I guess my point is you’d have to start Germany off so strong (because of the huge income disparity between Axis/Allies) that it wouldn’t be much of a game the first 2-3 rounds.
Germany wouldn’t have the money to do sea-lion, much less attack the British navy turn 1; unless you start the British navy weak and/or start the German air force/navy very strong. If Germany doesn’t kill the British navy turn 1, then it will be even harder for Germany to prevent allied landings in Europe.
Russia having 37 IPCs to spend, even if they start with nothing, will be a formidable force on turn 4-5 when Germany attacks Russia. How much money will Germany start with? 14 IPCs? Maybe get 10 IPCs more turn 1? (sure they can get a bonus of 14 when taking Holland’s capital). France has 19 IPCs/turn- they can be fairly big too if Germany doesn’t take it out turn 2. Russia still makes 10 IPCs more than Germany turn 2.
Japan would have a very tough time- China will have a large artillery supported army; India will be unassailable and ANZAC will have a nice little Navy.
Agreed that the US shouldn’t be able to build for 4-5 turns- maybe able to make limited NCMs?
I would like to figure out how a 1939 game could work- because it could be a blast; but it is tough to balance out an even weaker Axis to start (have limited territory/income in 1939).