The TF lists 300 mines, but as far as I can tell the CM only has 150 onboard... In the ship selection screen to create the TF, it showed 300 mines also.
Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Anybody know what's going on here?
The TF lists 300 mines, but as far as I can tell the CM only has 150 onboard... In the ship selection screen to create the TF, it showed 300 mines also.
The TF lists 300 mines, but as far as I can tell the CM only has 150 onboard... In the ship selection screen to create the TF, it showed 300 mines also.
- Attachments
-
- CMTerror.jpg (97.32 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
That device line "Mk 16 Mine" has Num "x2" devices, each with Ammo "150". Two mine racks, each with 150 mines, = 300 mines total.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
ORIGINAL: witpqs
That device line "Mk 16 Mine" has Num "x2" devices, each with Ammo "150". Two mine racks, each with 150 mines, = 300 mines total.
And here I thought I'd been over the entry about 6 times. I've not seen any other minelayers with a "x2".
This ship sure lives up to her name, then. Awesome!
Got more updates coming soon.
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Still going to do a real update in a bit... but I have a note RE: 300 mines.
I dropped them at Shemya. The next turn, they're at 285 - they decayed at a rate consistent with a minefield in a non-base hex. I guess because it's a dot base, and therefore not really a Base (with a big B) yet? When I click on the island, it doesn't show a minefield in the "base". This is probably WAD, right?
I dropped them at Shemya. The next turn, they're at 285 - they decayed at a rate consistent with a minefield in a non-base hex. I guess because it's a dot base, and therefore not really a Base (with a big B) yet? When I click on the island, it doesn't show a minefield in the "base". This is probably WAD, right?
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Still going to do a real update in a bit... but I have a note RE: 300 mines.
I dropped them at Shemya. The next turn, they're at 285 - they decayed at a rate consistent with a minefield in a non-base hex. I guess because it's a dot base, and therefore not really a Base (with a big B) yet? When I click on the island, it doesn't show a minefield in the "base". This is probably WAD, right?
I've noticed this too but don't understand the reason for it. You can park an ACM there, it's owned by you, why can't the guys tend the mines?
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
ORIGINAL: obvert
ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Still going to do a real update in a bit... but I have a note RE: 300 mines.
I dropped them at Shemya. The next turn, they're at 285 - they decayed at a rate consistent with a minefield in a non-base hex. I guess because it's a dot base, and therefore not really a Base (with a big B) yet? When I click on the island, it doesn't show a minefield in the "base". This is probably WAD, right?
I've noticed this too but don't understand the reason for it. You can park an ACM there, it's owned by you, why can't the guys tend the mines?
I guess because it's a "base", not a Base. I think it's silly. I understand that there is no infrastructure in place (except it's possible to have forts without port/AF levels...), but it's not like the mines are floating in the middle of the ocean. I made sure to wait until I captured the island before I laid mines.
Another note might be that a level 0 port could have 0 Fuel capability, meaning ACMs wouldn't do very well after they ran out of onboard fuel...
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Instead of going to the pool 2 hours ago and impressing all the impressionable young lifeguards, I did up a lot of screen shots. Maybe I'll still go after I post these [:'(].
Starting with the busiest and moving down to the least busy...
Operation Dino Droppings - 11/11/42 update
So much going on here. It's probably better to organize this by goal/intent, as so many of the means for each end are moving through and around each other.
Goal: Build up airbases for the RAF and Tenth USAAF
You can see progress in the screenshot...
I discovered recently that the bigger the base, the better the supply flow. This seems to apply to this area as well as NW Australia. As such, I'm building like a fiend pretty much everywhere, including forts (which also increase supply flow). Akyab forts hit 6, and the base hasn't seen a yellow ! in about a week so supply is finally flowing decently. Cox's Bazar is lagging behind.
Chittagong is almost fully built out, with over 700K fuel for some reason. Dacca and Comilla are at Level 8 and Level 7 respectively, with 150 Av Supp at each. Dimapur has only recently begun building out. Imphal is making reasonable progress. Kalemyo has a couple levels of forts, but no point building the airfield until supply flow is better and Av Supp is in place.
I have many Av Supp units spreading out through the area. The intent is to hold onto the jungle and eventually (1943-1944) force him into the open terrain of central Burma. The Manchurian army may show up here, or it may not - MM has mentioned buying out divisions from Chungking, presumably for use in the Pacific.
I have even managed to have some supply flow to the Chinese in the jungle outside Myitkyina. The troops at Warazup seem to be entirely reliant upon air drops for supplies at the moment, and Katha seems to be getting a trickle from Imphal.
Goal: Destroy the Imperial Guards Division and 10th Division at Warazup
Some Chinese units have already filled out a little and taken supply from Ledo.
Basically, I have the units at Warazup cut off. He screwed up recently and moved the 14th Tank Regiment back from the hex to the NE, allowing me to immediately move in the 1 Chinese Corps and HQ there, as well as the 1200 AV of Chinese to the east. Once I have those in Warazup's hex, I'll be confident that I can defeat the Japanese there. A brigade of Chindits is also present.
