At any rate...my goal is to defend the perimeter and reaching out and slapping him when he gets too bold. Conservative, try to draw the hated Xargunites into that decisive battle. We will see how it goes.
Defending the Empire (No Xarguns)
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
Defending the Empire (No Xarguns)
Once more into the fire. Lost our last game...and Im tired of Dec 41 so we are giving Niks 5.02 mod 42 a shot. Should be more entertaining for the bad guys (the allies) since he isnt quite as weak.
At any rate...my goal is to defend the perimeter and reaching out and slapping him when he gets too bold. Conservative, try to draw the hated Xargunites into that decisive battle. We will see how it goes.
At any rate...my goal is to defend the perimeter and reaching out and slapping him when he gets too bold. Conservative, try to draw the hated Xargunites into that decisive battle. We will see how it goes.
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- empire.jpg (133.92 KiB) Viewed 171 times
RE: Defending the Empire (No Xarguns)
So Turn one is out the door...what a mess...I will give the break down later. After looking over the Map...the Japanese position is painful. Forces strung out all creation..supplies in the wrong place. Nik mod 42 ...hurts my head.
I intend to spend the first 3 game turns trying to organize this mess. The biggest thing is Japanese production is at 41 levels...so I am no 6 months behind where anyone who started the game on dec 41. So I must build up stockpiles.
Also, none of the islands have defenses...troops, forts etc. SO I must convince Xargun Im very very strong everywhere.
This is a balloon that is waiting to burst...how to strengthen the balloon is the question.
anyway....my first operational move will be to move KB and baby KB north of lunga. Take it with the 65th and work my way down the chain. I want to force him to commit his carriers. If he doesnt commit them at Lunga...I will go to Luginville an Noumea. Sooner or later he will have to defend something in that area or loose his supply line to Australia.
So, the mythical Decisive battle is what I seek. The next post will contain ...my crazy plans for this game.
I intend to spend the first 3 game turns trying to organize this mess. The biggest thing is Japanese production is at 41 levels...so I am no 6 months behind where anyone who started the game on dec 41. So I must build up stockpiles.
Also, none of the islands have defenses...troops, forts etc. SO I must convince Xargun Im very very strong everywhere.
This is a balloon that is waiting to burst...how to strengthen the balloon is the question.
anyway....my first operational move will be to move KB and baby KB north of lunga. Take it with the 65th and work my way down the chain. I want to force him to commit his carriers. If he doesnt commit them at Lunga...I will go to Luginville an Noumea. Sooner or later he will have to defend something in that area or loose his supply line to Australia.
So, the mythical Decisive battle is what I seek. The next post will contain ...my crazy plans for this game.
RE: Defending the Empire (No Xarguns)
Well we have about five days in the books and honestly not a lot has happened. We both found ourselves in about the same place...units everywhere and nowhere. All my tankers were in port. Subs located at Truk and Kwaj and the DEI is barren of combat units...Word of warning if you are planning to start the 42 scenario, plan on spending a week or so in game getting the empire up to speed.
China and Burma are historic. In China, Japanese forces are primarily against the coast. In Burma, Imperial forces find themselves at the Mandalay-Lashio line. Im serious considering marching over those hilly pathes and attacking Yunan from Burma. Cut that line and China dies.
After 5 days I have shipping at least headed towards DEI for its oil/resources. I have begun to put all kinds of hulls in motion delivering engineers and construction types throughout my perimeter. None of the Outer islands have been fortified so that is my first mission. To defend the empire, our ill-gotten gains need some troops. Right now...Xarg could take several key areas away from me with a determined effort. We can't have that.
Now, my goal is to build up layers around my perimeter Pick key islands within each zone and make them the main base, the outer islands in the zone, may have some troops/air depending on its size and value. In the coming days I will decide where to place each of my hubs. When he begins his great offensive, I'd like to have mutually supporting hubs that would let me shift my airpower around internally while he beats against the walls.
Of course, being the man who hates his carriers, I can't leave well enough alone with them. Frankly, my build up would be at lot easier if Xargun didnt have so damn many flattops...so I am going to see what I can do about that.
I have formed a massive fleet led by Vice Admiral Todo in TF 9. Well over 50 vessels from tankers to cruisers and carriers are already in position North of Lunga (including Zuikaku and Shokaku. Todo in TF9 is leading more then 60 more ships including a bombardment force of 5 battleships, the 4 fleet carriers and 3 smaller carriers sheparding engineers and 2 SNL forces to the Lunga area. They departed Tokyo 4 days ago and are currently of Iwo Jima. Every carrier in the fleet will be in that area with in the next 6 days and participate in this operation. Once there I will divide the carriers into 3 divisions. Two fleet divisions and one supporting Escort/Light Division. THe KB Light will cruise with the landing forces hoping to draw out his carriers. If I succeed in that, my two heavy divisions will endeavor to hammer whatever he sends into the sea.
