Focus Pacific: down with the Wulf ( no durnedwolf please)

[BillBrown]

I am sorry, I didn't see this right away. I think having the Soviets active is too much for Japan. They are not able to take any units from
Manchuria to use elsewhere and the Soviets have a lot of aircraft and large air units available. Not to mention that there ground forces are
formidable, even in 1942. Another thing to consider is that with the Soviets active supply will flow from Alma-Ata to the Northern area of China
around Urumchi and Hami. Also, Soviet units can move into that area via road. When I have played the Soviet active scenarios I moved 4 or 5
Chinese base forces to the area along with 10-12 air units and a number of Infantry Corps. That makes a large contingent that can attack
later in the war with devastating force.

I have to agree that I think my opponent is moving much too slow. A prospective Japanese player needs to look at the Allied set up and
attack appropriately. More than normal scenarios, the Japanese player must use the invasion bonus wisely and really roll on the attack in
the first few months. The IJN starts with 8 CVs ( 2 x 72, 3 x 81, and 3 x 90) all fully stocked. Also 9 CVLs ( 5 x 45 and 2 x 48 ) agian
fully stocked and they need to be used as a big hammer in the first few months. I have hardly seen them since the Pearl Harbor attack.

It is a fun scenario, but the Allies might still be too strong for the Japanese. I am not sure.

[PaxMondo]

I've been sandboxing this a lot lately. In stock scenarios I think there is a hole in the SOV starting in about May '42 and ending in mid-'43. They have an airforce, but the only decent fighter in the MIG-3 and they don't get many. The rest are a challenge for Nates/Claudes, but not A6M's. Bombers, ditto. Short range and small bombloads and not many replacements.

LCU's, yes they have quite a few, but once removed the allies are hard pressed to buy them back into the game and they start off-board.

Navy, not a lot and fairly straight forward to remove.

Note: I'm not suggesting a Lowpe situation (accidental initiation in Dec '41) but rather an intentional one in mid '42 where the CHI have already (or almost) been taken out of the game. If you can take/control Krasnovarsk, Abakan, and Wasu to prevent SOV from re-entering the conflict … well, that's a big deal.

The challenge is Wasu. Very hard to get reinforcements to. If the SOV can't get a base, then they can't get an airforce to assist their attack and it makes it easier to defend against. Even Sally is numbers when there is no fighter opposition can do surprising damage in a tactical bomb attack.

Anyway, still sandboxing it … intriguing

[BillBrown]

Stock scenarios yes, but this is focus Pacific:

there is plenty of air frames and the Mig-3 AM-38 is excellent.

[aaffins]

Thanks for the insight guys. My potential opponent is concerned all the additional units would make a typical turn exceedingly time consuming, any insight on how a turn of this would compare to stock or even a mod like RA?

[BillBrown]

March 9, 1942

Not much happened today, but I did find out something that is a bit disconcerting.
While poking about in the mod I realized that Japan starts with about 18,500 AV in
the Manchukuo garrison. That means he has about 6500 more AV available than in
scenario 2. No wonder I am being hard pressed in China. This stems from the original
scenario 71 being made for having the Soviets active. I will most likely have to
abandon China since I do not think it can be held.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

Stock scenarios yes, but this is focus Pacific:

there is plenty of air frames and the Mig-3 AM-38 is excellent.

Yes, the MIG-3 was a very good fighter.

BUT, 72/mo in the PAC in '42? They were so short of fighters in the summer of '42 they couldn't spare any let alone a the majority of their fighter production.

The assumption in the mod must be that Barbarossa either never happened or the SOV won handily.

Anyway, in stock it is interesting.

[BillBrown]

This scenario has nothing to do with history Pax. The original author, paradigmblue, started with scenario 10, the ironman scenario, and then beefed up the Allies, a lot.

From his release description:

Focus Pacific is deeply non-historical, and many of the alternate history events (which are detailed in a post below) that would have had to transpire to make the changes in this mod possible are implausible at best. For many, these kind of changes are not their cup of tea. For those that are able to suspend their disbelief however, I hope that Focus Pacific provides a fun and fresh game-play experience.

Also notice that in the picture I put up about the Soviet aircraft that in July 1942 the Mig-3 upgrades to the Mig-3 AM-38 and has a replacement rate of 82 aircraft per month until the end of the game.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

This scenario has nothing to do with history Pax. The original author, paradigmblue, started with scenario 17 and then beefed up the Allies, a lot.

From his release description:

Focus Pacific is deeply non-historical, and many of the alternate history events (which are detailed in a post below) that would have had to transpire to make the changes in this mod possible are implausible at best. For many, these kind of changes are not their cup of tea. For those that are able to suspend their disbelief however, I hope that Focus Pacific provides a fun and fresh game-play experience.

Also notice that in the picture I put up about the Soviet aircraft that in July 1942 the Mig-3 upgrades to the Mig-3 AM-38 and has a replacement rate of 82 aircraft per month until the end of the game.

Gotcha. Not really familiar with too many mods. Some of them have back stories, alternate history type of things. Didn't know this one. I only play AI and this doesn't have a supported AI, so no luck for me.

[BillBrown]

Actually, with the soviets inactive, the scripts for scenario 10 should work for the Japanese. I said scenario 17 above, but meant 10, the regular ironman scenario.

so you could play Allies against the Japanese.