Chindits and 95% of an Indian 42 Brigade are at Katha. I will airlift them out, as I expect to be overwhelmed by Japanese reinforcements within a week or two. For now, they're cutting his rail line. Every combat with the Japanese has seen them with a supply (-) [8D]. I'm moving armor in from Kalemyo and Imphal to continue to cut the supply line to Warazup - good Indian/British units that don't withdraw and have been upgraded. It takes forever to move through the jungle with them, but I'm almost through...
Unfortunately, he is moving to open the hex side from the SW of Warazup. I only have 2 Chinese HQs in the 2 hexes E/SE of there, but they will move to occupy that hex as soon as he opens the hex side - I will move to it in 3 days, vs. the 10+ days it will take him to move out of Warazup. I also have Chinese corpsmen coming up from the SE...
Goal: Extricate the Chinese from the Paoshan mountains area
He has a large stack of tanks and at least one ID just NE of Paoshan. So far, the Paoshan garrison has been "stealth" moving to the NW. The top unit in the stack will remain behind to hide their movement. Once I'm off the road and into the mountains, his tanks won't be able to catch me. Same deal with my stack to the NE of Paoshan. I am losing several thousand Chinese in each attack, about twice a week, but most of my units have escaped already. He is periodically bombing to try to slow my progress, but Reserve Mode is serving me well. I'm moving for Myitkyina for now and will reevaluate destinations at that time. Some Corps have 350+ AV, others less than 50. Some will head for Ledo (then Calcutta, which has India Command HQ) and the Golden Mountain of Supply, but I can see myself leaving some in place depending on the deployment of the enemy.
I have a healthy-ish Chinese Corps and HQ at Lashio, which trashed the 4th RTA Division and sent them to the NE. My Corps is trying to escape what is probably an IJA Division and then some, pincering in from the E and W.
Chinese Base Forces are already in the NE Burma jungle, heading to Ledo. Halfway-built-out Chinese Corps, 3 of them, are moving SW from Ledo to help out with the Japanese. Should be fun.
Starting with the busiest and moving down to the least busy...
Operation Dino Droppings - 11/11/42 update
So much going on here. It's probably better to organize this by goal/intent, as so many of the means for each end are moving through and around each other.
Goal: Build up airbases for the RAF and Tenth USAAF
You can see progress in the screenshot...
I discovered recently that the bigger the base, the better the supply flow. This seems to apply to this area as well as NW Australia. As such, I'm building like a fiend pretty much everywhere, including forts (which also increase supply flow). Akyab forts hit 6, and the base hasn't seen a yellow ! in about a week so supply is finally flowing decently. Cox's Bazar is lagging behind.
Chittagong is almost fully built out, with over 700K fuel for some reason. Dacca and Comilla are at Level 8 and Level 7 respectively, with 150 Av Supp at each. Dimapur has only recently begun building out. Imphal is making reasonable progress. Kalemyo has a couple levels of forts, but no point building the airfield until supply flow is better and Av Supp is in place.
I have many Av Supp units spreading out through the area. The intent is to hold onto the jungle and eventually (1943-1944) force him into the open terrain of central Burma. The Manchurian army may show up here, or it may not - MM has mentioned buying out divisions from Chungking, presumably for use in the Pacific.
I have even managed to have some supply flow to the Chinese in the jungle outside Myitkyina. The troops at Warazup seem to be entirely reliant upon air drops for supplies at the moment, and Katha seems to be getting a trickle from Imphal.
Goal: Destroy the Imperial Guards Division and 10th Division at Warazup
Some Chinese units have already filled out a little and taken supply from Ledo.
Basically, I have the units at Warazup cut off. He screwed up recently and moved the 14th Tank Regiment back from the hex to the NE, allowing me to immediately move in the 1 Chinese Corps and HQ there, as well as the 1200 AV of Chinese to the east. Once I have those in Warazup's hex, I'll be confident that I can defeat the Japanese there. A brigade of Chindits is also present.
Chindits and 95% of an Indian 42 Brigade are at Katha. I will airlift them out, as I expect to be overwhelmed by Japanese reinforcements within a week or two. For now, they're cutting his rail line. Every combat with the Japanese has seen them with a supply (-) [8D]. I'm moving armor in from Kalemyo and Imphal to continue to cut the supply line to Warazup - good Indian/British units that don't withdraw and have been upgraded. It takes forever to move through the jungle with them, but I'm almost through...
Unfortunately, he is moving to open the hex side from the SW of Warazup. I only have 2 Chinese HQs in the 2 hexes E/SE of there, but they will move to occupy that hex as soon as he opens the hex side - I will move to it in 3 days, vs. the 10+ days it will take him to move out of Warazup. I also have Chinese corpsmen coming up from the SE...
