And now the waiting begins - Xargun (Japs) vs RRoberson (Allies) - No RRobs

[Crackaces]

Rob is not fighting me anywhere and I can detect very few ships moving between the major theaters (India / Burma to Oz to the Us). He acts like he doesn't care what I take and to a point he is correct. Is there some strategy to just let the Japanese take whatever they want and then just take it back in 43+ ? With this attitude, I think I could probably take northern OZ and maybe even parts of India -- the only resistance point he has made has been Dutch Harbor in the north. Even in China nothing is happening on his side. Any ideas ? Suggestions ?

I might propose that a roper-dope strategy against an aggressive IJ opponent can be very successful. That is just let the IJ expand beyond what is capable of being defended, and then after 100's of boring turns passing, a sudden unleashing of allied power at a narrow target that leads to victory. An analogy is the German attack on Russia just falling short of victory conditions and then when it seems all lost .. the Russians take advantage of the German expansion.

The key to this strategy in my opinion is having a timetable and a plan that leads to victory. I am in such a contest right now. The IJ have seized MOST of India .. but not enough to prevent my operations from pinning his forces down and soon other fronts are going to collapse once I get the OOB to accomplish my goals. Fundamentally the IJ have over expanded and not devoted the resources to secure lasting past 1945 ....

[House Stark]

ORIGINAL: Xargun
I have also just landed at Palembang with the 4th Guards Regiment and the 11th Special Base Force. Opposition here is roughly 30 AV and I should capture the base after a single attack -- going to do a Shock Attack to make sure. Hopefully I'll capture the oilfields intact - or nearly much so. I have fighters sitting at Singapore waiting for a friendly airfield to land at and CAP the oil fields.

Have you had success shocking oil fields in the past? I've seen AARs where that destroyed it (most recently, JocMeister's AAR where he retook Balikpapan and the oil was destroyed). Though maybe if there are no engineers in the hex you'll be okay. Can you bombard or disrupt the Dutch and hit them with a Deliberate?

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: House Stark

ORIGINAL: Xargun
I have also just landed at Palembang with the 4th Guards Regiment and the 11th Special Base Force. Opposition here is roughly 30 AV and I should capture the base after a single attack -- going to do a Shock Attack to make sure. Hopefully I'll capture the oilfields intact - or nearly much so. I have fighters sitting at Singapore waiting for a friendly airfield to land at and CAP the oil fields.

Have you had success shocking oil fields in the past? I've seen AARs where that destroyed it (most recently, JocMeister's AAR where he retook Balikpapan and the oil was destroyed). Though maybe if there are no engineers in the hex you'll be okay. Can you bombard or disrupt the Dutch and hit them with a Deliberate?

Shock attacks against large oil facilities scare me. I always include 3-4 of the independent engineer regiments in my attacks (deliberate attacks) of those bases and usually don't have much oil facility damage.

[Lokasenna]

I would de-accelerate the Ryuho. If it came with the air groups on board, it might be worth the 3x HI expenditure, but it doesn't so IMO it's not. Let it come in normally and spend the points towards accelerating another Unryu.


RE: Northern Australia

I would move on Darwin if you can, at the very least. Recon it first, find out what's there. If you can take it, do so. It is far too useful to him as a base of operations for you to just let him have it.



Do not shock at Palembang. You will (probably) regret it. I don't want to say that 0(900) Oil and 0(1020) Refinery would be a game ender, but....if any one result can end a game, I'd say that would be it.

[SqzMyLemon]

I never shock attack targets with production facilities. The risk of destroying the industry is too high in my opinion. However, in my previous PBEM I deliberate attacked Batavia and all production facilities were destroyed upon capture so there's no guarantee that avoiding a shock attack will prevent damaging industry.

[Xargun]

Interesting - everyone is saying not to Shock attack production bases... Well I shock attacked both Balikpapan and Palembang. I took them both. Palembang is in 100% working condition except for 1 manpower and Balikpapan is down 4 oil / 4 refineries. In my experience if you attack a production base AND lose the fight then the production gets mauled badly - or if you do to much bombing of ground units. I will admit a failed Shock attack can definately screwup the production facilities but I think a successful attack will overrun the defenders before they can do anything nasty.

Either way it worked for me this time. I don't think I have ever captured Palembang with as little damage as this time. Usually I get like 200 damaged oil or such - but then as I think I don't think I have ever captured it in my first attack on it - usually there are a couple attacks before it falls.

