The Storm Will Consume Us.....

[rook749]

This will be my fourth PBEM. I will play against John 3rd and the next Beta of Between the Storms. There are numerous "adjustments" to better reflect Allied responses to the aggressive Japanese pre-war preparation.

As always, I will take any help I can get. But, before we start, I would like to thank the community who makes this game what it is, even after all these years.

We should be getting underway in the next week or so as he is working on the last phases of his evil plan for world domination.

[rook749]

[Reserved]

[rook749]

Now for the Game Settings and Rules ---

Game Settings

• BTSL 2.8 4-6 Build (Beta)
• Stacking limits installed
• Fog of War
• Advanced Weather
• Allied Damage Control
• PDU ON
• Historical First Turn FF
• December 7th Surprise
• Reliable USN Torpedoes OFF
• Realistic R&D
• No Unit Withdrawals On
• Reinforcements Fixed for both sides
• Combat Reports
• Auto Sub Ops OFF
• TF Move Radius
• Plane Move Radius
• Set All Facilities to Expand at Start OFF
• Automatic Upgrade Ships and Air Groups OFF
• Accept Air and Ground Replacements ON

House Rules
----------------

1. If you feel somethings gamey/amiss or just peeved with anything for any reason, let’s talk about as
soon as it surfaces. This includes the possibility of modifying house rules.

2. Fighters can sweep at best and second-best maneuver altitude bands only.

3. Amphibious assaults can only happen at dot and regular bases. This includes submarine-borne troops.

4. Both players must pay PP to move restricted units out of the country they are in.

5. No 4E naval bombing below 10,000 feet, except for USN 4E air units who can bomb at 5,000 feet.

6. B-29s cannot be used for naval attacks.

7. No new TFs can be formed on turn one. Any existing TFs can be altered.

8. 1st turn can have multiple port attacks, but ONLY with carrier involvement. Manila and Singapore
may have Fighters up and on CAP. Allies cannot transfer new Squadrons to Manila or Singapore
reflecting prior knowledge. You must use Fighters at those bases for CAP.

9. There are some planes that were too large for CVEs, both Allied and IJN. For Japan this HR includes
any form of George, Sam, and Grace. For the Allies this means that only F4F and FM fighters can operate
from USN CVEs (and their Martlet and Wildcat equivalents from RN CVEs).

10. No strategic bombing (Oil, Resources, HI, LI, etc.) on EITHER side until July 1, 1943.

11. Quiet China: Cease fire in effect until 1 January 42, except Hong Kong. If either side vacates a
base during this time the other may move into if desired. This time allows for both sides to move
troops, make sure revamped garrison requirement are fulfilled, and put plans into effect.

[rook749]

For those of you not familiar with this mod.....

https://sites.google.com/site/reluctant ... s-lite-060

ALTNAV 1922-1941

These Mods are available for AE and have been created to reflect a slightly different outcome of the historic Washington and London Naval Conferences to cover the time of 1922-1937. With little changes and tweaks to the Treaty System, a slightly a-historic outcome is produced. The Treaty Years give way to the ramping up of World War Two. Japan grapples with the consequences of exiting the Treaty System and works to create a more balanced Fleet under the able leadership and foresight of Naval Minister Yamamoto Isoroku.

The Washington Conference

Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes blueprint for naval disarmament gets out and the Japanese stonewall a Naval Conference for a full year. After considerable bickering and pressure being brought to bear, the Conference does take place in 1922 and disarmament is agreed upon, however, there are additions allowed due to the added time to get the meeting going. The whole Mutsu debate is scrapped due to Mutsu actually being ready and deployed at that point. A slightly higher 10:10:7 ratio between Great Britain, the United States, and Japan is agreed upon, allowing for several new outcomes:

1. The Ratio Change to 10:10:7:

a. The Japanese argue to keep the nearly complete battleship Tosa and the Amagi-Class battlecruiser Ishitaka. The Americans gain the fourth Colorado-Class USS Washington and the Battlecruiser USS Constellation (while scrapping the old battleships Florida and Utah and making the Wyoming into a gunnery training ship to maintain balance), Great Britain gets the option to build a pair of Super-Hoods.

b. Tonnages are left open for the British to build two 35,000 Ton battleships (Rodney and Nelson), the United States has 28,000 Ton available, and the Japanese have 18,000 Ton open for new Capital Ships. These warships are designed through the late-20s and are authorized for building at the time of the London Naval Conference. The United States builds a fast Battlecruiser (USS Chesapeake) armed with 4x3 12" Guns while the Japanese build a Light Battlecruiser named Chichibu (2x2 16.1" Guns).

