[AL]Steam Tank

[Aldhick]

Steam Tank
  issue: cannot be used effectively.  ST is poor damage dealer especially when having to move on its
             own. Cannot charge infantry on its own as it's automaticly loosing by support. Extremely good defences
             are no point, as they can be quite easily avoided.
            .
   solution: Remove the rule about automatic destruction when loosing combat. Add extra attack when
                       charging. WMR combat system will srengther it's defensive position slightly.

previous discussions on the issue
http://www.forum.specialist-arms.com/index.php?topic=6544.0

[Ole]

Sounds good to me. Just get some games in to get the feeling about it.

[Grimnir]

Taking the artillery rule of being destroyed when losing combat away is sensible.
WMR also increases it's attack strength while in multiple combat, as 2cm edged stands facing the tank would not have the option to direct the attacks to their corners.
So part 1: Absolutely yes.
Part 2: I'd say let's test it with or without the bonus and then decide.

[forbes]

Agree with the part about removing the auto destruction if loosing a combat. (I don't think we ever played that rule).

You may also want to tidy up the conflict between cannons always counting targets in open, and Steam tanks always being defended.

[honestmistake]

Personally I'd love to see the Steam Tank get some love... as it stands it's basically a portable bullet magnet that explodes if enemy infantry get close enough to make an ordered charge Removing the 'destroyed on losing a round of combat' would be a start but replacing it's derisory 3 attacks would also be good. At the very least I'd like to see a return to the short range cannon from early editions (when it still caused bounce!)

Even better though would be to reflect the source material which describes a number of different configuration. 3 would be enough:
1) a heavily armed tank with a cannon.
2) a mobile gun platform = same stats but change the cannon into a Hell Blaster
3) a fast moving mechanical battering ram with no ranged weapons but attacks more in line with the horrible Skaven "Hamster Wheel of DEATH!"

Each one bought rolls randomly to see which the Emperor has loaned you