Off to see the lizard.....

[Bif1961]

I like the idea of using moving over watch of the AVDs and attached PBY squadron finding vantage points, any rock they can use to be the advance eyes of the fleet. It is worth a try.

[Zorch]

Not to throw cold water on your idea, but to the Japs, sighting Vindicators is a give away that your CVs are near. And don't Jap float planes out range them anyway?

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

Not to throw cold water on your idea, but to the Japs, sighting Vindicators is a give away that your CVs are near. And don't Jap float planes out range them anyway?

Most players don't use Vindicators as 1st rate planes. And yes some Japanese float and CV planes DO have a superior range. I'm not debating that. BUT are there any CV capable planes that have a longer range than ten? If you know of ANY, PLEASE let me know as I'll be very grateful (and will definitely buy you a beer or three). The is a F4F-7 that will appear later with an ungodly range for RECON , but unfortunately the game creators took the CV capability away from it.

All I'm trying to do is give my poor outranged USN CV's a chance of survival in the early days. ANY suggestions will be very much appreciated. [&o] [&o][:)][:)]

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: AW1Steve

ORIGINAL: Zorch

Not to throw cold water on your idea, but to the Japs, sighting Vindicators is a give away that your CVs are near. And don't Jap float planes out range them anyway?

Most players don't use Vindicators as 1st rate planes. And yes some Japanese float and CV planes DO have a superior range. I'm not debating that. BUT are there any CV capable planes that have a longer range than ten? If you know of ANY, PLEASE let me know as I'll be very grateful (and will definitely buy you a beer or three). The is a F4F-7 that will appear later with an ungodly range for RECON , but unfortunately the game creators took the CV capability away from it.

All I'm trying to do is give my poor outranged USN CV's a chance of survival in the early days. ANY suggestions will be very much appreciated. [&o] [&o][:)][:)]

My only suggestion is to strike where the KB isn't - and then run. Any good intel you'd share with us?

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

ORIGINAL: AW1Steve

ORIGINAL: Zorch

Not to throw cold water on your idea, but to the Japs, sighting Vindicators is a give away that your CVs are near. And don't Jap float planes out range them anyway?

Most players don't use Vindicators as 1st rate planes. And yes some Japanese float and CV planes DO have a superior range. I'm not debating that. BUT are there any CV capable planes that have a longer range than ten? If you know of ANY, PLEASE let me know as I'll be very grateful (and will definitely buy you a beer or three). The is a F4F-7 that will appear later with an ungodly range for RECON , but unfortunately the game creators took the CV capability away from it.

All I'm trying to do is give my poor outranged USN CV's a chance of survival in the early days. ANY suggestions will be very much appreciated. [&o] [&o][:)][:)]

My only suggestion is to strike where the KB isn't - and then run. Any good intel you'd share with us?

Intell? No. But I've lots and lots of procedures and techniques. Number one 10 Fence the KB in. Anyway you can. I usually do this in a series of Picket lines. One of the things you should do is take advantage of geography. Where ever there is a line of unoccupied islands that would make a good barrier to hide behind , "fortify" it with pickets. AVP's and AV's disbanded in even the smallest harbors give warning that the KB is coming. On bigger islands use land based planes , Hudson's , LB-30's , Blenheim's, what ever you have with a decent range. In the spaces between those islands , place float planes on ASW. Anything going through will trip the alarm. And you MIGHT catch his subs. 2) Use those "picket islands" to extend your surface and sub surface pickets. For surface ships there are many choices. PC's PG's YP's small mine craft, and if you don't feel it gamey .....AKL's. There were used in real life , but some players feel that they are gamey. Subs are great pickets but need to be closely spaced. Use short ranged subs for this.

