Never Thought I'd Start Another One - tc464 (A) vs. Mike (J)

[Mike Solli]

2 Apr 42

Sub War

Nothing to report.

5 Fleet

Nothing to report.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

Just bombing Milne Bay and 20 Division in Pt. Moresby.

SRA

I landed an AS unit at Donggala to take it and put some air ASW there. I didn't realize that unit appeared without any infantry. I'll have to wait for it to take replacements or for the base to flip. Sheesh.

I'm starting to take all of the little bases scattered around the SRA.

Borneo

Ketapang was liberated. Three bases to go.

Java

Another Dutch unit destroyed. 14 still on the main island and 2 more on the little island east of Soerabaja.

Burma

More troops destroyed at Paoshan but the HQ is still hanging in there. The 2 reinforcing Chinese units will arrive before my reinforcing tank regiment arrives.

China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Nothing to report.

[RangerJoe]

For Donggala, just fly in some paratroopers if you have them there. Otherwise just use a fast transport mission with a small detachment but also supplies. Then use that detachment to take more bases in the area if you can.

[PaxMondo]

I like the I./33rd, Infantry Unit for this. It withdraws mid-42 sometime, so not useful as longterm garrison and too small for attacking most occupied bases ... but works great with a fast convoy to do a lot of mop-up fairly quickly ... it sees widespread use in the DEI by me ....

[Mike Solli]

For Donggala, just fly in some paratroopers if you have them there. Otherwise just use a fast transport mission with a small detachment but also supplies. Then use that detachment to take more bases in the area if you can.

Turned out to be a non-issue. The next turn, the AS battalion added 7 infantry replacements. They'll attack the next turn. That was amazing!

[Mike Solli]

These days, once I have DEI/PI, I focus on driving CHI out of the war ASAP. That's a lot of AS that you just don't have to worry about anymore when they are gone. You've still got time to do that .... and the sooner the better.

It is this period (while I am annihilating CHI, which is just a grind for me and not much else) that I take time to think through and plan my mid-game. Where/What is my '43 is gonna look like? Am I going to keep or cede the initiative? etc. Things that drive my decision are:
- how is the KB and is the USN CV fleet intact or not?
- how is my fighter RnD going? Am I running lucky on it or not so much?
- how are my pilot pools doing?
- etc ...

Taking out China is a nice idea. The only issue I'm seeing is supply. It's keeping steady at 2.5-2.6 million.

[Mike Solli]

3 Apr 42

Sub War

The I-175 is in a hot area just east of Brisbane. Today, she put a torpedo into an empty xAP. The ship didn't sink, but she's out of the war for a bit.

Next, she put a couple of torpedoes into a loaded xAK, and sank her.

I-175 wasn't done. Later in the day, a couple of APDs came looking for her. Spunky I-175 put a torpedo into APD Gregory leaving her on fire and heavily damaged. I-175 is down to just a couple of torpedo salvos. More subs are headed to this lucrative hunting ground.

5 Fleet

Nothing to report.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

The B-17 is the best fighter the Allies have. Six Zeros encountered them over Pt. Moresby. One was shot down and the rest crashed on the way home. Sheesh!

SRA

Landings finally landed at Boela and Babo. Both will fall tomorrow. I'm curious to see if the B-17s change targets and go after the oil at those bases. That would actually be a relief to poor 20 Division at Pt. Moresby.

Just a side note: The last Dutch remnants were finally destroyed in Sumatra.

Borneo

Nothing to report.

Java

Another attack by 2 tank regiments destroyed another Dutch unit and chewed up the remnants some more.

Burma

Well, the attack at Paoshan ran into the reinforcements rushing there, 3 and 7 New Chinese Corps. The tank regiment there won't be able to take it.

I have a lot of reinforcements arriving at Burma (finally). I'm resting at the moment while the reinforcements arrive and move to the front.

China

Maneuvering.

Other Stuff

Forgot to mention that there are 4 new aircraft models available as of 1 April 42:

A6M2-N Rufe float fighter: I will produce them eventually. My issue is a lack of available factories. More below.
H6K2-L Mavis transport: I will produce them eventually. Same factory issue.
Ki-48-IIa Lily bomber: I will not produce this model.
Ki-49-Ia Helen bomber: I will not produce this model. I want the IIa when it arrives.

Ok, the factory issue. Associated with this is the use of supply to convert/increase the factory size. I'm reluctant to increase factories if they're not the final model.

