How does the Tokyo Express work?

[DDLAfan]

I'm the Jap in late 43 in my PBEM, and I just haven't had a lot of luck with this tactic. I recently ran a 25 DD group via Tokyo Express to resupply a base, but on the way 2 DD's stopped to drop some charges on a sub. They continued on their mission, but instead of six hexes away in the morning, they were two. They were then blasted by 250 liberators and a host of other short range bombers set on naval attack, and now all 25 are in flames, with most probably sinking by before they reach their home port. I've lost several BB's and CA's earlier because of the same thing.

I would really like to know how this works, as I have no other way of getting around in the face of the Allied air superiority. If even one sub can wreck this mission, then either I am doing something wrong in my TF size, or this is just another one of those situations that the designers didn't forsee when they created the game.

Anyway, I need other Jap player advice on this. Its late 43 and I'm already getting pounded in the air battle. Any glimmer of hope (note: I had my TF set on retirement, FYI).

Matt

[Nikademus]

smaller sized TF would help. Don't use so many DD's

[siRkid]

I take it their mission was set to Fast Transport?

[rogueusmc]

In-game, the 'Tokyo Express' tactic is more of a Bombardment TF tactic.

[Mynok]

Make sure they are set to Fast Transport as Kid said, and also that they are set for Retirement Allowed. Toggle Refuel Ok to Do Not Refuel as well. I've not had any trouble with this combination.

One thing to note about your situation is that you won't ever be able to run in and back out of the range of those Liberators.

[kaleun]

In my game vs Halsey we have a house rule of "No 4E bombers below 10000ft" for that reason. ( We can skip bomb at 1000ft)
(Is that right Halsey?)[8|]

[tsimmonds]

When you are doing FT, be sure that you do things in the proper sequence:

[1] The turn before you will do your mission, refuel your TF [2] The turn of the mission, be sure to set your home base and your destination [i]first[/i] [3] After you have set your home base and your destination, only then click "load supplies/troops" [4] Don't do anything else with that TF this turn

[spence]

"Boys will be boys" and DD skippers will attack subs if they get a chance I guess. Big oops in range of Allied air though (250 Liberators plus other shorter range planes?? - sounds to me like a good place to write off without further ado).

[cyberwop36]

Did you TF to mission speed instead of full speed right. With mission speed they will set up so they will be one movement phase away from destination hex and run in on the night phase at full speed and out before the day air phase at full speed. If you set them at full speed they will start from to far out, end the night turn short of the destination hex. Hit the destination hex in the day phase and only get a few hexes out after unloading

This and bombardment is the only use for mission speed. I will never understand how it is the default speed for every TF. It is the least used speed

[spence]

Really...it is time for sending the families of those in the garrison telegrams detailing how their sons have eternally honored the family by dying gloriously for the Emperor.
Attacking the sub was a function of the TF. Even if only 2 DDs actually took part the TF as a whole was delayed. Liberators and pretty much any Allied medium bomber can reach more than 6 hexes anyway which is the maximum distance you could have cleared that base by. From what you've said that's just too much LBA to challenge unless the Emperor himself is in the garrison.

[Mike Scholl]

ORIGINAL: DDLAfan
Anyway, I need other Jap player advice on this. Its late 43 and I'm already getting pounded in the air battle. Any glimmer of hope (note: I had my TF set on retirement, FYI).
Matt

Matt. You should also check out your history books. By late 1943 the "Tokyo Express" was pretty much out of business in real life as well. Due to DD and aircraft losses, and growing US air and sea strength, the Japanese lost the ability to contest the waters even at night. It was primarily a tactic of the campaigns in the lower Solomons.

[Bobthehatchit]

ORIGINAL: DDLAfan

I'm the Jap in late 43 in my PBEM, and I just haven't had a lot of luck with this tactic. I recently ran a 25 DD group via Tokyo Express to resupply a base, but on the way 2 DD's stopped to drop some charges on a sub. They continued on their mission, but instead of six hexes away in the morning, they were two. They were then blasted by 250 liberators and a host of other short range bombers set on naval attack, and now all 25 are in flames, with most probably sinking by before they reach their home port. I've lost several BB's and CA's earlier because of the same thing.

I would really like to know how this works, as I have no other way of getting around in the face of the Allied air superiority. If even one sub can wreck this mission, then either I am doing something wrong in my TF size, or this is just another one of those situations that the designers didn't forsee when they created the game.

Anyway, I need other Jap player advice on this. Its late 43 and I'm already getting pounded in the air battle. Any glimmer of hope (note: I had my TF set on retirement, FYI).

Matt

Sounds like sud transport might be a better bet with that much airpower right next door.