Goal: Extricate the Chinese from the Paoshan mountains area
He has a large stack of tanks and at least one ID just NE of Paoshan. So far, the Paoshan garrison has been "stealth" moving to the NW. The top unit in the stack will remain behind to hide their movement. Once I'm off the road and into the mountains, his tanks won't be able to catch me. Same deal with my stack to the NE of Paoshan. I am losing several thousand Chinese in each attack, about twice a week, but most of my units have escaped already. He is periodically bombing to try to slow my progress, but Reserve Mode is serving me well. I'm moving for Myitkyina for now and will reevaluate destinations at that time. Some Corps have 350+ AV, others less than 50. Some will head for Ledo (then Calcutta, which has India Command HQ) and the Golden Mountain of Supply, but I can see myself leaving some in place depending on the deployment of the enemy.
I have a healthy-ish Chinese Corps and HQ at Lashio, which trashed the 4th RTA Division and sent them to the NE. My Corps is trying to escape what is probably an IJA Division and then some, pincering in from the E and W.
Chinese Base Forces are already in the NE Burma jungle, heading to Ledo. Halfway-built-out Chinese Corps, 3 of them, are moving SW from Ledo to help out with the Japanese. Should be fun.
- Attachments
-
- DinoDropp..111942.jpg (546.15 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Operation Rhinoceros (Horn)
Because the NE tip of Australia looks like a rhinoceros horn. I like to think that's why Horn Island is named Horn Island. Also because I intend to use this as a strategic springboard to cut straight up through New Guinea.
Several game-weeks ago, I decided to build up the NE tip of the continent, given that my sea power hasn't been great lately and I'm really waiting on the arrival of more CVEs, and the conversion of assault shipping in 1943. Any and all LSTs would help as well.
Great progress has been made, but there's still a lot of digging to do... MM has chosen to build up certain bases as well, which has led to my decision to advance N/NW from here. Port Moresby has been built a bit, but only a small garrison is present. Horn Island was taken many months ago, and seems to have been empty for at least 4 weeks judging by bombing runs. I finally got an Australian recon unit to Portland Roads, but no replacements are available so I have used them sparingly.
My intent is to use AF9's at Portland Roads, Coen, and Cooktown to subdue SE New Guinea while I move on Merauke and Terapo. Horn Island will be retaken via SST in a short while - maybe a month. The SSTs are currently on their way back from dropping engineers at Biak to supplement Kanga Force [:D]. Eventually I will be able to load up at Townsville, sail north along the coast, and remain under fighter cover the entire time. I should be able to take Terapo and Port Morseby with relative ease once I have this area built up, and have my assault shipping. It will still require CV/CVE support, but if I come at Moresby from the west I will be in a favorable position to engage any appearance by KB.
Once I have Horn Island, I can put some air support there and base some of my SoPac fighters in the area...and then I can sail some shipping around to Normanton - those LCUs are earmarked for retaken Merauke and the surrounding area.
MM has built up Milne Bay to 4. He's built a lot of places up to 4. I assume this is for Netty torpedo capabilities. He has small garrisons on many of the Coral Sea islands, but hasn't taken Deboyne Islands yet. Woodlark and Buna are also at AF4... Lae is AF4. Everything else is level 1 port/airfield. He is building Hansa Bay near Madang/Wewak, however, and probably intends to make it into an AF9.
Because the NE tip of Australia looks like a rhinoceros horn. I like to think that's why Horn Island is named Horn Island. Also because I intend to use this as a strategic springboard to cut straight up through New Guinea.
Several game-weeks ago, I decided to build up the NE tip of the continent, given that my sea power hasn't been great lately and I'm really waiting on the arrival of more CVEs, and the conversion of assault shipping in 1943. Any and all LSTs would help as well.
Great progress has been made, but there's still a lot of digging to do... MM has chosen to build up certain bases as well, which has led to my decision to advance N/NW from here. Port Moresby has been built a bit, but only a small garrison is present. Horn Island was taken many months ago, and seems to have been empty for at least 4 weeks judging by bombing runs. I finally got an Australian recon unit to Portland Roads, but no replacements are available so I have used them sparingly.
My intent is to use AF9's at Portland Roads, Coen, and Cooktown to subdue SE New Guinea while I move on Merauke and Terapo. Horn Island will be retaken via SST in a short while - maybe a month. The SSTs are currently on their way back from dropping engineers at Biak to supplement Kanga Force [:D]. Eventually I will be able to load up at Townsville, sail north along the coast, and remain under fighter cover the entire time. I should be able to take Terapo and Port Morseby with relative ease once I have this area built up, and have my assault shipping. It will still require CV/CVE support, but if I come at Moresby from the west I will be in a favorable position to engage any appearance by KB.
Once I have Horn Island, I can put some air support there and base some of my SoPac fighters in the area...and then I can sail some shipping around to Normanton - those LCUs are earmarked for retaken Merauke and the surrounding area.
MM has built up Milne Bay to 4. He's built a lot of places up to 4. I assume this is for Netty torpedo capabilities. He has small garrisons on many of the Coral Sea islands, but hasn't taken Deboyne Islands yet. Woodlark and Buna are also at AF4... Lae is AF4. Everything else is level 1 port/airfield. He is building Hansa Bay near Madang/Wewak, however, and probably intends to make it into an AF9.
