Allies and the C87 transport

[pjavete]

I'm playing a fun "historical" difficulty game against the AI japanese... I decided to make this game different and focus on Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and China. Nov43 and I have Bangkok, Saigon, Hanoi, Canton and Hong Kong.
They're making a move on Sian over in the east and I'm moving the C87s into position to drop a few paratroops into their undefended supply train... But I found myself wondering; Since the C87 is technically now being produced, why is it I haven't received ANY (at least that I've noticed) for reinforcements to my existing groups?
Is there some trick to getting the C87 production going? Maybe the Liberators in the theater can be "converted" ?
Just curious, as the C87 is a VERY useful transport.
Paul

[crsutton]

This is the liberator transport you are talking about? It is 4 per month until the game ends. Not too many and you just may have not seen the first one yet. They have great range but a vey low capacity.

Another thing, although it is possible, you really don't want to drop a few units on the Japanese supply line vs the AI. Even in email games this is not done and the AI just does not know how to deal with this. It will work but rob you of some pleasure in the long run and make the game too easy. Just a recommendation.

Here are some nice phtotos of the C87

http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/gall ... raphs.html

[pjavete]

Hi crsutton!
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.
after reading this, I thought back and it's really what enabled me to take Thailand, Malaysia and ultimately put me halfway to Shanghai by 11/1/43
The AI tends to leave bases undefended. a quick airdrop and they flip.
I've been using the C87 as a small strike group - excellent range, as you say. do a drop, take the base, pick them up . . . 2 turns and can leave a major gap in the enemy supply lines.
I'm really just fooling around, avoiding playing the japanese... it seems like a daunting task, having to do all of the production stuff as well as all the landings and ship supply route protection.
Thanks again for the reply!
Sincerely,
Paul

[crsutton]

Paul,

Playing the AI is fun and can be rewarding. I also suggest going to the opponents wanted section and finding a human to play one of the small scenarios with you to see if you like it. The thing about playing the AI is that you tend to pick up bad habits that will not work vs a good human player. Pbemail is a lot of fun and you will pick up some good friends along the way.

CR