2. The whole subject of CVs is reworked with slighly increased carrier tonnage allowed bringing a slightly different creation to each flee'ts starting CV forces::

a. Two 'experimental' CVs (two Hosho's and two Langley's) are allowed to be built for further carrier experimentation. The Americans convert USS Langley and USS Ely to CVEs and they begin the war at the Panama Canal. Japan has IJN Hosho and Ibuki.

b. Two BC to CV conversions are still allowed.

c. The Americans use all their Treaty tonnage to make create a solid CVL, after the failed design of the Ranger, named King's Mountain and Wasp becomes a 4th Yorktown-Class CV.

d. The Japanese back off the failed Ryujo design to build IJN Ryukaku and Karasu while Soryu enters as a Hiryu-Class CV.

3. The Big 3 allow for more research into 'Cruiser' Submarines. Since no one had any real idea of where submarines were headed, this allows for further experimentation. The Americans build an additional Argonaut, Narwhal, and three Seaplane carrying subs. The Japanese add three Mine Layers and four large ocean-going Glen SS, and the French add another Surcouf.

The London Conference

Moving on to the London Conference (1930), the subject of Cruisers is re-worked:

1. Japan--at all costs--sticks to its goal of 70% for CAs (instead of 60%). Japan is authorized to build a total of 14 CAs while the Allied Forces have 18 each.

2. Great Britain--who nearly scrapped the treaty due to the issue of CAs and CLs--stands firm over its argument and forces a larger tonnage for CLs. This brings no change to the Treaty since Japan was already at 70% in this category.

3. Both Japan and the United States were looking at hybrid Cruiser—CVs and they force Great Britain, following the example set with the Washington BC—CV Conversions, to allow for two hybrids each to be built in the early-30s. The nations are allowed with ONLY these two vessels to place up to 8" guns on them. USA builds CLV Charlotte and Jacksonville (3x3 6" and 18 Planes), GB builds CAV Melbourne and Wellington (sold/given to those respective navies with 2x2 8" and 15 Planes), and Japan finishes up with CAV Kushiro and Tokachi (3x2 8" and 27 Planes). These hybrids are not true, useful CVLs nor are they true, useful cruisers but they have a unique niche in 1941 and ALL of them can be converted into carriers later in 1942.

***It should be noted that to take maximum advantage of the revised Treaty tonnages, Japan converts several of the oldest CLs into fast ML, builds two additional Myoko-Class CAs and completes the Mogami-Class as CAs instead of CLs. The oldest Japanese CAs (Kako and Furutaka-Classes) are downgraded to CLs with 6" guns replacing the 8" turrets.

Warship Construction AFTER the Treaty Years

Battleship Question and Decision

After abandoning the Treaty System, great discussion goes into the first new battleships to be built by Japan since the Nagato Class. The choices ends up centering on building two modern, fast conventional battlewagons as opposed to the mighty Yamato-Class. The prohibitive factors of cost, additional shipyard construction and time finally swing the decision to creating the Owari-Class (3x3 16.1" Rifles). While not sounding too exciting this change brings about a very interesting situation. Both Yamato and Musashi required their slipways to be expanded in length. The expansions were hugely expensive and took MONTHS to finish. By building the Owari-Class BBs the Japanese clear these slipways 12-18 months faster. The net result is two modern BBs (28 Knots) join the Kaigun BEFORE Pearl Harbor and their successors (two B-65 Class BCs) are either finished or near complete at war's start. Hoping to stay competitive vis-a-vis the Two Ocean Bill, two additional Owari-Class BBs are laid down just prior to the start of hostilities.

Command Cruisers

While debate rages on about the new battleship design, a new class of heavy cruiser is initiated. The proposed Tone-Class floatplane CA is discarded for a balanced, more capable cruiser. These large cruisers are better called command cruisers. The Niitaka-Class grows to over 15,000 tonnes and carries 4x3 8" guns, heavy torpedo armament, impressive secondaries, and strong floatplane complements. These fast, rugged cruisers are planned to be a six ship class. The initial two are complete at war's start, a second pair coming in late-1942, and a final pair in 1944.

