Question regarding minefields

[Boomer Redleg]

I was looking over Scenario 2 Stock and the minefields for Japan. The manual says that each ACM maintains up to 150 mines. There are only 33 ACM at the start of the game but just to maintain the existing minefields with ACM ships in this scenario Japan would need 75 of them.

Is there something else that factors into maintaining minefields like maybe port level or something? I could probably start making another 42 ACM but that would take time and the existing minefields would start to deteriorate.

[witpqs]

Is there something else that factors into maintaining minefields like maybe port level or something?

No. The at-start minefields are not really historical, they are calculated based upon (I forget) either total base size or port size. So, the number of ACM ships is going to be more historical than the number of mines or mine fields (numbers of various ship types is more historical in some later scenarios than in the stock scenarios too, but that's a different matter).

So you may not have enough ACM to go around, and you will have to prioritize where you put them.

[dr.hal]

Or you can convert.... there are many small AKLs that convert or small PBs. It might be worth it in the long run.

[crsutton]

In reality you will not need to worry about certain bases as the game goes on. Allies really should not be concerned about mines at rear bases after 1/43. The window for Japanese invasion and raids is pretty much gone by then. Likewise as Japanese bases get bypassed you won't have to worry about mines where the Allies are not going to attack. You should have enough ACMs to do what you need. Don't worry about making more unless you have high losses.

[witpqs]

Allies really should not be concerned about mines at rear bases after 1/43.

I disagree with this in one respect. Major Allied bases get decent protection from submarine attacks by having good mine fields in place. Of course ASW groups and air search, etc. should also be running.

[dr.hal]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Major Allied bases get decent protection from submarine attacks by having good mine fields in place.

As this thread started with a question about Japanese minefields, I would argue that what witpqs states is valid for the Japanese as well. Keeping the minefields in tact within Japanese waters allows for precious ASW assets to be used in other areas that are not protected. If a sub were to deploy into a hex with 200-400 mines, it is almost certain death. Therefore, I would venture to say that the "maintenance" of that field by ACMs is a great deterrent. Thus having enough ACMs is important. There are plenty of small coastal cargo vessels that can convert to meet the needs of Japan (as Japan certainly doesn't need any more coastal cargo ships!).

[Boomer Redleg]

Thanks all, for your thoughts and perspective. I think I'll make a few more ACM as it's pointed out that I have quite a few "extra" small cargo ships. But I don't think I'll try to keep all of the mine fields either. It's to bad I can't recover some of those mines in the mine fields.

Anyways, thanks again.

[Yaab]

Thread resurrection.

I have seen a minefield in Tracker deteriorate even though I had enough ACMs to tend the mines. Los Angeles lost -3 mines one turn even though it had four ACMs to cover its minefield.

[HansBolter]

Mistaken post

[btd64]

ORIGINAL: Yaab

Thread resurrection.

I have seen a minefield in Tracker deteriorate even though I had enough ACMs to tend the mines. Los Angeles lost -3 mines one turn even though it had four ACMs to cover its minefield.

If you have over 600 mines there, that would explain it. Each ACM will cover 150 mines....GP

[Yaab]

No, I had about 400 mines and three ACMs. I thought if you had enough ACMs (each covers 150 mines), minfields will not deteriorate. That is why it was so strange. I wish I made a screenie from Tracker.

Second thought. I was converting the third ACM from an YP in LA. Thus mines could have deteriorated on previous turn, while Tracker showed the third ACM which came online later. I noticed that operation reports inform about ships finishing conversions/repairs in both AM and PH phases of a turn.

[btd64]

Your second thought is the answer. If the ACM isn't on line the whole day, you will lose some mines....GP