Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[pws1225]

Us too.

[Lowpe]

More thoughts on the your builds:

Oscars are nice, but their day in the sun is rapidly diminishing and it is becoming the day of the Frank and Tony. The d model Tony and above are definitely worth getting and using in large numbers. The Frank A makes for as good a kamikaze if not better than the Oscar IV in the end game. The Sr1 Ki100I is simply wonderful in this mod.

In fact, considering you will need to build 3times as many Army as Navy fighters I think you aren't giving them the focus they need.

Also, I see no Nicks. They do fulfill a role and I think you will need them. Considering almost all light bomber squadrons can upgrade to the Nick you can field more than 5 squadrons...the Nick can give you deep defense against unescorted bombers, provide strafing bombing ability versus Chinese and enemy shipping.

What about night fighters. The Nick NF doens't come along until 4/44 and you will need an Army NF to help the Irving.

And finally, I don't see any of the Army Divebombers -- the Lilly IIb and IIc. These squadrons can hit with two bombs out to 9 hexes and work out of very small bases. Very flexible anti-ship Army planes with good legs.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

More thoughts on the your builds:

Oscars are nice, but their day in the sun is rapidly diminishing and it is becoming the day of the Frank and Tony. The d model Tony and above are definitely worth getting and using in large numbers. The Frank A makes for as good a kamikaze if not better than the Oscar IV in the end game. The Sr1 Ki100I is simply wonderful in this mod.

In fact, considering you will need to build 3times as many Army as Navy fighters I think you aren't giving them the focus they need.

Also, I see no Nicks. They do fulfill a role and I think you will need them. Considering almost all light bomber squadrons can upgrade to the Nick you can field more than 5 squadrons...the Nick can give you deep defense against unescorted bombers, provide strafing bombing ability versus Chinese and enemy shipping.

What about night fighters. The Nick NF doens't come along until 4/44 and you will need an Army NF to help the Irving.

And finally, I don't see any of the Army Divebombers -- the Lilly IIb and IIc. These squadrons can hit with two bombs out to 9 hexes and work out of very small bases. Very flexible anti-ship Army planes with good legs.

Agree with Lowpe here on the Nick Ia version (nothing better for FB until the Randy comes along) and the Ki-100. The Tony line of R & D is so long that once you get the early factories repaired and it's researching the Tony Ia, just move 1 x 30 factory up through the chain, step by step, to the Ki-100 and start researching it directly. Even moving it forward into 44 would help a bit, but early 44 would be a game changer with CL 20mm, service 1 and 380mph.

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

More thoughts on the your builds:

Oscars are nice, but their day in the sun is rapidly diminishing and it is becoming the day of the Frank and Tony. The d model Tony and above are definitely worth getting and using in large numbers. The Frank A makes for as good a kamikaze if not better than the Oscar IV in the end game. The Sr1 Ki100I is simply wonderful in this mod.

In fact, considering you will need to build 3times as many Army as Navy fighters I think you aren't giving them the focus they need.

Also, I see no Nicks. They do fulfill a role and I think you will need them. Considering almost all light bomber squadrons can upgrade to the Nick you can field more than 5 squadrons...the Nick can give you deep defense against unescorted bombers, provide strafing bombing ability versus Chinese and enemy shipping.

What about night fighters. The Nick NF doens't come along until 4/44 and you will need an Army NF to help the Irving.

And finally, I don't see any of the Army Divebombers -- the Lilly IIb and IIc. These squadrons can hit with two bombs out to 9 hexes and work out of very small bases. Very flexible anti-ship Army planes with good legs.

Agree with Lowpe here on the Nick Ia version (nothing better for FB until the Randy comes along) and the Ki-100. The Tony line of R & D is so long that once you get the early factories repaired and it's researching the Tony Ia, just move 1 x 30 factory up through the chain, step by step, to the Ki-100 and start researching it directly. Even moving it forward into 44 would help a bit, but early 44 would be a game changer with CL 20mm, service 1 and 380mph.

The only problem is that high service rating fighters are a liability at a base where there is not a rail line. As an Allied player I like it when they are defending isolated bases. A couple of sweeps and the bulk of them are hanger queens just waiting for the 4Es. It is a tough choice but you got to have some service level 1 fighters. I suppose if you produce enough zeros, then they can fill the bill.

[John 3rd]

Lots of good advice. OK. Let us be honest. I haven't gone this deep into an AE Game since dan and I got into 1945 in War in the Pacific. You got me. That does not count as an AE Game but that is it.

I know Tony and Tojo plus the great value of the Frank. After that that is about it. Simple reality with going deep into the game. Totally concur regarding the Army side of air research. Am a IJN man and not Army. ANY advice that will avoid pratfalls will be HIGHLY welcome. Please sound off on this.

I am building small numbers of Nicks. Could expand them. The Tony quick research listed above (aiming for the -100) makes sense.

Bring me more advice and/or thoughts please...

[John 3rd]

May 21, 1943

Gang. We have an unidentified target moving five hexes a day steadily west.

The decision is made.

