Russian BT-7A Artillery Tank

[Steve J]

By chance I came across this last night and saw that Pendraken do a model for it, yet I couldn't find it in the book nor the errata (unless I'm missing something obvious!). It's pretty easy to create the stats, with the BT-7 movement, armour saves etc and the T-28 for AP & AT stats. Points I guessing at around 80-85?

Comments appreciated.

[Big Insect]

By chance I came across this last night and saw that Pendraken do a model for it, yet I couldn't find it in the book nor the errata (unless I'm missing something obvious!). It's pretty easy to create the stats, with the BT-7 movement, armour saves etc and the T-28 for AP & AT stats. Points I guessing at around 80-85?

Comments appreciated.

Hi Steve
I assume you talking about the BT-7A artillery tanks, of which 153 were produced between 1936 and 1938? Built with a larger turret to accommodate a 76.2mm KT-type gun and 50 rounds of ammunition (in a standard tank) and 40 rounds, plus a portable radio in the command variant.

These appear to have primarily been conceived as a means of providing close artillery support for BT-7 'light cavalry tank' formations, and like all BT tanks they suffered from the same mechanical issues and shockingly poor armour.

The challenge in depicting them is that the 76.2mm KT-type gun potentially makes them quite (unjustly) formidable in a direct-fire tank-on-tank role, which is not how they appear to have been used, when compared with the standard BT-7 armament of the 45mm anti-tank gun M1932/38.

So I'd suggest the following stats & points:

Points: 80pts (a good guess )
Type: ART:SG
Move:25
AP:3/80
AT:2/40
CA:2
Hits:3
Saves:6
Limit:3
Notes/Abilities*: Restricted Arc

*If you wanted to be 'harsh' you could also make them 'Unreliable' (P.80) at -5pts.

To avoid them being used in a more aggressive attacking role, you could also depict them as 'Rear Line' (P.78) @ another -5pts, but that really does limit them.
If you are fielding them as Off-table support (which is another option) just treat them as any other 76.2mm gun & use those stats and points costs.

I'd probably also be inclined to depict all BT-7s are having 'Poor Armour' (P.78) at another -5pts, but in-era they are probably not really any worse than a lot of the other Allied and Axis tanks they faced.

I shall look forward to the battle report with interest.
Cheers
Mark

[Steve J]

Thanks for the feedback Mark . Yep, they seemed to have been used in a support role, for attacking ATG's, buildings etc, so very much playing second fiddle to the 45mm armed tanks. I like the Unreliable and the Rear Line has possibilities too. Now I just need to order one, paint up my BT-7's and the infantry, plus their support weapons etc...

[paulr]

 

[Steve J]

Too true Paul, but we've had (finally) some hot and sunny Summer weather here at long last. So painting and gaming has not been a high priority, plus it's been too hot to paint (25C downstairs at 9.00pm!).

[Big Insect]

Thanks for the feedback Mark . Yep, they seemed to have been used in a support role, for attacking ATG's, buildings etc, so very much playing second fiddle to the 45mm armed tanks. I like the Unreliable and the Rear Line has possibilities too. Now I just need to order one, paint up my BT-7's and the infantry, plus their support weapons etc...

Are you going for Manchuria or Europe Steve? Not that there was any difference in tank camo/paint jobs, as far as I can see. A few trucks to mount your infantry might also be useful - although I am not aware of the range of early Soviet trucks that Pendraken do.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

There are two lorries in the Pendraken range - ZiS5 and ZiS6. Both would be fine for Manchuria in 38/9. From 43 onward US duce and a half -mostly Studerbakers I think would also be fine.

[Steve J]

Are you going for Manchuria or Europe Steve?

Europe initially Mark, but I have a long term goal of playing some Manchuria games, just for something different. I have a good book on Khalkin Gol and the battles around that 'campaign', which look fun.

[Big Insect]

Europe initially Mark, but I have a long term goal of playing some Manchuria games, just for something different. I have a good book on Khalkin Gol and the battles around that 'campaign', which look fun.

Yes, I'm a fan of Far East very early WW2 - or even Chinese Civil War (War Lord era) and Japanese annexation of Manchuria. Some very interesting  improvised armoured trains 

[Steve J]

I agree that's there's lots to like for that period Mark and I did have some good articles on an old computer, that sadly I didn't save in time . Maybe one day I'll get around to getting a mini-campaign in, once both sides forces are painted up.