cohofly you highlight the argument perfectly. Un fortunately not in your favor. Just because you don't want to fly it is not a valid reason not to use an AC that is FAR more correct for a time frame/specific bird in capabilities. The TBD was not capable of diving anywhere near the speeds of a TBM and would not be able to BLOW THROUGH the defenders. Tactics would have to change and the outcome--torpedo sunk ships-- becomes in question. Paint the axis bird and use it --- even then it is 30 mph faster than the TBD was. That blue plane toughness argument is also part of the problem when talking about the TBD as it does not apply--they were slaughtered, had very limited success and were pulled because they were totally outclassed and frankly not even that many left to use. Use the axis bird if you have any pretense of calling it an attempt to be like real conditions for plane performance.
pops57, our plan for frame 3 would have been the same if we actually had TBD's, we where mainly concerned with defending all our AC, getting the 'mostest clostest' to target. I hear it was a pretty sight watching the entire attack group orbit, waiting for Zuikaku's location to be reported. Once the targets where located, waves where also utilized to their best effect, forcing the Axis defense to react to our benefit. Had the TBM's been TBD's(or Kates), they would've dove for their drop alts earlier is about the only difference to the plan, considering we all expected them to be sacrificial or at best lucky to survive. We felt having them cruise in high and using the fighters as escort was the best way to get as many in force to the targets areas with out loosing them half way there, at least to give em a chance of dropping their torps in each successive wave. I know the Axis CV's where down before the last wave even got into visual range. Apparently they tried to attack the survivors but, as FSO history wrote it . . they died with their targets. Only way to see a real difference is to put in a TBD or give an existing Allied plane the TBD's characteristics . . I believe every change could be made to any aircraft in game to achieve this, yes/no? Sides gotta fly their own sides AC, Axis/Allied, when it comes to substitutes, just my opinion on the Kate sub'n for the TBD. Any takers for Jap carriers running on Borneo fuel instead of Essex class CV's for all sides? There's an unmentioned problem for Jap carriers, like their planes they also flamed up easier than allied ships.
