PaxMondo and I have been discussing this. Pretty complex problem. My thoughts: The idea is to run out of models in the pool before you upgrade to another model. Scary proposition though. What happens if you take big losses during that time? No replacement aircraft. If you run the pool dry as you ramp up on the next model, you can replenish your pool with old models as you upgrade daitai/sentai to the new model. You can possibly use the old model in backwater theaters (China comes to mind). If the Allies don't play along and put high speed Allied aircraft in China, that won't work. Training units can use them, but as Pax said, by the time you reach mid war, you've got several old models of fighters in the pool. I'm sure there are more than you can use for training since trainers lose very few planes. You can save the old models for kamikazes, unless they don't carry bombs (or carry only empty sake bottles for bombs). I think we're going to have to think through every model and make a decision, one model at a time. I don't think a blanket solution is out there.
And be flexible, because as Mike states: you could take big losses at some point. I'm thinking a rank ordered list gets created based mostly on bomb load and you adjust as the actual campaign unfolds and you see your actual pools.
I am trying to do the conversion and the ships just sit there in port doing nothing. I want to say there was something special about these conversions but I cannot remember nor find it in the manual - anyone know ?
I'm pretty sure I've done it without any planes. Have to be in Tokyo for it to work though ... requires national capital same as disbanding LCU's.
Just a quick post to update everyone on the game. It is now Dec 10th, 1942 and this is by far the longest PBeM I have played so its all new territory for me.
Rob has invaded Wake Island again ! This time he brought some Marines but they still prove ineffective against my level 4 forts and after 4 or 5 days of landings and Shock Attacks his troops are getting worse - last attack was 1:99 odds. My forts have held the entire time and he has all but pulled all of his transports back leaving the troops on Wake to die. That is good news, but not the best.
The best news is during the invasion of Wake he brought all of his CVs again - as well as at least 2+ CVEs. This time I held nothing back and sent a dozen subs after them. Combat reports show 1 torpedo hitting Saratoga - although this was early in the invasion and she showed no signs of not being able to keep pace -- as my own rule I discount the first torpedo hit on a Cap ship as FOW - only when a second or more hit do I get excited. A few days later my subs caught the CVs again and this time I put a torpedo into the Hornet -- once more I didn't get too excited until the next turn when the Hornet was heading back to pearl in an Escort TF [:D] Another sub hit her again the next day with another torpedo and got an Ammo Explosion. I have not seen her since. I am thinking she is sunk but have no indications on Intel - aircraft lost or anything like that. But I had good recon coverage in the area and the only way I can think of her just disappearing from view would be to sink.
I have also sunk several xAKs and xAPs at Wake and put a torpedo into the Northampton -- trying now to finish her off.
I will make a comprehensive couple posts over the next couple days recapping the past few game weeks and then the entire game year.