My first landing will occur simultaneously at Tulaga, Lunga and Tassafonga in about 6 days. I have already mined the waters of Lunga fairly heavily. If this fails to draw his notice I will work my way down to Ndini, Espirtu, and Efate. If I still havent drawn him out I will land the 65th (my reserve for the operation)at Koumac and march south to Noumea. If that doesnt get him out the door, then at worse I will have established a huge forward staging area to interupt his supply lines between the US and Australia.
Today will begin the first day of massive bombing of Port Moresby with Bettys and Nells out of Rabaul. Yes Nells, I started the scenario with plenty of them and even Claudes. It will take some time to sort them out. At any rate, I don't intend to do more then distract him at PM. Maybe force him to rush troops and fighters there convinced that is where I'm making my thrust. We will see what happens.
This is the largest amount of forces I have ever put into motion for a single operation since I started this game 2 years ago. Its very exciting for me, having been the foil in this game (the Dec 41 allies) for so long, its fun to have this much power. Anyway, Ill update as things occur. Wish me luck, I'm sure my carrier planes won't fly [8|]
China and Burma are historic. In China, Japanese forces are primarily against the coast. In Burma, Imperial forces find themselves at the Mandalay-Lashio line. Im serious considering marching over those hilly pathes and attacking Yunan from Burma. Cut that line and China dies.
After 5 days I have shipping at least headed towards DEI for its oil/resources. I have begun to put all kinds of hulls in motion delivering engineers and construction types throughout my perimeter. None of the Outer islands have been fortified so that is my first mission. To defend the empire, our ill-gotten gains need some troops. Right now...Xarg could take several key areas away from me with a determined effort. We can't have that.
Now, my goal is to build up layers around my perimeter Pick key islands within each zone and make them the main base, the outer islands in the zone, may have some troops/air depending on its size and value. In the coming days I will decide where to place each of my hubs. When he begins his great offensive, I'd like to have mutually supporting hubs that would let me shift my airpower around internally while he beats against the walls.
Of course, being the man who hates his carriers, I can't leave well enough alone with them. Frankly, my build up would be at lot easier if Xargun didnt have so damn many flattops...so I am going to see what I can do about that.
I have formed a massive fleet led by Vice Admiral Todo in TF 9. Well over 50 vessels from tankers to cruisers and carriers are already in position North of Lunga (including Zuikaku and Shokaku. Todo in TF9 is leading more then 60 more ships including a bombardment force of 5 battleships, the 4 fleet carriers and 3 smaller carriers sheparding engineers and 2 SNL forces to the Lunga area. They departed Tokyo 4 days ago and are currently of Iwo Jima. Every carrier in the fleet will be in that area with in the next 6 days and participate in this operation. Once there I will divide the carriers into 3 divisions. Two fleet divisions and one supporting Escort/Light Division. THe KB Light will cruise with the landing forces hoping to draw out his carriers. If I succeed in that, my two heavy divisions will endeavor to hammer whatever he sends into the sea.
My first landing will occur simultaneously at Tulaga, Lunga and Tassafonga in about 6 days. I have already mined the waters of Lunga fairly heavily. If this fails to draw his notice I will work my way down to Ndini, Espirtu, and Efate. If I still havent drawn him out I will land the 65th (my reserve for the operation)at Koumac and march south to Noumea. If that doesnt get him out the door, then at worse I will have established a huge forward staging area to interupt his supply lines between the US and Australia.
Today will begin the first day of massive bombing of Port Moresby with Bettys and Nells out of Rabaul. Yes Nells, I started the scenario with plenty of them and even Claudes. It will take some time to sort them out. At any rate, I don't intend to do more then distract him at PM. Maybe force him to rush troops and fighters there convinced that is where I'm making my thrust. We will see what happens.
This is the largest amount of forces I have ever put into motion for a single operation since I started this game 2 years ago. Its very exciting for me, having been the foil in this game (the Dec 41 allies) for so long, its fun to have this much power. Anyway, Ill update as things occur. Wish me luck, I'm sure my carrier planes won't fly [8|]
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- Amida.jpg (118.35 KiB) Viewed 171 times
RE: Defending the Empire (No Xarguns)
Operation Amida has begun today as my heavies struck PM in a 100 bomber raid. The raid wasnt as effective as I like (2 airfield hits), but it cost him as many as 5 fighters to the loss of two of my bombers.
