Here we go again! tc464 (A) vs. Mike (J) - No tc464

[Grotius]

On PBs, I'm going half-and-half between Kisos and To'sus, for the reasons you guys state. I like the speed of the To'sus for faster TFs, but I like the extra ASW -- and endurance -- of the Kisos. In fact, one thing I wonder about is whether the To'su's extra speed goes to waste if it's constantly replenishing its tanks from its escortees. Does AE still work that way? "Refuel at sea," drain OPS points, slow down entire TF?

I agree that we need at least 30 more ACMs. In fact I did a count last night, and I think we need more than that if we want to cover all our starting minefields. Don't we need something like 80-odd total? I imagine there are some that we don't mind to see decay. I don't know if the Allied player will ever amphibiously invade Port Arthur, say. But the logistician in me can't stand to see those 400+ mines there wither away.

On x-AK-t, one thing I wonder about is whether we really want the bigger troop capacity, especially of some of the larger transports. I hate having an entire unit in one cargo hold, because if a submarine or aircraft sinks it, I lose the whole thing. I prefer eggs spread across several baskets. But I understand the new loading routine now makes it impossible for me to do what I did in WITP -- park 50 transports at a base and load 1/50th of a division in each. I can't do that now without rotating the tonnage in and out. On the other hand, UNloading would still be quicker that way, right? All of that might be an argument for making some smaller transports the AK-t's. Or not converting at all and just using the existing configurations, if they give us enough sealift capacity, which they probably don't. What do you think?

[Mike Solli]

Grotius, again, good stuff.

My first thought concerning minefields and ACMs was the same as yours. The problem I see is that I'm torn between convoy escorts and sufficient ACMs. I went with PBs. The reason for that was that it'll take x days (15?, 21? - can't remember) to convert to ACMs. During that time the minefields will deteriorate. I just learned to live with it and re-allocated the existing ACMs. I think I have 2-3 converting. I'm planning on building minefields in groups of 150 (obviously). I will have the ACMs pre-positioned before I lay the minefield. I can't see having a minefield larger than, say 300, until later in the war. By that time, there should be ACMs for them. I eventually will make a minefield plan and convert ACMs as I need them. That's a pretty low priority however.

If you look at some of the infantry units, they are primarily troops. If you use xAKs to transport them, you either sent the ship practically empty or with too much supply. The -t conversion is better for that. I need to think this through more. I agree that it might be better to convert some of the 14kt smaller xAKs to the -t, such as the Ansyu-C. That would give you 990 troops and 2251 cargo. It's also small enough to be able to dock in decent numbers in a level 2 port. That would be 3 of them and an Ansyu-C escort. Not bad, a 14kt convoy with ~3k troop space and 6750 cargo space, some of which could carry troops.

[Mike Solli]

If any of you have questions about pilot training, check out Q-Balls AAR here: tm.asp?m=2255131&mpage=19&#2348477  It was very enlightening.  I highly recommend it.  I'm going to implement it next turn (hopefully tonight). [:)]

[Mike Solli]

Make that here: tm.asp?m=2255131&mpage=19? 

Edit: Ok, that didn't work either. Try post 563.

[Q-Ball]

Thanks Mike! I forgot to add: Send veteran Claude pilots from restricted units to the Reserve Pool, and use THOSE pilots to expand Ryujo and Zuiho's fighter groups. Much better that then rookies.

I would only ever use the "Request Pilot" button if the type is set to "Replacements" and you are looking for rookies for a training unit. Otherwise, I would use "Request Veteran" every time. It's a hassle, but you need to do that if you want to keep good pilots in front line units, and keep rookies out.

PS: For you old-timers, all this pilot management stuff makes Fragment-Disband and Mogami methods completely irrelevant now, except that on Frag-Disband you would save some transfer time between pools.

[Mike Solli]

Thanks Q-Ball!  Again, another wonderful tip.  Perfect timing too.  The Zuiho and Hosho are due into port at Formosa in a day or so and will need pilots after resizing.  They actually haven't lost a pilot yet. [:D] Ryujo can fill up her pilots any time now since they're sitting aboard playing the Japanese version of pinochle while she repairs.

