Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[ny59giants]

Since the Frank A upgrades directly to the B model, you should be able to go into the Economy (J button) and upgrade directly rather than wait for the AI to do so.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I seem to recall that the Frank A upgrades to the Frank B in this game...is that right?

With the DS hanging around, where are your large tanker convoys...still near Singers? What are your plans for them?

And finally, it seems like you have a production of 30 night fighters a month?

TK Convoy 5 is just passing Cam Rahn Bay.

Don't have many night fighters since he isn't doing any form of night attacks.

[Chickenboy]

This discussion about night fighter pools is all very interesting...BUT WHAT ABOUT THE AMBUSH?

[John 3rd]

July 5, 1944
Luganville

Japan's plan works to PERFECTION! We get our first clean victory since losing the war (Battlestar Galactica quote).

The High Speed run places the Japanese within striking distance of multiple TFs. We react towards the Allied carriers and for the first time in a year, Japan's CVs turn into the wind and launch! Into the skies climb 69 Sam/M8, 49 Judy, and 44 Jills. They easily brush aside the Allied CAP of 29 Fighters and PLASTER the Allied CV TF. An afternoon strike of 45 F, 13 Judy, and 33 Jills add to the carnage while a second afternoon strike (11 Zero and 22 Judy) hits an Allied STF.

Allied counter attacks are 15 F, 10 SBD and 3 Avenger, and 15 Fighters and 11 SBD. They are crushed by 60 Sam/ZERO without a single bomb/TT hitting the water or any AA fire needed.

At the end of the day--for sure sunk--the totals are:
CVE Copahee, CVE Altamaha, CVE Long Island, CL Kenya, and 2 DDs

Heavily Damaged/Sinking condition:
CVL Hermes 4 B/2TT, CL Newfoundland 3 B/1TT and a DD

Damaged:
CA Suffolk, CL Gambia, and 2 DD

Japanese air losses are 1 ZERO, 6 Judy, and 1 Jill.

A clean cut victory. In the greater picture it means nothing but FOR TODAY the Japanese flag flies high.

Banzai!

[John 3rd]

There is lots of other action in the turn but I've been called into work and will not be able to get the turn to Dan. RATS!

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

This discussion about night fighter pools is all very interesting...BUT WHAT ABOUT THE AMBUSH?

[:D]

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: Alpha77

Might be a good sign, if he uses these still in 44 ? Guess the Allies had also some higher air losses... so nice bit of intel we got here.

They are serviceable planes with a relatively deep pool for the allies, so why not leave a few CVEs operating them to relive strain on pools of Hellcats and FM-1s.

Smart resource management rather than an indication of desperation.

However, desperation regarding pool depth is a constant state for an Allied player.

Yep, good point. I don't think many Japanese players realize just how critically low on aircraft the Allies pools always are. This really does not change until late 44 or even 45. Every plane in the pool has to be used. And the F4F is just as good as the FM Wildcat. I just rolled into 1/44 in my campaign and there are zero heavy and medium bombers in my pools. Not to mention about a dozen bomber units that have nothing to fly but obsolete aircraft. Fighters are the same with only a handful of planes of any type as reserves. This is how the Allies roll...

[Chickenboy]

Nice shootin' Tex! [&o]

BANZAI!!!!

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

There is lots of other action in the turn but I've been called into work and will not be able to get the turn to Dan. RATS!

I know it will be difficult if not impossible for you to *not* trumpet this turn loudly to your opponent. For greatest effect, I'd ask you to consider returning this turn with minimal commentary or foreshadowing. Let his heart shoot into his throat with the surprise of it during the running of the turn instead! [:)]

[MakeeLearn]

A clean cut victory. In the greater picture it means nothing but FOR TODAY the Japanese flag flies high.

"Discipline - the spirit of Japan's aviation"

[Alpha77]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Yep, good point. I don't think many Japanese players realize just how critically low on aircraft (my) pools always are. This is how (I) roll...

