Any AI players use auto-convoy?

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> Any AI players use auto-convoy?

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Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/14/2013 6:32:44 PM

gradenko2k

Posts: 935
Joined: 12/27/2010
Status: offline

It's been several months since MichaelM's beta patches that supposedly "fix" the auto-convoy system. Has anyone been using it recently? What are your experiences so far?

Post #: 1

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/14/2013 7:08:38 PM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

I'm still running the latest (?) official from February 2012... I do use auto convoy, lightly. What issue should I be looking for, so that if/when I switch to newer betas I can see if it's working better?

(in reply to gradenko2k)

Post #: 2

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/14/2013 7:22:27 PM

Jorge_Stanbury

Posts: 4320
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Toronto and Lima
Status: offline

I tried it some time ago, and I found that a main limitation with it is that all cargo will flow from one, and only one "home port". Yes, it is a L10 port...but it will still be a huge bottleneck, plus there is the reduced flexibility compared to a "hub" system; like having a Tokyo-Truk major route and then source all SE Area small bases from Truk.

So with autoconvoy; if Buna needs supply or fuel, it will flow from Osaka (L10 port) into Buna (L1??); I am not sure how the AI will pick the ship, hopefully it will pick one that is smaller than 6K tons, because if not, it will take forever to unload, not to mention forever to arrive, besides, I don't know if there are ships that are small enough to fit in a L1 and have the range for the long trip (including return)

A better solution is to have a "CS convoys" to/ from "hubs" and manage the rest as needed. In my example, all trade between Japan and SE Area through Truk (L6??); and from Truk manage all the small bases; moreover, you can add aditional levels like having Rabaul as secondary hub:
Japan --> Truk --> Rabaul --> New Guinea bases
Japan --> Truk --> Kwajalein --> all 4th fleet bases
With this you can have a big stockpile in a major base, and use the small ships to service the garrisons as soon as you get the alert of low supply

Another point; if you go with auto convoy; be careful with the tankers; you want to protect them as much as you can, so at least for these, use "CS convoys"

(in reply to gradenko2k)

Post #: 3

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/14/2013 8:44:49 PM

Lokasenna

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From: Iowan in MD/DC
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Auto convoy's only real use seems to be setting up the supplies to those static (or not-worth-picking-up) garrisons on islands like Addu or all those French islands in the SE Pac. And the Alaskan coastline. Osaka-Buna would be a nightmare.

(in reply to Jorge_Stanbury)

Post #: 4

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 2:07:27 AM

dcpollay

Posts: 532
Joined: 11/22/2012
From: Upstate New York USA
Status: offline

I use the auto-convoy system with the understanding I will need to supplement it with my own convoys and CS shipping. It does have its limitations. I always felt it didn't send out convoys soon enough to prevent a base from running out of supply between the time it "needs" them and when they actually arrive.

_____________________________

"It's all according to how your boogaloo situation stands, you understand."

Formerly known as Colonel Mustard, before I got Slitherine Syndrome.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 5

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 2:15:49 AM

Bullwinkle58

Posts: 11302
Joined: 2/24/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Colonel Mustard

I use the auto-convoy system with the understanding I will need to supplement it with my own convoys and CS shipping. It does have its limitations. I always felt it didn't send out convoys soon enough to prevent a base from running out of supply between the time it "needs" them and when they actually arrive.

It uses the supplies demanded number as a trigger for order point. This is the sum of the LCUs' demands which are present in the base on each turn. If you move LCUs in, or conduct combat, or start forts, etc. the supplies will shift away from a smooth curve and it will look like the auto-convoy system is not working correctly. But it is. It operates on a snapshot basis every turn.

_____________________________

The Moose

(in reply to dcpollay)

Post #: 6

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 2:37:32 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

I've never used it as IJ. I did some testing sometime back as the allies and used it. Worked fine. At least, it seemed to for me.

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Pax

(in reply to Bullwinkle58)

Post #: 7

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 5:27:10 AM

JeffroK

Posts: 6391
Joined: 1/26/2005
Status: offline

Didnt know it was broke.

I have regulars running CT-Perth, Aden or Abidjan - Colombo, SF - PH.

Have never trusted them in forward areas.

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Interdum feror cupidine partium magnarum Europae vincendarum

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 8

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 6:20:31 AM

Capt Hornblower

Posts: 242
Joined: 10/29/2010
From: Massachusetts, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JeffK

Didnt know it was broke.

I have regulars running CT-Perth, Aden or Abidjan - Colombo, SF - PH.

Have never trusted them in forward areas.

I don't believe AutoConvoy was ever intended for use in forward areas. Anyway, it seems pretty superfluous to me (esp. with the availability of Continuous Supply)-- most people here are micromanagers who really dislike relinquishing control over anything!

(in reply to JeffroK)

Post #: 9

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 7:21:57 AM

DivePac88

Posts: 3119
Joined: 10/9/2008
From: Somewhere in the South Pacific.
Status: offline

Auto or CS convoys are okay and work well (no bugs) for rear areas, but never ever use them in forward or exposed areas, ever.

_____________________________

When you see the Southern Cross, For the first time
You understand now, Why you came this way

(in reply to Capt Hornblower)

Post #: 10

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 11:58:30 AM

Empire101

Posts: 1950
Joined: 5/20/2008
From: Coruscant
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt Hornblower

quote:

ORIGINAL: JeffK

Didnt know it was broke.

I have regulars running CT-Perth, Aden or Abidjan - Colombo, SF - PH.

Have never trusted them in forward areas.

I don't believe AutoConvoy was ever intended for use in forward areas. Anyway, it seems pretty superfluous to me (esp. with the availability of Continuous Supply)-- most people here are micromanagers who really dislike relinquishing control over anything!

_____________________________

Our lives may be more boring than those who lived in apocalyptic times,
but being bored is greatly preferable to being prematurely dead because of some ideological fantasy. - Michael Burleigh

(in reply to Capt Hornblower)

Post #: 11

RE: Any AI players use auto-convoy? - 1/15/2013 12:20:33 PM

HansBolter