Tanks vs Trains

Inspired by an ad on Military History, would a bang-bang or a choo-choo come off better in a fight?

An armored train steams its way across the Eastern Front. The mission of this land battleship: transport the troops and supplies to the frontline

Lying in wait on the other side of the river is a Panzer division tasked with stopping the train from reaching its destination. Both crews are experienced veterans armed with the most up-to-date technology in 1942
Who wins?


Edited by Nick1986 - 17-Dec-2012 at 21:31

Doesn't sound like much of a fight. Would it make any difference if it was a German train against Russian tanks?

Depends on a lot of unspecified factors, such as terrain, weather and range of engagement.  Blowing up the tracks isn't the answer, because the train crew could equally well mine the ground the Tigers have to cross.

On the whole, the train has less mobility - again depending on unspecified factors - so I would put the probability slightly on the side of the tanks.  However, the train can carry larger weapons and a larger ammo supply, and has a company of troops as part of it's complement.

Mexican stand-off.

Armoured train Hurban by fugue:state, on Flickr
This Czechoslovakian armored train took on German Panzers and won. The Hurban's crew of 71 repulsed the Horst Wessel division, abandoned the train in a tunnel, and fought on as partisans

I would have to consider just what types of cannon were mounted on the train. It would be easy to make the train carry heavier armor, that could not be defeated by tank rounds, and extra ammo would also favor the train. If indeed the train was fitted with naval guns, then they would have a decided advantage in range and destructive power.

The terrain surrounding the battle would also determine the outcome, since the train with naval guns could control a situation in open flat spaces similar to Naval engagements, that is nothing interferes with the ability of the fire control team to see the enemy tanks even 10 or more miles away and since the train stood taller than the tanks it could see the enemy tanks at greater distances.

The real problem for the train, is that would be easy to cut it off and trap it. Then it would merely be a matter of time before its supplies ran out, and surrender begun. It would become just another smaller version of the Maginot Line, ignored.

Air power is another matter however.

Regards, Ron




Edited by opuslola - 04-Dec-2013 at 11:49