I have 5 factories, only one of which is available now. The only available factory is the Ki-51 Sonia (size 30), which I am not producing. The other 4 are currently using up stockpiled engines:

Glen (size 9): This factory will use up all the Amazaze engines (89 remaining), so 10 months before it's available. This model is for the Glen carrying subs.
Mary (size 10): This factory will use up the Kawasaki engines (36 remaining), so 3.6 months before it's available. This model is my IJAAF 1E ASW aircraft.
Ann (size 24): This factory will use up the Ha-5 engine (14 remaining), so this factory will be available around the end of the month. This is my IJAAF 1E ground bomber and will eventually become an ASW aircraft.
B5N1 Kate (size 15): This factory will use up the Hikari engine (50 remaining), so this factory will become available in about 3.5 months.

Looking at these models, The Glen will be produced until the engines are gone because they will be used. The Ann will be used until the engines are gone because it's really close. I will produce the Mary until it's gone because the IJAAF 1E bomber force will eventually all become ASW pilots and will need all the Marys (and Anns).

That leaves the Kate N1. I'm probably not going to produce 50 more. There currently are 152 in the pool. This model is slightly less capable than the N2. It is used in MKB. When the Jill becomes operational, the N2 will replace the N1 as Jills fill out KB. The N1 survivors will ultimately be Kamikazes. At any rate, I'll continue to produce them until that factory is the only one available and it is needed for something else (or the engines run out).

So, what do I want to build? I want to build the Rufe and Mavis transport eventually, but there's no real hurry. Next is the Ki-44-IIa Tojo, which currently has 5 R&D engines with 4 at size 30 and 1 at size 29. It will be operational in May 42, a month early. I will convert the Sonia to Tojo, and possibly the Ann factory too. I'm keeping all 5 R&D factories. I'll skip the IIb because it is marginally worse than the IIa. The model I really want is the IIc, which is armored. That will be my primary IJAAF fighter until the Frank becomes operational sometime in 1943.

[RangerJoe]

I would produce all of the N1 Kates unless you have another use for the engines. That makes them half price as far as the HI cost is concerned. They can be trainers and/or ASW aircraft until you get aircraft with radar. If your Kates upgrade to Jills, you might also want to consider that as well.

The first Helen gets radar for ASW work, the second Helen does not so you might want to consider that.

I would build at least some of the first Tojos since they are better than the Oscars for defensive and short range offense duty.

I do believe that the Lily IIa has armor and is relative fast.

Unless you have already changed factories, you might want to build Nates or Claudes using those engines up since those can be trainers. Lower level (6k) CAP with Claudes will work against the Swordfish and other torpedo bombers as well as float planes and flying boats.

[soulsilver]

Hey Mike just dropping by, I recently got back into WITPae after a several year break. I read several of your past AARs back in 2022 when I was last active and I have had the pleasure of reading your current AAR.

I wonder have you considered putting a few factories of the Judy to accelerate it towards D4Y3/4? are you just going to accept using the D3A1 and D4Y1 for a while? did you keep the starting engines on the Aichi 60 engine for the D4Y1?

The biggest difference is the service rating going from 3-1 and the engine changing to Ha-33, starting with the D4y3. I wouldn't put more than 1-3 factories on Dy41 to immediately upgrade to the D4y3 when the judy arrives in 43. Since this is probably going to be a long game based on your play style and how the campaign has gone so far, good service rating judys can make a big difference.

Also any plans for the Ki-48b (the dive bomber) when it comes online in 43? I usually have at least one squadron of army pilots training for navB at the start of the game to train pilots for it.

Also the k-67t is possibly something to consider as well.

Idk if you have a supply for this but just some food for thought.

I look forward to where you go next now that the SRA is cleaned up. Maybe Port Moresby as both a first and to lock down New Guinea for a while? i look forward to seeing your future posts, good luck in your campaign.

[PaxMondo]

...
Taking out China is a nice idea. The only issue I'm seeing is supply. It's keeping steady at 2.5-2.6 million.

HA~!

When is supply ever NOT an issue for IJ?

But you have a good point. When taking Burma/DEI it is pretty common to take a fair amount of supply when taking those bases. Sometimes even enough to cover your usage, but even when not, some is always better. However, CHI ... you will never get any supply from any conquest. You just burn lot's. And I mean lot's:

- air bombardment: used 1 supply (min) per plane per raid. Sally/Helen/Nettie use 2 supply.
- attacks: can burn several 1000 supply easily, especially with all of those BIG siege guns.
- etc....

