Advice wanted: getting fuel and supplies to Lunga and Tulagi

[DarkFib3r]

I am playing the Guadalcanal scenario and have taken Lunga and Tulagi. I have also managed to drop off some supplies to each island, although they both have 0 fuel. But the Japanese obviously threaten future resupply operations with bombers from Rabaul along with numerous surface groups, subs, and their dreaded carrier groups. I would like to get Henderson up and running by dropping off some fuel, but I am unsure how to do this with a single shipment via cross loading.

Is there anything special I need to do to set up a cross loaded transport, cargo ship, or armed merchant? I seem to be able to load one type of supply at a time (e.g. supplies, fuel), but not both at the same time. I would like to rush in a cross loaded cargo ship with surface and air group support and deliver both supplies AND fuel to the target base. The manual speaks of cross loading but does not give interface examples on how to do it. Could someone give me a quick pointer on this?

Or perhaps there is a better way? I have tried using some of my longer range bombers to deliver supply, but I can't tell if they are actually delivering anything. It certainly does not seem like they are delivering any fuel. I have sent in cargo transports with cruiser support and they seem to be able to fend off enemy air attacks and drop off some cargo. But I am too scared to send in a tanker or an oiler, preferring to lose a smaller amount of fuel and a less valuable ship if the resupply ship is sunk. Your ideas on how to resupply these islands (or any island under threat) are welcome!

[DConn]

You don't need fuel for an airfield, only for naval units. Supply is all you need.

[btd64]

Ok, first you don't need fuel to build up the base. Just supply. Second, if you want to load supply and fuel in the same TF, create a transport TF with xAK's and tankers and set it to load supply. The tankers with load fuel while the cargo ships load supply. Also there are some cargo ships that have supply and fuel holds....GP

[DarkFib3r]

Mind blown.

I had no idea that only naval units need/use fuel! Wow, that changes a few things. Thanks!

[obvert]

You only need supply to base planes at Lunga and have them operate normally.

Fuel in game is only used to make naval vessels or HI run.

Some transports can carry both fuel and supply. The fuel amount is very small, but it can add up. You don't need fuel at Lunga though except for PT boats, most likely. Those will also help protect the base when you're brining other transports in.

[rustysi]

ORIGINAL: DarkFib3r

Mind blown.

I had no idea that only naval units need/use fuel! Wow, that changes a few things. Thanks!

Noob.[:D]

P.S. I only say that because I'm not that far removed myself.

[paradigmblue]

ORIGINAL: General Patton

Ok, first you don't need fuel to build up the base. Just supply. Second, if you want to load supply and fuel in the same TF, create a transport TF with xAK's and tankers and set it to load supply. The tankers with load fuel while the cargo ships load supply. Also there are some cargo ships that have supply and fuel holds....GP

I had no idea this was possible.

I feel like an idiot now. Running my supply convoys just got a lot simpler.

[CaptBeefheart]

I'd bring some fuel there in small xAKs or xAKLs so you can operate PTs. They will load fuel up to 50% of cargo capacity and they will unload much quicker than TKs or AOs (plus, they're more expendable).

EDIT: Also be sure to select "Do Not Refuel" for TFs going there or they'll suck the place dry.

Cheers,
CC

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: paradigmblue

ORIGINAL: General Patton

Ok, first you don't need fuel to build up the base. Just supply. Second, if you want to load supply and fuel in the same TF, create a transport TF with xAK's and tankers and set it to load supply. The tankers with load fuel while the cargo ships load supply. Also there are some cargo ships that have supply and fuel holds....GP

I had no idea this was possible.

I feel like an idiot now. Running my supply convoys just got a lot simpler.

Keep in mind that if you operate a TRANSPORT TF, you need to dock it to effectively unload - and Lunga probably has a very small port right now. I much prefer to use amphib TFs for small bases, or as some have suggested, use a series of small xAKL cargo TFs that can dock at a small port.

[geofflambert]

ORIGINAL: Conn

You don't need fuel for an airfield, only for naval units. Supply is all you need.

You've been here since September of 2000 and you've used this occasion to make your 15th post ever? I can't keep my trap shut for a day.

Anyways, a tip for when you're playing the grand campaign, I always dump enough supplies for many months when I do an amphibious landing. If you load them in the same TF as the troops, the troops will be more spread out and the cost of losing a ship or two to subs is less.
Much of the time supply should be landed amphibiously. You need a port to unload fuel and heavy equipment, and if you don't have air superiority it is problematic to dock there. IIRC ships unloading amphibiously will not be subject to attack when the opponent orders a port attack.

[geofflambert]

Oh, and Conn, I know a couple who live in Cedar Rapids, and they say "Cedar Rapids, only 500 miles from anywhere you want to be." [:D]

[NigelKentarus]

A lot of times I will create 2 separate TF's, load 1 with supply and the other with fuel. Then set the same destination and have 1 TF merge with the other. That way you have 1 TF loaded with both fuel and supplies.

[DConn]

"Oh, and Conn, I know a couple who live in Cedar Rapids, and they say "Cedar Rapids, only 500 miles from anywhere you want to be."

I've actually posted a lot more, but I've had trouble with my profile and things have gotten a little screwed up!

Concur about Cedar Rapids--I haven't lived there for 12+ years now, but can't get my location changed in my profile!