The Rise of Admiral Yamamoto

As the Treaty Period ends, history takes another turn as Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku makes a greater contribution to the development of the Kaigun from 1936-1941. Yamamoto exerts a much greater influence first on the Japan Naval Aircraft Industry, then as Deputy Navy Minister, and finally as Navy Minister itself. Yamamoto chooses, at great risk to his life, to forego command of the Combined Fleet and dedicate himself to preparing Japan for the war he didn't want. He adds two new slipways (Shanghai and Port Arthur) for Fleet construction to facilitate a different, final pre-war expansion of the Kaigun. New and expanded Naval Yards, Heavy Industry, and Armaments are added at tremendous cost for the Japanese economy as the Admiral attempts to prepare Japan for a possibly long war. In so choosing to do this Yamamoto then changes the 4th Circle Building Plan dropping the 3rd and 4th Owari-Class Battleships for two improved Shokaku-Class CVs, a pair of Kawachi-Class fast Battlecruisers, an accelerated Light Cruiser deployment, and additional destroyers. Quick, reasonably cheap carrier conversions are moved forward seeing all of the pre-war CVs/CVLs deploy by December 7th or at slightly earlier dates in 1942. The highly unrealistic 5th Circle Plan is added in late-1941 and adds the 3rd and 4th Owari-Class BB back into building que. Despite Yamamoto's arguments this allocation of resources goes ahead with completion dates set in 1943-1944. Though only a few of these new ships are ready on December 7th, these additions make the Kaigun a force to be reckoned with well into 1944.

The Japan Naval Air Arm deploys its magnificent A6M2 with research complete for its successors of the M3 and M5. These airframes are nearly ready in December 1941 and the Japanese wisely look at advanced prototypes elsewhere and decide to explore several second-generation fighter concepts. The Zero Team moves on to the Jack and Sam, while private contractors work on the George. Yamamoto fosters a sense of competition between the two teams to see who will win out as having a worthy successor to the A6M2 line. Additional streamlining and encouragement brings forward second-generation aircraft of other fields--Dive-Bombing, Torpedo-Bombing, and the creation of a small heavy bomber line.

On the ground Yamamoto reorganizes the SNLF units into a Brigade-Sized offensive force and—knowing it will be a war of attrition—converts many Naval Guard into enhanced units with Coastal Defense artillery (using guns taken from refitted warships) for a stronger defensive unit. Additional small units are added to the IJN’s Troops and support units better reflecting Yamamoto's foresight into base building, defense, and expansion needs. While all these units are small and not in great number they promise to help the Japanese war effort.

The foresight of the Admiral pays off during late-1942 and 1943 as new ships, aircraft, and ground units enter into the Japanese Order-of-Battle, however, the cost is steep. Though expanded and using modern aircraft many Japanese Naval Air units start with their experience lowered to reflect the dilution of the experienced pilots into new units that start in Japan or arrive during 1942-1943.

Supply and fuel reserves start at a much reduced state. The Japanese MUST take the DEI as fast as possible!

Once war begins BTSL postulates Yamamoto’s influence upon the wartime Kaigun. Four more improved Shokaku-Class CVs are ordered, and the conversion of several CLs into CVLs is added. First class destroyers are accelerated and emphasis is shifted to the AA Akizuki-Class at the expense of the more balanced Yugumo’s. Manpower is at a premium within the Fleet so Submarines, Escorts, and ASW forces all see a major retooling reflecting the Japanese quality over quantity belief. Yamamoto chooses the immediately useful projects, large APs converting to CVEs, better destroyers, fast transports and coastal defense forces.

It should be noted that not all the changes are for the Japanese. Between the Storms brings major additions and more choice for the Allied Player. The Allies see continued major changes in their starting locations, new air units, the addition of Training Squadrons on mainland USA to allow for an American pilot training program, enhanced aircraft production numbers, additional Allied FP groups, several ground units, additional New Zealand and Australian ships, a French Squadron at Tahiti, the CL Eendract for the DEI, a stronger Force Z, a CLAA conversion for the Omaha-CL, an additional pair of CVLs, and optional conversion of the Kittyhawk Class AKV and Tangier Class AV into CVEs. The added warships reflect a ‘stopgap’ counter to the increased Japanese strength found at war’s start.