So, pretty common issue: I find I have to "back-off" on my RnD ... I hate to do it, but I have to keep the initiative and taking CHI is a big piece ....

[PaxMondo]

3 Apr 42

Other Stuff

Forgot to mention that there are 4 new aircraft models available as of 1 April 42:

A6M2-N Rufe float fighter: I will produce them eventually. My issue is a lack of available factories. More below.
H6K2-L Mavis transport: I will produce them eventually. Same factory issue.
Ki-48-IIa Lily bomber: I will not produce this model.
Ki-49-Ia Helen bomber: I will not produce this model. I want the IIa when it arrives.

Ok, the factory issue. Associated with this is the use of supply to convert/increase the factory size. I'm reluctant to increase factories if they're not the final model.

Oh, so juicy, AC build strategies!!!

Agree with your thoughts above ...

I have 5 factories, only one of which is available now. The only available factory is the Ki-51 Sonia (size 30), which I am not producing. The other 4 are currently using up stockpiled engines:

Agreed, don't build the Ki-51 ... Ha-31 has better uses.

Glen (size 9): This factory will use up all the Amazaze engines (89 remaining), so 10 months before it's available. This model is for the Glen carrying subs.
Mary (size 10): This factory will use up the Kawasaki engines (36 remaining), so 3.6 months before it's available. This model is my IJAAF 1E ASW aircraft.

agreed.

Ann (size 24): This factory will use up the Ha-5 engine (14 remaining), so this factory will be available around the end of the month. This is my IJAAF 1E ground bomber and will eventually become an ASW aircraft.

I prefer to build the Ki-21 Ic ... a great many of the IJA 1E bombers need to go through the Ki-21 Ic or you need to spend 75PP's ... I build out the Ki-21 Ic to be sure I never run low on this. The Ann is the best 1E bomber, but face it the Ki-21 or Ki-49 are always better ASW platforms (range issue: Ann is max 3, Ki21/49 can do 5 hex with a full load out .... big deal for me).

B5N1 Kate (size 15): This factory will use up the Hikari engine (50 remaining), so this factory will become available in about 3.5 months.

Looking at these models, The Glen will be produced until the engines are gone because they will be used. The Ann will be used until the engines are gone because it's really close. I will produce the Mary until it's gone because the IJAAF 1E bomber force will eventually all become ASW pilots and will need all the Marys (and Anns).

That leaves the Kate N1. I'm probably not going to produce 50 more. There currently are 152 in the pool. This model is slightly less capable than the N2. It is used in MKB. When the Jill becomes operational, the N2 will replace the N1 as Jills fill out KB. The N1 survivors will ultimately be Kamikazes. At any rate, I'll continue to produce them until that factory is the only one available and it is needed for something else (or the engines run out).

I like the B5N1 and always build them out. I use them as 1E ground bombers. They are better than even the Ki-30 Ann as they will use a 2x250 loadout, double the Ann. Why? Easy to get Torp pilots to 70 skill, but takes FOREVER to increase EXP. I send them out to ground bomb to gain EXP faster than training groups. B5N's do this as well once the Jill arrives ... always short of Torp pilot with EXP ....

So, what do I want to build? I want to build the Rufe and Mavis transport eventually, but there's no real hurry. Next is the Ki-44-IIa Tojo, which currently has 5 R&D engines with 4 at size 30 and 1 at size 29. It will be operational in May 42, a month early. I will convert the Sonia to Tojo, and possibly the Ann factory too. I'm keeping all 5 R&D factories. I'll skip the IIb because it is marginally worse than the IIa. The model I really want is the IIc, which is armored. That will be my primary IJAAF fighter until the Frank becomes operational sometime in 1943.

Rufe: I like the Rufe a LOT. I use it for CAT traps ... I set up small groups using AV's on remote islands and catch Catalina's on patrol. I hate CATs, and so I spend time removing them from the allied arsenal. Move the groups around a lot. CAT range exceeds allied bombers, so ....

Mavis L - I use these to invade OZ. put them on AKV's, take a small port in NW OZ and then use para to block all the rail lines from the east ... then use my landings further south to take Perth without interruptions. I also use this similar tactic to make m Landings in India. The Mavis RANGE is what is so crucial ...

Tojo IIc - here's the thing about Tojo, and in fact all armored a/c: it mostly matters only on defense, on offense, the difference is pretty small. Why? On offense you are fighting over bases without your troops underneath. That means even survivor losses convert to MIA's, and we know how few of those are ever recovered, particularly IJ pilots. On defense, armor is a BIG deal.

