Building Supply Wagons

[Jerzul]

I have read on these forums repeatedly about the importance of keeping wagons with your Corps and Independent divisions and their general awesomeness overall. My only question is this: I've read several AARs and no one actually seems to ever build any new wagons. Does anyone do this? They are really expensive ($40K, 24 Conscripts, 24WS) so I want to know if its worth it to build any of them.

I wouldn't mind opinions from both the Federal side and the Confederate sides.

Thanks!

[John Sedgwick]

I usually build at least two extra supply wagons as the CSA, and build an extra depot behind the lines in Virginia. I also tend to build depots along major rivers, but I use riverine transports for this purpose as they are cheaper than wagons. But wagons are worth their weight in gold - not only for the bonuses they provide to your Corps in the field, but they are also vital for critical garrisons, allowing them to withstand sieges for much longer.

I just started playing the Union for the very first time, but I imagine I'll build at least a couple extra wagons for the boys in blue. No sense raising a huge army if you can't keep it well supplied for its southern vacation

[rattler01]

Both sides tend to start with enough unless you are making deep penetrations into the others lands and they have imposed a scorched earth policy. As the CSA I don't build them unless I go fort heavy. With the USA, I try to keep supplies flowing along rivers (which is move effecient and easier to defend), whichs means I us the cheaper naval transports to make depots. The only exception really is in the far-west.

[John Sedgwick]

Rattler makes a good point - they're nice to have, but it's not really necessary to build more, especially with the CSA's limited resources. I should also note, I do tend to "go fort heavy" with the CSA with coastal arty on the Mississippi.

[Ethan]

I'd add a small observation. Supply wagons also have the following additional benefits:

* They provide a +10% fire bonus during battles (provided they have some ammo left).

* They protect units from bad weather effects by trading hits for supply.

In addition, a supply wagon is able to supply any land unit with both General Supply and Ammunition if it is in the same or an adjacent region.



PS: I take this opportunity to greet my friend John Sedgwick, that some time ago that I know nothing from him.

[Jerzul]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll keep that in mind as I go through my first PBEM...actually my first full game ever!