I corrected "Allies" blanket statement to "your pools"... it depends how good both players are and how much they throw planes away. I had never a problem with Allied pools of any sort. Or are you playing an early version of silver scen (with reduced repl rates) I am not aware of?

But I understand also Allies want to keep that meme going so IJ might underestimate them and make mistakes [;)]

[Chickenboy]

Hey John,

Why doncha ask Lowpe about the dangers of upgrading R&D factories to models not yet in production? [:D]

[Lowpe]

No point in being stupid if you can't show it!

[:D][:D][:D]

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: Alpha77

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Yep, good point. I don't think many Japanese players realize just how critically low on aircraft (my) pools always are. This is how (I) roll...

I corrected "Allies" blanket statement to "your pools"... it depends how good both players are and how much they throw planes away. I had never a problem with Allied pools of any sort. Or are you playing an early version of silver scen (with reduced repl rates) I am not aware of?

But I understand also Allies want to keep that meme going so IJ might underestimate them and make mistakes [;)]

Well, it really depends on your opponent and play style. We have been going at it since day one. An early invasion of India has kept that front active ever since. That is where the drain on aircraft has been. Still his losses for the game are 3 to my 2 so I can't complain. But if there are protracted campaigns then the losses will be there.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

There is lots of other action in the turn but I've been called into work and will not be able to get the turn to Dan. RATS!

I know it will be difficult if not impossible for you to *not* trumpet this turn loudly to your opponent. For greatest effect, I'd ask you to consider returning this turn with minimal commentary or foreshadowing. Let his heart shoot into his throat with the surprise of it during the running of the turn instead! [:)]

I was very good. This is what I sent:

This is a hugely long turn.

I got called into work so I can not finish the 007. Wanted to send the 001/CR so you have that. Will get it done ASAP when I get home. Sorry about that.
John

His response:

Thanks for sending that early. I haven't watched the replay, but I did read the Combat Report, enjoying every line about the "invigorating" action in SoPac.

[John 3rd]

Turn not sent as I just got home and have to make dinner for the family.

QUERY: Do I pursue???

Don't think there is much at Suva or Noumea because I would have seen it over Luganville...

This question is open for comment for about two hours. Have at it!

[BillBrown]

If I read everything right, he is about to take all of Luzon, he is taking islands to the North of Luzon and you are worried about what to do with your CVs around Luganville?

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Turn not sent as I just got home and have to make dinner for the family.

QUERY: Do I pursue???

Don't think there is much at Suva or Noumea because I would have seen it over Luganville...

This question is open for comment for about two hours. Have at it!

What do you think you can gain by putting the hammer down for another day? Will his key target ships be under an LRCAP umbrella at the beginning of next turn?

You did a nice job of kicking him in the complacency by delivering an effective surprise attack. Tomorrow won't be a surprise, so do you think you can brute force your will to your advantage still? It would be a shame if your modest attacks met a wall of top flight aircraft in defense tomorrow. That would be throwing away your victory. Still, if you *can* pull off additional VP scores on the cheap, that would be worth considering.

Other than a damaged CL or two, I didn't get a feel from your post what's here that's worth pursuing. Can you post the combat report section verbatim, John?

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

If I read everything right, he is about to take all of Luzon, he is taking islands to the North of Luzon and you are worried about what to do with your CVs around Luganville?

I think John has correctly identified that, in the big picture, this is a sideshow. Still, it's worth considering in order to ravage an underdefended supply line or vulnerable CVE or two. Any CVE sunk is a nice 'bank' of VPs that forestall Allied autovictory another day or so.

[MakeeLearn]

Getting the entire KB under the umbrella of your Kamikazes/AirDefense may be wise in preparing for the defense of the Home Islands. Along with the SCTFs, even if you just float around the Sea of Japan before giving battle. Make the Allies bleed for every inch of Nippon.