Turnaround? Lowpe (J) vs Tiemanj (A) Stock

[Lowpe]

Night Fighters R&D:

For the two early night fighters I have one size 30 factory going after the KAId Nick (4/44) and 3 size 30 factories working on Irving (10/43) -- with the best factory of the bunch at 17 repaired.

Now, the Irving comes first but there is only two squadrons that can upgrade to it one size 45 and the other size 9. A third squadron comes along 9/43 size 18 the rest start coming online in 44.

There are many more available army squadrons that can upgrade to the Nick.

Should I add to my Irving r&d or to the Nick? Both? Adding more Irv research I can then roll the factories over to researching the SA radar version (radar available 6/44). I can divide up the Irving squadrons, at least the bigger one, into thirds and have NF at 4 bases at least. Not great, but better than what I have now...or is it pointless dividing up the NF and I could only protect two bases?

To tell the truth, I am very frustrated at the night bombing role...and I think I should simply add in r&d for the NF with 5 size 30 factories of each of the early NFs.

Any guidance here much appreciated.

[Lowpe]

Burma:

Allies moving something out of Rangoon. I think it is only to beef up his forces at Bassein, but you never know. He is still marching troops down to Prome.

Mandalay has a fresh ID, and in another day a 2 division attack at Tuang Gyi will start. Bombardments are starting today. The Chindits on the rail line south of Magwee will get attacked again...they are down to 50 assault value.

Mandalay has 550 AV in defenders, won't mean much if I can't stop his bombers though.

[Lowpe]

Jan 27, 1943

IJN Raiders catch a convoy between Pearl and the West Coast, giving us an nice, if too short combat replay...

No night bombing today by the Allies...in fact the Allies rest their air force except for one Lightning sweep in the Marshalls.

The IJA destroys another Chinese Corp in the Changsha pocket, malus for disruption and supply...

Also, the Chindits in Burma are forced to retreat again...malus for supply. They retreat west across the river towards Prome.

[Lowpe]

The Burma situation:

2 Infantry Divisions will attack Tuang Gyi...these Chindits are up to 145 AV -- tough customers. I hope they are short supplies.

I am building up troops at Toungoo and moving them west and also thru Rangoon...working on my assault at Prome.

I have a CA force lurking unseen off Akyab, I am bombarding Rangoon with another force tonight, so I will think about sending the lurking CA into Akyab tomorrow.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Night Fighters R&D:

For the two early night fighters I have one size 30 factory going after the KAId Nick (4/44) and 3 size 30 factories working on Irving (10/43) -- with the best factory of the bunch at 17 repaired.

Now, the Irving comes first but there is only two squadrons that can upgrade to it one size 45 and the other size 9. A third squadron comes along 9/43 size 18 the rest start coming online in 44.

There are many more available army squadrons that can upgrade to the Nick.

Should I add to my Irving r&d or to the Nick? Both? Adding more Irv research I can then roll the factories over to researching the SA radar version (radar available 6/44). I can divide up the Irving squadrons, at least the bigger one, into thirds and have NF at 4 bases at least. Not great, but better than what I have now...or is it pointless dividing up the NF and I could only protect two bases?

To tell the truth, I am very frustrated at the night bombing role...and I think I should simply add in r&d for the NF with 5 size 30 factories of each of the early NFs.

Any guidance here much appreciated.

my primary thought about NF's is they have to be able to catch a B29 ...

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Night Fighters R&D:

For the two early night fighters I have one size 30 factory going after the KAId Nick (4/44) and 3 size 30 factories working on Irving (10/43) -- with the best factory of the bunch at 17 repaired.

Now, the Irving comes first but there is only two squadrons that can upgrade to it one size 45 and the other size 9. A third squadron comes along 9/43 size 18 the rest start coming online in 44.

There are many more available army squadrons that can upgrade to the Nick.

Should I add to my Irving r&d or to the Nick? Both? Adding more Irv research I can then roll the factories over to researching the SA radar version (radar available 6/44). I can divide up the Irving squadrons, at least the bigger one, into thirds and have NF at 4 bases at least. Not great, but better than what I have now...or is it pointless dividing up the NF and I could only protect two bases?

