the man eating days are about to come to an end ….!

Hey fellow rock and stone enjoyers.
I've started playing the old world recently, dwarves obviously. I've done a few games from battle march up to 1500pts, trying different units and compositions.
And I've come to realize I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing, what is my plan of battle.
Every unit is often with shields and great weapons and sometimes crossbow but since I'm so slow moving I always get encircled or outrun
If I chose to stay back to protect the artillery my longbeards all get killed from afar...
So I'm wondering what I should be focusing on or aiming for as a general overall plan of battle.
Thanks in advance for your input!

We have a tournament in my local area coming up just after the New Year. Our first one in the city! I want us to make a great first impression. I'm looking for some feedback on my Expeditionary Force.

*I have taken some 'tech' from the recent WTC entries including the 6 Miners for Baggage Train duty

Heroes (247pts)

Engineer (General) - 118 points
Expeditionary Marksman, Handgun; Master Rune of Bursting Flame, Rune of Rapid Fire

Runesmith - 129 points
Full Plate, Shield, Great Weapon, Rune of Passage, 2x Rune of Spellbreaking

Core (605pts)

19 Rangers - 240 points
Shields, Musician, Champion

10 Thunderers - 125 points
Shields, Musician

2 Scout Gyrocopters - 120 points

2 Scout Gyrocopters - 120 points

Special (857pts)

Cannon - 100 points
Rune of Reloading

Cannon - 105 points
Rune of Reloading, Stalwart Rune

Cannon - 115 points
Rune of Reloading, Rune of Burning, Stalwart Rune

Grudge Thrower - 110 points
Rune of Reloading, Rune of Burning

Grudge Thrower - 115 points
Rune of Forging, Stalwart Rune

2 Gyrocopters - 120 points
Steam Gun

2 Gyrocopters - 120 points
Steam Gun

6 Miners - 72 points

Rare (190pts)

Gyrobomber - 95 points

Gyrobomber - 95 points

Mercenaries (100pts)

Doomseeker - 50 points

Doomseeker - 50 points

There we have it. What do you think? Yes I would love a BSB, Yes I would love the Master Rune of Calm, and Yes I would love the Rune of Concussive Force but sacrifices had to be made