@R:
Tall Paul-
I just moved to Tyler/Hideaway Lake this last August.I’m up for a game.
––R DiStefano, I sent you a PM with my contact info. We’re really starting to play a few A&A games now and some NEW players are in the mix also. Call or contacct me and we’ll see about setting up a game for you.
Tall Paul
“Coach”,
The C-46 Commandoe also completely replaced the C-47 Skytrain units assigned to the 374th Troop Carrier Wing(5th AF) in New Guinea and later.
These “transport” missions were considered as COMBAT missions and most were flown without fighter support. “Tall Paul”
I would think the the commies do not have a capital, just like nationalist. They only way they can be liberated is if soviets take some chinese territories.
––But the COMMUNIST CHINESE do have a capital,….it is called Pingliang and it’s marked on the map as such.Tall Paul
As far as the Marines being “pulled out” of Guadalcanal I think I should point out that the Comanding General of the 1st Marine Division, A. A. Vandegrift, in his autobiography “Once a Marine” states that he instructed his Operations Officer to make a plan for “fighting in the hills” (guerilla warfare). This is verified by his Operations Officer’s book “No bended knee, the battle for Guadalcanal” by Gen. Merrill B. Twining. Twining states that Vandegrift was at his lowest ebb in fatigue when he ordered him to make this plan and this probably had some impact on his judgement.
Personally, I believe that once the Marines were committed to this first ever offensive operation in WW2 that the U.S. would find the ways to support it, as we have seen from FDR’s commitment that turned the tide for the Marines, including support from the U.S. Army’s Americal Division. The Americal Division’s CG, Maj. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, originally sent a message to Gen. Vandegrift stating that “my division will be unable to participate in the upcoming operation because we have not yet had any training in amphibious warfare”. Vandegrift wrote that “From the beginning it had been clear that the Army strongly opposed the plan”.
I have read probably close to a hundred books associated with the Guadalcanal operations, from several different aspects. I think that once Admiral King had pressured the Joint Chiefs of Staff to go ahead with the invasion that several American commanders like Adm. John McCain as ComAirSoPac, realized that “Cactus(Guadalcanal) can be a sinkhole for enemy air power” as stated in the book “A Leader Born” by Alton Gilbert.
Tall Paul
Garg,
A Happy Birthday to you. And I’m glad to learn the Monks didn’t (completely) fry your brain. I’m sure it’s bound to have helped.
As far as “support” or excitment, THANK YOU, but none is necesary and I hope I didn’t start an avalanche of “interest” and e-mails on the subject. Let’s just say I’m a “people person” and get a lot of enjoyment from interacting/listening to others. And making friends is always worthwhile. Add to that some FUN A&A action and it’s a win/win for me.
I’ll certainly let everyone know whenever there’s something worth mentioning. Right now I’m in a temporary “holding pattern” for the museum because of some things that are beyond my control, but it should only be a delay until I buy some land and start construction. The building is already planned and I have a good friend of 30+ years that’s an architect who I’ve already discussed things with.
I seem to be proving the “All things come to those who wait” saying right now.
It will be FUN though. I’m Sorry, but I seem to run of at the mouth when I talk about something I’m passionate about.
“Tall Paul”
“Coach”,
I’m in, definately! I think a LOT of people would buy these additional naval units.
Also, I would like to suggest that you and/or your associates look into designing an entire A&A NAVAL game. I would really like to see a game that wasn’t restricted to a set strategy or tactical movement such as the battle of Midway. A game that would be much more “universal” in it’s offerring of many strategies/plans to win and would be so large in sea area would make it possible(even necesary) for several smaller battles to occur all over the map. I imagine it would help sales of these additional naval units too. Don’t forget about seaplane tenders and PBYs (or their enemy equivilents).
I seriously hope you’ll spend some “gray matter” on developing a NAVAL A&A game for all of us to enjoy. It would be so differrent to have a game that the main focus was in building a navy to fight an enemy navy rather than just as an adjunct to assisting the “land campaign”. Please consider it.
What does everyone else think about a Naval A&A game?
p.s.-my US Marines arrived and look GREAT! your delivery speed is as always to be commended.
“Tall Paul”****
How so?
