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

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

AMCs are almost entirely worthless as raiders....they can't fight their way thru a paperbag, at least for me. Use your AMCs to shepherd oilers or amphibious invasions, or evacuations, or as almost an AP.

The perfect raider setup is two or three destroyers with an xak in reserve to provide fuel...the destroyers go to town on convoy, and can usually escape bigger threats with only a few hits. Use Glen equipped subs to be the eyes and ears around the target area. Plus the Allies really gotta wonder about how the destroyers got fuel.

The Oi and her sister ship make great raiders, with 40 torps each, if you didn't upgrade them. However, they have very little fuel on board and you need to overcome that obstacle.

Forgot to mention the Tone class is I think the most fuel efficient CA in the IJN, combined with 5 float planes, she makes a fearsome raider. Very, very fast too.

AMCs can sink merchants aplenty. Depending on crew experience and commanders, they can take on pre-war DDs as well, especially early on in the game: those AMCs have cruiser-size guns. Just a couple of hits will put a hurting on a DD.


As for a waiting game, well...

[Lowpe]

They have to hit the destroyers...I never can manage that. Plus, they launch all their torpedoes at the destroyers too, missing them, instead of using them on the fat merchants.

I have yet to beat a destroyer with an AMC. My bad luck. They do work well on ships protected by yard ships and such.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I am not risking a whole lot. My Radier du war, the Tone, a support destroyer. This time she is joined by a CL and another destroyer supported with a CS which is staying pretty back and should be very low risk.

The Tone, which has raided quite often, striking at Karachi once netting several xak and three juicy 20 VP AMCs, and at Perth nailing a tanker, several xaks, an xap or two and two more dinky amcs. I feel that when the Tone goes down, she will have earned her fuel.

But my point is that if the Allies don't feel they need to protect all their lines then an even bigger hammer falls on Japan. I want him having to click and set patrols, hunt raiders. Hopefully just a few Japanese ships can tie down a whole bunch more Allied.

Yes, the Allies are huge, but the mental shock of having raiders show up in unexpected places is great...at least when it happens to me.

Not risking a lot!!!!!?????!!!

A CS is a CVL. Even without conversion using float fighters make them a low CAP CVL for the KB in addition to supplying the much needed extra search that can make a huge difference in a CV battle. The Tone is a modern CA and you don't get even close to enough of those as Japan. They're still really useful as the game goes on due to their speed and punch.

I can't say I didn't also risk these high value ships, but I would advocate now against it. The shock to the Allies is minimal unless you manage to stumble on and sink some CVEs or a division on board transports. It all can happen, but there are other ways to get him thinking that his rear areas are in danger.

Have you been able to take advantage of the 21 hex range of the G3M3 and LR recon yet?

Have you sent out hunter/killer sub groups led by a few Glen subs and using the other 20+ knot I-boats? With those if you catch something there's little risk for you and a LOT for him, especially if he's not using enough escort.

Anyway, I know this is fun, and I did a LOT of port raids and a few deep ocean raids with a really optimistic idea it would do something for me. The KB raids were more effective, but the deep ocean raids weren't. As the game got further toward the end I realized for me the gamble outweighed the benefit.

[Lowpe]

Well, we will see what the outcome of this little operation will be...

I am using my 23 knot Subs aggressively, in fact there are two in this operation with the Tone.

PS: I don't think I would ever dream of using a CS with the KB to use 20 float fighters in a low CAP role. I always have some Zeroes doing that...in general I don't like putting the CS with the KB, except back a few hexes for search when longer legged floats are available.

Also, I am not sold on the CVL conversion, it is so long (2/3 of a year) right when you can use the CS to accomplish some interesting missions. However, now that I am getting two CVLs on the morrow, they will get stuffed with fighters for KB so maybe I will change my mind? I hate this game, always changing my mind.[:D]

[Lowpe]

Aug 28, 1943

No night bombing.

Rockets advance another month.[:)] KI-100 advances too. Irving SA advances tomorrow.

Lots of anti sub operations to no surface effect, planes might be different. My Hunter Killer group (1DD, 3E, radar, mortars) engages twice for one indirect hit. Unfortunately the W class E is the only E to engage, and they lack the mortar). A Dutch sub manages to sneak a torpedo into a 8k tanker, who will make port safely.

5,000 supplies unloading at Kusaie, but the ships are spotted, we will see what happens, as there is a Fletcher task force south, south east 450 miles away.

I sent 6 Emilies on a port raid against Madras. They run into British fighter bombers, and the combat report lists 2 destroyed. End of day report lists 5 destroyed. Looking at the squadron all planes returned and now in maintenance...not one gone.[:)]

[Lowpe]

Another depressing new month of Allied plane models coming up. 38 B24Js, the first Mustang, Spitfires (thank goodness they have short range), a nifty New Zealand torpedo bomber with radar, attack bombers, more nightfighters....ugh.