[Q-Ball]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Thanks Q-Ball!  Again, another wonderful tip.  Perfect timing too.  The Zuiho and Hosho are due into port at Formosa in a day or so and will need pilots after resizing.  They actually haven't lost a pilot yet. [:D] Ryujo can fill up her pilots any time now since they're sitting aboard playing the Japanese version of pinochle while she repairs.

I do that too on damaged CVs; in fact, after a big battle where Shokaku took damage, I actually disbanded all her experienced fragments into other CV units, completely depleting her airgroups. That was OK, as her airgroups sat in Japan for 2 months anyway, may as well train some rookies.

The only problem with Zuiho and Hosho getting vets....it can take a couple weeks for pilots to cycle through the pool to another unit, so if you request new pilots that you just put in the pool from Claude units, it will take awhile. The good news is that pilots can become available for use, even if the ships is at sea. Not sure how, helicopter?

In fact, if Ryuho is going to be in the yard for a couple months, why not fill her fighter unit with rookies and train while you wait? Even if they aren't "good" enough later when Ryujo is ready for sea, you can send them back into the pool, and thence to ANOTHER training unit to keep training.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Thanks Mike! I forgot to add: Send veteran Claude pilots from restricted units to the Reserve Pool, and use THOSE pilots to expand Ryujo and Zuiho's fighter groups. Much better that then rookies.

I would only ever use the "Request Pilot" button if the type is set to "Replacements" and you are looking for rookies for a training unit. Otherwise, I would use "Request Veteran" every time. It's a hassle, but you need to do that if you want to keep good pilots in front line units, and keep rookies out.

PS: For you old-timers, all this pilot management stuff makes Fragment-Disband and Mogami methods completely irrelevant now, except that on Frag-Disband you would save some transfer time between pools.

+1.

Also, I find myself 'overfilling' my training groups. Not every trainee needs his own plane and there's no shortage of miserably trained ~35 exp Jap pilots to be pulled from the pools. Therefore, I'll take the 4-8 'superfluous' rookie pilots into the training groups (until the add pilot button grays out) as well and start training them NOW.

[bigred]

I was thinking the same thing myself before I got to this comment.

ORIGINAL: Smeulders

Actually, I'd think it a bit gamey to use the bonus for moves deep into the DEI. Japanese fleet movements into those waters would probably have alerted the allies that war was about to start, but still you'd get a surprise attack on the 7th, a bit strange I think.

[Mike Solli]

Same here, bigred. I'm actually pretty conservative. I don't like to make deep thrusts and capture isolated bastions deep in Allied territory. I'm more methodical and sweeping. [:D]

On with the show....

[Mike Solli]

24 Dec 41

My subs are most likely causing a steady stream of colorful language to spew from Ted's mouth. A couple of Allied ships came out of the watery grave, and hopefully went back there! The I-15, I-17 and I-19, who were chasing an Allied TF from just east of Hawaii toward the West Coast, caught up with another TF about 20 hexes from LA and did a wonderful tag team/wolfpack imitation. It started with I-15, who put a torpedo into the "sunk" CL Phoenix. [X(] Immediately after, the I-19 put 2 torpedoes into the CA San Francisco, also "sunk". Then, the I-17 put 3 more torpedoes into Phoenix. Among them, they have 2 more volleys of torpedoes left. Absolutely amazing! [:D]

That was really the highlight of the day. Two Seagulls attempted to attack (presumedly) a TF off Vigan and lost one of their number to Zeros. I also landed at Davao (a SNLF, Tk Reg and Artillery Reg). Not much but it should be enough to take Davao and (hopefully) save I-123.

Saigon's port reached level 6. On to level 7 and all the bennies we get from that threshold.

[Mike Solli]

25 Dec 41

Reinforcements: I received the I/84 Naval Guard (company sized) at Saipan for SE Fleet. It'll head to Truk today.

The I-17 put two more fish into the San Francisco. Won't these ships sink?! On the plus side (I think), I didn't see Phoenix. [8|]

The Hosho and Zuiho landed in port in Formosa and are now the proud owners of Zeros and Kates (both model 1 &2). No more Jeans or Claudes. They'll sit in port for a couple of days while the planes repair and do a bit of pilot training before heading out for, as yet, an undetermined mission.