I have dispatched CVL Junyo from Amida duties and sent her towards the Indian Ocean. The idea that his heavy warships have free reign there was too much for me to take. She will meet up with oilers in Malacca and serve in an anti-shipping capacity unless he does something bold.
I have dispatched CVL Junyo from Amida duties and sent her towards the Indian Ocean. The idea that his heavy warships have free reign there was too much for me to take. She will meet up with oilers in Malacca and serve in an anti-shipping capacity unless he does something bold.
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- PM.jpg (97.59 KiB) Viewed 171 times
Sometime in May
Amida day to went well. 130 bombers struck PM destroying 6 planes on the ground hiting the runway 17 times and causing some supply damage.
The night skies of Burma were filled with bombers as he struck Mandalay with some Blens, my Sallys were in action of Calcutta (ineffectively) and Ceylon.
Todo and TF 9 continue to move south without any submarine interference.
The night skies of Burma were filled with bombers as he struck Mandalay with some Blens, my Sallys were in action of Calcutta (ineffectively) and Ceylon.
Todo and TF 9 continue to move south without any submarine interference.
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- amida2.jpg (64.31 KiB) Viewed 171 times
RE: Sometime in May
Not alot to post with today's turn.
My old nemisis Xargun is up to some of his older tricks. Hey made submarine commando landings at Tavoy and Victoria Point... The troops at Tavoy took the field...part of the problem with the poor 1st turn set up of this scenario is I have hordes of bases that are exposed to this type of ...gaming. They are small matter and I have troops enroute by air and rail to deal with it in the next couple of days.
I ordered Zuikaku and Shokaku south to get in range of Lunga. I do not want to reveal my cards yet (the main KB force is still several days away)...but I also don't want him landing troops ahead of me. I have an inkling he may already have troops on the ground there as I received a report one of his destroyers was sweeping mines...and since the only place I have laid them is Lunga....
My old nemisis Xargun is up to some of his older tricks. Hey made submarine commando landings at Tavoy and Victoria Point... The troops at Tavoy took the field...part of the problem with the poor 1st turn set up of this scenario is I have hordes of bases that are exposed to this type of ...gaming. They are small matter and I have troops enroute by air and rail to deal with it in the next couple of days.
I ordered Zuikaku and Shokaku south to get in range of Lunga. I do not want to reveal my cards yet (the main KB force is still several days away)...but I also don't want him landing troops ahead of me. I have an inkling he may already have troops on the ground there as I received a report one of his destroyers was sweeping mines...and since the only place I have laid them is Lunga....
RE: Sometime in May
that is frustrating. I always play PBEM with a house rule for no sub landings. too gamey in my opinion given that the game does not represent 2nd line or security troops. A sub "commando" squadron could capture even a city hex if there is no 1st line unit there!
RE: Sometime in May
ORIGINAL: Nikademus
that is frustrating. I always play PBEM with a house rule for no sub landings. too gamey in my opinion given that the game does not represent 2nd line or security troops. A sub "commando" squadron could capture even a city hex if there is no 1st line unit there!
Yeah, I don't mind them that much, but had I known how strung out IJA units are I would of banned them for a month or so. Hopefully in the next week or two I will have a handle on force dispositions. I have tons of units moving, but it takes time to get them in place.
RE: Sometime in May
We have had a few email issues causing a delay here...we seem to have it worked out now.
Several more days have past with little action...I continue to move Todo and the rest of Amida in place.
My forces attacked and sank the argonaut off of Kwajalein, we believe..9 depth charge hits and she should go down.
He has been sending night raiders out of PM to strike Lae. They have been
completely ineffective.
Bettys out of Lae and Rabaul attacked his shipping twice today (my continued attempt to sway him that IM planning for PM) They struck two of his transports with multiple torpedos as the were moving south out of PM in the AM turn. A 2nd strike in the afternoon smashed 3 transports at PM and shot 3 fighters down. A total of 3 of his transports have been reported sunk from the day's attacks those attacks.
He lost a total of 8 aircraft in air to air action to my 3, all of them over NG.
CVL Junyo (Nagumo) has entered the straits of Malacca as she moves to counter any British activity around Burma.
I had a picture of TF9 (Todo) location but it got lost in my save buffer. They are about two days from arriving on station at the Amida starting point. When they arrive I will rearrange my groups for the opening blows against Lunga.
