ORIGINAL: Essro
Game three-PBEM played through Jan 43
No changes made. I went for an intensive sub build. I won the Atlantic sometime in early 42. Brought the UK to her knees. I think I had around 15-20 subs operating in 5 packs on rotation. I solely investing in long range to keep them at sea. I think I used oilers too. What was the trade off? My Luftwaffe was really hurting going into the east. But that sounds about right doesn't it?
This sounds encouraging. Something I also discussed with Al during playtesting was the sub war effect on Lend Lease and Murmansk convoys. In the 1941 scenario production is roughly UK 173, US 135, USSR 360; and Lend Lease is about 30 and Murmansk about 40. In the 1942 scenario production is roughly UK 173, US 396, USSR 318, and Lend Lease is about 10 and Murmansk is about 30. These convoy amounts seem low to me but perhaps historical data supports it. And they are initial settings so players can increase the amounts. And UK is receiving other convoys that can be targeted. But still, Lend Lease and Murmansk convoys do not appear to be as critical as in Third Reich. Again, maybe 30-40 going to USSR at production of 318-360 (about 10% production?) is accurate but if the sub war goes really well does it translate into sufficient pain for UK and USSR? The example above shows UK may be vulnerable. Is USSR also vulnerable if it's only receiving about 10%? It's something players should think about when evaluating the overall sub war and its economic impacts. WarPlan is zeroing in on getting decent results.