[Xargun]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I would de-accelerate the Ryuho. If it came with the air groups on board, it might be worth the 3x HI expenditure, but it doesn't so IMO it's not. Let it come in normally and spend the points towards accelerating another Unryu.

I just started accelerating it as I have about 75 naval point surplus per turn and was looking for something worthwhile to accelerate. Maybe I will just pound out DDs... APs use merchant points right ?

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
RE: Northern Australia

I would move on Darwin if you can, at the very least. Recon it first, find out what's there. If you can take it, do so. It is far too useful to him as a base of operations for you to just let him have it.

Ok I am working on taking Ambon and that will open up Timor and then Darwin. I have always wanted to take western Australia as I feel it is lightly defended and has some industry and resources. Plus it cuts off Australia from India / Burma as well. With Western Australia and Noumea I would have Australia almost isolated - forcing anything going there to go along the map edges. Do you guys think that is worth it ?

[Mike Solli]

I'd use the excess points on DDs. You may as well get them while they are powerful enough to make a difference.

[Spidery]

I would accelerate those DDs that come with Type 2 DC and avoid the Fubuki class that come with Type 95. The Type 2 depth charges can damage deep diving subs in deep water

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Spidery

I would accelerate those DDs that come with Type 2 DC and avoid the Fubuki class that come with Type 95. The Type 2 depth charges can damage deep diving subs in deep water

+1. In my play, DDs without at least Type 95 Mod-2 don't see anything but light surface use, or shallow water escorts. Even the Mod-2 isn't very good, but it doesn't always detonate above sub depth. You should target any Shiratsuyu (or Hatsuharu), Yugumo, and even Shimakaze (Scen 2 only?) DDs in your queue. The Fubukis are OK, but a bit dated.


RE: Western Aus - all the way down to Port Hedland is very lightly defended. You can easily take these places with a Nav Guard unit each if they haven't been reinforced. But once you take them, what do you do with them? They aren't worth much, even as airfield/base denial, without some kind of early warning that his effort to retake the base is coming in. If you go far enough on the west, and build up an airfield, you can threaten Perth's SLOC...but I'm not sure that's worth the investment of engineers/supplies.

Mr. Solli here has shipped resources out of Port Hedland. It will have a fair amount. However, you have such a glut of resources empire-wide that you should only load up resources on the return trip of any resupply convoys, IMO.

If he doesn't have much invested at Timor, you can skip it and go straight to Darwin, with the right mix of forces.

[Xargun]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
If he doesn't have much invested at Timor, you can skip it and go straight to Darwin, with the right mix of forces.

I am loading the invasion troops for Ambon right now and will be landing / taking that base soon. Once I take that - which appears to be his only airfield in the area other than Timor -- I can bring in KB and take Darwin - then backfill in and take Timor / Kendari.

Maybe I will take Northern OZ - Darwin all the way out to Port Hedland. I just can't justify taking it all and leaving a lot of troops there. Maybe take it so he can't have it - like Darwin and Moresby... better in my hands than his. But I don't want to over extend and then get cut off.

[Xargun]

So I am looking at late war aircraft and trying to figure out which Fighters to go with. Right now I'm looking at the following:


Navy:
CV-based: A6M5c, A7M2 or A6M8. The A6M5c is a bit slow but uses an established engine which I will have tons of. The A7M2 has service of 2 which I'm not sure is best for a CV which may see heavy action on a daily basis.

Land-based: A7M2, A7M3-J, J7W1 Shinden or N1K5-J George. All are fast but with various gun configurations and service rating.


Army:

Thinking of the Randy and Frank lines.

What do you guys find works best for late war fighters - what is the best Japan has to over for both bomber killer and fighter v fighter.

[Lokasenna]

I would not overlook the Tony lines. Late war, it is still an OK plane by IJA standards (2x CL cannons) and diversifies your production from just the Tojo-IIc. It has SR1, and you'll need that to fill in the gaps left by your SR3 Franks. Specifically, look at the Ki-100 onward. The Ki-61 line upgrades to this, so you can work on that with R&D until you unlock the Ki-100.

[Spidery]

For late war, The Ki-83 and Ki-94-II are both excellent. Both match the P-51D in speed. The Ki-83 has better armament because it is centre-line mounted. The Ki-94-II has the best ceiling of anything, has a great durability, and even packs a good bomb.