The big thing is what can you spare , and just how badly do you want to protect your CV's or convoys? Layer of later of picket lines has always worked for me. [:)] [:)]

[rustysi]

BUT are there any CV capable planes that have a longer range than ten? If you know of ANY, PLEASE let me know as I'll be very grateful

None early in the game. Recon version of the Judy might be 10, not 100% sure, but comes in somewhat later. There's one Japanese single engine float plane (forget the name) that has a range of twelve/fifteen (normal/extended), but that too is later.

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: rustysi

BUT are there any CV capable planes that have a longer range than ten? If you know of ANY, PLEASE let me know as I'll be very grateful

None early in the game. Recon version of the Judy might be 10, not 100% sure, but comes in somewhat later. There's one Japanese single engine float plane (forget the name) that has a range of twelve/fifteen (normal/extended), but that too is later.

So if I can get 8-10 out of a Vindicator, that's pretty good. At least the best I'm likely to get early in the war.

Patrol and scouting seems to be the most important factor for the USN early in the war. What I'd give for more PBY's! Then again , I'm better off than the INJ. As it is I'm using every Hudson (especially the LR III's), And LB-30 I can use to supplement my patrols. I'm going to hate to do it , but I might have to use some of my B-17's in the role. Certainly any B-17D's I have. [:(]

[rustysi]

ORIGINAL: AW1Steve

ORIGINAL: rustysi

BUT are there any CV capable planes that have a longer range than ten? If you know of ANY, PLEASE let me know as I'll be very grateful

None early in the game. Recon version of the Judy might be 10, not 100% sure, but comes in somewhat later. There's one Japanese single engine float plane (forget the name) that has a range of twelve/fifteen (normal/extended), but that too is later.

So if I can get 8-10 out of a Vindicator, that's pretty good. At least the best I'm likely to get early in the war.

Patrol and scouting seems to be the most important factor for the USN early in the war. What I'd give for more PBY's! Then again , I'm better off than the INJ. As it is I'm using every Hudson (especially the LR III's), And LB-30 I can use to supplement my patrols. I'm going to hate to do it , but I might have to use some of my B-17's in the role. Certainly any B-17D's I have. [:(]

Looked it up when I got home and the Judy has a range of something like 17 with drop tanks. Comes into play 10/42 unless R&D brings it sooner, but I doubt that plane would be advanced.

Like the Idea about the B-17D's. Not generally as tough a plane as later models. As I've said, its the only 4E model I've shot down with my Nates.[X(]

[decourcy2]

People don't respect intelligence enough; the Judy scout is being advanced in my game. I plan on creating a 27 aircraft unit, split it into 3 nines and put a nine on 3 different carriers.
I like your idea of using vindicators for something other than training.

[Chickenboy]

Good idea on the long range recon CV-capable planes, Steve. Make sure that the pilots selected for same have good NavS ratings / training and train them up accordingly.

If you can fix KB's interests on a particular region or fix the next major Japanese amphibious operation's location, grounding the USN's CV groups there may cause quite a stir. Make sure they have an egress route in case things go pear-shaped in the defense though.

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Good idea on the long range recon CV-capable planes, Steve. Make sure that the pilots selected for same have good NavS ratings / training and train them up accordingly.

If you can fix KB's interests on a particular region or fix the next major Japanese amphibious operation's location, grounding the USN's CV groups there may cause quite a stir. Make sure they have an egress route in case things go pear-shaped in the defense though.

Thanks for the reminder Andre. And comments. I've been pining for the F-4F-7 ever since you brought it to my attention. How I wish they had included it's CV capability in the game! Even if I couldn't use it for search , it would be great to RECON bases for attack , or for BDA ! As it is , the only decent plan early in the game for RECON/BDA that's CV capable is the British Fulmar (which has a camera). Not much for range , and it's really a horrible fighter , but it's something (at a time period when I have a whole lot of nothing!). [:D]

[AW1Steve]