Philippines

I took Naga with a SNLF, who is now proceeding further down the peninsula to take that last base.

Hong Kong

During my daily ground and air bombardment I lost a Lily.....

China

I attacked the Chinese one hex NW of Kaifeng and pushed them out, causing 1756 casualties to 196 Japanese. The movement of Japanese forces continues....

Mindinao

I took Davao, pushing out the Allied forces and inflicting 223 casualties to 9 Japanese. Now the I-123 has a port only 5 hexes away. Her damage is currently at 30-82(71)-15(9)-0. Her flot damage keeps bouncing around.....

Burma

Well, the AVG reared it's ugly head. An unescorted Sally bombing raid of an Allied unit near Moulmein was jumped by 9 H81-A3s and 3 Sallys were shot down. I consider myself fortunate that only 3 planes were lost.

SE Fleet

I noticed an Allied ship idling at Lae, probably in waiting to ambush some of my loaded transports. I'm sure he suspects I'm headed for Pt. Moresby. I have a daitai of Bettys at Rabaul. KB is tooling around south of PM, to isolate it. I'm moving KB to the southern coast of New Guinea in the hopes that they'll launch against this threat. We'll see how it all pans out....

[Mike Solli]

26 Dec 41

Oh yeah, I lied yesterday. The I/84 NG actually arrived today.

Interesting turn today....

SE Fleet

The renegade ship at Lae turned out to be the CL Adelaide and she made a dash for Rabaul. I'm sure he knew there were a bunch of juicy transports there. What he forgot (or didn't know) was that there was also a surface TF composed of 2 BB, 2 CL and 5 DD, and they intercepted her. She took quite a bit of punishment before she went down and we didn't take any damage at all. The only down side is that one of my BB's main gun ammo is down to 1/3 and the other is down to 2/3. That sucks but I'll just have to live with it.

A Val on a recon mission found a Brooklin class CL 2 hexes E of Thursday Island and presumedly put a bomb into her. I immediately thought "Boise!" and hoped to put her under during the air phase. To my delight, a modest attack of 11 Kates (bomb armed) and 15 Vals escorted by 6 Zeros went after her. They put a bomb into an apparently undamaged CL Danae. Lots of head scratching. I'm shifting KB to the SW about 5-6 hexes in the hopes of staying at arm's length from this unclear threat.

I landed a small force in the Shortlands. I plan on building this nice base up to a level 3 port and level 2 airfield as an intermediate base between Guadalcanal and Rabaul for damaged ships.

Mindinao

I invaded Manado, for a recon base for future expansion. A couple of B-17s put a bomb into an xAK and shore fire damaged a PB. They were detached and are headed for Davao.

Philippines

The 16 Div (-) attacked Batangas and was wildly successful. The defenders were the 41 & 51 PA Divs as well as a small engineer det. If you recall, the 51 Div was beat up earlier. The 41 Div surrendered (Banzai!!) and the rest were pushed north into Manila. For 167 Japanese casualties, we captured/killed/wounded almost 9200 Allies.

Just to the east of the Philippines is Balbac Island. I have a small TF that is running around starting to clear up the little bases I eventually have to take. It is composed of 4x Kiso xAKLs and a PB hauling around a battalion and landed here today. Fortunately, the Kisos can unload in no time. When two Do-24K-1s stopped by for a visit, I didn't think much of it. Unfortunately, they dropped 2x 300kg bombs on a Kiso. Minus one Kiso. Then in the afternoon, they stopped by again and dropped 2x 300kg bombs on another Kiso. Scratch Kiso #2. Are these things Dorniers and why are they painted purple?!

Hong Kong

An interesting thing happened today. During the daily bombardment here, one of the British infantry battalions disappeared. I think it was destroyed. I'm curious to see if it really is gone. I'm going to attack again tomorrow.

Burma

The 33 Div is of the rail line and now is crawling toward Moulmein.

The air assault of Pt. Blair happens tomorrow. The 1 Raiding Regiment and 3 Yokosuka SNLF will paradrop in and be followed in future days by an infantry battalion, a construction battalion and an air support unit. Banzai!

[BrucePowers]

You seem to be doing well all over the map.

[Mike Solli]

Overall, yes. I'm a bit concerned with Malaya. Things are just crawling there.