While looking at the Ki-100-I/II don't forget the humble Ki-43-IV - it fixes the Ki-43 by giving it better weaponry.

[Xargun]

May 8th, 1942


Economy:

I have turned back on the bulk of my engine production - trying to get them all over 500 engines in the pools to enjoy the R&D bonus. I have been investigating my future aircraft and several of them use the Mitsubishi 32 & 33 engines, so might as well get the pools up to bring the planes online sooner.

The A6M5 is proceeding along nicely, with the target date now 10/42. I expect to get it in June. Several of the Ki-44 Tojos have fully repaired and I moved them on to the IIc model with the base and IIa both coming in June normally. I will convert the rest of the Tojo R&Ds over to IIc once they fully repair.


Burma:

I have delivered a large convoy of supplies to Rangoon and it has filtered out along the rail and I have continued my offensive.

Myitkyina has fallen and I am chasing the fleeing troops north into the jungle. I am waiting at Lashio, until I get some more units there as I dont want the troops there fleeing into Western China, as thats next on my list to take as well.

I have 2 tank units moving up the trail from Prome heading to Akyab to open up the supply line and to help surround the fleeing troops there so I can destroy them.


Malaya:

50k Supplies have arrived at Singapore and I am able to get back into operation here. HI, LI and Repair yards are repairing again.

Bombers from Singapore are hitting targets in Sumatra to support the land offenseive there. KB is sitting disbanded in Singapore and I used several fighter groups from the Cvs to support the invasion of Palembang with LRCAP - it worked out great and the oil capital is mine.


Sumatra:

Northern Sumatra is falling and the Imperial Guards is marching on Sabang. Oil is flowing from Bengkalis and Medan back to Singapore. From there I will be hauling it to the HI with the large Tankers.

I have secured Palembang and for the first time ever I have taken it with no damage to the oil fields or refineries !! I have over 100k of fuel and oil sitting there and now that a TF of DMS have cleared the mines, I will begin hauling oil / fuel out of here.

Currently I have over 50 fighters based at Palembang (unit of Zeros and Oscars) and after smashing a couple allied bombing runs, the air attacks have dwindled. I don't think he has much bombers left in theater.


Borneo:

The same day that Palembang falls in Sumatra, Balikpapan falls as well. I wasn't quite as lucky with damage, but only 4 oil and 4 refineries are damaged so I'm very happy with the attack. Now I just need to clear the mines and begin hauling out fuel. I have several DMS on there way from Dacao.


Philippines:

the small islands south of Luzon are dropping like flies - San Jose, tacloban, Iliolo, etc... have all fallen. I believe only 1 or 2 enemy bases remain.


North Pacific:

I am slowly building up AF and forts on Adak and securing my northing flank. Still debating whether to take Dutch Harbor or not.


Central Pacific:

I am building forts on both Wake and Marcus Island. I have also moved a ACM to each base and planted ~150 mines to protect each location. Not sure 150 mines is enough to really do anything - mine warefare has changed a lot since I last used it.


China:

Northern China is falling - I have taken Kiuchuan and am moving closer against Lanchow. The forces in the north are separating with all the tanks heading south to help with the Lanchow area, while 2 INF RGTs are heading north and will take the bases in the north.

Early intel shows very little chinese forces in these areas, and recon has not spotted any movements in the north at all.

The Wenchow pocket is still making me mad - it keeps holding out. Wechow gets free supply daily so that it whats helping them. There is only a 40k stacking limit here and Rob and I are both right around it so he is fine, while my forces weaken almost every day. I am having to rotate in infantry units to maintain any kind of pressure on this base.

The attack on Chengchow was successful and the city is ours. unforuntately everything of value in the city was destroyed. I have no intention of repairing any of it.


Navy:

I have stopped the acceleration on Ryuho and accelerated another late war CV - it will arrive mid 43.


General Consensus:

Maybe I am unorganized but I have a lot of units in Manila, HI, Singapore and such and not sure where to send them. I have limited shipping to move them with - most of my shipping is tied up trying to haul resources home and keep my industry running. I am combining units into their correct Divisions at Singapore and Manila and trying to find useful places for them but just cannot find the shipping to move more than 1 division in each theater at a time. I could use another dozen nice APs, but thats not going to happen.

