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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Submarines

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RE: Submarines - 8/26/2011 10:47:21 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Hi Crackaces,

Thanks for the post and I appreciate your comments about the submarines. I try not to make generalizations about the game anymore, and I realize everyone's experiences are different from game to game for whatever reasons. I think in this particular PBEM, and from my own perspective, it's safe for me to say the Japanese submarine and ASW effectivness has sucked ass completely.

My rants about submarines are well documented throughout the AAR, however I've turned a new leaf. I still get frustrated of course and still have had little success to date, but knowing I've done everything I can to minimize the risk has allowed me to relax about it. I've tried all I can, the rest is out of my hands. I put my forces into play and just see what happens. Although, every time I sink one of the buggers, I treat myself to a Scotch. So it's all good.

I do not look forward to the coming increased effectiveness of Allied torpedoes though, but at this stage I almost don't care and have already prepared myself for it to get a lot worse.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 631

RE: Submarines - 8/26/2011 11:31:10 PM

Crackaces

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Joined: 7/9/2011
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Hi Crackaces,

Thanks for the post and I appreciate your comments about the submarines. I try not to make generalizations about the game anymore, and I realize everyone's experiences are different from game to game for whatever reasons. I think in this particular PBEM, and from my own perspective, it's safe for me to say the Japanese submarine and ASW effectivness has sucked ass completely.

My rants about submarines are well documented throughout the AAR, however I've turned a new leaf. I still get frustrated of course and still have had little success to date, but knowing I've done everything I can to minimize the risk has allowed me to relax about it. I've tried all I can, the rest is out of my hands. I put my forces into play and just see what happens. Although, every time I sink one of the buggers, I treat myself to a Scotch. So it's all good.

I do not look forward to the coming increased effectiveness of Allied torpedoes though, but at this stage I almost don't care and have already prepared myself for it to get a lot worse.

I usually break out a Speyside when I hear that whoooosh and it misses something vaulable :

But that is all one can do is figure out the best odds and let the die be cast ...

In the first turns of the game the IJ player had his subs hit the Lady Lex and 3 TK's ...and I do think the simple presence of IJN submarines have a great effect. At least in my game nothing leaves or arrives at a port without an escort.

BTW) That is just US Torps with the 80% dud rate .. the Brit's and Dutch have a simple 10% dud rate and can be extremely effective if deployed in deep water against convoys ..

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 632

Dec. 3/42 - 9/11/2011 2:37:02 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Well, my vacation is over and it's back to the routine. I had a great time and the break from work and the game was much needed. I must have bought at least 10 model kits of various Japanese ships in 1:700 scale, mainly carriers and heavy cruisers, as well a 1:350 scale Yamato!

On to the game though.

We zip ahead to December 3, 1942. I've provided screens updating the China theatre. My river assault is days away from commencing, it's going to be bloody. I just hope I can make a push here before too many Chinese troops arrive on the scene to force a stalemate. The plan in China over the next 3-4 months is to engage as many enemy units as possible and cause casualties. I want to force the Chinese to eat up their remaining supply stocks.

We've also upgraded to the latest beta patch so I'll spend tonight getting familiar with the changes and get the next turn out for tomorrow. I'll be focusing on the economy soon to get the numbers increasing again. I'm going to build up engine and airframe stocks again. I've been primarily sending fuel to the Home Islands, but I'm going to shift to getting more oil there instead and keep the fuel heading to my main bases in anticipation of naval operations occurring on a regular basis.

I've been buying out more units from China for deployment in the Pacific, however I'm down to a garrison level of about 10600 AV and I don't want to get too close to the 8000 AV mark. I think I'll draw out troops until around 9500 AV.

The Combined Fleet is at Truk, but I'm sending a few CL's and DD's for upgrades. I have to keep on top of what needs to go, these upgrades are important as it increases the AA capability of my naval forces substantially.

Enjoy the screens and as always comments are welcome. The match should be back on track soon as I get settled back in. First, Northern China:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/11/2011 2:39:04 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 633

RE: Dec. 3/42 - 9/11/2011 2:37:50 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Southern China:

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 634

Dec. 5/42 - 9/17/2011 8:31:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Dec. 4/42:

China:

The river assault by 13th Army will commence tomorrow. Japanese bombers have been hitting the defenders for the last two days in preparation for the attack. I'm worried about heavy casualties against the dug in defenders, which appear to be nine Chinese Corps and six support units of unknown composition. The enemy consists of around 150k troops and 500+ guns. This is going to be messy.