I will get Ki100-I, the first Jack (no plans on making it), and something else that eludes me right now - must not be memorable (oh yeah, two lesser Tonies with better lines).

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Well, we will see what the outcome of this little operation will be...

I am using my 23 knot Subs aggressively, in fact there are two in this operation with the Tone.

PS: I don't think I would ever dream of using a CS with the KB to use 20 float fighters in a low CAP role. I always have some Zeroes doing that...in general I don't like putting the CS with the KB, except back a few hexes for search when longer legged floats are available.

Also, I am not sold on the CVL conversion, it is so long (2/3 of a year) right when you can use the CS to accomplish some interesting missions. However, now that I am getting two CVLs on the morrow, they will get stuffed with fighters for KB so maybe I will change my mind? I hate this game, always changing my mind.[:D]

I don't convert the CS (excepting the Mizuho due to its improvement in speed) and use Jakes, Rufes, Rexes and Norm in some combinations. They work well in the slower part of the KB, the Kaga/Junyo/Hiyo TF. Or with CVL/CVE. It does work. It's a lot of extra planes to search and the FF do just fine on lower level CAP or a low level escort.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Another depressing new month of Allied plane models coming up. 38 B24Js, the first Mustang, Spitfires (thank goodness they have short range), a nifty New Zealand torpedo bomber with radar, attack bombers, more nightfighters....ugh.

I will get Ki100-I, the first Jack (no plans on making it), and something else that eludes me right now - must not be memorable (oh yeah, two lesser Tonies with better lines).

It's more than 38 B-24J. It's the production plus the replacements, so more like 55. Can't remember the exact number. A lot more than before. [:)]

[topeverest]

I don't recall the status of the KB, can you clarify what your CV fleet has, and how experienced the pilots are?

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Another depressing new month of Allied plane models coming up. 38 B24Js, the first Mustang, Spitfires (thank goodness they have short range), a nifty New Zealand torpedo bomber with radar, attack bombers, more nightfighters....ugh.

I will get Ki100-I, the first Jack (no plans on making it), and something else that eludes me right now - must not be memorable (oh yeah, two lesser Tonies with better lines).

It's more than 38 B-24J. It's the production plus the replacements, so more like 55. Can't remember the exact number. A lot more than before. [:)]

It won't show on the IJ side, but I'm pretty sure that Tracker adds together on the Allied side at least.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Another depressing new month of Allied plane models coming up. 38 B24Js, the first Mustang, Spitfires (thank goodness they have short range), a nifty New Zealand torpedo bomber with radar, attack bombers, more nightfighters....ugh.

I will get Ki100-I, the first Jack (no plans on making it), and something else that eludes me right now - must not be memorable (oh yeah, two lesser Tonies with better lines).

It's more than 38 B-24J. It's the production plus the replacements, so more like 55. Can't remember the exact number. A lot more than before. [:)]

Really the formula is production + replacements + reinforcements. Just nasty.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: topeverest

I don't recall the status of the KB, can you clarify what your CV fleet has, and how experienced the pilots are?

I just got the Taiho, and two converted CS. Lost the Zuikaku and the Hiyo. Pretty decent, but I am not looking for a CV to CV clash...the worst I want is a KB to CVE clash over an invasion cite.

I want a fleet in being for a long time. Can I do it?[:)]

[Lowpe]

Aug 29, 1943

No night bombing.

Lots of sub action. Allies have an solid picket line around Sabang to Georgetown and lots of subs in the Truk, Ponape, Kusaie area. Not so much anywhere else...and huge convoys are ferrying oil, fuel and resources out of the SRA at a huge clip; cargo ships by their lonesome are plying the Hokkaido, Sakhalin and Fusan routes without losses.

My hunter killer group (1 radar DD, 3Es) ran the Destroyer empty, the previous day a W class E ran empty and returned to Truk for supplies. The mortars have yet to engage....[&:]

An Iboat attacks two xaks and a yard sweeper on the surface, heavily damages or sinks both xaks (which had fuel in them) but also takes a pounding in return, especially by their AA guns. Ouch. Another Iboat is destroyed by 5 destroyers as she tried to penetrate their screen near Johnston Island. Lousy, funky, top secret American ASW weapons forced her to surface....

Air ASW assets report the sinking of a Yank sub near Ponape and a dozen hits all over. Destroyers and Es, despite numerous encounters, score only a half dozen glancing hits.

An S boat sneaks thru the ASW efforts on the KB, and gets a torpedo into the Kaga. Damage is light, the task force veered off their planned course of travel and instead routed themselves thru the American sub forest around Truk. I guess they saw something, but search reveals no threats other than subs, which are plentiful...like leaves in the fall.

