For Thunder in the East, the beginning is Barbarossa just before July 1941. The other ETO games will have their own start. Researching the Order of Battle for all the countries early in the war has lead to a slight change in the starting forces, mostly in the rear areas, for the Soviets.
Below is a working copy for Barbarossa using the boxed game or Vassal Module 1.1
The Soviets have lost some 8-4s with units in more locations but, with less offensive abilities.
The ETO rules have not been finalized. Some options are listed for players to select.
Most players are using the 1.1 (Living) Rule book which includes the refit rules and errata.
Here is the most current copy of the updated TiTE rules.
The turn-by-turn gameplay has not changed much with the minor rule development. The building of air units only on the first of the month including exiting the Destroyed Box, yields a more historical number of active air units. Some players are using the weather and new cards in the Vassal 5.5 module.
If you are looking to use the Partisans, play with the newer ETO rules where the Partisan Detachments are not cluttering up the map.
The ETO Rules are still developing so, changes can happen. Adding Naval units and combat are adding to the page count but, also to the interesting unit list.
Please, about the below more current scenario start for Barbarossa, is this rule still in effect?: Due to Stalin’s purges (in this case, Army officers, particularly those of higher rank), the Soviets can only improve two Rifle Infantry Army units per turn to their 3-step level. Once the Axis start chopping down 8-4s, the Soviets will be a while building masses of them back up to full strength in their effort to fill long stretches of their line with these brutes. This limitation ends in Spring ’42 (as surviving officers learn to lead at the highest levels). Thanks! Luis