1. The entire Kido Butai is ordered to Saipan.
2. Oilers carrying 62,000 Fuel depart Babeldoap to be there when needed. There is already 60,000 Fuel pre-positioned at this valuable base.
3. CV Junyo and consorts will depart Singapore along with all the CVEs heading for Saipan.
4. Two of the available four Infantry Divisions start loading (at Balikpapan and at sea five hexes south of Balikpapan) heading to the Marianas.
5. The Air Reserve begins to 'lean' in this direction.
6. Ships stationed at Ambon and Makassar prepare to load two Army Air Division HQ to provide air support and TT ability.

IF we spot the approaching storm then the remaining pair of ID will begin loading and head for the Marianas as well.

Here is the Radio Intel:

[John 3rd]

Based on the last two days, here is the present course of the unknown bogey. I have overlaid the Search Arcs as well:

[John 3rd]

My noble opponent is going to overly great lengths to 'sell' concern elsewhere. As stated earlier, I've allowed his single ship TF BS to approach without me showing my hand. Well...that changes tomorrow. Fly in several groups of Judy DB to 'welcome' all those shown on this cutting of the Marshalls. Should serve to send a bit of a message.

If I am wrong then...well...the Fleet will still be closer to the enemy then sitting at Kendari.

[John 3rd]

May 21, 1943

A great victory is rapidly approaching at Sumatra. The hex next to Sabang on the eastern coast road (44,71) is taken by a decisive attack. Three Japanese ID crush several battered Allied ID and Regiments. The attack scores a 3-1 with Japan taking 1159 Cas in exchange for 2621 Cas, 50 Guns, and 137 Vehicles. SEVEN units are forced to retreat.

As they retreat, they can hear the boom of naval artiallery as both the 3 BBs and 4 BCs bombard Sabang this day. Combined results are 1,147 Cas, 57 Guns, 95 Vehicles, and 103 Runway Hits.

PLAN
The four ID on the eastern coast road will hold in place and not advance on Sabang.

The 2nd TK Division and two ID will blast the 1st Marine Division from their location SW of Sabang. It will take a few days for the two ID to get there so that will enable me to move the BCs over to the west side to deliver a shore bombardment prior to the assault.

Want to force the troops there onto the coastal plain west of Sabang and then drive them INTO Sabang. This will over stack the base and make taking MUCH easier...

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

More thoughts on the your builds:

Oscars are nice, but their day in the sun is rapidly diminishing and it is becoming the day of the Frank and Tony. The d model Tony and above are definitely worth getting and using in large numbers. The Frank A makes for as good a kamikaze if not better than the Oscar IV in the end game. The Sr1 Ki100I is simply wonderful in this mod.

In fact, considering you will need to build 3times as many Army as Navy fighters I think you aren't giving them the focus they need.

Also, I see no Nicks. They do fulfill a role and I think you will need them. Considering almost all light bomber squadrons can upgrade to the Nick you can field more than 5 squadrons...the Nick can give you deep defense against unescorted bombers, provide strafing bombing ability versus Chinese and enemy shipping.

What about night fighters. The Nick NF doens't come along until 4/44 and you will need an Army NF to help the Irving.

And finally, I don't see any of the Army Divebombers -- the Lilly IIb and IIc. These squadrons can hit with two bombs out to 9 hexes and work out of very small bases. Very flexible anti-ship Army planes with good legs.

Agree with Lowpe here on the Nick Ia version (nothing better for FB until the Randy comes along) and the Ki-100. The Tony line of R & D is so long that once you get the early factories repaired and it's researching the Tony Ia, just move 1 x 30 factory up through the chain, step by step, to the Ki-100 and start researching it directly. Even moving it forward into 44 would help a bit, but early 44 would be a game changer with CL 20mm, service 1 and 380mph.

The only problem is that high service rating fighters are a liability at a base where there is not a rail line. As an Allied player I like it when they are defending isolated bases. A couple of sweeps and the bulk of them are hanger queens just waiting for the 4Es. It is a tough choice but you got to have some service level 1 fighters. I suppose if you produce enough zeros, then they can fill the bill.

With 400+ A6M and almost 400 Ki-44 a month, John will have a plethora of point defense service 1 fighters that can work through mid-44. In this mod the A6M8 comes much earlier and will fill the gap until the Sam and Ki-100 come in (hopefully) mid to late 44. That is why I'd allocate good R & D to the Tony line and support the Sam.

Actually though, you're used to fighting Georges that go 365mph with their service 3. These go 393mph+ and may not need a second day very often if well used. I certainly would not want to sweep bases defended by those a a frank that is 10+ mph faster than stock, plus the souped up Tony line and better than usual A6Ms with armor.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

My noble opponent is going to overly great lengths to 'sell' concern elsewhere. As stated earlier, I've allowed his single ship TF BS to approach without me showing my hand. Well...that changes tomorrow. Fly in several groups of Judy DB to 'welcome' all those shown on this cutting of the Marshalls. Should serve to send a bit of a message.

If I am wrong then...well...the Fleet will still be closer to the enemy then sitting at Kendari.