Additionally, the Hepburn Board's recommendation to augmenting and expanding many Pacific Bases is heeded and work is sped up at Wake, Midway, the Aleutians, and in the South Pacific. While work has just begun in many ways, these advances pose a tougher problem for Japan if she moves east or southeast.

As war clouds gather on the horizon, the United States makes several important decisions (1) to slightly reinforce the Asiatic Fleet with an additional CA and 4 modern DDs, (2) Admiral Hart also decides to follow his inner thoughts and begin development of Cebu as an alternate anchorage, and (3) the Scouting Force, commanded by Vc-Adm Wilson, is sent south to protect the ships helping to develop Pago Pago into a forward operating base. This powerful Task Force serves to aid the convoy going to the Philippines (The Pensacola TF) and the empty TF returning from the Philippines (The Chester TF). In a major development Winston Churchill decides, at the last minute, to add HMS Renown to Force Z to better demonstrate British 'resolve' reflecting the seriousness of Japan's overt aggression. Repairs on HMS Indomitable are rushed and this valuable carrier is just days away from assisting Force Z by providing invaluable air cover. Is it too little, too late?

How well can YOU do to use these new tools OR how well can you stop the Japanese Navy in its tracks as the Allies?

In addition to its own special modifications, Between the Storms has been made fully compatible with DaBabes and thus has more ship classes than stock, and many more of the smaller vessels comprising these classes for both sides: yard oilers, coastal minesweepers, auxiliary subchasers, patrol boats, minefield tenders, and many others designed to give a more robust and realistic feel to the development, population, capabilities, and logistical support of bases and rear and operational areas. Database elements have been modified to provide more realistic results for AAA (flak) combat, ASW combat, and certain minor, but nevertheless fun, aspects of naval combat, like land bombardment and coastal defense fire and new modifications to ATA combat. The modifications include lining-up and unifying data elements within certain fields, so that things interface more smoothly, as well as substantial changes to the data elements themselves.

Garrison requirements have been raised in China as well as India to, hopefully, better reflect the political environment of the regions.

If using the special road movement pwhexe.dat file this serves to slow movement in the CBI Theatre.

Japan deploys its few new ships to protect the Invasion TFs coming from Babeldoap and Cam Rahn Bay as the Kido Butai steams towards its rendezvous with destiny at Pearl Harbor…

[rook749]

BTS_001.jpg (320.72 KiB) Viewed 1158 times

Let's Talk Strategy ---

The basic plan started for the initial defense originated from Sardaukar's Plan and modified over my last three games.

Find it here --- https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 3#p2422753

** The Orange Lines are where I will fight to the death to hold.

INDIA

• We will fight a delaying action in Rangoon "B" falling back to the Orange Line.

• We will fight to hold Ceylon "E."

• We will move to reinforce Port Blair "A."

• We will move to reinforce Cocos Island "C" and Christmas Island "D."

Austrialia

• We will fight a delaying action in Port Moresby "1".

• Forces will be rushed to hold Fiji and Pago Pago.

• Once forces are en route or at these areas, we will look to move to hold New Caledonia and Espiritu Santo --- "2" & "3".

• We will then look to the Ellice Islands "4" or the Phoenix Islands.

ABDA
We have a couple of surprises at these three points ^, # and @. These will be detailed later when I have more time...

[rook749]

So what are the Changes.....

DEI

[rook749]

So what are the Changes.....

Singapore

There is a forward-deployed Gurkha Bde, have some thoughts for how to use this.....

[rook749]

So what are the Changes.....

Mindanao and Cebu

[rook749]

So what are the Changes.....

Luzon

There are three of four Artillery Battalions plus....

[CaptBeefheart]

Very interesting. I know BTSL has a lot of Japanese goodies. In terms of airframes, can you give some idea of the replacement numbers and service dates? It wouldn't be unreasonable to expect earlier service dates for Allied fighters as well as greater production numbers.

As you know, your opponent is quite aggressive. I'm sure you have some good counters in mind.

Good luck!

Cheers,
CB

[rook749]

I know BTSL has a lot of Japanese goodies. In terms of airframes, can you give some idea of the replacement numbers and service dates?

For the Japanese, all good questions. I have not dug into all of these as of yet for Aircraft. The Sip changes can be found here -- https://sites.google.com/site/reluctant ... av-changes.