All sub-components of the 3rd Tank Division have arrived at Wuchang, but I'm unable to combine them. One unit is still unpacking from strat mode, otherwise I have no idea why I can't combine the units. I'd like to get this unit moving pronto.

Other than that, the Pacific is quiet with my usual troop and supply movements. I'm still in no position to launch operations in the Gilbert's. I just don't have the bases built up enough, nor stocked with troops/fuel/supplies to the extent needed. I continue to move assets into the region, but have to admit I may have to wait upon the next Allied move before striking back.

Bombing of Darwin has ceased as bad weather weeks ago grounded Japanese bombers to the point where the airfield and port were able to be 100% repaired. Japanese bombers can maintain damage quite easily if it remains high, but once it creeps down it gets harder and harder to bring the damage levels back up. The number of engineers at Darwin allow the daily damage to be repaired and I'm facing actual CAP and not LRCAP now. So the attempt to neutralize Darwin solely from the air has failed simply due to poor weather and inadequate strategic bombing capabilites of the Japanese.

Fingers are crossed for my assault in China tomorrow.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/20/2011 2:18:51 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 635

RE: Dec. 5/42 - 9/17/2011 8:38:43 PM

PaxMondo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Dec. 5/42:
All sub-components of the 3rd Tank Division have arrived at Wuchang, but I'm unable to combine them. One unit is still unpacking from strat mode, otherwise I have no idea why I can't combine the units. I'd like to get this unit moving pronto.

That will stop the recombination in the beta. Once it gets unpacked, and all HQ's are the same, and all devices are the same, it should combine.

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Post #: 636

RE: Dec. 5/42 - 9/19/2011 8:19:10 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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I received a turn in my inbox yesterday so needless to say I was excited to run the turn and see the carnage from my assault. It was for Smeulders' other PBEM against Erkki and not ours.

The suspense is killing me!

Having read the recent thread on adjusted attacker AV values, I'm pretty certain I'm going to suffer extremely high casualties, and think I may have made a huge mistake. Probably feeling something similar to what real life commanders may have felt on the eve of an important battle, even if just pixeltruppen.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 637

RE: Dec. 5/42 - 9/19/2011 10:54:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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The next turn has arrived! Now the moment of truth...is it a brilliant assault or a monumental debacle and Japanese bloodbath? My spidey sense tells me I'm getting my ass handed to me.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 638

Dec. 5/42 - 9/20/2011 2:17:54 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Dec. 5/42:

Well, the assault went ahead as planned and it went better than expected. Losses were heavy (I expected more to be honest) and disruption is at least 75% overall, but I've established a beachhead!

I'm worried about a Chinese counterattack to take advantage of the large number of disabled Japanese squads and the high disruption, but there also isn't much I can do about it. In hindsight, I should have waited until I had a few divisions in reserve to arrive the next day after the assault and immediately reinforce the position. These units wouldn't have had to shock attack either. The Chinese are low on supply and I still have over 2700 AV in rough terrain, I just need some time to rest and recover. The 15th and 70th Division's will be withdrawn to Kweilin to regain strength and I will reinforce with the 13th and 36th Division's.

One thing I'll add. I think the Chinese should have suffered higher losses. This was a massive assault and they were inexperienced and undersupplied. I sometimes think the game is far too favourable on the defender and the combat model penalizes the attacker too much in rough terrain. The defenders are already benefitting from large defensive modifiers to AV because of terrain/forts, the attacker is suffering from large disruption from having to shock attack across a river and they are further weakened by an AV adjusted even lower because of attacking high terrain/forts once again. The defender has already reaped the benefits from the forts/terrain. The attacker is hit with a double whammy, increased defender AV followed by a further reduction to it's own strength. To have 4500 AV which should have been increased because of the shock attack, which is then reduced to 1700+ seems too steep. The enemy was undersupplied and inexperienced, that should count for something. Terrain shouldn't trump the quality of the forces involved nor the many other factors that contribute to just how effective a force really is.

How will the Chinese react? My fingers are crossed that I can recover disruption and strength fast enough to hold the position and then begin to grind down the defenders and rout them before substantial reinforcements arrive. I hope the Chinese decide to drive on Luichow, Hengyang or Changsha sensing weakness, that will buy me time and open the possibility of catching the Chinese in clear terrain. Every aircraft in the Chinese theatre will be comitted to supporting the ground offensive. I will be pounding the defenders daily and interdicting any Chinese moves to reinforce. If it moves, it gets bombed.

