Prussian Ironmongery

The basic elements of the experimental Prussian war theory of ‘Donnerkrieg’ (trans. Thunder-War) are really rather simple. The basic idea runs along the lines of ideas of Clausewitz’s, the conduct of war by the conquest and acquisition of points of strategic importance in order to bring victory. However, this is taken to the extreme. This new idea of war is a considerable departure from the modern line of battle. Emphasis has been culminated on the need for speed and rapid advance at a finite point, rather than the normal position of the need to hold and advance the line. The intention of this is that these specialist forces can penetrate the established line of battle, dissolving behind where the enemy are at their strongest to attack communications, command and supply, and in doing this so weaken the main fighting force of the enemy to the point where conventional forces can become victorious.

It is only by modern advances of science that this revolutionary type of war has become possible, most notably the adoption of steam powered locomotion in the armies of the modern world. In the advanced ‘cruiser’ forces of the Donnerkrieg there is not a horse to be seen, these raiders rather riding upon steam powered wagons, faster and indefatigable compared to their equine counterparts. It is however the ironclads of the land that makes the tactic quite so potent. The armoured wagon or car, able to carry the firepower of the battery far beyond the drawn lines of battle, provides an unstoppable force when presented against any and all forces lesser than that of the front line, allowing the raiders free rain in their havoc.

^ The Prussian Ironclads. The two smaller Armoured Cars (from Ironclad Miniatures) are armed with a maxim gun and armoured by boiler plate. The larger one is a converted ‘Brass Coffin’ (by Ramshackle Games). It is armoured by thick armour plates and armed with a experimental 'Electric Rifle', and contains an internal area for transporting infantrymen.

^ Some WIP shots of the Iron beast.