[BillBrown]

Just to let everyone know, my opponent is having surgery tomorrow and I expect him to be out of commission for a while. I am not sure when the next turn will be.

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

Just to let everyone know, my opponent is having surgery tomorrow and I expect him to be out of commission for a while. I am not sure when the next turn will be.

He's not playing Chickenboy, is he? [X(]

[BillBrown]

No, CB is playing AcePylut.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

Just to let everyone know, my opponent is having surgery tomorrow and I expect him to be out of commission for a while. I am not sure when the next turn will be.

He's not playing Chickenboy, is he? [X(]

For those scratching their heads about this comment, CB has a rep of causing illness or injury to his opponents as soon as they start a PBEM with him. Must be Bird Flu!

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

Just to let everyone know, my opponent is having surgery tomorrow and I expect him to be out of commission for a while. I am not sure when the next turn will be.

Sorry to hear. Trust he will be ok.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

Actually, with the soviets inactive, the scripts for scenario 10 should work for the Japanese. I said scenario 17 above, but meant 10, the regular ironman scenario.

so you could play Allies against the Japanese.

Ah, didn't know this was a Ironman PBEM variant. Gotcha.

[BillBrown]

March 10, 1942 to March 21, 1942

Not a lot happening. I feel my opponent is not pressing his advance as fully as he should.
The Japanese are given a huge hammer and they need to wield it well and often in the opening
months of the war. The Allies are given a lot also, but they are still unprepared for war
as they are in the stock scenarios. Their morale and experience are low to start and while
they build lots of equipment, it takes time to accumulate, and that is when the Japanese need
to move.

I am in the process of evacuating as much of my Chinese forces as I can to India. I think I
will be able to do an orderly withdrawal and most of my forces will be able to make it to India.
As suck I will be losing bases in China and I will not really comment on them.

On the 15th of March he crossed the river into Yenan and it did not go as he planned.

Ground combat at Yenan (88,37)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 39203 troops, 319 guns, 203 vehicles, Assault Value = 1400

Defending force 35716 troops, 245 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 960

Japanese adjusted assault: 919

Allied adjusted defense: 2683

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
3986 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 465 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 32 (1 destroyed, 31 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1416 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 82 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
5th Armored Car Co
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
81st Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
2nd War Area
18th Group Army
These troops in Yenan will fight to the death or if possible I will try and
move them across the mountains to India later after they are forced to
retreat.

He is making slow progress on Luzon. I still hold Manila and Bataan and most of
the bases South of that.

And also he is making slow progress in Northern Sumatra. He has not landed on Java yet.
Ceram, Timor, and Celebes are still in my hands.

He has taken Kavieng, Raboul and Shortlands int eh New Britain, Solomon Islands area.

He has taken the Aleutian Islands West of Dutch Harbor.

[BillBrown]

March 22, 1942 to March 25, 1942.

Still not much. This was a welcome outcome.

ASW attack near Noumea at 115,160

Japanese Ships
SS I-62

Allied Ships
BC New Zealand, Torpedo hits 1
DD Napier

SS I-62 launches 6 torpedoes at BC New Zealand
I-62 bottoming out ....

DD Napier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Napier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Napier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Napier fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Napier fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

[BBfanboy]

Really good luck. Because the Major Float damage is under 6, you can repair her at any size 7 port. [:)]

[BillBrown]

March 26, 1942 to March 31, 1942

Still not much happening. I fear my opponent has not pursued the war as he should.
The amphibious bonus has expired and he has not carried out many amphibious operations at all.
He did take Davao on the 28th of March. but nothing else.

He bombed Dutch Harbor for the first time on the 31st. He sank one of the ACMs I had there.
17 G4M1 Betty bombers got 1 hit on the ACM and none on the port. Severe storms I guess.

My orderly evacuation of China is proceeding nicely.
And I am continuing to train air crews. In this mod I have a number of dedicated training units,
they churn out 70 primary skill pilots at a good rate. I have 8 fully manned USAAF fighter squadrons in India
that are starting operations. I also have a number of USAAF Bomber squadrons in India that are now active. It is
time I take the air battle to him.

And as always, the 1st of April is the day that many, many USN ships can upgrade with significant upgrades.

[BillBrown]

April 1 and April 2, 1942

On the 1st I bombed Magwe, destroyed a few aircraft on the ground and did a bit of airfield damage.

On the 2nd I swept and bombed Magwe. We had a large battle and I came out ahead.

This is the combat report of the air battle:

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 53
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 19
Ki-43-Id Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-Id Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(26 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
77th Sentai/B with Ki-43-Id Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 19 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 27 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 44,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 13
Ki-43-Id Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-43-Id Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
77th Sentai/B with Ki-43-Id Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 109 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
25 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 10360.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 105 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 43,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 9
Ki-43-Id Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-Id Oscar: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-43-Ib Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
24 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
77th Sentai/B with Ki-43-Id Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 33
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-25B Mitchell x 39
B-25C Mitchell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 6 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
15 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25B Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 12 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 12 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25B Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25B Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 13 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 12

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 12 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 12 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
16th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 32810 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 17

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet
5 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet
5 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet



---------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 42,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 5

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet