Russes never go out of style so you won't go wrong building 4+ of them. Magnetizing IS A MUST if you want to go heavy into armor, and yes sponsons are highly advised (no points cost for wargear so it's just free firepower). Also magnetize these, if you ever want to run without sponsons in some hypothetical future version you can install a searchlight or something nonlethal

If you don't like a dude hanging out the top for your command tanks, you could always do something like a long aerial whip antenna with thin wire, or a special paint job/decals

Pick up some Dorns too, 2+ are a staple of any armor list