still repulsed very easily.
The sneaky para landing should be two turns earlier, when the russians are close to the italian positions from the east. Afterwards they don't stand a chance when my reinforcements are fully engaging.
DV in 12/16 with 2786 PP.

Yakovlevo.

What a luxury! I start with almost 10000 PP.
Upgrades:
2 Sturmpz to Hummel, 2 Ju87D to G, 3 Pz IVG to Panther D.
Bought 2 30cm Nebelwerfer 43.


I decided to take the south path this time and i am not disappointed, in the contrary, i was thrilled. This first Kursk scenario is full of enemy planes and tanks, much better than the north path.
Breaking through a static line and then to be welcomed several times by mobile counterattackers is a good recipe for a well designed scenario. The tankbattles are just brilliant and the russian airforce deadly for the very first time, a Wurfrahmen was killed because of them. I also lost a brandnew 30cm nebelwerfer. It could have been worse, i have a few units that leave this battle with 1str point.
In this mission easy left the building. DV in 16/20 and 4693 PP.