Several more days have past with little action...I continue to move Todo and the rest of Amida in place.
My forces attacked and sank the argonaut off of Kwajalein, we believe..9 depth charge hits and she should go down.
He has been sending night raiders out of PM to strike Lae. They have been
completely ineffective.
Bettys out of Lae and Rabaul attacked his shipping twice today (my continued attempt to sway him that IM planning for PM) They struck two of his transports with multiple torpedos as the were moving south out of PM in the AM turn. A 2nd strike in the afternoon smashed 3 transports at PM and shot 3 fighters down. A total of 3 of his transports have been reported sunk from the day's attacks those attacks.
He lost a total of 8 aircraft in air to air action to my 3, all of them over NG.
CVL Junyo (Nagumo) has entered the straits of Malacca as she moves to counter any British activity around Burma.
I had a picture of TF9 (Todo) location but it got lost in my save buffer. They are about two days from arriving on station at the Amida starting point. When they arrive I will rearrange my groups for the opening blows against Lunga.
14 May 42
The American carriers are moving north towards Lunga. One of my picket submarines I-121 was spotted by an enemy Dive bomber. Todo and TF 9 will be merging with Zuikaku and Shokaku tomorrow. At that point I may send my smaller carriers in south to bomb Lunga hoping to draw him in and move TF9 (Todo) left of south east and try to get behind Xarg's carriers...sort of a right hook. The next few days might get loud.
One of my subs attacked a transport North of Pearl a few days ago...it sank today.
A US boat put a torpedo into one of my transports of Iwo Jima...alert the media the torpedo went off
.
He hit Rangoon with 4 Es...going to have to shift some zeros there to stop that (2 squadrons were moved to Rangoon).
My Lae Betties torpedoed a minesweeper in Rangoon.
Trimcomalee will be hit by Betties in a night raid...to help dissuade him using it as a port.
air war 12 to 5 in my favor today.
One of my subs attacked a transport North of Pearl a few days ago...it sank today.
A US boat put a torpedo into one of my transports of Iwo Jima...alert the media the torpedo went off
.He hit Rangoon with 4 Es...going to have to shift some zeros there to stop that (2 squadrons were moved to Rangoon).
My Lae Betties torpedoed a minesweeper in Rangoon.
Trimcomalee will be hit by Betties in a night raid...to help dissuade him using it as a port.
air war 12 to 5 in my favor today.
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RE: 15 May 42
Getting closer to action as more of his SBDs have been sited by my submarines.
I have reconfigured my task groups and divided them between fleet and baby carriers. Unfortunetly when I did this the game ate Todo
. My Carrier groups are now moving southeast...TF9 is further east from lunga then TF 153 (baby). Im hoping he will bite on 153 and I can get behind him with 9. We will see.
Heavy flak over PM cost me 8 aircraft...one more day of it and I will shut this phase of the op down.
The Headlines
he's getting annoying with the sub commandos now they are at moulmen
Lae betties blast another transport off Moresby
Rabaul bombers strike PM sinking 3 ships (two MSWs and a transport)...losses were high as
his flak brought down 7 bombers and a zero. 5 of his fighters were destroyed in air combat.
he won the air to air today 6 to 7.
Forgot to save a screenie..sorry.
I have reconfigured my task groups and divided them between fleet and baby carriers. Unfortunetly when I did this the game ate Todo
. My Carrier groups are now moving southeast...TF9 is further east from lunga then TF 153 (baby). Im hoping he will bite on 153 and I can get behind him with 9. We will see.Heavy flak over PM cost me 8 aircraft...one more day of it and I will shut this phase of the op down.
The Headlines
he's getting annoying with the sub commandos now they are at moulmen
Lae betties blast another transport off Moresby
Rabaul bombers strike PM sinking 3 ships (two MSWs and a transport)...losses were high as
his flak brought down 7 bombers and a zero. 5 of his fighters were destroyed in air combat.
he won the air to air today 6 to 7.
Forgot to save a screenie..sorry.
16 May 42
No major action today, but tomorrow that should change as my submarines have spotted 2 American carriers cutting slowly through the waters south of Lunga. Needless to say Todo has turned his 2 groups southwest in an effort to catch them.
Tomorrow should be loud.
I won the A2A today 0 to 1.
Tomorrow should be loud.
I won the A2A today 0 to 1.
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Battle of the Coral Sea
Lexington settles into the boiling ocean...or as I like to say my first Carrier victory EVER!!!!!!
Details to follow.
Details to follow.