Not much happening in the game. We have mostly moved into what I call "The Victory at Sea" phase of the game. (That is loading and unloading ships and moving LOTS of cargo, fuel , troops and squadrons). My subs are having tremendous torpedo failures , but very aggressive skippers are doing constant "battle surface" on merchant ships. The skippers are mostly aggressive , occasionally merchants sink, and generally the sub takes a hit or two. I actually am happy to see a sub take a hit or two from guns or depth charges (but I pull the sub out as the damage hits 10 pts), as it's helping them gain experience FAST. As soon as I get decent torpedoes I'll cut up Japanese shipping fast. [:D]

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: decourcy2

People don't respect intelligence enough; the Judy scout is being advanced in my game. I plan on creating a 27 aircraft unit, split it into 3 nines and put a nine on 3 different carriers.
I like your idea of using vindicators for something other than training.

In ww2 the USN sent some of it's best pilots and aircrew to VP type aircraft 1st. Even to this day there is a heavy emphasis placed upon Patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. As an instructor once told me "back in the day" , "If you can't find them, the fleet can't hit them. So heavy emphasis is put on finding them".

I subscribe to that philosophy in this game whole heartedly! [:D]

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: AW1Steve

Not much happening in the game. We have mostly moved into what I call "The Victory at Sea" phase of the game. (That is loading and unloading ships and moving LOTS of cargo, fuel , troops and squadrons). My subs are having tremendous torpedo failures , but very aggressive skippers are doing constant "battle surface" on merchant ships. The skippers are mostly aggressive , occasionally merchants sink, and generally the sub takes a hit or two. I actually am happy to see a sub take a hit or two from guns or depth charges (but I pull the sub out as the damage hits 10 pts), as it's helping them gain experience FAST. As soon as I get decent torpedoes I'll cut up Japanese shipping fast. [:D]

And the Japs can only lose the game of logistics.

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

ORIGINAL: AW1Steve

Not much happening in the game. We have mostly moved into what I call "The Victory at Sea" phase of the game. (That is loading and unloading ships and moving LOTS of cargo, fuel , troops and squadrons). My subs are having tremendous torpedo failures , but very aggressive skippers are doing constant "battle surface" on merchant ships. The skippers are mostly aggressive , occasionally merchants sink, and generally the sub takes a hit or two. I actually am happy to see a sub take a hit or two from guns or depth charges (but I pull the sub out as the damage hits 10 pts), as it's helping them gain experience FAST. As soon as I get decent torpedoes I'll cut up Japanese shipping fast. [:D]

And the Japs can only lose the game of logistics.

Oh they will. But I'd like to beat them BEFORE they starve to death. [:D]

[AW1Steve]

Just a quick update . The lizard is still chasing his tail. I's nearly March and he still hasn't taken Singapore, Bataan or Java. He did take Rangoon , but I pulled everything out and have been making a fighting withdrawal in Burma. He'll probably own it by July 1942 at this rate. He's got about a third of China , but withdrawals there are usually not effective. Most troops tend to ignore your orders to move till the Japanese horde rolls over them. But I've saved the entire air force and most of the better troops.

At Singapore he keeps battering his head against the door , but he's only got about the same number of troops as I do, fortifications keep going UP, and I stockpiled a goodly amount of supplies. Most of my troops retreated there in good order, except for those who he bypassed and ignore. And then who figuratively and literally bit him in the ass. He wasted amost a month , having to break his siege , then chase them around till they expired. Which gave me more time , and allowed fortification and stockpiling to increase. And of course all the AAA is there , mauling his bombers.

He made the same mistake in Bataan. The troops kept up a fighting withdrawal They built the place up and stockpiled it. He chased them there , then halted in Manila. Most of my combat troops are resting , so that I can get their fatigue down from 15 to 5 or so, then I'll start the counter offensive.