My point being, I don't worry about the IIc because I want the Ki-84. Once I have the IIa, I build them and focus my RnD on the Ki-84 ... range is the issue. 2 hexes may not seem like much, but it really is. 10 is the max full load range of your bombers ... and your fighter cover needs to match ...
[/quote]

[PaxMondo]

Again, re-reading "Little Ship that Could" and almost gotten through 1943 there ... reminds me of how BAD it is to cede the initiative. The empire is so VAST, where/how do you place the KB to protect it ... Herbie-san spends all his fuel racing back and forth chasing ghosts. Not blaming him, because as the IJ, there really is NO WAY to know once you have lost the initiative ...

IJ has recon, and you can build it up to be quite excellent. But, intel ... very, very hard to develop this. Your Glen boats are your only intel asset, but once that Glen is lost, you have a week or more steaming to replace that Glen ... and you start with only so many Glen boats and they are so $$$$ to build more ... hard to justify it ....

[Mike Solli]

I would produce all of the N1 Kates unless you have another use for the engines. That makes them half price as far as the HI cost is concerned. They can be trainers and/or ASW aircraft until you get aircraft with radar. If your Kates upgrade to Jills, you might also want to consider that as well.

The first Helen gets radar for ASW work, the second Helen does not so you might want to consider that.

I would build at least some of the first Tojos since they are better than the Oscars for defensive and short range offense duty.

I do believe that the Lily IIa has armor and is relative fast.

Unless you have already changed factories, you might want to build Nates or Claudes using those engines up since those can be trainers. Lower level (6k) CAP with Claudes will work against the Swordfish and other torpedo bombers as well as float planes and flying boats.

Yeah, I probably will produce all the N1 Kates, for the reason you said. They're half price.

I couldn't remember which model of Helen had radar. Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to convert the unused Sonia factory to Helen and build them up. Eventually, the IJAAF 2E pilots convert to ASW, when I go on the defensive in Burma and abdicate the air to the RAF. That should be late 43 or later (I hope). The 1 E pilots are already converting to ASW, but a lot still can be used offensively, assuming there's enough AS, which is hard to come by.

I'm going to build the Tojo IIa when it becomes operational, in May 42. More on that below.

Yes, the Lily IIa does have armor and is fast with a 9 hex normal range, but it's too expensive (72 HI per plane) for 4x 100 kg bombs. I'm letting the IJNAF deal with ships (other than ASW). Yes, the Val has short legs and I opted not to R&D the Judy, so I've made my bed. I'm counting on the Kate (then Jill) to tow the line. Hopefully, my 6 Grace R&D factories bring it online early enough to make a difference.

For R&D, I opted for fighters first and pretty much only. 65 for fighters and the remaining 12 split between the Jill and Grace. Here's the breakdown of the R&D factories:

18 Frank
18 Sam
18 George
6 Zero
5 Tojo
6 Jill
6 Grace

The Jill factories are doing pretty well (17,16,12,9,7,3). I'll get them in 42.

[Mike Solli]

Hey Mike just dropping by, I recently got back into WITPae after a several year break. I read several of your past AARs back in 2022 when I was last active and I have had the pleasure of reading your current AAR.

I wonder have you considered putting a few factories of the Judy to accelerate it towards D4Y3/4? are you just going to accept using the D3A1 and D4Y1 for a while? did you keep the starting engines on the Aichi 60 engine for the D4Y1?

The biggest difference is the service rating going from 3-1 and the engine changing to Ha-33, starting with the D4y3. I wouldn't put more than 1-3 factories on Dy41 to immediately upgrade to the D4y3 when the judy arrives in 43. Since this is probably going to be a long game based on your play style and how the campaign has gone so far, good service rating judys can make a big difference.

Also any plans for the Ki-48b (the dive bomber) when it comes online in 43? I usually have at least one squadron of army pilots training for navB at the start of the game to train pilots for it.

Also the k-67t is possibly something to consider as well.

Idk if you have a supply for this but just some food for thought.

I look forward to where you go next now that the SRA is cleaned up. Maybe Port Moresby as both a first and to lock down New Guinea for a while? i look forward to seeing your future posts, good luck in your campaign.

Hi soulsilver! In the previous post, I talked a bit about my R&D. I decided it pretty much at the start of the game. So, I'm locked into it. In previous games, I accelerated the Judy. I do like it a lot. But, I opted for fighters this game. We'll see how it works out.

