Matrix Games Forums

Section 9.2 of the manual tells how to create landing craft.
It does not say how the Allies can choose which type is created.
Is there a way to select, before consuming supplies, which type is created?

Experiments in creating Landing craft showed them being created in the sequence: LCT (carries supplies only) -> LCM (carries supplies and troops) -> LCVP (carries troops only)

It appears no LCM is created until all possible LCT’s have been built, and no LCVP is created until most (but not all) of the LCM’s available have been created.

After more testing it seems the only way to get LCM’s and LCVP’s (that can carry troops) when you want them is to go to a port with almost endless supplies, like San Francisco, and create a vast flotilla including all possible LCT’s and leave them there for the rest of the war. If they are returned to the pool they will be the next Landing Craft created. There is a one turn delay between when they are returned to the pool and the turn they become available again however.

If you should then happen to want LCT’s you would simply return the number desired from that vast flotilla to the pool, two turns before you want them. Alternatively, just create all landing craft at the start and return the ones you want to build (two turns later) to the Pool when you anticipate the need for them.

Well as you carried out a test then you know the answer is no.

The game is perhaps slightly misleading in that it puts the LC/LS into TF when created. Perhaps it would be better just putting them directly into port then you can select the TF yourself but you can always manually disband and form new TF as you want.

Not sure where you got your info on what an LCT will carry but it's wrong.

All types (LCT, LST,LCI, LSM and LCVP) can load any type of unit the only restricting factor being their individual carrying capacity. For instance you can't put Sherman on an LCM, LCI or LCVP, they don't fit. The LCVP being so small means it can't actually carry any vehicle, being restricted to troops, squad weapons and their immediate supply needs.

With the exception of the LCVP, they will also carry supply and fuel.

See section 20.1.2 on Ship types.

Chris21wen wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 6:42 am Well as you carried out a test then you know the answer is no.

The game is perhaps slightly misleading in that it puts the LC/LS into TF when created. Perhaps it would be better just putting them directly into port then you can select the TF yourself but you can always manually disband and form new TF as you want.

Not sure where you got your info on what an LCT will carry but it's wrong.

All types (LCT, LST,LCI, LSM and LCVP) can load any type of unit the only restricting factor being their individual carrying capacity. For instance you can't put Sherman on an LCM, LCI or LCVP, they don't fit. The LCVP being so small means it can't actually carry any vehicle, being restricted to troops, squad weapons and their immediate supply needs.

With the exception of the LCVP, they will also carry supply and fuel.

See section 20.1.2 on Ship types.

Where did I get the idea that an LCT cannot carry troops?
Perhaps from displays as shown here:


An updated Manual please? Anyone?

Mock726 wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 6:15 am

Chris21wen wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 6:42 am Well as you carried out a test then you know the answer is no.

The game is perhaps slightly misleading in that it puts the LC/LS into TF when created. Perhaps it would be better just putting them directly into port then you can select the TF yourself but you can always manually disband and form new TF as you want.

Not sure where you got your info on what an LCT will carry but it's wrong.

All types (LCT, LST,LCI, LSM and LCVP) can load any type of unit the only restricting factor being their individual carrying capacity. For instance you can't put Sherman on an LCM, LCI or LCVP, they don't fit. The LCVP being so small means it can't actually carry any vehicle, being restricted to troops, squad weapons and their immediate supply needs.

With the exception of the LCVP, they will also carry supply and fuel.

See section 20.1.2 on Ship types.

Where did I get the idea that an LCT cannot carry troops?
Perhaps from displays as shown here:


An updated Manual please? Anyone?

A LCT (Landing Craft Tank) can carry troops but it will do so as cargo and thus the amount will be reduced accordingly.

Mock726 wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 6:15 am An updated Manual please? Anyone?

It's already in the original manual (pg 193):

8.3.4 TRANSPORTING GROUND UNITS
Any ship with a cargo capacity may transport ground units, except for AO and TK class ships
that can only carry fuel. Ships with an “emergency transport capacity” may also carry troops
in Fast Transport Missions and may rescue personnel that were on board a ship that sinks.
Transported ground units may be unloaded on any hex that contains land. Port size determines
the speed of unloading, so the process is very slow if coming ashore “over the beach.”

That said, I had the same assumption as you for an unbelievably long time - and for the same reason. I just assumed (that word again) that the listed capacities on the ship display screen were definitive....but they aren't when it comes to troop capacity.

BTW, very nice testing protocol on your part. An interesting workaround.

Keep in mind that there are some ground units that require only cargo capacity when being loaded aboard ship - they have absolutely no requirement for "troop" capacity. These would be excellent choices for being loaded into LCTs.

Not sure that is true bradfordkay - there is no load cost for the troops because they are crew on the equipment and their load cost is included in that, but there is an actual head count of support troops in the unit. When loaded on a vessel, the troops are no longer part of the equipment so the space they occupy is not available for supplies or drummed fuel.

LST's are best for tanks. And I could go on but there's someone at my door....GP

Sorry, I am not any good at screenshots anymore, but as an example - the 226th Field Artillery Battalion (USA) has a troop load cost of 0 and a cargo load cost of 1510 (DaBabesLite). LSTs and LCTs would be perfect for carrying this unit.

bradfordkay wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:04 pm Sorry, I am not any good at screenshots anymore, but as an example - the 226th Field Artillery Battalion (USA) has a troop load cost of 0 and a cargo load cost of 1510 (DaBabesLite). LSTs and LCTs would be perfect for carrying this unit.

Yes, a unit without troop capacity and just weapons just needs cargo capacity....GP

bradfordkay wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:04 pm Sorry, I am not any good at screenshots anymore, but as an example - the 226th Field Artillery Battalion (USA) has a troop load cost of 0 and a cargo load cost of 1510 (DaBabesLite). LSTs and LCTs would be perfect for carrying this unit.

Just remember that the artillerymen and the DATs in your armored units don't need bunks.

RangerJoe wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:33 am

bradfordkay wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:04 pm Sorry, I am not any good at screenshots anymore, but as an example - the 226th Field Artillery Battalion (USA) has a troop load cost of 0 and a cargo load cost of 1510 (DaBabesLite). LSTs and LCTs would be perfect for carrying this unit.

Just remember that the artillerymen and the DATs in your armored units don't need bunks.

They don't in the game system, though I believe that LSTs did have bunks as they transported units long distances. LCTs were used for short hauls and probably did not.