- Attachments
-
- Rhinoceros..111942.jpg (388.55 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Reverse
From Sig Int and sub intel, I've determined that MM has probably evacuated NW Australia, for the most part. Several divisions were confirmed by Sig Int to be moving back to the SRA, as well as lots of construction units. He doesn't appear to have expanded any of the bases since I escaped with my units to the SE.
I don't have the supply to support any kind of combat in the area, as Tennant Creek is still expanding and then I need to get Daly Waters going, but I am moving some light armoured units about to retake empty bases, or determine the level of IJA commitment to defending this area. This will go hand-in-hand with the thrust up through central New Guinea through Merauke - I would like to guard the flank of that operation by retaking Darwin and the bases to the north (Taberfane, etc., which are built up a bit).
From Sig Int and sub intel, I've determined that MM has probably evacuated NW Australia, for the most part. Several divisions were confirmed by Sig Int to be moving back to the SRA, as well as lots of construction units. He doesn't appear to have expanded any of the bases since I escaped with my units to the SE.
I don't have the supply to support any kind of combat in the area, as Tennant Creek is still expanding and then I need to get Daly Waters going, but I am moving some light armoured units about to retake empty bases, or determine the level of IJA commitment to defending this area. This will go hand-in-hand with the thrust up through central New Guinea through Merauke - I would like to guard the flank of that operation by retaking Darwin and the bases to the north (Taberfane, etc., which are built up a bit).
- Attachments
-
- Reverse11111942.jpg (442.12 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
South Pacific
I seem to have captured MM's attention in this area. I will keep it up. He is continuing to reconnoiter Luganville daily, but no other bases have seen any DL hits. He has naval search at least to Ndeni and maybe Luganville, but hasn't tried to strike small supply convoys going to Ndeni.
I am finally flying in some engineers to Ndeni and will have their engineer vehicles and motorized support join them at a later date - right now it's just important to me to get the airfield built up, and forts in case he decides to try to take it back. Torres Islands is working on Port 3 "just because" (will help with supply unload), but Vanua Lava is maxed out and I've pulled 8 construction units off of there.
I have tons of surplus aircraft and LCUs at Luganville, as well as lots of LCUs at Noumea. I intend to sortie an invasion of Tabiteuea from Noumea, actually, as that's where my prepped units and APs/AKs are currently residing. I decided to go for overkill and prep some of the units at Luganville as well. I want Tabiteuea so that I can move on Nauru/Ocean Islands in 1943, as well as on Munda/Shortlands (which are not built up so far), and thus bypass the following:
MM has major airbases all over the Guadalcanal area. I know he has resized (81-plane!) Zero units at Tassafaronga and Lunga, but thus far my P-38s have gotten the better of him, trading at 3:1 or better in every case. I will eventually come back to take these bases as I don't want the possibility of Netty strikes with torpedoes on my SLOC later in 1943. Same with Rabaul, probably.
I seem to have captured MM's attention in this area. I will keep it up. He is continuing to reconnoiter Luganville daily, but no other bases have seen any DL hits. He has naval search at least to Ndeni and maybe Luganville, but hasn't tried to strike small supply convoys going to Ndeni.
I am finally flying in some engineers to Ndeni and will have their engineer vehicles and motorized support join them at a later date - right now it's just important to me to get the airfield built up, and forts in case he decides to try to take it back. Torres Islands is working on Port 3 "just because" (will help with supply unload), but Vanua Lava is maxed out and I've pulled 8 construction units off of there.
I have tons of surplus aircraft and LCUs at Luganville, as well as lots of LCUs at Noumea. I intend to sortie an invasion of Tabiteuea from Noumea, actually, as that's where my prepped units and APs/AKs are currently residing. I decided to go for overkill and prep some of the units at Luganville as well. I want Tabiteuea so that I can move on Nauru/Ocean Islands in 1943, as well as on Munda/Shortlands (which are not built up so far), and thus bypass the following:
MM has major airbases all over the Guadalcanal area. I know he has resized (81-plane!) Zero units at Tassafaronga and Lunga, but thus far my P-38s have gotten the better of him, trading at 3:1 or better in every case. I will eventually come back to take these bases as I don't want the possibility of Netty strikes with torpedoes on my SLOC later in 1943. Same with Rabaul, probably.
- Attachments
-
- SOPAC11111942.jpg (303.32 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Gilbert Islands
"Aftermath" of Idunn's Apples. Due to my mistake in moving my CVE, I lost an old BB at Funafuti, but I also needed to cut off the eyeballs at Baker Island. The approach was painstakingly long, but I took the place with the 112th Cavalry Regiment. Sadly, I didn't bring along any AvSupp and so can't base any F-4 Lightnings at Baker to recon the rest of the Gilberts.
Tarawa is built to level 1/2, Makin had a naval guard garrison at last check. Nauru Island is built to level 2/2.