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- lexington.jpg (32.75 KiB) Viewed 171 times
Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
At long last...my birds left the deck and struck the enemy carriers! My first Carrier victory is especially sweet since its against my old Nemsis Xargun.
I must admit I was anxious when his planes struck the 1st blow. Soryu has suffered substantial damage and will have to return to Tokyo. Kaga suffered moderate damage and will continue to operated in Amida. My naval air struck his carriers and at least two seperate transport ship fleets.
One, I think was headed towards Ndini. Including PGs and at least 1 Tanker. The other was likely bait for me to attack, it appears to of been a solo troop ship. I think he was trying to draw me in, based on the amount of ships (very few) TF 153 attacked.
TF 9 (Todo) probably sank the Lexington in the morning raid (several groups unable to find the target) and damaged Yorktown. Yorktown was overwhelmed in the afternoon raid with countless bomb and torpedo hits.
I have deprived him of 40 percent of his carrier air. It will be interesting to see if the other 3 carriers come out to fight now or if he moves them back towards the west coast. Either way Amida will continue forward as I have ordered the ground troops to land. Phase 1 is complete. We will see what else he brings to the table now.
Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
I must admit I was anxious when his planes struck the 1st blow. Soryu has suffered substantial damage and will have to return to Tokyo. Kaga suffered moderate damage and will continue to operated in Amida. My naval air struck his carriers and at least two seperate transport ship fleets.
One, I think was headed towards Ndini. Including PGs and at least 1 Tanker. The other was likely bait for me to attack, it appears to of been a solo troop ship. I think he was trying to draw me in, based on the amount of ships (very few) TF 153 attacked.
TF 9 (Todo) probably sank the Lexington in the morning raid (several groups unable to find the target) and damaged Yorktown. Yorktown was overwhelmed in the afternoon raid with countless bomb and torpedo hits.
I have deprived him of 40 percent of his carrier air. It will be interesting to see if the other 3 carriers come out to fight now or if he moves them back towards the west coast. Either way Amida will continue forward as I have ordered the ground troops to land. Phase 1 is complete. We will see what else he brings to the table now.
Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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- coralsea.jpg (70.25 KiB) Viewed 171 times
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grraven2004
- Posts: 272
- Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2004 7:14 pm
- Location: Cuyahoga Falls OH
RE: Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
Rob,
Congrats on finally bagging some flattops. Even though you have waited so long for this I bet that it was really gratifying to see it finally happen. [&o][&o][&o]
Congrats on finally bagging some flattops. Even though you have waited so long for this I bet that it was really gratifying to see it finally happen. [&o][&o][&o]
Human by birth
Klingon By choice!
Sig changed per Erik's request
Klingon By choice!
Sig changed per Erik's request
RE: Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
ORIGINAL: grraven2004
Rob,
Congrats on finally bagging some flattops. Even though you have waited so long for this I bet that it was really gratifying to see it finally happen. [&o][&o][&o]
My wife thought I was crazy hooting and hollaring in the computer room...[:D]
RE: Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
ORIGINAL: rroberson
My wife thought I was crazy hooting and hollaring in the computer room...[:D]
Wife Mark I and GF Mark I units just don't have the programming software to understand the digital sweet moments of a guy's life. [:D]
congrats on your first carrier victory. I take it neither Soryu or Kaga are in any immediate danger from progressive flooding?
RE: Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
ORIGINAL: Nikademus
ORIGINAL: rroberson
My wife thought I was crazy hooting and hollaring in the computer room...[:D]
Wife Mark I and GF Mark I units just don't have the programming software to understand the digital sweet moments of a guy's life. [:D]
congrats on your first carrier victory. I take it neither Soryu or Kaga are in any immediate danger from progressive flooding?
Soryu concerns me (33 system 4 or 5 flood 17 fires), but unless I run across one of his subs she should be okay. She clearly needs yard time. kaga should be fine (18 system and 12 fires).
RE: Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
i wouldn't be concerned if the damage is that low. now had she 50% flt and heavy damage....get to the nearest port asap. 17 fires will probably translate into another 4-10% SYS...but your FLT is low enough that the DC teams should be able to cope. (get to a big port anyway of course) use Escort TF mission to ensure the tacAI doesn't split off Soryu with but one DD.
RE: Battle of the Coral Sea 17 May 42
Congradulations Rob
I hope you copied down all the settings you had. [:D]
Run Xargun out of New Caldonia while you're at it. [:)]
I hope you copied down all the settings you had. [:D]
Run Xargun out of New Caldonia while you're at it. [:)]