To tell the truth, I am very frustrated at the night bombing role...and I think I should simply add in r&d for the NF with 5 size 30 factories of each of the early NFs.

Any guidance here much appreciated.

my primary thought about NF's is they have to be able to catch a B29 ...

Same.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo
my primary thought about NF's is they have to be able to catch a B29 ...

I just don't know. I can't really have any forward air bases right now without them getting pummeled by night bombing raids, that in turn then degrades my ability to fight enemy sweeps and then his bombers can destroy my ground troops or his navy can take bases as is currently happening in Burma and the Marshalls..

Maybe it is different with the improved AA, but I don't have them. Once in a blue moon can my AA destroy a bomber at night no matter the quantity present.

I went a head and converted another factory to the Irving, so that gives me 4 size 30. Maybe I will get them two to three months early. But the problem is only going to get worse, when the Allies get a bunch more 4e mid year...

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo
my primary thought about NF's is they have to be able to catch a B29 ...

I just don't know. I can't really have any forward air bases right now without them getting pummeled by night bombing raids, that in turn then degrades my ability to fight enemy sweeps and then his bombers can destroy my ground troops or his navy can take bases as is currently happening in Burma and the Marshalls..

Maybe it is different with the improved AA, but I don't have them. Once in a blue moon can my AA destroy a bomber at night no matter the quantity present.

I went a head and converted another factory to the Irving, so that gives me 4 size 30. Maybe I will get them two to three months early. But the problem is only going to get worse, when the Allies get a bunch more 4e mid year...

I had this problem in my second game as Japan. We have an HR that limits night bombing to 50 planes per target per night. This gives him the option, and he still does use it, but it doesn't wipe out the ability of fighters to get up in the day at all, which was what was happening before that. Night bombing airfields in this era was just not a precise process that could be relied on night in and night out to hit anything with regularity, let alone the kind of results we see without restrictions. In game there are some things that have to be modified by an HR or they just get to the realm of silliness. Night bombing is one.

If you're not comfortable with an HR then the investment in NF is your only way forward. Some of the later model AA guns, like the 12cm guns in particular, will hit planes at night more often. If you're playing the beta (which by all means you should be with Japan) that has some help in AA effectiveness.

[Lowpe]

Jan 28th 1943

No night bombings. No surface engagements.

Massive bombing raids on Mandalay targeting the 600 AV of defenders there, my fighters manage to swap 1-1 (the Lightning sweep came last) with both sides losing about 20 planes (4 B25 got splashed), but my troops took it on the chin and at least one Chinese division is crossing the river.

Sometimes, I just don't understand my opponent. Those troops can't be prepped for Mandalay, his supply line can be cut, and I have three armored units in Mandalay. I will move most of my fighter strength to cover Mandalay...but is this a ploy for him to hit Moulmein and my shipping there? I don't see anything...

[Lowpe]

As dawn rose over Darwin, the intrepid soldiers of the 1st Raiding Regiment parachuted down upon the heavily bombarded city. Their goal was to destroy the coastal guns...

The paratroopers were stunned to see the heavy fortifications (level 5), but with no troops manning them and they made short work of dismantling them. However, despite overwhelming advantage (6-1) they failed to totally destroy the coastal defense batteries.

The Australians can't hold out for another day, the fortifications are destroyed and reinforcements are on the way, but probably not needed.

At sea, approaching, is the Ichiki Detachment tasked with garrisoning the city. There are now three infantry division and 3 tank regiments in Northern Australia, lower DEI area, and these can either be tasked with their defense or reassigned....no immediate land threats are foreseen here.

Port Hedland will be invaded tomorrow, bringing a close to operations in Australia, unless an enveloping attack on Katherine and Daly Waters might be considered.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: obvert
If you're not comfortable with an HR then the investment in NF is your only way forward. Some of the later model AA guns, like the 12cm guns in particular, will hit planes at night more often. If you're playing the beta (which by all means you should be with Japan) that has some help in AA effectiveness.

We are playing the beta.

I am hesitant at adding HR...so it looks like more r&d on the Irving might be the only answer...

