Retire Research Labs?

[Amaranthus]

I'm playing the 1918 scenario against the AI, as Entente. I notice that a number of research columns, such as armour, are blank, but I have Research Lab in that area that is still eating upkeep PPs. If the column is blank I assume that it has been fully researched and I am free to disband that Lab. Does this sound right?

[majpalmer]

Are you asking Mr. Disbandment?

Shut 'em down!

[Amaranthus]

Alright!

Heh, my only concern was that if the lab was disbanded prior to upgrading all units with the new tech, the upgrades might be thereafter impossible. But I thought that was unlikely.

[nobikaigan]

Yup, shut 'em down!

I have found that playing as Entente especially, specializing your research is very helpful... I usually have UK research Air, Arty, and veh. while France, Italy, and Russia are inf and arty specialists. Once you have researched everything you need/want for that group, sell off all labs, or redistribute them... The 3PP lab upkeep is significant.

[soldier]

As a new player i find research to be the most complicated part of the game. Labs, focus, columns, fields, upkeep, buying, selling and all this for 4 or 5 different nations.
Its somewhat difficult to tell whats good strategy in this area and what isn't.

[nobikaigan]

As a new player i find research to be the most complicated part of the game. Labs, focus, columns, fields, upkeep, buying, selling and all this for 4 or 5 different nations.
Its somewhat difficult to tell whats good strategy in this area and what isn't.

Yup it takes some strategy and a bit of management to get it effecient... I just kind of think about the nation and exactly what they will be doing in the war... For example, France and Russia MUST have strong infantry units... They get the most income and have the most manpower, so making sure they invest in infantry-centric research is wise IMHO... UK, living off of convoys and not having a huge footprint of infantry on the ground, I put their research into Air forces and eventually Armor. They support the war effort with those type units, while France and Russia dig the trenches and slog it out with the enemy, wearing them down in manpower and PP.

For the CP, I can't really make a good scheme for research, seems their main powers (Germany and AH) need research in all areas to stay competitive... The Ottomans obviously need just infantry research, but they have a tough time paying the upkeep... Germany and AH are deeply involved in the ground war, and I suppose their research would be based around the individuals strategy... I would think Infantry research is essential, but perhaps have Germany also research Arty and have AH research Air... Or vice cersa, I think Naval research and Vehicle research is a hard sell for the Central Powers... I never seem to get the luxury of a Navy or of armored units...

Just my $.02