The current size of convoys in SH4 is accurate - to a point. Large Task Forces are close to historical sizes (remember that often groups were seperated - like at midway the main battle group wasnt the carriers) so the size is about right. Now merchant convoys - were not really "required" by the Imperial navy until fairly late in the war. And their size was not 12+ ships normally. Most were 2 - 4 merchies escorted by 2 or more DD's or DE's.
Adm. Calvert (ret.) recounts in Silent Running how the USS Jack attacked a LARGE Japanese convoy they were vectored to by an ULTRA message. This group was on its way to New Guinea to reinforce the troops there against Gen. MacArthur. The convoy was 15 ships - "seven heavies and eight escorts". The "heavies" were transports and freighters, one being listed as an munitions carrier due to the way it went up looking "like the Fourth of July".
The Japanese rarely put together "huge" groups - the Allies only did it when true concentrations of force were necessary. Even today, putting all your resources - aka - eggs, in one basket - is a recipe for disaster.
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Good Hunting!
Captain Haplo
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