Ironclads tactics

[bdoubled]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum but have been wargaming since the mid-70s. I've been a PC flightsimmer for the past several years, and recently bought Ironclads Anthology for a change, to get my feet wet in this genre (pun intended). I really love it, but I'm a total noob in tactical sea warfare and would really appreciate some advice on battle planning and maneuvering. I've played a few Ironclad scenarios and so far wind up either limping back or gulping seawater. Thanks in advance for any help. :hmmm:

[Maxim]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_the_T

Theorists believed that the need to mess ram each other. It was misleading. When they tried to exercise use this tactic, it became clear that it is dangerous even for their own ships. Battle of Lissa was an accident, but because of another experience was not, then rammed announced the foundation of battle.

Only in the line of battle ships can be controlled. I would recommend you use two columns against an enemy column. Clamp it between the two squdrons.

[bdoubled]

I have tried several times to "cross the T" - it requires very good understanding of both your ships and the enemy's, and the speed of all ships. Timing is critical. Often, I either am too far away to shoot, or collide with enemy ships. Trading broadsides often ends with both sides' ships sinking. Also, I am surprised that the turning radius of ships during the period of "Ironclads Anthology" was so large; it seems to take forever to maneuver.

One suggestion for your Ironclad game series: could you add a scale marker on the battle screen to show distance relative to the screen view (like Google Earth does when you zoom in or out)? That would be nice. And for those people who do not want it, map a key to turn it on and off.

[Gerald]

:ping:

[bdoubled]

Thank you, Vendor. :salute:

[Maxim]

Time of full circulation.

ironclad "Ferdinand Max"

Length and width: 83.8 x 15.9 m
greatest angle:
Full Speed: 12.5 knots
circulation time:
diameter of the circulation: 1260 m

battleship Victoria two screws + steam steering engine

Length and width: 104 x 21.3 m
greatest angle:
Speed: 8.8 knot
circulation time:
diameter of the circulation: 640 m

ironclad "Hector"

Length and width: 73.62 x 17.20 m
greatest angle: 20 deg.
Full Speed: 11 knots
circulation time: 5 minutes
diameter of the circulation: 220 m

ironclad "Warrior"

Length and width: 110 x 17.68 m
greatest angle: 15 deg.

Speed: 14 knots
circulation time: 8 min. 11 sec.
diameter of the circulation: 700 meters

Speed: 12 knots
circulation time: 7 min. 46 sec.
diameter of the circulation: 695 m

Speed: 5 knots
circulation time: 11 min. 34 sec.
diameter of the circulation: 560 m

time to circulate at full speed on average 10 minutes



Prohibited from turning battle lines more than 22 degrees at the distance between the ships in the line of 350 meters, more than 33 degrees at a distance of 500 meters.

This general rule for any navy of that period. Turning radius of a single ship is much smaller than the turning radius of the column. Flagman has no right to turn around so that by the end of turn crash with any of their ships.

Another effective tactic is to stick on the T for the last ship. You can also try the tactics of Nelson at Trafalgar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiBMpxDz4KU

[bdoubled]

Thank you for the good information, Typical Russian. Do you have any plans to make a Ironclads game of the Battle of Hakodate, or an RTS version of the ACW Battle of Hampton Roads?

[Maxim]

We are now working on a new Alternative History project - Victorian Admirals:


In the second half of 1880s, the policy of imperialism in the tropical Pacific led to a local naval conflict between the U.S., the German Empire and the Kingdom of Spain.
None of the contestants want a big war. Therefore, only the quick clash of colonial squdrons in tropical waters will decide who will rule Oceania.


Marianas Incident with Spain / USA 1883

To strengthen position in the Pacific Ocean; the United States needs to control at least one of the tropical islands such as the Spanish Mariana Islands, or the Samoan archipelago. Events in Cuba and internal problems did not allow Spain to strengthen its colony in Oceania. The Great powers are not interested in supporting the interests of Spain in the Pacific and will not interfere in the conflict.

None of the contestants want a big war. Therefore, only the quick clash of colonial squdrons in tropical waters will decide who will rule the Mariana Islands after 1883.


Caroline Islands Crisis with Germany / Spain 1885

Germany began her colonial enterprise very late and was, therefore, at a disadvantage, finding all the desirable places already occupie. The Spaniards claimed the Caroline Islands as their colony, but did not actually control them. Germany disputed the Spanish claim.

In August of 1885, Spain sent warships to Yap (Caroline Islands) to assert their territorial claim; however, the German government was aware of these ships and its squadron arrived the night before the Spanish landed.



Samoan Crisis with Germany / USA 1889

The Samoan archipelago is the last of the territories of Oceania which has not yet been colonized. The German Empire, through the tribal supreme chief, is trying to establish control over the Samoa. This leads to civil war between the natives. The United States supports the rebels. Governments of both nations have sent warships to the largest and busiest Apia harbor in Samoa. The commanders of naval squadrons ready for battle. Conflict of trade and strategic interests can be resolved only by force.

All of these conflicts could happen. For example http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoan_crisis

[Maxim]

We even decided to use alternative ships. Which would necessarily have been built if these conflicts have occurred: http://www.aagaines.com/man/boston.html

[bdoubled]

That is very good news. Your new project will be a nice addition to your Ironclads series. Thank you.

[EJDIII]

What has happened to totem games project on the navies of the spanish-american war? I first saw your pictures of ships, and thought it has been well over a year, but Ihave heard or seen nothing on it? Is it still in the making?

[Maxim]

Immediately after the release of the Victorian Admirals we will start work on a new game engine and battle system for the Spanish-American War Project. Warship 3D models are completely new and much better than what you saw. We will try to make a good game.

[em2nought]

Immediately after the release of the Victorian Admirals we will start work on a new game engine and battle system for the Spanish-American War Project. Warship 3D models are completely new and much better than what you saw. We will try to make a good game.

Great to hear that you're still working on that! Looking forward to it! :D

[DoubleVetetan]

Typical Russian, what improvements or features does Victorian Admirals add versus your previous title: Iron Clads High Seas ?

Thnx,
DV

[Maxim]

Havoc physics engine
new interface
increased dynamics of the gameplay
new ships and conflicts

It is rather improving european version than a new game.