The combat reports follow from the two major ground operations and a screenshot of Southern China.

Ground combat at 75,51 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15859 troops, 144 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 544

Defending force 4718 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 148

Japanese adjusted assault: 423

Allied adjusted defense: 190

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
388 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1751 casualties reported
Squads: 80 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 57 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
104th Division
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
11th Chinese Corps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 124686 troops, 1277 guns, 306 vehicles, Assault Value = 4514

Defending force 87215 troops, 595 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3630

Japanese adjusted assault: 1777

Allied adjusted defense: 5602

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
29125 casualties reported
Squads: 166 destroyed, 1349 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 192 disabled
Engineers: 44 destroyed, 221 disabled
Guns lost 137 (10 destroyed, 127 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
3809 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 394 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 63 (12 destroyed, 51 disabled)
Units destroyed 1 (Nice, didn't expect this)

Assaulting units:
15th Division
70th Division
3rd Division
51st Division
116th Division
22nd Division
60th Division
34th Division
17th Division
68th Division
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
11th Army
4th Mortar Battalion
13th Army
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
23rd Army
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
77th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
59th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese/C Corps
13th Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
3rd New Chinese/B Corps

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/20/2011 5:23:50 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 639

RE: Dec. 5/42 - 9/21/2011 12:10:51 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Edited once again for being delusional. I still have a problem of determining what my strategy is, immediate or otherwise.

We have offically reached Dec. 7/42 and it really is time to do a detailed update focusing on Japan's economy and production status. Some feedback from experienced Japanese players on the state of the pools would be appreciated.

As to future strategy, I think it may be best to yield the initiative (not that I have been initiating anything) as Nemo suggested. Go on the defensive and simply react to the enemy. I should plan in terms of counteroffensive or counterinvasion operations. I do not have the logistics or a base of operations prepared adequately for any real thrust at the enemy at this time.

There are glaring defensive weaknesses I need to deal with first, that is the priority. I'm need to get my house in order first.

There's a slight pause in the game while we address the DL issues that have arisen from the 1108q3 beta. We are hoping it is a simple matter of installing the latest beta to fix the problem.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/23/2011 5:14:05 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 640

Almost 2 years - 9/21/2011 11:05:41 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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The next turn is in the inbox, which means it will be the morning of Dec 7/42 after the turn is run. It's hard to believe it's taken two years to play one year of game time. Wow, RL obviously makes it tough sometimes to stick to a turn a day, and there are some days when there just isn't a chance or the inclination to sit down for a turn. It shows me that I will have to try and pick up the pace again as I'd like to wrap this one up so I can start another AAR before I turn 45!

It's been a struggle at times, but I think the next year bodes well for the game and getting things really moving again.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 641

RE: Almost 2 years - 9/22/2011 12:08:43 AM

PaxMondo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Wow, RL obviously makes it tough sometimes to stick to a turn a day, and there are some days when there just isn't a chance or the inclination to sit down for a turn.

This is why I have not been able to start a PBEM. With a new son, I just can't commit to a schedule. Not fair to my opponent. Heck, I'm setting up for a re-start of Downfall ... its been 4 weeks since I started to set up the first turn. I hope to actually run my first turn this weekend. Maybe. And then I will get 2-3 turns per week if I am lucky.

< Message edited by PaxMondo -- 9/22/2011 12:15:14 AM >

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Post #: 642

Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:32:36 AM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Here are a series of screenshots from Tracker showing where I sit in terms of the economy, military production and losses for both sides.

I have to say I'm totally shocked at the Allied numbers. Less than 37 transports sunk. I simply have not been able to interdict Allied TF's with submarines or otherwise. Japanese submarines that find a TF almost 99.9% of the time target the escorts...and miss. I haven't raided since air and naval search never spots any targets within range. I'll be very curious to read Bart's AAR and see where his routes were. I'm sure they have relaxed somewhat, but I wonder if most of the time they were skirting map edge. I think he is very disciplined with his ships, and generally sends out large and well protected TF's. This is just a guess, as I almost never see anything to actually determine otherwise.

Plane and engine production was scaled way back due to the lack of combat and with PDU off I just don't have a proper feel for how many aircraft to have in the pools. Since I can't downgrade air units, I didn't want to overproduce aircraft that would never get used. I'm forced to build a little of everything and have no idea the losses I'll be taking with any particular aircraft. I am ramping up Tojo production though, as more Nate Sentai's can upgrade to it. I won't be able to rely on a late fighter for the majority of my units until the Frank arrives in 1944.

