BTS Play-Testing

[ny59giants]

Going from playing Allies to Japan has some challenges. The one you don't think off immediately, is construction engineers. I truly miss those damn SeaBees. [:(] Especially, the big Rgt. Over the many versions of the game, I've helped this to some degree, but you have to focus on getting them into the South and Central Pacific. The reason Rabaul becomes important is the ability to reach size 7 AF that allows you to upgrade airframe models. If not then you will have to air hop the air groups back to Formosa or Japan to allow this to happen.

[btd64]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Going from playing Allies to Japan has some challenges. The one you don't think off immediately, is construction engineers. I truly miss those damn SeaBees. [:(] Especially, the big Rgt. Over the many versions of the game, I've helped this to some degree, but you have to focus on getting them into the South and Central Pacific. The reason Rabaul becomes important is the ability to reach size 7 AF that allows you to upgrade airframe models. If not then you will have to air hop the air groups back to Formosa or Japan to allow this to happen.

Yes, I noticed that about the airfields. Moving engineers, check.
Thanks again everyone. John, ETA on the final BTSL version?....GP

[ny59giants]

Supply and base expansions - Warning here as its easy to do to much too fast. [:-] With extra construction engineers, you can try to build bases in Japan and cause a shortage of supply for much more needed industry expansion in the Home Islands early war. Done this before. [:(]

Mindset - When you invade Luzon and want to expand a few bases you need to look at it from what you want in '44. The Allies probably come after this large island, so what bases you expand now may need to be defended later. Don't want to give the Allies too many gifts.

[btd64]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Supply and base expansions - Warning here as its easy to do to much too fast. [:-] With extra construction engineers, you can try to build bases in Japan and cause a shortage of supply for much more needed industry expansion in the Home Islands early war. Done this before. [:(]

Mindset - When you invade Luzon and want to expand a few bases you need to look at it from what you want in '44. The Allies probably come after this large island, so what bases you expand now may need to be defended later. Don't want to give the Allies too many gifts.

I think I remember you telling me this when Larry was starting the mod for the first time as Japan. That's one of the reasons why I will Build forts first as Allies. Don't want to give any gifts to the enemy.[:)] ....GP

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: btd64

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Going from playing Allies to Japan has some challenges. The one you don't think off immediately, is construction engineers. I truly miss those damn SeaBees. [:(] Especially, the big Rgt. Over the many versions of the game, I've helped this to some degree, but you have to focus on getting them into the South and Central Pacific. The reason Rabaul becomes important is the ability to reach size 7 AF that allows you to upgrade airframe models. If not then you will have to air hop the air groups back to Formosa or Japan to allow this to happen.

Yes, I noticed that about the airfields. Moving engineers, check.
Thanks again everyone. John, ETA on the final BTSL version?....GP

As far as I am concerned, BTSL is finished. Jorge and I have stopped our 'test' and are now finalizing a few House Rules. Have just been waiting for anyone to catch anything more before release of both Mods.

Anyone seen anything more?

[John 3rd]

Michael suggests adding a Russian Ftr Training Group of Size 18 or so...

[Kitakami]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Michael suggests adding a Russian Ftr Training Group of Size 18 or so...

What would be the objective? You can set all Soviet Ftr units to train from turn 2, and overload them with pilots. They would all be sending well-trained pilots to the reserve (and getting more green flyers to train) well within a year. Same with bombers.

It is the airframes that are the bane of the Soviets, I think, not the pilots... but then, what do I know? I am just a JFB ;p

My 2 cents only. Take with a lump of salt.

[Nomad]

ORIGINAL: Kitakami

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Michael suggests adding a Russian Ftr Training Group of Size 18 or so...

What would be the objective? You can set all Soviet Ftr units to train from turn 2, and overload them with pilots. They would all be sending well-trained pilots to the reserve (and getting more green flyers to train) well within a year. Same with bombers.

It is the airframes that are the bane of the Soviets, I think, not the pilots... but then, what do I know? I am just a JFB ;p

My 2 cents only. Take with a lump of salt.

Agree, it is not necessary.

[John 3rd]

Michael? What is your thinking here?

Pending on thoughts from the group, I plan to release the Mods this evening. If something comes up between now and then we can tweak them.

[btd64]

ORIGINAL: Nomad

ORIGINAL: Kitakami

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Michael suggests adding a Russian Ftr Training Group of Size 18 or so...

What would be the objective? You can set all Soviet Ftr units to train from turn 2, and overload them with pilots. They would all be sending well-trained pilots to the reserve (and getting more green flyers to train) well within a year. Same with bombers.

It is the airframes that are the bane of the Soviets, I think, not the pilots... but then, what do I know? I am just a JFB ;p

My 2 cents only. Take with a lump of salt.

Agree, it is not necessary.

Second....GP

[ny59giants]

Soviets get 35 pilots per month with at start pool of 420. So may be enough, but I will look at the late 44 and beyond reinforcements as their pilot quality was poor coming from Europe.

Other suggestions:
The two AMC TF south of Suva to.... West of Oregon or between Sumatra and Ceylon to get at all those CW transports.

One Glen sub and two fleet I-boats from off Pearl to south of Gilberts - lots of Allied warships to hunt for.

Subs off Midway to between Adak and Dutch Harbour - harassment of Allied attempts to reinforce the Aleutians.

Preload the bonus TF at Ominato to head for Adak at start. Include small TK to fuel the subs now up there, but not able to reload TTs.

[btd64]

Any thoughts on converting DD's to APD's. As the Allies I did it when possible. What about as the Japanese?....GP

[Kitakami]

ORIGINAL: btd64
Any thoughts on converting DD's to APD's. As the Allies I did it when possible. What about as the Japanese?....GP

As Japan, I converted those without Long Lance (61cm) torpedoes. The rest are a matter of personal preference, I think. Study the upgrade/conversion trees of each, and choose the end result you want... or at least that is what I do.

[btd64]

ORIGINAL: Kitakami

ORIGINAL: btd64
Any thoughts on converting DD's to APD's. As the Allies I did it when possible. What about as the Japanese?....GP

As Japan, I converted those without Long Lance (61cm) torpedoes. The rest are a matter of personal preference, I think. Study the upgrade/conversion trees of each, and choose the end result you want... or at least that is what I do.

The torpedo thing is a good point. I haven't considered that....GP

[John 3rd]

How about this as a Russian compromise. I can have a Training unit arrive Jan 1, 1943. Allows for more training if wanted...

Michael thru out his thoughts. Are there any other suggestions/changes?

[John 3rd]

Inventory took longer then planned tonight so I shall finish things tomorrow morning. Figure OFFICIAL release tomorrow or Thursday. Job well done I would say!

Thank You guys.

Still time to note something if you spot it.

[John 3rd]

Completed files sent to all play-testers for BTSL--BTSH. They are now in their appropriate Scenario Numbers of 055 (Heavy) and 060 (Lite). Have also uploaded them onto the RA Site.

Well done to all the play-testers.

Now...

"Let slip the dogs of war!"

[ny59giants]

Artwork?!?

[John 3rd]

I want to celebrate a little releasing the Mods before we get artwork handled. I know I have nearly everything--just have to organize and FIND it!

[btd64]

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, artwork[;)]....GP