Mili, the southernmost Marshalls base, is built to level 1 Port/level 4 AF as well. It's the only Marshall Island with a stacking limit of 30,000 so I want it for myself. I have a lot of my USMC regiments prepped for Mili, Maloelap, Eniwetok, Roi-Namur, and Jaluit. I would like to take these bases in mid-late 1943, once I begin to get Essexes and CVLs, but such an op gives me the jitters. It's perfect KB bait.
"Aftermath" of Idunn's Apples. Due to my mistake in moving my CVE, I lost an old BB at Funafuti, but I also needed to cut off the eyeballs at Baker Island. The approach was painstakingly long, but I took the place with the 112th Cavalry Regiment. Sadly, I didn't bring along any AvSupp and so can't base any F-4 Lightnings at Baker to recon the rest of the Gilberts.
Tarawa is built to level 1/2, Makin had a naval guard garrison at last check. Nauru Island is built to level 2/2.
Mili, the southernmost Marshalls base, is built to level 1 Port/level 4 AF as well. It's the only Marshall Island with a stacking limit of 30,000 so I want it for myself. I have a lot of my USMC regiments prepped for Mili, Maloelap, Eniwetok, Roi-Namur, and Jaluit. I would like to take these bases in mid-late 1943, once I begin to get Essexes and CVLs, but such an op gives me the jitters. It's perfect KB bait.
- Attachments
-
- Gilberts11111942.jpg (197.08 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Fossilized Poop
Screenshot of Pearl repairs. Oklahoma's damage after the December 7 strike was 71+ System, 60+ Float, and 28(17) Engine. Unfortunately, right now the shipyard likes to repair the minor Engine damage while the Pier Side mode is working on the System, so I have decided to leave her in the yards to get those 4 points of minor Engine off before I go back to the routine of sitting at Pier Side until 80+% repair points are reached, then moving her into the Shipyard to knock off a point of Major Damage.
Only 18 more times into the yard and she'll be able to repair completely at pier side. I don't expect to actually be able to get all of that, as sometimes the repair points roll through 100% without me moving her into the yard (especially now that Sys is down to 31), but I think the repair process has moved along at a significantly increased rate. On Day 2, she would have had a 600 or 700 Day (or more) repair estimate in the shipyard alone. It's been 340 or so days, and she'd take 102 in the shipyard alone. So I've probably cut off 1/3 of the "actual" repair time...
Screenshot of Pearl repairs. Oklahoma's damage after the December 7 strike was 71+ System, 60+ Float, and 28(17) Engine. Unfortunately, right now the shipyard likes to repair the minor Engine damage while the Pier Side mode is working on the System, so I have decided to leave her in the yards to get those 4 points of minor Engine off before I go back to the routine of sitting at Pier Side until 80+% repair points are reached, then moving her into the Shipyard to knock off a point of Major Damage.
Only 18 more times into the yard and she'll be able to repair completely at pier side. I don't expect to actually be able to get all of that, as sometimes the repair points roll through 100% without me moving her into the yard (especially now that Sys is down to 31), but I think the repair process has moved along at a significantly increased rate. On Day 2, she would have had a 600 or 700 Day (or more) repair estimate in the shipyard alone. It's been 340 or so days, and she'd take 102 in the shipyard alone. So I've probably cut off 1/3 of the "actual" repair time...
- Attachments
-
- Fossils11111942.jpg (180.26 KiB) Viewed 349 times
-
Richard III
- Posts: 714
- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2005 5:16 pm
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Great mini AAR on the HI strike Cliff. "Fortune favors the brave"( and careful planner ) always seems true in the game design[8D]
I know it`s still early, but any second thoughts on the "No Rules" rule ?
Rich
I know it`s still early, but any second thoughts on the "No Rules" rule ?
Rich
“History would be a wonderful thing – if it were only true.”
¯ Leo Tolstoy
¯ Leo Tolstoy
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
ORIGINAL: Richard III
Great mini AAR on the HI strike Cliff. "Fortune favors the brave"( and careful planner ) always seems true in the game design[8D]
I know it`s still early, but any second thoughts on the "No Rules" rule ?
Rich
Not really. I am finding resized air units to be a little tough to deal with in terms of local attrition (can only take 12 replacements once per week), but it's still 1942 and I just don't have the OOB yet to sweep day after day. On the other hand, using all those planes burns a lot more supply for him...
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Operation Rhinocerous Horn - December 12, 1942
I made up this image 9 game-days ago. It's currently December 21, and nothing appreciable has changed other than my recon of some areas...
Got a bit of an update about Rabaul, courtesy of USN PB4Y Liberator recon, in a post to follow.
Now that I've sent the December 22 turn off to MM, I can update with details here!
Broadly speaking, I've been looking at this area for my next steps. I know he's expecting me here, but due to some greater recon capabilities (3 units of 5x F-4 Lightnings, the Aussie RC unit of P-43As, B-17s actually keeping 9/10 DL on Moresby, etc.), I am thinking that I see some holes.
Green circles: places I want to take.