Just for an example, I have two Sentai's of 36 and 42 aircraft respectively and a Chutai of 12 for a grand total of 90 Tojo's IIa's. I just don't see the need to produce many since they will upgrade to the IIb and the IIa's will never get used again. PDU off may be more historical, but I'm not sure I like it. There just isn't any flexiblity and I can't produce the better aircraft, nor equip any more Sentai's in the numbers to make a difference.

I don't think I'll need to produce huge numbers of the same fighter for a vast majority of my units until 1944, and then it will probably be too late.

Comments or suggestions on any screenshots are welome, as always. With the lack of PDU off games that are in the late stages of the war, the biggest question mark for me is aircraft production. I'm pretty sure I'm not producing enough, but then the lack of combat has made it impossible to even contemplate future loss rates.

WitP Chart:

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 643

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:33:18 AM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Global:

Attachment (1)

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 644

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:34:04 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Industry Overview:

Attachment (1)

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 645

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:34:50 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Naval Ship Production:

Attachment (1)

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Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 646

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:35:38 AM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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JAAF Production - Fighters

Attachment (1)

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 647

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:36:20 AM

SqzMyLemon

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JNAF Production - Fighters and total Engine pools

Attachment (1)

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 648

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/26/2011 6:39:51 AM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Naval Losses:

Rather embarassing. Then again, it was a total Sir Robin with the Allied Fleet essentially disappearing after the naval battle for Java.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 649

Dec. 8/42 - 9/27/2011 5:09:51 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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China Theatre:

China is becoming an interesting theatre as Bart reacts to my recent attack. Chinese troops stay rooted to Changteh, only one unit out of 27 moved west towards Chihkiang. The large 24 Chinese Army S.E. of Chihkiang has made an about face and crossed the river back to the base. An undetermined number of LCU's are moving west in what seems an effort to reinforce the defenders containing my bridgehead. I won't know for a day or two exactly how many.

Japanese bombers are alternating hitting ground troops and airbases to slow movement and cause as many supply hits as possible. There is no sign of the Chinese airforce. I've hundreds of bombers active in Southern China now after redeploying 3rd and 5th Air Division bomber Sentai's. I find Sonia's are effective bombing airbases while the Helen's and Sally's are best used against ground troops.

Japanese reinforcements will arrive at the beachhead tomorrow, an Eng. Rgt. and the 36th Division. The 13th Division will arrive within a week. I'm sending another Division from Changsha. 12th Army divisions are starting to arrive at Hankow as further reinforcements. I'm creating a large armoured force at Changsha to exploit an eventual breakthrough. The 3rd Tank Division is at Changsha and I've decided to buy out every armoured in Manchuria for deployment in China. I may even withdraw the 2nd Tank Divison forces from Burma to redeploy in China. I think the armoured units are better utilized in China than going up against superior Commonwealth formations. In China they may tip the balance.

If the Chinese move too much in support of containing the beachhead then I'll invest Changteh with forces at Hengyang and Changsha. The object will be a siege of Changteh as opposed to an assault.

My forces at the beachhead have reduced their disruption to 0 and I will artillery bombard the defenders as supply allows. With the reinforcement of two divisions and more on the way I hope the Chinese attempt a counterattack. I should be strong enough to stand and inflict horrendous casualties if they do.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 650

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 1:23:56 PM

PaxMondo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Plane and engine production was scaled way back due to the lack of combat and with PDU off I just don't have a proper feel for how many aircraft to have in the pools. Since I can't downgrade air units, I didn't want to overproduce aircraft that would never get used. I'm forced to build a little of everything and have no idea the losses I'll be taking with any particular aircraft. I am ramping up Tojo production though, as more Nate Sentai's can upgrade to it. I won't be able to rely on a late fighter for the majority of my units until the Frank arrives in 1944.
I don't think I'll need to produce huge numbers of the same fighter for a vast majority of my units until 1944, and then it will probably be too late.

You're right, PDU off is tough on the IJ player morale, but easier on the production. As you state, no point in producing much as you have so much upgrade blockage until '44. All you can really do is train, train, train. You simply need to get your pool of trained pilots, especially fighter and kami pilots, to be maxxed out.

High skill, high exp pilots in NF squadrons make a difference. you want 60/70 or better in them. You're still not going to get better than 10% per night bomb run, but even that rate will attrit the B-29's faster than they replace.

