Slitherine

Was wondering if it was possible to make it so one could start earlier so as to built up a more custom armed forces rather than rely on what Adolph did?

We could do but the engine is not designed to accurately model period pof time without full scale war. It could end up being pretty dull to end turn lots of times and diplomacy is not fully featured enough to make it interesting.

I agree...a 1936 game would be very interesting but you´ll need a totally revamped diplomacy system and adding certain "empire-building" options.

If you are looking for that period i would suggest "Making History: the calm and the storm" which is more focused on what you are looking for. I hate the combat system of that game...if a future CEAW II could add some features of MH it would be a dream come true.