[Mike Solli]

I like the I./33rd, Infantry Unit for this. It withdraws mid-42 sometime, so not useful as longterm garrison and too small for attacking most occupied bases ... but works great with a fast convoy to do a lot of mop-up fairly quickly ... it sees widespread use in the DEI by me ....

Yes, I/33 is a nice little unit. It arrives at the end of the month. I anticipate using it much like you describe.

[Mike Solli]

...
Taking out China is a nice idea. The only issue I'm seeing is supply. It's keeping steady at 2.5-2.6 million.

HA~!

When is supply ever NOT an issue for IJ?

But you have a good point. When taking Burma/DEI it is pretty common to take a fair amount of supply when taking those bases. Sometimes even enough to cover your usage, but even when not, some is always better. However, CHI ... you will never get any supply from any conquest. You just burn lot's. And I mean lot's:

- air bombardment: used 1 supply (min) per plane per raid. Sally/Helen/Nettie use 2 supply.
- attacks: can burn several 1000 supply easily, especially with all of those BIG siege guns.
- etc....

So, pretty common issue: I find I have to "back-off" on my RnD ... I hate to do it, but I have to keep the initiative and taking CHI is a big piece ....

I'm really concerned about supply in this game. Ted is being pretty frisky in China this game, which a first for him. In the past, he hated and usually ignored it. Not this time around. Also, the stacking limits are being a pain for both of us.

[Mike Solli]

Lots to discuss, but Ted just sent another turn, 7 April. Yep, I'm way behind. Be back later to continue the discussion.

I'm really having a dilemma with the aircraft factories and how to use them. Only 1 available now with another (Ann) available at the end of the month. Decisions, decisions...

[PaxMondo]

I'm really concerned about supply in this game.

As you should be. Me? It is my No.1 worry in every game as IJ. Everything revolves around it and there isn't ever enough, at least as far I can tell .... I never have enough.

Ted is being pretty frisky in China this game, which a first for him. In the past, he hated and usually ignored it. Not this time around. Also, the stacking limits are being a pain for both of us.

SL's do create additional challenges, no doubt. I've never been able to settle in my mind if they are more realistic or not, but they absolutely do create a new dimension in the game.

The biggest change/difference to me is that they force me, as the IJ player, to be much more organized. I can't just have one stack, I have to create multiple stacks and coordinate their movement carefully. Combine them temporarily for attacks and then immediately disperse them. Rinse and Repeat ad infinitum. And early game China is where this has the most impact, later on anywhere there are CHI/SOV forces ...

One thing though is very clear to me: they are MUCH more a hindrance to IJ as compared to allies. Why? Supply. The allies can afford the supply burn on over-stacking far more than the IJ which basically can tolerate none at all; they are already in a supply deficit.

Anyway, looking forward to the next turn!!!

[PaxMondo]

Lots to discuss, but Ted just sent another turn, 7 April. Yep, I'm way behind. Be back later to continue the discussion.

I'm really having a dilemma with the aircraft factories and how to use them. Only 1 available now with another (Ann) available at the end of the month. Decisions, decisions...

FUN!!!! The aspect of the game I love the most ... economy!!!

[Mike Solli]

Ok, before I start to catch up, my 5 Tojo R&D factories have all completed so I know when the different models will become operational.

IIa: May 42 - I will start building these. The Sonia factory will convert to this model and increase to 30. Yeah, only 1 plane a day. More later.
IIb: October 42 - I'm not going to build any of these. They are actually a bit worse than the IIa.
Iic: May 43 - I'll upgrade my single factory to this model and add 2 of the R&D factories giving me 90 a month.

The other 3 R&D factories will convert to the Ki-115a Tsurugi Kamikaze. Yep. That one.

Just so you know my end of war plans, I will grab 3 R&D factories each from the Frank, Sam and George to bring the Tsurugi to 6 R&D and the Toka Kamikaze to 6. The other 15 of each of those fighters will become operational factories. So my end of war strategy is lots of fighters and Kamikazes. (I haven't told the pilots of these plans yet.)

[Mike Solli]

Lots to discuss, but Ted just sent another turn, 7 April. Yep, I'm way behind. Be back later to continue the discussion.

I'm really having a dilemma with the aircraft factories and how to use them. Only 1 available now with another (Ann) available at the end of the month. Decisions, decisions...

FUN!!!! The aspect of the game I love the most ... economy!!!

Totally agree, Pax!