Kami's really work, but you have to saturate the defenses. That means launching 1000 plane attacks, and losing most of them. You're going to trade 1000 kami's for say 6 CV's. 3 or 4 of those exchanges and the allied players ability to accomplish an amphib landing is really hurt.

So, it's a trade you are willing will make, but it means you need 10's of thousands of planes in inventory and the same in pilots. So, in '43 you need to be building the kami planes that you will be using ... 800kg bombs are the key from what I can tell. When they hit, things go boom. You only have a few planes in '43 that will equip them .... don't think current air group demand, think kami's.

You also need bases to be able to setup and launch a 1000 plane attack. Only certain areas will permit that. Be sure those places are ready to do so.

Of course, the allies can counter this strategy/tactic. But doing so can slow them down considerably, potentially to a point that theycannot attain their point targets and IJ gets a marginal win. It becomes kinda a reverse game, just like early game the allied strategy is to disrupt the IJ timetable. Your goal is to disrupt the Allied timetable in '45. You only have to buy 6 months or so and they are in real trouble.

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Post #: 651

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 1:42:19 PM

PaxMondo

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Your HI output hasn't grown as much as I have seen in other games. Looks like you were unlucky and most of the HI you captured was damaged. Too bad that. The good news is that you have NOT overexpanded your economy and you are banking HI at a really nice clip.

Your VEH pool is still low. You've expanded per the rule of thumb here, but you're still not getting a pool. It likely means you've had some higher than avg combat losses in devices with VEH. you don't want this pool to be empty though and it essentialy is. I'd add another 25 or so.

Other than that, you look really good. You have plenty of HI overage to be able to expand/turn on appropriate plane production to start building your kami pools. Just remember not to get into a situation where the auto-scrap rule kicks in. You can usually avoid that by using your kami pool plane in your kami pilot training groups.

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Pax

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 652

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 4:22:01 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Hi Pax,

Thanks for the comments. I've asked Damian to look at my production as well and initially he seems to think I'm in good shape too. It's encouraging to hear that I managed something well to this point. Always room for improvement, but for my first time I'm happy with my progress to date.

Your comments about Kami's will have me looking at my future arrivials and starting to ramp up production of suitable aircraft. Kami's require low naval bombing skills, is that correct? It looks like something in the beta has changed. Previously, I was setting my units to 5k altitude for low naval bombing training, but since the beta the naval bombing skill is the one being trained for now, not low naval.

I've increased my pilot training after Nemo pointed out how slim the pools were, so I'm addressing that shortfall as well.

I've decided to pursue a limited counter to Tabiteuea as originally planned. I think I'm going to invade Baker and the Ellice Islands and start to draw Allied naval units out. Unless the Allies strike sooner I'm looking at launching offensive operations in January.

In Burma/China I'm really tempted to go with a previous idea of shifting much of my strength to invade China. I do not like how exposed my line is to being cut and with the ability to move supply through Burma all it will take is me losing Bhamo and Lashio to open a direct supply path into China. If I capture Paoshan and drive towards Kunming I eliminate that threat, providing I can supply my own troops of course.

I'm kicking myself somewhat, I think I had some good ideas, but sat on them too long. If I had gone with my original intentions when I first thought of them I think I'd be in great shape towards knocking China out. That comes from inexperience. I'm learning more from this game then I thought.

Anyway, rambling here. Thanks for posting, it was getting a little quiet in here, but that's not surprising with how indecisive I've been. Posting those meagre Allied losses has spurred me on to at least do something before it's completely too late. It really is time to try and give the Allies a bloody nose somewhere before they get rolling.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/28/2011 4:31:12 PM >

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 653

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 4:52:56 PM

Erkki

Posts: 1461
Joined: 2/17/2010
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Btw, which CV did you lose and how? How about the Allied CLs - looks like you've been able to attrit them somewhat(compared to your losses in CAs and CLs at least), not that ships like Adelaine, Java or Tromp are of much threat, relatively speaking...

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Post #: 654

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 4:54:08 PM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
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Just a point of note on your China map. Is the 36th ID moving to effect a cross river march to their NW? You may want to reconsider-they'll likely get their arses handed to them by defending Chinese troops across the river in that city hex.

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Post #: 655

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 5:03:52 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Your comments about Kami's will have me looking at my future arrivials and starting to ramp up production of suitable aircraft. Kami's require low naval bombing skills, is that correct? It looks like something in the beta has changed. Previously, I was setting my units to 5k altitude for low naval bombing training, but since the beta the naval bombing skill is the one being trained for now, not low naval.

