Damn we're out of fuel

[Woody34]

Is there anyway I can get a tow in SH4?
I really miss my German Navigator or Chief Engineer.......

[rodan54]

Comsubpac regrets to inform you that there are no tows available whate-so-ever.

You have two alternatives however: Either engage your time warp machine, and warp back to a previous point in time.

Or wait for the nearest IJN airfleet to converge on your location.




In short your SOL, just restart.

[Torplexed]

It's ironic. In reading about the Atlantic War you come across numerous instances in which U-Boats were short of fuel, stranded, and unable to make it home. Bdu was constantly having to arrange mid-ocean meetings with tankers, milkcows or boats with fuel remaining to get them there. SH3 had the handy return to base teleport button so none of this had to be simulated.

However, I've never read of an instance in which US sub operations were stranded for lack of fuel. But it's constantly happening to players. Maybe that RTB button really became a crutch for all us former SH3 players. Too bad there's not some sort of visual aid to help you keep an eye on what your remaining operational radius is. :damn:

[tomoose]

Once I get to the halfway mark with fuel then I start to use the following info buttons in the GUI;

1. "Max range at current speed"; and
2. "Range to destination" (to last plotted point).

I plot my remaining patrol time around those two indicators (i.e. plot a search pattern/route etc then make sure my last waypoint is at my home base). Then I'll compare the reported distance given by 1. against the reported distance given by 2. I'll either adjust my patrol route or speed to ensure 1. is greater than 2.

You're probably already aware of that so apologies if I'm stating the obvious.:up:

[ReallyDedPoet]

This is a nice older thread on the subject :yep:: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=119507&highlight=ducimus+fuel


RDP

[Dogsbd]

Once I get to the halfway mark with fuel then I start to use the following info buttons in the GUI;

1. "Max range at current speed"; and
2. "Range to destination" (to last plotted point).

I use that technique outbound as well, to monitor my "gas mileage" and insure I have some reserve so I can use flank if need be while on station.

[tomoose]

...originally but I found as the old adage goes that my "plan didn't survive first contact" as my intercepts and attacks really couldn't be anticipated (you never know when the first attack will occur etc). So I use the first half of my fuel to get in location and then roam whereever I want and not worry about fuel until it gets just above half. At that point I'll get serious about getting home, get more selective on interecepts and the speeds involved etc (basically as describe in Duci's link above).

[Torps]

Is there anyway I can get a tow in SH4?
I really miss my German Navigator or Chief Engineer.......

I had this same problem before, I had damaged batteries and the battery charge would be always on and I would run out of fuel on my way to Pearl. Well at the time I didn't know this so I reloaded and stopped my battery recharged and changed to standard prop and I made it back to base np.

[FIREWALL]

We have a lot of Beer to drink ! ! !:smug:

[Woody34]

Once I get to the halfway mark with fuel then I start to use the following info buttons in the GUI;

1. "Max range at current speed"; and
2. "Range to destination" (to last plotted point).

I use that technique outbound as well, to monitor my "gas mileage" and insure I have some reserve so I can use flank if need be while on station.

Where did you find max range at current speed button??? I never got out of fuel in SH3 because I monitor it closely. Never found it in SH4.

[Munchausen]

Where did you find max range at current speed button??? I never got out of fuel in SH3 because I monitor it closely. Never found it in SH4.

It's a mod. You must link command 257 in the "commands.cfg" file either to a keystroke or to a button in the "ordersbar.cfg" file.

[Woody34]

Ah thanks.

[tomoose]

install Trigger Maru mod it's built in to the GUI.

[DavyJonesFootlocker]

Dude, just regulate your boat's speed for fuel efficiency. Go 2/3 speed and don't sail for Buenos Aires next time.:88)

[Kirby_TFS]

I know that going full or flank is a fuel eater, but is going 1/3 also bad? I guess my real question is what is the best surface speed. I make alot of patrols going and returning at 1/3 and I do have fuel problems. Maybe I'm going too slow! Also when you are at all stop we still hear the diesel running. I assume that it is also using fuel when at all stop?

[DavyJonesFootlocker]

That's the sound of deceleration. 1/3 speed is too slow for me. I use 2/3 and only use 25% fuel on a month-long patrol. You can save fuel whenever an air threat is nearby by submerging and switching off for about an hour then surface.

[Torps]

I know that going full or flank is a fuel eater, but is going 1/3 also bad? I guess my real question is what is the best surface speed. I make alot of patrols going and returning at 1/3 and I do have fuel problems. Maybe I'm going too slow! Also when you are at all stop we still hear the diesel running. I assume that it is also using fuel when at all stop?

Back in HS a long time ago, I interviewed a WWII Submariner. He said
you get the best range in a Gato class sub by traveling between 11.25 knots and 8.0 knots. He mentioned your range depends on the water currents direction and wave height, wind speed and sub displacement. They had figured out how to manipulate/calculate and be able to extend there range by an additional 1500 knotical miles if they had to. Dont ask me about the formula I have no idea. Overall the best speed during calm weather was 9.8 knots to 10.2 depending on the subs displacement at the time.

[seafarer]

I know that going full or flank is a fuel eater, but is going 1/3 also bad? I guess my real question is what is the best surface speed. I make alot of patrols going and returning at 1/3 and I do have fuel problems. Maybe I'm going too slow! Also when you are at all stop we still hear the diesel running. I assume that it is also using fuel when at all stop?

Depends on what you want to accomplish - covering the maximum distance possible, or maximizing the time at sea. Going very slow will allow you to run the engines longer, so stay at sea much longer. But, you'll be going so slow that you will cover less distance overall. Going at around 9 knots means you will achieve the maximum distance cruised possible, but may need to make a port call sooner then if you went slow.

Look at the fuel stats for the USS Missouri's fuel figures to see what I mean:
http://www.ussmissouri.com/speedVSFuel.aspx

[Snuffy]

Its a long walk home capt'n

[Kirby_TFS]

I tried running at 2/3 or about 8-9 knts last night in a Tambor class boat and I only used about half the fuel it normally takes when running at 1/3. I also tried to limit my submerged times so I wouldn't have to recharge as much. I also turned off the auto-recharge when the batteries got to 100%. By running at 2/3 I now have some fuel to actually chase some targets instead of getting to the patrol area and sitting waiting and praying a ship comes reasonably close so I wouldn't have to chase it far. Thanks for all the help.

[DavyJonesFootlocker]

Good for ya Kirby! Happy sailing.:up: