CONVOYS

[rjd08512]

Not sure if this should go here or in Tech support.

I have played the game for a short time and find the convoy routine somewhat tedious. The question is; will the editor allow setting up an overarching convoy route? For example; I want to send multiple convoys from Pearl Harbor to Tasman Sea area. Rather than programming individual way-points for each convoy (tedious part), I would like to set up a semi-permanent convoy route with 4 or 5 way-points and name it (e.g., Convoy Route A) and order individual convoys to follow it. At the end point of the route, convoys would then proceed to their destination (e.g., Brisbane, Sydney, Noumea, etc).

This would save much time in game play; allow proper ASW patrolling; Air Combat coverage; Surface Combat Support, etc.

The routes would also be modifiable in case enemy forces found the route. Also want to set up at least 2 or 3 alternate routes per war area (Pacific, South, Southwest, Indian Ocean).

Is this possible, or a consideration for future update?

[Symon]

ORIGINAL: rjd08512
Not sure if this should go here or in Tech support.

I have played the game for a short time and find the convoy routine somewhat tedious. The question is; will the editor allow setting up an overarching convoy route? For example; I want to send multiple convoys from Pearl Harbor to Tasman Sea area. Rather than programming individual way-points for each convoy (tedious part), I would like to set up a semi-permanent convoy route with 4 or 5 way-points and name it (e.g., Convoy Route A) and order individual convoys to follow it. At the end point of the route, convoys would then proceed to their destination (e.g., Brisbane, Sydney, Noumea, etc).

This would save much time in game play; allow proper ASW patrolling; Air Combat coverage; Surface Combat Support, etc.

The routes would also be modifiable in case enemy forces found the route. Also want to set up at least 2 or 3 alternate routes per war area (Pacific, South, Southwest, Indian Ocean).

Is this possible, or a consideration for future update?

Not really possible. It can be done, but it would take a lot of work with initial convoy definitions and a shoot load of click work after opening day. Because everything changes, depending on IJ opening moves. Just which toilet do you wish your convoys to flush down. It is your move, and you have the whole Pacific to move within. You want regular convoys over regular paths, you will get regularly whacked by somebody.

No. It is not a consideration for future updates for the reasons stated above.

[rjd08512]

Not flushing anything really and early in the war the ocean isn't as big as it seems, particularly West of Johnson Island things compress quickly until Gilberts and Marshalls are cleared. The issue is that convoys routinely pass certain choke points and islands routinely given the limited way-points available and AI subs seem to be there in numbers. This is a particular problem with automatic convoys as they always follow island chains and places where subs linger rather than open ocean. Working around these areas can be done even given limited way-points, but one routine rather than dozens would be a help. And routes could be altered routinely.

And getting whacked works both ways, I've found flushing a 30-40 xAKL convoy in front of a large carrier force works well to use up opposition ordinance which them makes them vulnerable in the counterattack. Its a good way to take out 3-4 opposition carriers because Midway certainly isn't going to happen in this game.

But if can't be done anyway then it's a dead issue.

[Dili]

I've found flushing a 30-40 xAKL convoy in front of a large carrier force works well to use up opposition ordinance which them makes them vulnerable in the counterattack.

Gamey.

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: rjd08512

Not sure if this should go here or in Tech support.

I have played the game for a short time and find the convoy routine somewhat tedious. The question is; will the editor allow setting up an overarching convoy route? For example; I want to send multiple convoys from Pearl Harbor to Tasman Sea area. Rather than programming individual way-points for each convoy (tedious part), I would like to set up a semi-permanent convoy route with 4 or 5 way-points and name it (e.g., Convoy Route A) and order individual convoys to follow it. At the end point of the route, convoys would then proceed to their destination (e.g., Brisbane, Sydney, Noumea, etc).

This would save much time in game play; allow proper ASW patrolling; Air Combat coverage; Surface Combat Support, etc.

The routes would also be modifiable in case enemy forces found the route. Also want to set up at least 2 or 3 alternate routes per war area (Pacific, South, Southwest, Indian Ocean).

Is this possible, or a consideration for future update?

1. You can't have 4-5 waypoints. The maximum number of waypoints is 3. So you are immediately restricted in avoiding the enemy unless you practice micro-management.

2. There are two set and forget in game options for running "milk runs". The first, which has absolutely the least amount of human input required, is the auto convoy system operating from San Francisco and IIRC Karachi (or Bombay). That is only meant to cover back areas and would be totally inappropriate for your use. The second, which covers your concerns (up to a point), is to set up CS convoys. You set up the route and then hand over control of the TF to CS operation. Plenty of threads on the details of CS convoys.

3. The real alternative is to operate out of the worm holes. Trying to place any long distance, regular and predictable convoy from Hawaii to Australia under computer supervision is fraught with danger because it will always be passing near the mobile (because we are talking about naval movement here) frontlines of the enemy. No such thing as static trench lines out on the water.

4. Most players use hub and spoke operations to run their logistics (also see point 1 above re number of waypoints).

Alfred

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

2. There are two set and forget in game options for running "milk runs". The first, which has absolutely the least amount of human input required, is the auto convoy system operating from San Francisco and IIRC Karachi (or Bombay).

Colombo.

[rjd08512]

ORIGINAL: Alfred



1. You can't have 4-5 waypoints. The maximum number of waypoints is 3. So you are immediately restricted in avoiding the enemy unless you practice micro-management.

2. There are two set and forget in game options for running "milk runs". The first, which has absolutely the least amount of human input required, is the auto convoy system operating from San Francisco and IIRC Karachi (or Bombay). That is only meant to cover back areas and would be totally inappropriate for your use. The second, which covers your concerns (up to a point), is to set up CS convoys. You set up the route and then hand over control of the TF to CS operation. Plenty of threads on the details of CS convoys.

3. The real alternative is to operate out of the worm holes. Trying to place any long distance, regular and predictable convoy from Hawaii to Australia under computer supervision is fraught with danger because it will always be passing near the mobile (because we are talking about naval movement here) frontlines of the enemy. No such thing as static trench lines out on the water.

4. Most players use hub and spoke operations to run their logistics (also see point 1 above re number of waypoints).

Alfred

Understand and been doing all of the above. As I said; being able setting up a realistic convoy system with inbound and outbound routing as was actually in place during both WWs would ease the tedious nature of managing individual convoy flow. It would also allow better management of security assets needed to cover logistics flow. It would also be a realistic representation of what was actually in place during the war rather than random and chaotic game convoying as it is now.

But, if the game engine doesn't support it; so be it.

[rjd08512]

ORIGINAL: Dili

I've found flushing a 30-40 xAKL convoy in front of a large carrier force works well to use up opposition ordinance which them makes them vulnerable in the counterattack.

Gamey.

I've played the Japanese side a little and have used a carrier rotation around the Fuji and Tuvalu areas until I get bases established for ground based air. The random convoy system allows easy disruption of supply beyond Baker especially for fuel. You can really role 'em up. If you are fortunate to get a couple of US carriers hanging around Australia, you can run them out of fuel eventually and they are easy pick'ens. It becomes predictable and boring after awhile.

Then push East; Kiribati islands, or South; Noumea, etc. If you can get that accomplished; its all over for Australia. US can't fly in heavy air and convoying as it is in the game is impossible w/o escorts and nearly so with. You really don't need the Solomons et al (do need Rabaul) right away.

It is gamey; but it is what it is.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Dili

I've found flushing a 30-40 xAKL convoy in front of a large carrier force works well to use up opposition ordinance which them makes them vulnerable in the counterattack.

Gamey.

+1