Horn Island has been comical. I retook the base in late November, and MM bombed me for days while also dropping some paratroops, and eventually a FT TF dropped off a naval guard unit. I lost about 20 VPs of poor Australian troops, which did suck...however, I've bombed his troops into dust on Horn Island. Literally. I've completely destroyed 2 naval guard units with nothing but airpower, as well as pieces of the 1st Raiding Regiment and most recently the 26th Air Flotilla. I'll let MM hold this little island for now, until I'm ready to move up with my invasion fleets.
My early moves, saving Noumea at the expense of assault shipping, are hurting now. I don't have enough APs to haul my troops. I have enough AKs, and I'm beginning to receive LSTs. I'm 2 APs short of having a comfortable amphibious force to carry a USA ID to Port Moresby for the invasion. I have enough APs at Pearl to carry a USA ID to Tabiteuea, but not enough for the operation at Milne Bay - that one will need to either wait, or be done with xAPs/xAKs en masse.
I intend to move on Horn Island with a regiment and base forces (xAP/xAK en masse will suffice), while landing a regiment-plus at Terapo (currently undefended) at the same time as the main action at Moresby. I've demonstrated with my SCTF that he has minimal or no naval search in this area, and I think he expects me to come from the SE directly at the Solomons. I should be able to proceed under LRCAP all the way through D-Day Minus 1. I have CVEs currently at Noumea (though Copahee was sunk by an I-boat several days ago, outside Suva), but I think I will need to use them to cover landings at Tagula and Rossel.
I intend to land enough men and supplies to begin building bases under the IJAAF/IJNAF noses here, namely at Tagula/Tossel and Terapo/Merauke. He can't bomb them all, and I have ready-made fields at Moresby and Milne Bay. Hopefully this further focuses his attention on this area, and should spur a reaction from KB even though my full CVs will not have revealed themselves... leading to an operation against Tabiteuea, which is lightly defended considering its importance to the Gilberts theater.
I made up this image 9 game-days ago. It's currently December 21, and nothing appreciable has changed other than my recon of some areas...
Got a bit of an update about Rabaul, courtesy of USN PB4Y Liberator recon, in a post to follow.
Now that I've sent the December 22 turn off to MM, I can update with details here!
Broadly speaking, I've been looking at this area for my next steps. I know he's expecting me here, but due to some greater recon capabilities (3 units of 5x F-4 Lightnings, the Aussie RC unit of P-43As, B-17s actually keeping 9/10 DL on Moresby, etc.), I am thinking that I see some holes.
Green circles: places I want to take.
Horn Island has been comical. I retook the base in late November, and MM bombed me for days while also dropping some paratroops, and eventually a FT TF dropped off a naval guard unit. I lost about 20 VPs of poor Australian troops, which did suck...however, I've bombed his troops into dust on Horn Island. Literally. I've completely destroyed 2 naval guard units with nothing but airpower, as well as pieces of the 1st Raiding Regiment and most recently the 26th Air Flotilla. I'll let MM hold this little island for now, until I'm ready to move up with my invasion fleets.
My early moves, saving Noumea at the expense of assault shipping, are hurting now. I don't have enough APs to haul my troops. I have enough AKs, and I'm beginning to receive LSTs. I'm 2 APs short of having a comfortable amphibious force to carry a USA ID to Port Moresby for the invasion. I have enough APs at Pearl to carry a USA ID to Tabiteuea, but not enough for the operation at Milne Bay - that one will need to either wait, or be done with xAPs/xAKs en masse.
I intend to move on Horn Island with a regiment and base forces (xAP/xAK en masse will suffice), while landing a regiment-plus at Terapo (currently undefended) at the same time as the main action at Moresby. I've demonstrated with my SCTF that he has minimal or no naval search in this area, and I think he expects me to come from the SE directly at the Solomons. I should be able to proceed under LRCAP all the way through D-Day Minus 1. I have CVEs currently at Noumea (though Copahee was sunk by an I-boat several days ago, outside Suva), but I think I will need to use them to cover landings at Tagula and Rossel.
I intend to land enough men and supplies to begin building bases under the IJAAF/IJNAF noses here, namely at Tagula/Tossel and Terapo/Merauke. He can't bomb them all, and I have ready-made fields at Moresby and Milne Bay. Hopefully this further focuses his attention on this area, and should spur a reaction from KB even though my full CVs will not have revealed themselves... leading to an operation against Tabiteuea, which is lightly defended considering its importance to the Gilberts theater.
- Attachments
-
- PNG121242.jpg (429.76 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
A paper tiger? Is he unwilling to actually commit here, after building up all these bases? Or does he simply trust that he can bring in enough reinforcements in just a couple of days? I think that if I thrust quickly here, he'll crumple. I have sig int that he's reinforcing places like Tinian, Guam, and Ponape but why do that while leaving important forward bases empty? With Rabaul at this strength, I could simply delay my moves on Moresby and the surrounding area so as not to tip him off...and then move as previously planned while also having a followup prepared for the Shortlands, Torokina (kindly built up by MM to Port 1/AF 4), and Rabaul - enough airfields in a small enough area that, if I bring enough aviation support, I can hop plenty of fighters in and establish aerial dominance. And then what's he going to do?