Today, also marks the first use of Allied assault bombers in an anti-shippping role. Four of them, protected by Hurricanes (Oscars get a half dozen or more) make a run against two APDs at Car Nicobar, and plant two 500 pounders on one of the APD....89 fire. Ouch. I like those ships...can't bring myself to scuttle, but I don't want to lose the Captain either. So I disbanded her in port, where she will most likely get crispier before the end.

4000 supplies landed at Kusaie. Yeah! Food and ammo for a week.[:)]

[Lowpe]

The older DCs just don't get deep enough...

[Lowpe]

The final ride of I-8...she takes two xaks with her.

[Lowpe]

After looking at those 20 hex heavy bombers coming online, in scant days, I made the mistake of looking at the next months new arrivals and the Corsair will now be CV capable. A6M5c vs Corsair will simply be unbelievable death on my part...and it will be a long time if ever I get something better on Carriers.

Between the Jugs and now with the CV Corsair, I am in deep, deep trouble.[:(] I will not be able to defend anything within extended range of the Jugs, and at sea the Yank CVs will most likely be able to roam freely, only worrying about subs or suicidal attacks.

So the air force will continue its mission of defending 10 hexes from Allied bases, with George sky high to combat Lightning sweeps, and the other fighters stacked underneath. Occasional traps...but more search to understand Yank attacks sooner rather than later.

I will be relying upon my AA units to protect bases within 9 hexes of the Allies, and will need to put up a masterful defense here to slow the Yanks.

Not to mention, I feel that the Yanks are massing for a massive deep strike against the Empire...and there is precious little I have to stop him with. At some point, the Allies will get sloppy and then I will have to pounce.

Hopefully, I can continue to prepare for the hammer blow for the next two months...before the air war turns even worse for me. I fear the attack/invasion in Indochina...and will pull even more troops back to form a reserve. I can't afford to lose those troops...

[Lowpe]

August 30, 1943

No night bombing.

Allies sweep the base north of Bangkok, then bomb it heavily. I had 70 Tojo's there, supported by the fighters from Bangkok, and I end up losing 50 planes in air to air, and another 16 on the ground. Allied losses are a dozen, more than half jugs. Those Lightnings were spotted at 46,000 feet![X(]

My bad for not moving them to Bangkok, but I didn't want to overstack Bangkok anymore than it already is...soon it will be size 8.

The upgraded Es see more action, and plenty of aerial attacks on subs....9 CAs spotted heading towards Ontong, invasion force for the Kavieng area?




Hey, I realize it is small consolation for losing 7-1 in fighter planes, but I will take any silver lining each turn.[:)]

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe


Hey, I realize it is small consolation for losing 7-1 in fighter planes, but I will take any silver lining each turn.[:)]

Play Downfall as Japan if you really want to find the silver lining in every turn [:D]

[ny59giants]

Carrier Capable Corsairs - I placed them in the best of the best CV air groups to act as CAP only in the beginning of their deployment while leaving the Hellcat F6F-3s for both Escort and some CAP.

Allied subs - From now to the end, the monthly output will be about 6 or more. [X(] This will strain your ASW efforts to the max to sink them. In August '44, I'm only losing about 1 to 2 per month (mainly in shallow water). The math is not in your favor. [:-]

P-47s - Not until you get the Frank 'r' can your airforce afford to go head-to-head with them (I'm using dbb air data). IMO, rather than try to reach up to their max altitude, I would layer CAP down around 20k or below to try to get them down there.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Carrier Capable Corsairs - I placed them in the best of the best CV air groups to act as CAP only in the beginning of their deployment while leaving the Hellcat F6F-3s for both Escort and some CAP.

Allied subs - From now to the end, the monthly output will be about 6 or more. [X(] This will strain your ASW efforts to the max to sink them. In August '44, I'm only losing about 1 to 2 per month (mainly in shallow water). The math is not in your favor. [:-]

P-47s - Not until you get the Frank 'r' can your airforce afford to go head-to-head with them (I'm using dbb air data). IMO, rather than try to reach up to their max altitude, I would layer CAP down around 20k or below to try to get them down there.

Thanks for the tips on Allied usage.[&o]

The only time I layer cap above 15K is where George is present and within Lightning range. OH, I also usually have some high CAP when the KB is out and about and within range of goofy 4Es. Not many, but a little. But given the high speed advantage even low dogfights are to the Jugs advantage I believe, but at least it is playing to my plane strengths and hot his.

I am trying to avoid the P47, and only engage within Lightning ranges or at worst extended Jugs range for a day or two.

American subs, subs and more subs.[:(] After giving it lots of thoughts, and checking my air squadron reinforcements, I have decided to make in very small numbers some Lornas. In real life they dropped depth charges and Japan made over 200 of them. They will be my elite aerial sub hunting force...