––The Capital of each country is clearly visable,…whereas simple territories are dull colored and not as vibrant.@Tall:
I would think the the commies do not have a capital, just like nationalist. They only way they can be liberated is if soviets take some chinese territories.
––But the COMMUNIST CHINESE do have a capital,….it is called Pingliang and it’s marked on the map as such.Tall Paul
I want to point out the great contribution of the American railroads in counterring the effects of “operation drumbeat” and the German anti-shipping campaign by their subs. At the time of WW2 most railroad tank cars were of 8,000 to 10,000 gallon capacity. Between the time of the first sub attacks and the building of the two pipelines all the way from the oil sources in Texas to the NorthEast coast, the railroads hauled solid “tank trains” of up to 100+ tank cars in a very expeditious manner and basically “saved our bacon”. I’d be more than happy to discuss any railroad history anytime. Thanks, “Tall Paul”
Garg,
––Yep, my main interest is Railroad History, but a close 2nd goes to my huge passion for Military History, especially WWII.
----The “Spiral Tunnels” are in you neighborhood, tracks that climb and circle around while INSIDE a tunnel. And in the last decade or so some additional fantastic tunnels were built in Western Canada.
----I’d never heard or read anything about the Vancouver tunnels under the city you mentioned. Interesting. I’m not sure I’d care to investigate several hundred miles of tunnels that noone else knows about with you, though(BIG GRIN).
----Yes, the looooong tunnels in the American “Rockies” have doors on both ends that open/close in order that huge fans may clear the tunnel of exhaust gases. I’ve read older accounts of steam engines on heavy passenger trains slipping inside of long tunnels that ended up asphixiating the crew, and then all of the passengers. Not cool.
I’m sure you understand and hopefully enjoy(tolerate) my joking with you. Laughter is what makes the world go 'round my friend. And keeps us young, too.
“Tall Paul”
Tall Paul and Coach, excellent idea, I would truly enjoy an AA Naval only game, Might leave in Islands that you must capture using our new Marines for attack and defense air and naval bases. Ships normally do not control a sea port or air base you have to have a small land force to maintain it. This is where the Marines can come into play in a big way. If Coach develops landing craft you need the proper forces to use them. THE USMC.
Warrior888,
Yes, in describing a “universal” naval game I expected there to be several small but important land targets, whether they be resources, bases, potential new bases or whatever. I just meant I wanted a game where the NAVAL aspect of the game is primary, not only an accessory to the land(IPC point) game.
I’m thinking that base defense, recon, convoys, convoy escort, surface warfare, carrier warfare, bombardment, amphibious warfare, etc. would all be important facets of the NAVAL game I’m hoping for(hint hint Coach). I also think a large open area allowing for naval battles on the map would be good.
You know, what I’m describing sounds a bit like the Solomons Campaign. The A&A GUADALCANAL game is already out. I have this game but have yet to play it. My gaming group is still too engrosed in 1940-Global, right now. I originally bought it for the Hellcat fighters and airbase markers. The Hellcats look so much better on my CV’s than P-38s,… and I buy the Victory marker houses(from HBG) paint them Gray and decal them(I-94) for somewhat 3D air/naval bases. although I’ve read some discussion somewhwere that either HBG or FMG were to someday make air/naval bases as well as ICs.
Anyway, with all the collective brain-power that is available on this forum I think A “universal” A&A NAVAL game would not only be possible, but FUN. And if if would serve as another reason to develope all of these additional naval units,…great!
“Tall Paul”
Russia liberates Comm China. No other ally. If another ally, including Nat China, takes back a Comm Chinese zone it isn’t liberated it is taken. hope this helps you guys out a little.
––I COMPLETELY understand the above.––My ORIGINAL question was if after having had ALL of it’s units & territories killed or captured,…
Do Communist Chinese forces “magically or otherwise” re-appear in a territory after it’s being abandoned by the Nationalist Chinese?
–It doesn’t sound “logical” to me, but the rules as they are written are open to wide “interpretation” and I just wanted to nail down this answer.
Tall Paul
My Dad, Clifton W. Harwell, was in WW2. He will be 87 next month and still works every day at his job! He runs his own small business, Harwell Printing Company and has done so since 1956. He was an enemy artillery spotter using the “sound and flash” system to call in counter-battery fire against the Germans in the European Theatre of Operations. His unit was the –-(temporarily forgotten the #) FOB, standing for Field Observation Batallion in the 15th Corps, assigned the Patton’s 3rd Army. He is a big (read BIG) Patton fan and saw the General on three different occasions. He saw a lot and has at least a hundred fascinating “war stories”.