Apparently He never heard the old military saying "never leave a castle in your rear". I'm doing my best to appreciate that old bit of wisdom. [:D]

[rustysi]

No wonder the lizard isn't posting much in his AAR, you've got him befuddled.[:D] I've found it difficult to take Singers by the historical date too, in general. Not too big a deal as long as you get it within a month of that date, which he's getting close to. As for your AAA my tactic is to fly high and just make it shoot to burn supplies. Bataan I can often get by end of February (more or less). Java is another story and can be difficult to subdue in a timely manner. IRL the place folded within a week, not gonna happen in game. Did he at least invade the place by now?

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: rustysi

No wonder the lizard isn't posting much in his AAR, you've got him befuddled.[:D] I've found it difficult to take Singers by the historical date too, in general. Not too big a deal as long as you get it within a month of that date, which he's getting close to. As for your AAA my tactic is to fly high and just make it shoot to burn supplies. Bataan I can often get by end of February (more or less). Java is another story and can be difficult to subdue in a timely manner. IRL the place folded within a week, not gonna happen in game. Did he at least invade the place by now?

No , Java is all mine. [:D]

[AW1Steve]

Still playing a version of "Victory at Sea" in our PBEM. Loading and moving large amounts of people , squadrons and stuff from one side of the Pacific and then unloading it". Geoff has been moving from Raubaul south , sending tiny little parcels of troops down the islands. He's taken Shortlands , Guadalcanal and all those little islands.

He's going to get a HUGE surprise when he tries to grab the bigger islands. I've already moved 3+ divisions onto the big islands , with 3+ more coming. Not to mention CD and regular artillery units , support units and lots and lots of supplies. When he hits them , he'll be hitting a brick wall , which will then fall upon him.

He's been beating up on Port Moresby , and I've been letting him. Buna is serving as a practice bombing grounds for newly arrived B-17 groups. And I've got quite a few fighter squadrons in Australia packed with fairly experienced P-40 groups , as well as a couple of P-38 groups made up of ringers.

In a week I get two more CV's , one USN and one RN. Half of my current USN CV's are updating . Two more (actually 3 , the newly arrived Hornet goes in too) will be updated in 5 weeks , as will all CL's , most of my CA's all DD's and most BB's. I've plenty of decent USMC squadrons to flesh them out. And very shortly Geoff will lose his amphibious bonus.

My sub crews have become very experienced, and my DD's (as they upgrade) are getting there too. I've been updating and converting any AK's that can become AKE's and am converting a lot to AP's.

I've also had a lot of really aggressive sub skippers chewing up Japanese AK's and tankers with gun fire and the occasional torpedo hit. that's got to be driving Geoff nuts.

My land forces are still doing fighting retreats. He still has not made a dent in Singapore , and my forces in Bataan are just about ready to go on the offensive.


That's it for now. [:)]


[:)]

[Chickenboy]

Sounds like you've got the 'crazy period' well under control, Steve. Good on you.

What is your supply situation in the Philippines? If abundant, consider turning on the LCU improvements for the Bataan troops. Philippine Army troops can be a force to be reckoned with if given supply and training time.

I would caution-nay strenuously caution-against offensive activity out of Bataan. The stationary Japanese in Clark and Manila will probably have been building forts and they will also have the terrain defensive bonuses to contend with-a reverse of the situation for the defenders of Bataan. If your attack is unsuccessful, you will incur significant impairment on your supplies and possibly disruption of your LCUs in the effort. This will make his follow-up effort to liquidate your Luzon forces that much easier, possibly hastening the fall of the island over the status quo.

I know that static defense is frustrating, but a defense in place on Luzon (while building the Philippine Army troops there) is preferable to an ill-timed offensive. Again, I'd recommend avoiding going on to the attack until these guys are all full of **** and vinegar, fully prepped and fully equipped / upgraded.

Amazing that he hasn't yet set foot on Java. This will be a biiiiig problem for him unless he wraps this up quickly. Not to mention Singapore's ongoing thorn in his side. I make it a point of getting troops onto Java by February latest. Those extra months of preparation, supply and reinforcement between February and April are killers.