I set mine to 1000ft for training. If you go to 100 ft sometimes that will trigger the strafing training instead of low naval.

< Message edited by PaxMondo -- 9/29/2011 7:18:55 AM >

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Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 656

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 5:13:07 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Erkki

Btw, which CV did you lose and how? How about the Allied CLs - looks like you've been able to attrit them somewhat(compared to your losses in CAs and CLs at least), not that ships like Adelaine, Java or Tromp are of much threat, relatively speaking...

Hi Erkki,

I lost the CV Hiryu to a British torpedo when I invaded Java. Critical hit and nothing I did would put the fires out and system damage just kept increasing. What sucks was the fires remained at 2 for over a week and I couldn't move off the air groups. It may have been a bug or just bad luck, but never being able to put the fires out meant no repairs, so I tried moving her to a bigger port, but she sunk en route. Needless to say I was pretty choked at the time, but realize now bad things happen.

Almost all the CL and DD losses occured in the battle for Java. After that I never saw an Allied surface force until Baker Island was invaded and recently Tabiteuea. As I've mentioned numerous times, the Allies simply disappeared after Java.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Erkki)

Post #: 657

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/28/2011 5:21:28 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Just a point of note on your China map.� Is the 36th ID moving to effect a cross river march to their NW?� You may want to reconsider-they'll likely get their arses handed to them by defending Chinese troops across the river in that city hex.

Hi Chickenboy,

Nope, the 36th Division is the unit to the left of the label and is moving N.E. to reinforce the bridgehead, and actually crossed last turn and didn't shock attack since the 1/3 rule was already covered by the initial landing. Looking at the map I see your confusion as it's not clear which unit is the 36th Division. The unit you indicate is the 1st Inf. Group and is purely a feint. I'm a drafter, so I certainly didn't do my job and make it clear!

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/28/2011 5:22:03 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Chickenboy)

Post #: 658

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/29/2011 2:18:09 AM

n01487477

Posts: 4779
Joined: 2/21/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Thanks for the comments. I've asked Damian to look at my production as well and initially he seems to think I'm in good shape too. It's encouraging to hear that I managed something well to this point. Always room for improvement, but for my first time I'm happy with my progress to date.

Decided to improve the AirProduction screen to include upgrade plane no's. This will work well with PDU OFF. It is accumulative down the direct upgrade path.

The first no. = current (delayed and arrived) direct upgrade or the next upgrade for a group.
The (Total) = the first no. + grp upgrade path (so I iterate through all the groups and see what will upgrade to this type (PDU OFF))

Taken with TBO.YTA no's it should be easier to gauge how many planes are needed to be produced.

I'll send you the csv file for your perusal.

[edit]Might be a bit too much for some, so I'll dumb it down a bit and make it more readable.

Maybe, just have total production number and then a switch to look specifically at all the stats.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by n01487477 -- 9/29/2011 3:09:16 AM >

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(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 659

RE: Industry Updates after one year at war Dec. 9/42 - 9/29/2011 4:11:34 AM

n01487477

Posts: 4779
Joined: 2/21/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
...
I've decided to pursue a limited counter to Tabiteuea as originally planned. I think I'm going to invade Baker and the Ellice Islands and start to draw Allied naval units out. Unless the Allies strike sooner I'm looking at launching offensive operations in January.

Baker and Ellice Is. might be options, as would Palmyra and Christmas Is. but if I were your opponent I'd have all my CV's holed up in Australia or NZ looking to play historically and go up the Solomon Is. chain. He could be in SanFran too, but I doubt it... Actually, seeing as you haven't ventured into the Southern Ocean, his CV's could even be around Fiji. Although, given the lack of action, maybe I was right with my first assessment.

It's too late now to take Fiji or Noumea but you could use it.

Maybe send a Ampib feint against Koumac or Ndeni while showing a big force amassing for an attack against Baker. Keep your CV's back and see what you can draw out.

quote:

Thanks for posting, it was getting a little quiet in here, but that's not surprising with how indecisive I've been. Posting those meagre Allied losses has spurred me on to at least do something before it's completely too late. It really is time to try and give the Allies a bloody nose somewhere before they get rolling.

I don't have your patience with opponents that do nothing.

You said that you can't find his transports etc, drive deeper (not a land grab) and see what's there. Gotta hit him soon and hard before he finally awakes from his slumber.

< Message edited by n01487477 -- 9/29/2011 4:16:08 AM >

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(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 660