You can find the speed cap table if you go to the US forums> old forum data> last sticky> skip to page 7&8 since the posts are listed backwards.

Based on that, 3 engineers with minimum VE in your case will cap the guam at 96. However, my own experience was that at level, the guam is still quite fast due to the light weight of the crew. I had 4 unboosted Eng minimal VE.

Overall, the Guam is a better ship than the alaska even if it does not speed cap (still faster than the average BB). The guam can hold the 12"L which is the longest range guns that either ship can hold even if it does mean sacrificing a knot or two. The time it takes the Alaska to get that much closer into range with the added speed is not worth being able to get a shot off earlier at a farther range.

That extra distance you put between you and the ship you are rushing is that less distance you have to run away to your BB line. And since your engineers are not giving you the most OH time, your Alaska runs the trouble of slamming on the brakes while still within enemy range.

The added support slot is also useful especially since another engineer will greatly help OH time.

With No engys on the guam @ level I did 28/45

Speedcap at level is 28/48
and with high level crew its 28/47 due to weight.

You'll do probably 46 or 47 so no worries, its still fast.

Thanks guys. Whats the Alaska speed? 28/47?

Can the Alaska not fit the Ls? Looking at the database on this site it seems it can and still with space for 2 ammo binds.

Also I realised if I run the Alaska 3/3 I'll have no scout, or I would have to run 2 reps to get a Scout, so on that basis, and seeing as it seems I only lose 1 or 2 knots of OH, I'll probably run the Guam when I can. =)

you are correct, but 2 bind of ammo is hardly enough.

Also, at-level engies I suggest using the CV4 engine. It will allow you to OH longer and it is cheaper. The guam grind will be a pain, especially if you are waiting out for the Colo instead of the NewMex.

Taking off the back guns off my guam helped me get into range a lot easier and get enough attack to get decent exp. Currently it goes something/54 with a fat crew and only a couple engineers.

54 sounds quite sweet 0.o

looking at the database... isnt the CV4 engine better in every way? it has same HP, more OH and longer OH time. Any reason not to use it all the time?

I would like to wait for Colo, don't want to rush it and I heard it's a better ship. I hope to try to enjoy the Guam even if it isnt a great ship, I think speed will help me with that. I like fast ship BC playstyle more anyway, who knows I might not enjoy Colo if it's slow! =P

I don't think I can reasonably aim for SoDak, seeing as my IJN crew is barely 73 and I want Yamato, and my future US CV crew is only 32. Oh, and my Soviet crew is only 56 aiming for Kronstadt. Yeah, I have far too many ships =P

To be honest, I just want a Guam because the ship looks awesome!