Years ago, my Dad he agreed to go see “Saving Private Ryan” with me,…and to tell the truth after the movie was over I could see he was dealing with some 'memories" of his service. He started talking them out and then wrote one down as an article in the country newspaper he edits and prints. He received a lot of good feedback from his readership and was encouraged by them to write some more articles. As he did so he not only ended up with a book’s worth of memories but it really helped him to deal with these experiences and get past them.
I am obviously very proud of my Dad and his service. I have several dozen pics of him in the Army that I’ve had digitized and put on a CD. I would be very happy to share some or all of them with everyone in this forum if you can explain to me how to do it..
By the way, we started playing Axis & Allies back in the 1980’s and about 8-9 months ago started playing the A&A 1940-Global version with a huge map, 48" x 108" professionally enlarged for us. I ask you,…how cool is it to play Axis & Allies with a real life WW2 vet? Tall Paul
Garg,
TALL PAUL - I very much am looking forward to coming to your museum! How can I send you support in advance?
––While it’s AT LEAST a year away, When I(we) do host a major A&A event I would we’d need some “Rules Judges”. If you consider yourself extremely familiar with the rules I would hope you might consider being a judge. We would rotate judges so you’d be able to play some, too of course.
––I think IL’s knowledge & total grasp of the rules would make him a great judge. There are some others that would also be great judges. I’m sure you could give me some advice in this area.
----Since I’ve never been to any gaming convention I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you might have or like to see/experience. I have many ideas but I’m always open to other peoples opinions/suggestions. Thanks.
“Tall Paul”
Also, here is my “list”, and why.
an AO Oiler To add a logistics capability to the game.
an LCVP “Higgins” boat. The most iconic and necessary of the WW2 landing craft.
an LCM Especially if "Coach"s new Sherman tank will fir IN it.
an LST Another iconic and very useful ship for our gameplay
an AV Seaplane Tender To add Recon capabilities to the game
a PBY seaplane " " " " " " "
an Essex class CV A necessary item to any WW2 US Navy
an Atlanta class CLAA For additional anti-aircraft defense
a Montana class BB WOW! Need I say more?
as many OTHER CLASSES of (BB) Battleships, NEW and OLD as can be made.
a B-29 Superfortress. Would add a VLR Heavy Bomber capability to the game.
Other units such as a Alaska class BC would be welcome, and I would certainly buy it also, although it’s not on my “necessary” list.
With these new units a very real improvement/evolution can be made to our A&A gameplay. I feel very good that the “Coach” is the one throwing out ideas for new units as HE is the one that will get them produced!
And if it would help get these units produced, I would right now be very happy to put money towards a pre-order. I’m sure a lot of others would, too “Coach”, but it’s you’re call on that.
p.s.–I also think an OIL DERRICK would be useful but the “Coach” might be able to get the ones already made from the “Wildcatter” game(BIG HINT HINT).
What does everyone think???
“Tall Paul”
Mr “ABWorsham”,
I think that’s a really fine pic of your granddad in his WW1 uniform. Are you named after him(the 3rd) or is your A&A.ORG handle in his honor?
By the way, you’re info lists you as located in East Texas. Would that be anywhere close to the Longview, TX area? It would be nice to have a new player in our games if so. Also, my Dad and friends play in Shreveport, LA, just down the road. Tall Paul
IL,
@Imperious:
My forte is House rules, variants, and maps. I would not make a good judge for OOB rules because we seldom play with them except for classic MB AA.
**––OK, that’s cool. I’ve just always been impressed by your gaming background and understanding of “HOW” all of the rules were interelated to each other.You could probably Skype Kreighund if you contact him or one of his ‘appointed’ rules lawyers.
––A great suggestion, Thanks. I’ll remember that when we get further along. As I said before, it will take AT LEAST a year to find/buy the land and build the building. All of that is after a “temporary” hold-up is taken care of.Thanks for the suggestions IL. Maybe you could help out in an advisory capacity.