I guess he can try evacuating the Guadalcanal area, where there are ~200 fighters and about 2 divisions on Guadalcanal, and I may not be able to stop him while replenishing my ships and planes from the thrust to cut them off...
But Rabaul would be a gift if he leaves it as it currently stands. In a couple of months, I'll have a dozen LSTs to follow the APs/AKs, and if things continue as they are now I'll just hold off and hold off...and forget about the simultaneous Tabiteuea invasion. KB could show up, but I'll flood the area with subs (with 40% working torpedoes!!!) and so should have advance notice, and I can just melt away. I'm not pressed for time just yet.
Right? Pretty much thinking out loud here.
I guess he can try evacuating the Guadalcanal area, where there are ~200 fighters and about 2 divisions on Guadalcanal, and I may not be able to stop him while replenishing my ships and planes from the thrust to cut them off...
But Rabaul would be a gift if he leaves it as it currently stands. In a couple of months, I'll have a dozen LSTs to follow the APs/AKs, and if things continue as they are now I'll just hold off and hold off...and forget about the simultaneous Tabiteuea invasion. KB could show up, but I'll flood the area with subs (with 40% working torpedoes!!!) and so should have advance notice, and I can just melt away. I'm not pressed for time just yet.
Right? Pretty much thinking out loud here.
- Attachments
-
- RabaulPap..122242.jpg (111.7 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Operation Bard
Because the question is "To be, or not to be..."
Given the developments in SW Pac, I don't know if I want to follow through on this.
Tabiteuea appears to be lightly defended. Only a couple dozen aircraft, known Zero/Betty base, but never more than a few have flown. It probably has the capability to support the sustained operation of about 100 aircraft (I suspect an Air HQ is present). 5 units sighted on the island, with about 10k troops, over several weeks of recon. Middling numbers of guns, and no AFVs. Definitely bite-sized for the USN at this point, assuming the KB doesn't show up - hence my inclination towards provoking them in the SW Pac area. Still close to the Gilberts in terms of the whole map, but far enough away that they can't show up once my invasion fleet for Tabiteuea is detected 2 or 4 days out from landing.
As you can see from the screenshot, almost all of the forces are sitting at Noumea. This is less than ideal as a departure point, given that I would prefer to approach Tabiteuea from the east with the operation I have in mind. Still, I don't want to send them all back to Pearl and load up. I'll sit pretty at Noumea and Luganville for now.
I am also keeping my eyes on Nauru and Ocean Islands periodically. I'd like these bases, but I can't defend them until mid-43, I think.
Because the question is "To be, or not to be..."
Given the developments in SW Pac, I don't know if I want to follow through on this.
Tabiteuea appears to be lightly defended. Only a couple dozen aircraft, known Zero/Betty base, but never more than a few have flown. It probably has the capability to support the sustained operation of about 100 aircraft (I suspect an Air HQ is present). 5 units sighted on the island, with about 10k troops, over several weeks of recon. Middling numbers of guns, and no AFVs. Definitely bite-sized for the USN at this point, assuming the KB doesn't show up - hence my inclination towards provoking them in the SW Pac area. Still close to the Gilberts in terms of the whole map, but far enough away that they can't show up once my invasion fleet for Tabiteuea is detected 2 or 4 days out from landing.
As you can see from the screenshot, almost all of the forces are sitting at Noumea. This is less than ideal as a departure point, given that I would prefer to approach Tabiteuea from the east with the operation I have in mind. Still, I don't want to send them all back to Pearl and load up. I'll sit pretty at Noumea and Luganville for now.
I am also keeping my eyes on Nauru and Ocean Islands periodically. I'd like these bases, but I can't defend them until mid-43, I think.
- Attachments
-
- Tabiteuea121242.jpg (186.54 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Question about USMC 43 Squads...
I notice that I'm beginning to get them into my pools, as of 12/42. However, none of my USMC regiments have a scheduled TOE upgrade if I click "Show soft" in the LCU List screen - it shows a "-" for that column, and looking at the TOE of the units shows that USMC 42 Squads are in the TOE at present. Do I need to combine the USMC units into USMC Divisions in order to get the upgraded squads in my TOE? That would be a shame, as I like the regiment-sized invasions for targets such as Maloelap, Jaluit, etc... and I'd like to move on those once I have Essexes, etc.
I notice that I'm beginning to get them into my pools, as of 12/42. However, none of my USMC regiments have a scheduled TOE upgrade if I click "Show soft" in the LCU List screen - it shows a "-" for that column, and looking at the TOE of the units shows that USMC 42 Squads are in the TOE at present. Do I need to combine the USMC units into USMC Divisions in order to get the upgraded squads in my TOE? That would be a shame, as I like the regiment-sized invasions for targets such as Maloelap, Jaluit, etc... and I'd like to move on those once I have Essexes, etc.
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Question about USMC 43 Squads...
