Two questions

[Toro]

Hi all,

Any thoughts on these:

1. base hexes -- lots of "0" (zero) expansion size base potentials out there. I read in another thread that these can be expanded out to 3 times their size note: is that supposed to be +3 their size note? (ie, 3 times 0 is still 0).

2. invasion thoughts -- about to conduct my first major invasion (Lunga), but the Japanese have a bunch of troops and a coastal defense unit there. Do I land in the hex, or on the beach north of and march down? I'm already pounding the airfield with B-17s, and the troops with CV aircraft, but am hesitant to toss in my CAs to shore bombard with that CD unit looking down the cliffs at them. Any recommendations?

Thanks all. -- Toro

[Erik Rutins]

1. Definitely +3, so just about anyplace can be developed up to airfield 3, port 3 with a very large allocation of supplies and engineers.

2. It's a judgement call. From your description, I'd send the CAs in on a bombardment. If you control the airspace, set them to Do Not Retire so they keep bombarding. If not, set retirement so they're gone by morning. Keep up the air bombardment and send in recon missions until you see some pretty significant damage to the facilities.

Watch for reports of casualties and airbase/port supply hits during your bombardments as these will reduce the staying power of their ground troops. Finally, if you have a window for the invasion with no nearby Japanese interference, take it and head on in.

One CD unit won't blow apart your transports (much) and your troops will be more combat effective debarking into the fight than marching through the jungle to it. Only if the enemy has a significant superiority in local ground troops should you generally debark at an adjacent hex (to prevent immediate counterattacks from slaughtering your first wave).

Regards,

- Erik

[Toro]

Okay. Here goes then. Perhaps I'll do an AAR to post in the other subfolder.

Thanks for the clarification on the bases.

Toro

(and, durnit, this game is addictive as hell!)

[New York Jets]

I have played through a few invasions and feel that a landing directly at Lunga to be the most effective. Proper preparation is, of course, required. The overland march rate causes too much attrition, vis a vis, disabling effects on combat troops and the march rate involved.