“Tall Paul”**
“Coach”,
The Pearl Harbor attack is my primary interest in WW2. It being so unequal as the actual attack was it would seem an uphill challenge to make a game out of this.
@coachofmany:
I’m working on a Pearl Harbor game that will have some neat twists.
I guess you might have alternate storylines, such as the Americans were alerted before the attack or something???
I would be very interested in finding out what your neat twists might be???
There was an EXCELLENT book that just came out about Pearl Harbor only a few months ago. It was an analitical overview of the plan, it’s goals, and it’s execution,…down to the individual bomb hits/misses. It had a LOT of reasearch that went in to it. It de-bunked a lot of rumors and myths. I consider it a “MUST READ” and it tells what really specifically happenned. I’ll find it and give the title/author soon.
Anyway, Thanks again for all your work in making our A&A experiences better.
“Tall Paul”
Well, the Japanese would have undoubtably sunk a large percentage of the transports, escorts, and support ships. This would have made it even more dificult for the Marines(if that’s possible) and potentially lengthened the campaign , but not necessarily so.
With FDR already showing his tendencies to alter policy decisions, and then with orders from him as Commander in Chief to find all supply/equipment necessary to support the Guadalcanal operation, my opinion is it would have turned out much as it actually did.
Don’t forget that Adm. King had already won an enlargement of the total available forces able to be diverted from the Europe 1st policy.
FDR as you well know was a “Navy” man. His political power and Navy interest is what brought about the creation of the Marine Raider Battalions, Marine Parachute Battalions, and other pro-Navy units.
Not to “oversimplify” things, or my reasoning behind my thoughts, but I think this wouldn’t necesarily have had a major impact on the Final Outcome of the campaign. I respect anyone having a diferring opinion, especially if it is an educated one that knows his history and understands it. “Tall Paul”
Most Holy,
@Most:
@Tall Paul. I’ve only been to the FMGC and do not have extensive experience at gaming cons but for the first year I’d suggest playing it by ear. Suggesting attendees bring their games and maybe provide what you have in the way of games but not worry too much about having tourneys and judges and stuff. I can assure you that all of us that were at FMGC had a great time and no tourneys were played. Just a bunch of A&A junkies having fun.
––I guess I didn’t say it but I was planning on several “get-togethers” before hosting any large “event” but you make a valid point, Thanks.
----My thoughts on “Rules Judges” was simply to keep the discussions/arguments/punches thrown to a minumum(Grin).
----I’m an “organizer type” of guy. Like with an annual photo contest I organized for another RR museum. I had rounded-up sponsers for winning pics, door prizes, guest VIP speakers, etc., etc. I already have thousands of ideas, hopefully at least a few of them will really be cool. The only objective is FUN (and DEATH to my opponent!), haha.
----“Just a few A&A junkies having fun” always sounds GREAT to me!
“Tall Paul”
cminke,
like the sub that got into the harbour and sank the arizona?
First off, the ARIZONA was NOT sunk by a sub, and after the sunken ship had a thorough inspection, was to a large degree of certainty believed not to have been struck by any torpedo in the attack.
I’m sure I know exactly what you’re making reference to. A picture showing the
“alleged” rooster tails of a subs screws after firing on the OKLAHOMA. I myself thought this might have some substance to it, especially as it was the subject of a TV show converning this. But you should really check out this book. All of the disenting viewpoints that contradicted what the producers of the “sensationallizing” TV show were deliberately NOT shown so as to extremely slant the viewpoint of the show. Get the book, read it, you will find out HISTORY the way it really happenned.
It’s a real shame that so much of what the world knows about this attack is theory and/or myth which many people regard as FACT,…and therefore our HISTORY suffers.
The name of the book that I’m recommending is:
Attack on Pearl Harbor: Strategy, Combat, Myths, Deceptions. by Alan Zimm
I just looked it up on Amazon Books. You should at least read the Product Description and Reviews even if you don’t by it.
This book is an IN-DEPTH research of all aspects of the battle and by his thorough analysis reaches significant conclusions. For example he completely accounts for all of the Japanese midget subs as well as other evidence to disprove the above
theory of a sub firing at the OKLAHOMA.
The author starts with a clean slate and no predetermined bias or theories to prove and lets the evidence speak for itself. A few issues aren’t capable of being completely determined beyond any doubt and he says so.