I plan on digging into the Airframes as soon as I work through the other changes.

It wouldn't be unreasonable to expect earlier service dates for Allied fighters as well as greater production numbers.

I have not seen earlier service dates for the Allied fighters, but it is possible. There are increased numbers of Allied aircraft across the board. BTS also uses Mod uses JuanG's revolutionary Allied aircraft purchase system, so you can trade PPs for some additional aircraft. I have not compared the numbers, but I would be happy to hear anyone's thoughts on my postings below.

As you know, your opponent is quite aggressive. I'm sure you have some good counters in mind.

Yes, as we both are aggressive, I am interested to see how this works out.

[CaptBeefheart]

Thanks. I'm more interested in the Allied numbers than Japanese. I know BTSL allows the early adoption of 2nd-gen Japanese fighters.

From memory, it looks like you get modest boosts in P-40E and K (maybe N) models as well as the F2A-3 (it would be interesting to know how long that production run lasts) and F4F-4. It doesn't appear your TBs or DBs are any better early on. The A-24 appears to be boosted and you get torp-carrying B-26s, which is nice. Not sure about the other USAAF bombers.

None of your fighters appears to be available earlier than stock.

Regarding Juan's system, how many PPs do you get each turn? Do you see yourself drawing from that well often? Does it allow you to get airframes early or do you have to wait until the introduction date?

Cheers,
CB

[rook749]

Captbeefheart,

The Devastators (still suck) go from 3 to 12 per month.
No change to the Avengers (which has me a little concerned).
F-4F-3A's go from 3 to 8 per month.
F-4F-3's go from 8 to 12 per month.
P-40E's go from 35 to 50 per month.
P-38F's go from 40 to 50 per month.
P40K's go from 65 to 90 per month.
F2A-3's run just through December.

There are small bumps 5 - 15 for the later fighters...

The British also get Fighter gains and I will post on those at some point.

[rook749]

Captbeefheart,

A-29s go from 2 to 4 per month.
LB-30s stay at 8 but run through 6/42 instead of 2/42.
A-24s move to 18, start on 12/41 and run until the A-24s start on 10/42.
B-25s go from 0 to 6 through 4/42.
B-26B(T)s go from 0 to 4 from 5/42 through 6/45.
B-24Ds go from 15 Production and 0 replacements to 15 Production and 8 replacements per month.
B-25Cs go from 0 Production and 20 replacements to 5 Production and 20 replacements per month. These run from 8/42 through 1/43.

There are small bumps later going forward on others.

The British also bombers receive gains, and I will post on those at some point.

[rook749]

Captbeefheart,

Wellington I Cs go from 6 to 8 for the length of their run.
Blenheim IVs go from 12 to 16 for the length of their run.
Blenheim Vs go from 8 to 30 for the length of their run.
Hurricane I Trop's 5 for 1/42 only.
Hurricane IIA Trop's 6 for 1/42 only.
Hurricane IIB Trop's go from 16 to 21 for the length of their run.
Hurricane IIC Trop's go from 36 to 45 for the length of their run.
Mowhawk IVs go from 10 to 12 for the length of their run.
Wildcat Vs go from 9 to 20 for the length of their run.
Thunderbolt IIs go from 52 to 60 for the length of their run.

There are small bumps later going forward on others.

The British also bombers receive gains, and I will post on those at some point.

[rook749]

South Pacific

Lots of stuff, but an aggressive Japanese player may bring the KB down to play after Pearl Harbor.....

[rook749]

Let me know if there are any other items people would like to know about regarding this version of the BTS (Light) mod. I should have the 1st turn back from John today or tomorrow.

[rook749]

Political Points

Start: 750
Per Turn: 75

[CaptBeefheart]

Many thanks for taking the time on that, Rook. Not bad on the political points. That should allow you to buy some of Juan's aircraft.

If memory serves, you'll also be getting Aussie and Kiwi Wildcats to put on their CVLs. Anyway, a pretty decent boost to their aircraft. Or that could have been another mod.

Cheers,
CB

[rook749]

If memory serves, you'll also be getting Aussie and Kiwi Wildcats to put on their CVLs. Anyway, a pretty decent boost to their aircraft. Or that could have been another mod.

Yes, they are several Naval Air toys for them....