I have several divisions in Singapore slatted for Burma / India but with the monsoon season upon me I may be keeping them in Singapore until I invade India with them. I have another 100k of supplies on the seas heading to Singapore / Rangoon. Two day turns really mess with your time table and organization and I was completely unpreparred for it. but then again, it is early May 42 already insteado of late January.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Xargun

So I am looking at late war aircraft and trying to figure out which Fighters to go with. Right now I'm looking at the following:


Navy:
CV-based: A6M5c, A7M2 or A6M8. The A6M5c is a bit slow but uses an established engine which I will have tons of. The A7M2 has service of 2 which I'm not sure is best for a CV which may see heavy action on a daily basis.

Land-based: A7M2, A7M3-J, J7W1 Shinden or N1K5-J George. All are fast but with various gun configurations and service rating.


Army:

Thinking of the Randy and Frank lines.

What do you guys find works best for late war fighters - what is the best Japan has to over for both bomber killer and fighter v fighter.

IJN - The A7M2 is better on all fronts than the A6M line, and by 45 you may not even have CVs to worry about. If you do, a day two strike is unlikely. [;)]

For LBA the A7M2 works, and has great climb, and later of course you'll want the J7W1 if you can get it. Forget the N1K5-J if it doesn't come before the others. Too slow late war.

IJAAF - The Ki-84r is the best I've used so far. I'll let you know soon on the Ki-83. The Randy line are fine but expensive for what they are, which is slow but durable FB. A good complement plane to kill bombers and last during battles. You'll need a service 1 plane and the Ki-43 IV works for escort and kami, or the Ki-100. Neither stands up to late war Allied fighters well at all, currently, although the Ki-100 was supposed to match anything in actuality.

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: Xargun

May 8th, 1942

North Pacific:

I am slowly building up AF and forts on Adak and securing my northing flank. Still debating whether to take Dutch Harbor or not.

I recommend taking Dutch Harbor and Unmak Island. Dutch Harbor because of it's port and Unmak for it's airfield. Denying them to the Allies is important. Make him take the time to take them back. Speed bumps. Whatever resources he allocates up there to take them back is time for you. Those resources are not going after more important targets. If he chooses to ignore the Aleutians, you have a nice little airfield for Emilies and a nice little port for sub replenishment.

[Xargun]

ORIGINAL: obvert
IJAAF - The Ki-84r is the best I've used so far. I'll let you know soon on the Ki-83. The Randy line are fine but expensive for what they are, which is slow but durable FB. A good complement plane to kill bombers and last during battles. You'll need a service 1 plane and the Ki-43 IV works for escort and kami, or the Ki-100. Neither stands up to late war Allied fighters well at all, currently, although the Ki-100 was supposed to match anything in actuality.

I am looking at the Ki-43-IV Oscar, but what turns me off is the gun rating of 8. It mounts 2 20mm Cannons on the centerline but I usually look at gun value to determine their 'killing' ability. Is that enough firepower to kill anything in late war ?

The Ki-100 Tony has 2 20mm Cannons and 2 12.7mm MGs. Is that sufficient ?

[Xargun]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli
I recommend taking Dutch Harbor and Unmak Island. Dutch Harbor because of it's port and Unmak for it's airfield. Denying them to the Allies is important. Make him take the time to take them back. Speed bumps. Whatever resources he allocates up there to take them back is time for you. Those resources are not going after more important targets. If he chooses to ignore the Aleutians, you have a nice little airfield for Emilies and a nice little port for sub replenishment.

Well if I take Dutch, I am thinking of taking it all -- roll right up the Aleutian Island chain, taking Kodiak and Anchorage and the bases right around it. Anchorage is a sweet base worth 350 VPs to me plus its the largest airfield in the area. It can be easily bypassed down the road, but might worth grabbing and leaving behind a token force to hold it.

Would love to get within range of Seattle and bomb the industry there - would generate some nice VPs and hopefully light a fire under Rob's rear to do something I believe there are all kinds of industry around Vancouver and Seattle that I could bomb for VPs. Just not sure if I can get close enough without triggering early arrival of west coast units to bomb them.

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: Xargun

Would love to get within range of Seattle and bomb the industry there - would generate some nice VPs and hopefully light a fire under Rob's rear to do something I believe there are all kinds of industry around Vancouver and Seattle that I could bomb for VPs. Just not sure if I can get close enough without triggering early arrival of west coast units to bomb them.

That's a clever idea. [:D] I don't know if anyone has ever done that. Can you do that from Anchorage or do you need to be closer? I suspect you'd really only get 1 shot at it before he loads the area up with restricted fighter units.