Personally, I would like to see a large fatigue hit for squadrons that change to night operations or back to day operations. These daily shifts are just murderous.

[Lowpe]

China

Events are moving swiftly here. There are 50-60 units cut off from Chungking and they are being reduced pretty quickly here.

The 5th Armored Car in Changteh has not been attacked despite there being 15 units there. I suspect that most of these units are mere skeletons of what they once were.

For the most part the Chinese are simply holding their ground.

No supply really hurts, although he had enough supplies to fly some Lancers out of Changsha two days ago...

[Lowpe]

I have reinforced Northern Burmese airfields with 150 fresh fighters, but I sure hope he doesn't go back to massed night bombing! In which case he trapped me good.[:(] This might mark the first large scale dogfights of the KAI Dinah.[X(]

I am attacking again at Tuang Gyi, and figure the odds there are good it will fall throwing the Chindits, an air force unit, and American paratroopers into the jungle where they belong.

I should start loading the amphibious invasion of Port Moresby tomorrow, and should conquer Darwin today. That will be pretty much it for Oz then...

The Kagi upgraded three squadrons of Zeroes to the A6M5c model at the Home Islands and is heading back to Ponape.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: obvert
If you're not comfortable with an HR then the investment in NF is your only way forward. Some of the later model AA guns, like the 12cm guns in particular, will hit planes at night more often. If you're playing the beta (which by all means you should be with Japan) that has some help in AA effectiveness.

We are playing the beta.

I am hesitant at adding HR...so it looks like more r&d on the Irving might be the only answer...

Personally, I would like to see a large fatigue hit for squadrons that change to night operations or back to day operations. These daily shifts are just murderous.

Actually, it's the scenario data updates, not the beta.

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I have reinforced Northern Burmese airfields with 150 fresh fighters, but I sure hope he doesn't go back to massed night bombing! In which case he trapped me good.[:(] This might mark the first large scale dogfights of the KAI Dinah.[X(]

I am attacking again at Tuang Gyi, and figure the odds there are good it will fall throwing the Chindits, an air force unit, and American paratroopers into the jungle where they belong.

I should start loading the amphibious invasion of Port Moresby tomorrow, and should conquer Darwin today. That will be pretty much it for Oz then...

The Kagi upgraded three squadrons of Zeroes to the A6M5c model at the Home Islands and is heading back to Ponape.

Good luck at Moresby; Victory there for you would be very serious setback to the allies. I´m not sure your opponent quite understands the strategic importance of Moresby given his lack of defense there. It is a great location for the allies to make a stand, as it was historical, and stem the Japanese advance: close to Australian bases and air-cover and can be a trap for any large Japanese amphibious or surface fleet. The loss of all that Australian infantry and armor in Java (and the 4th ID in north OZ) was a telling blow to the allies in this game and may explain his lack of effort at Moresby.

Note that the Dinah is one of your fastest non-jet fighters, with some reasonable armaments, but look at the climb rate! It just cannot gain altitude rapidly. I think you will find that you will have to keep the patrol altitude on the Dinah at or above the altitude of his bombers or they will be unable to climb fast enough to intercept before the bombers deliver their payloads. Compare this to the climb rate on the Oscars, for example (which I am finding is a highly underrated low-altitude, air-superiority fighter- though useless against any large bomber).

One other note on your opponent. He seems to fight in the style of the "AI," preferring to mass large stacks of ground units at objectives and pays little heed to maneuvering, flanking, etc. It is probably a play-style that he learned playing the AI in scenario 1 or 2 (you just can´t do this in the nasty and ironman scenarios as you can never create stacks as large as the AI). You have outmaneuvered him several times now. He will probably learn and adjust his tactics in the future and possibly now in Burma, which is why I suspect he may invade Ramree to secure his rear position.

Do you intend to end offensive operations after Moresby and wait for the allies to start their counter-offensive?

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Actually, it's the scenario data updates, not the beta.

We installed AndyMac's scenario data updates, is that the ones you mean?

