Slitherine

I would like to propose some possible changes to the Rail Movement system... and get some feedback regarding this. Basically, I feel that some of the limitations of this system are unrealistic, and somewhat unbalancing. Really, it shouldn't be called "rail movement" at all, but rather "strategic movement", and should probably represent large scale movement using air transport, rail transport, and even sea transport.

Given the length of the turns (3 weeks) it doesn't seem to make sense to have a distance limitation on this type of movement. Also, strategic movement should be allowed over seas... from one port to another port (assuming you control a port at the target land mass). As it is now, there is now effective way to reinforce Scandinavia or Africa. To do so now, you have to move a unit to a local port, then the next turn convert to a transport and move the the coast of the country you are trying to reinforce, and then only on the third turn can you actually use this unit in the target country. This is a total of 9 weeks (assuming only one turn transit time) to move one unit. It doesn't seem realistic. Arguably using strategic movement across oceans should cost more... but it shouldn't be prohibited.

An additional problem with "rail movement" is that its simply not available in some regions in some cases. For example, once the Axis penetrates far enough into Russia, you cannot strategic move your units back out... and must march them out step by step. This can take a ridiculous amount of time... and again does not seem realistic.

These could be easy fixes in future versions, and would add a lot of strategic options and open up more variety in play. What do you all think?

The railroad distance is in general.txt script, you can edit it to your own preferance

the main thing with over seas is not being able to unload instantly when you reach a port you own, i understand if there isnt a port there to have landings normal like and invasion but when you own a magor port there should be some kinda perk tun get your guys on land faster. that way ports will be even more important to defend.

antoneagle wrote: Given the length of the turns (3 weeks) it doesn't seem to make sense to have a distance limitation on this type of movement.

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An additional problem with "rail movement" is that its simply not available in some regions in some cases. For example, once the Axis penetrates far enough into Russia, you cannot strategic move your units back out... and must march them out step by step. This can take a ridiculous amount of time... and again does not seem realistic.

I've only played the demo but have played lots of boardgames along these lines (World in Flames, Europa) and these don't sound as bad as you might think.

First, while it's certainly true that it takes far less than 3 weeks for one train to go from Point A to Point B, moving a unit is like moving a small city. You will almost certainly not have enough rolling stock on hand to make it in one trip, especially given all the competing demands for rail transport that you don't see explicitly in the game. If the distance is shorter, these multiple trips can be done more rapidly. I can't say the game calibrates this accurately but the mechanic is not unreasonable in principle.

Second, there actually was a severe problem with rail transport as the Germans plunged deep into Russia. The Soviet railways had a different gauge from those common in the rest of Europe, and the Germans had to either replace the track as they advanced or transfer troops, supplies, etc. to captured Soviet equipment. The hassle in game terms might not match this and may even be unintended, but it turns out that the historical problem was more difficult than you might think!

And it sounds like you can tweak the way the game works, which is nice if you find some mechanism especially annoying

What I would like to see is being able to ship garisons from ports and being only able to land at other ports. This does allow for the conquest of Norway and then not having to station expensive Corps to retain this ( the same can be said for Sealion).

Garison units where used in Norway and this would help replicate this - possibly making them super vulnerable when in transport form could also help in not allowing people to use them as blocking units.

Just a thought.