I notice that I'm beginning to get them into my pools, as of 12/42. However, none of my USMC regiments have a scheduled TOE upgrade if I click "Show soft" in the LCU List screen - it shows a "-" for that column, and looking at the TOE of the units shows that USMC 42 Squads are in the TOE at present. Do I need to combine the USMC units into USMC Divisions in order to get the upgraded squads in my TOE? That would be a shame, as I like the regiment-sized invasions for targets such as Maloelap, Jaluit, etc... and I'd like to move on those once I have Essexes, etc.
You don't need to combine units to get the upgrade. I upgraded a regiment-sized unit in San Fran to USMC 43 squads very recently (within the last two or three weeks) with no problems.
- Attachments
-
- Loka.jpg (212.24 KiB) Viewed 349 times
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet
Operation Future Op
What's going on here? Why hasn't he built this up more? I really want to raid here, destroy some Oil points now that it's not worth it for him to repair them, but I also don't want to make him realize that it's weak and leave me without a point to thrust into the DEI if I want to. He's been fortifying Sumatra's west coast and its northern tip, as well as the Andamans, but he hasn't done much here beyond build up Soerabaja and Batavia a little bit. He expanded Soerabaja's refinery by 20. He may have also expanded some industry here. He expanded the repair yard by at least 1 point, but probably 4...
He has built up the Timor area, but that's it. No strong show of airpower on his part here - his Bettys seem to be committed in SOPAC/SEPAC. I've also sighted them on Nav Search/ASW near New Britain and in the Kuriles. I know a big unit of Nells is based at Port Blair, and a big unit of Bettys is based at Hansa Bay, for strike purposes.
He has struck with Helens against my forces in the Darwin area, as I retook those bases. I've since moved back. He's welcome to land here again if he wants to, and waste his fuel. I have no idea why he didn't defend at least the coastal bases, where he could easily withdraw via xAK at worst. No point in letting me take all of those VPs away from him at literally no cost to myself. Granted, I can't use these bases for quite some time due to supply flow issues, but still.
I could tangle with MKB here, but again, that would alert him to weaknesses in the area if I actually get close.
Something that occurred to me as I just typed this up... I could send out an invasion fleet for Cocos Islands. Last time he responded with the MKB and the surface forces in the area. The USN CVs are currently transiting SOPAC, well to the south of his known submarine patrol zones near Noumea/Suva. I intend to take them to Melbourne. I could feasibly have them off Cocos, waiting for his MKB, around mid-January.
However, would this "accomplish" the same thing, and warn him of a threat to his SW flank?
Regardless of all of this labeling of base sizes that I'm doing, I've noticed that he's been building airfields everywhere. Just everywhere. It gives the appearance that he's strong in all places, but that's just not possible. The Rabaul pic above may illustrate that...
He's been spotting my CVEs in transit near Suva. Hopefully he thinks something is up in this theater, which would make a hit near Java even more surprising to him, I think.
What's going on here? Why hasn't he built this up more? I really want to raid here, destroy some Oil points now that it's not worth it for him to repair them, but I also don't want to make him realize that it's weak and leave me without a point to thrust into the DEI if I want to. He's been fortifying Sumatra's west coast and its northern tip, as well as the Andamans, but he hasn't done much here beyond build up Soerabaja and Batavia a little bit. He expanded Soerabaja's refinery by 20. He may have also expanded some industry here. He expanded the repair yard by at least 1 point, but probably 4...
He has built up the Timor area, but that's it. No strong show of airpower on his part here - his Bettys seem to be committed in SOPAC/SEPAC. I've also sighted them on Nav Search/ASW near New Britain and in the Kuriles. I know a big unit of Nells is based at Port Blair, and a big unit of Bettys is based at Hansa Bay, for strike purposes.
He has struck with Helens against my forces in the Darwin area, as I retook those bases. I've since moved back. He's welcome to land here again if he wants to, and waste his fuel. I have no idea why he didn't defend at least the coastal bases, where he could easily withdraw via xAK at worst. No point in letting me take all of those VPs away from him at literally no cost to myself. Granted, I can't use these bases for quite some time due to supply flow issues, but still.
I could tangle with MKB here, but again, that would alert him to weaknesses in the area if I actually get close.
Something that occurred to me as I just typed this up... I could send out an invasion fleet for Cocos Islands. Last time he responded with the MKB and the surface forces in the area. The USN CVs are currently transiting SOPAC, well to the south of his known submarine patrol zones near Noumea/Suva. I intend to take them to Melbourne. I could feasibly have them off Cocos, waiting for his MKB, around mid-January.
However, would this "accomplish" the same thing, and warn him of a threat to his SW flank?
Regardless of all of this labeling of base sizes that I'm doing, I've noticed that he's been building airfields everywhere. Just everywhere. It gives the appearance that he's strong in all places, but that's just not possible. The Rabaul pic above may illustrate that...
He's been spotting my CVEs in transit near Suva. Hopefully he thinks something is up in this theater, which would make a hit near Java even more surprising to him, I think.
- Attachments
-
- Java122242.jpg (410.41 KiB) Viewed 349 times