Since you make 75 a month of them anyway ([;)]) just send Jakes out there at 10 hex 20% search (no search arcs) low naval attack at 1k. They can operate from dot hexes so he won't get closer than 10 hexes from any dot base even. Just fly a bit of supply in and a few air support from a local HQ or base force and you have a quick strike base for picket incursions. Taongi would even work and fill in some holes for you too.

Much better range than the Judy and even 2 x 60kg from some Jakes will get these xAK, SC, YMS, AM or whatever ships burning up. Less supply cost than dropping 250s on a yard sweeper or coastal tramp steamer

[Lowpe]

Army Ftr sentai expand dramatically in 1st qtr 44. 1,000 plane expansion if memory serves.

Navy sentai withdraw in 3rd qtr 44.

You need better Army fighters, Army night fighters to counter the 1/44 opening of the strategic air war (wasn't that when Allied night bombing in Obvert vs Jocke started with Obvert having only the Irving?) Being behind the curve in NF really stinks.

3/44 Expect your first B29 strikes.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: crsutton


The only problem is that high service rating fighters are a liability at a base where there is not a rail line. As an Allied player I like it when they are defending isolated bases. A couple of sweeps and the bulk of them are hanger queens just waiting for the 4Es. It is a tough choice but you got to have some service level 1 fighters. I suppose if you produce enough zeros, then they can fill the bill.

That still leaves Burma, Thailand, SRA, Luzon, China, Honshu. Lots of ground where Franks can really do well.

Plus you can still use them offensively pretty well from isolated bases.

[John 3rd]

May 23, 1943

NOTHING.

Boring. I KNOW he is about but haven't SEEN anything. Blasted a few of those YMS ships that he is continiously sending on suicide missions. I hate this one ship TF--test the waters--stuff.


Have started some changes in the air research area and plan to post them for you guys. Really appreciate the HELPFUL thoughts on fighters and night fighters!

[John 3rd]

May 24, 1943

A REAL target is acquired. Emily's from Marcus pick-up this:

[John 3rd]

Name of this game is not to over-react. Dan LOVES his decoys. While the single-ship TF are a pain and easily can be seen as decoys something like this is another whole level of development. The Japanese TF behind the target are three APD sent down to investigate from the Aleutians. Wish they were DDs.

Don't 'see' any heavy units. No CVs. They could be on EMCON and following the transports...maybe...or MAYBE they are somewhere else.

We'll keep tracking and chart a course following the one below.

Decisions:
1. Load 4th ID at Soerabaja.
2. Load 116th ID at Darwin.
3. Load the 6th and 7th Air Divisions at Makassar and Kendari.
4. CV Junyo and 3 CVE depart Singapore for Soerabaja. They will meet up with 3 more CVE in a couple of days.
5. Leave Air Power where it currently is. Need just two days to move 3-500 aircraft so no big deal there.

Developments:
1. The Kido Butai will put in at Saipan tomorrow. There it shall refuel.
2. The two early loaded IDs are now past Balikpapan heading for the Marianas.

Just checked the bases at the Marianas. Pagan, Saipan, Tinian, and Guam all have an Inf Brigade or Division plus construction units. Forts are 4 or 5.

[John 3rd]

That force is a decoy.

Three APD sink two single ship TF. YET AGAIN--Single ship TF( an SC and YMS). They'll hit the area again next turn and we'll confirm things.

[John 3rd]

May 26, 1943

As said I have started taking my frustration out on Dan's little sailing jaunts feeling out my defenses and air search. We've bagged a nice number of little 1 VP ships (YMS/SC) but this day finds a much nicer bag. A large Daitai of Judy flying out of Ndeni find three older American DDs. The 39 DB line-up for target practice and sink all three of them. NICE! Old but still useful.

[John 3rd]

May 26, 1943

OK. We'll NOT rule out those ships north of Midway. My two APD find BIG GAME on the 26th. BB Oklahoma and Ramillies plus a CA, CL, CLAA and 3 DD quickly sink my ships but valuable intel is gained.

KB refuels this turn and will wait two days for the addition of 2 CVL, 4 CA, 6 DD. Once these ships strengthen the Force it will shall move NE. There are targets there and they can easily be dispatched. Waiting those two days will help with this decision...

Tomorrow will see CV Hiyo link-up with 3 CVE at Soerabaja. The combined TF will have the freshly repaired carrier and 6 CVE acting together. They carry a respectable 107 Zero, 21 Judy, and 57 Jill. Will decide on whether to move them NE or keep them in the DEI as a deterrence and reaction force.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

May 26, 1943

As said I have started taking my frustration out on Dan's little sailing jaunts feeling out my defenses and air search. We've bagged a nice number of little 1 VP ships (YMS/SC) but this day finds a much nicer bag. A large Daitai of Judy flying out of Ndeni find three older American DDs. The 39 DB line-up for target practice and sink all three of them. NICE! Old but still useful.

Is that a 10 hex strike with Judys? [&:]

That is the kind of strike I like to see Lilly IIb making: 9-11 hexes hitting a destroyer squadron before it rushes in to cause havoc etc.