[bklooste]

ORIGINAL: bigred

I was thinking the same thing myself before I got to this comment.

ORIGINAL: Smeulders

Actually, I'd think it a bit gamey to use the bonus for moves deep into the DEI. Japanese fleet movements into those waters would probably have alerted the allies that war was about to start, but still you'd get a surprise attack on the 7th, a bit strange I think.

IMHO it depends... Warships would have alerted the allies but not merchant ships ( or converted ones) since Japan was one of the largest merchant marines , even 20 of these could go with no issues to Singapore or Batavia . I would even say NOT sending merchant ships would arouse more suspicions.
Warships could join them on the 7th from further away hence giving a 1 or 2 turn boost ( at merchant speed) . However they are very vulnerable on the 8th. It is quite realistic to send 10 AKs with a battalion each to Batavia and redirect at the last moment to different ports.

So i would allow any unescorted transport fleet with less than 4 AK but no warships. If the warships can come and cover it in time thats fine if not they have over extended.

[Mike Solli]

27 Dec 41

Hong Kong

Another assault failed, but we're getting close. The last fort level was destroyed and we achieved 1:1 odds. We took 312 casualties to 540 Brits. And yes, one battalion was destroyed yesterday. I'm trying another assault tomorrow.

Borneo

I forgot to mention that the Singkawang invasion force is just over 2 days from landing. Ted has the CL Dragon hiding in Kuching, expecting me to invade there. The I-158 took a shot at her and missed. Tomorrow, 4 BBs and escorts will arrive to give her a warm welcome. [:D] If she decides to move to Singkawang, she'll find 4 CAs and escorts waiting for her there. Some rabble attacked the CA TF today and lost a 139WH-3 (whatever that is).

So far, I'm doing a good job of keeping Miri emptied of fuel and oil. Unfortunately, I can't unload supply fast enough to get it above 10k. The oil field is stuck at 156 and hasn't moved for quite a while. Fortunately, the small oil field at Brunei is almost fully repaired at 19. I think I may just get a bunch of xAKLs and dump a bunch of supply at one time at Miri to get the repairs going again.

Malaya

Nothing to report.

Burma

The attack on Pt. Blair was wildly successful. Tomorrow, I'll start flying in air support and supply. Then some fighters will be stationed there.

I finally reached Moulmein to find it deserted. I'll take it tomorrow and resume the trek toward Rangoon.

Philippines

Nothing new here either.

Mindinao

A tank regiment destroyed an infantry battalion SW of Davao (the former garrision of Davao).

My landing force at Manado (a naval guard and some air support) was unable to take the joint. I'll send a bombardment force to soften it up and more troops if I can scrounge them.

SE Fleet

KB found the CL headed toward Pt. Moresby and put 16 250kg bombs into her. I'm sure she went down.

The Pt. Moresby invasion force is fully loaded and waiting for the 90 Infantry Regiment to round out it's numbers at Rabaul. They will arrive tomorrow then the whole force will begin steaming toward it's destination.

[ny59giants]

Time for a "little" nastiness. [;)] 

If you have an Air HQ at Rabaul, place one of your highly experienced (Naval Search experience) Mavis LBAs there.
Set her range to 20 hexes, Naval Attack/Rest (max for the 2 x TT she can carry).
Set her to conduct Naval Search (arc to start just above Port Moresby) and cover Torres Strait and Horn Island.
Set the LBA to about 30% training.

While the Mavis is looking for ships using this shortcut, their experience is increasing on how to drop a couple of torpedoes. You may not hit anything, but the first combat replay that shows up will raise his blood pressure. [:D]

[Mike Solli]

That's wonderful! You just showed me a way to attack without fear of hitting those nasty ports stacked with fighters. Very nice. Thanks!

[Chickenboy]

Just a heads up on the Moulmein defenders. If he elects to stand at Pegu-hoping to make you shock attack across the river-he can be outmanuevered to the North of Pegu. It's not that hard to supply troops 1 or 2 hexes north of Pegu on the East side of the river. They can cross unmolested, assemble and flank attack at Pegu feet dry from the north. The disadvantage of this is, of course, that it will take additional time to move through this fen with bad roads.