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
Good luck at Moresby; Victory there for you would be very serious setback to the allies. I´m not sure your opponent quite understands the strategic importance of Moresby given his lack of defense there. It is a great location for the allies to make a stand, as it was historical, and stem the Japanese advance: close to Australian bases and air-cover and can be a trap for any large Japanese amphibious or surface fleet. The loss of all that Australian infantry and armor in Java (and the 4th ID in north OZ) was a telling blow to the allies in this game and may explain his lack of effort at Moresby.

Note that the Dinah is one of your fastest non-jet fighters, with some reasonable armaments, but look at the climb rate! It just cannot gain altitude rapidly. I think you will find that you will have to keep the patrol altitude on the Dinah at or above the altitude of his bombers or they will be unable to climb fast enough to intercept before the bombers deliver their payloads. Compare this to the climb rate on the Oscars, for example (which I am finding is a highly underrated low-altitude, air-superiority fighter- though useless against any large bomber).

One other note on your opponent. He seems to fight in the style of the "AI," preferring to mass large stacks of ground units at objectives and pays little heed to maneuvering, flanking, etc. It is probably a play-style that he learned playing the AI in scenario 1 or 2 (you just can´t do this in the nasty and ironman scenarios as you can never create stacks as large as the AI). You have outmaneuvered him several times now. He will probably learn and adjust his tactics in the future and possibly now in Burma, which is why I suspect he may invade Ramree to secure his rear position.

Do you intend to end offensive operations after Moresby and wait for the allies to start their counter-offensive?

Lots here to comment on. I did notice the lack of the KAI Dinah Climb rate, and actually was thinking of using them on night duty at wrong altitudes of the incoming bombers. My experience shows that does a good job disrupting the attack without actually losing any planes. How is that for outside the box thinking?[;)]

I am pretty sure if I use the KB to support the Port Moresby attack, the Allies will be tempted to grab another island in the Marshalls. It doesn't really matter, since I can't expose my land based air to his night bombers for long anyhow...and he can streak in, land, streak out with only subs and mines as potential roadblocks. I have darted in a counter surface fleet a few times, but haven't caught anything yet and that just wastes fuel.

I have a lot of troops prepping for Port Moresby. 3 Division, 1 Brigade, 2 HQs, and support stuff (I won't go in with all that). I will attempt to provide as much air power from Rossel, Buna, Lae and Rabaul as possible for them...I know if I saw all that preparing, I would want to attempt to hit the troop transports, or at least have them sail thru a sea of submarines. But I think the submarine threat is minimal with most of them along the China/Java/HI convoy paths.

Allied naval search is very poor around Buna so I might get to sneak fairly close before he gets warning -- however I am planning on no surprise. Putting together the fleets now.

Ramree is forts level 3, with 100 AV, ART, ENG, air field level 2. I need to lay some mines, they are on the way, but I think a full out invasion here is unlikely in the short term. I also have a base force at Mergui that might come up...it has dp guns. Ramree is not a good island here for mini subs...would be spotted by planes and not last long.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
Do you intend to end offensive operations after Moresby and wait for the allies to start their counter-offensive?

Horn Island looks attractive, Port Blair, and Katherine, Daly Waters.

Burma and China are more than enough though, I don't have unlimited supplies.

[Lowpe]

Prome Operation

I plan on staging the vast bulk of the troops for the operation against Prome at Rangoon. What a great base...the Allies will think I am building up to take the city, but instead will race north up the paved road and hit Prome with 4-5 divisions, as many tank regiments as I can scrape up. One of the divisions will be the 1st Tank.

I should be able to move faster than his troops at Bassein, Rangoon, and will be able to take Prome and the road to the northwest pretty quickly.

I will use the IJN to bombard and suppress Rangoon's airfield. I will use bombers to hit Prome. Fighters will fly CAP over the troops in the clear.

The IJN will land more troops on Ramree, via fast transport and attempt to take a road hex that is empty.

Once I cut the road, I will turn the majority of the troops south to Bassein and eventually force everyone into Rangoon, unless I get the chance to drop my 3 paratroop regiments somewhere auspicious.

Overall, I might gain tactical surprise.

Comments?

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Actually, it's the scenario data updates, not the beta.

We installed AndyMac's scenario data updates, is that the ones you mean?

Those are the ones.