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View Full Version : having tails on convoy contacts but not on single contacts - possible?


Schwuppes
03-07-08, 08:08 PM
Hi!

Obviously GWX 2.0 has removed all tails from contact reports... and while I can dig that for single contact reports, I do think its a bit unrealistic for convoys.

I mean, wasn't the whole point of the "contact holder" to update the incoming wolfpack with pretty accurate information regarding course, speed and position?
I don't think a simple "south east" as course information would have cut it back then... :lol:

What do you guys think? And is there a way to have only the convoys with tails on the nav map?

cheers!

difool2
03-07-08, 10:37 PM
I like the no-tails contacts. Recall that any shadowing U-boat or patrol plane will only be able to provide a general heading, and in addition to that convoys like to change course fairly frequently (fog of war and all that). For me the uncertainty of such contacts makes for a more rewarding game experience than just sticking the ruler on the contact and extending it in a precise direction and hustling to within 1,000 yards of the presumed course and waiting-more fun to hunt for them along the general path.

Umfuld
03-07-08, 11:11 PM
the uncertainty of such contacts makes for a more rewarding game experience than just sticking the ruler on the contact and extending it in a precise direction and hustling to within 1,000 yards of the presumed course and waiting-more fun to hunt for them along the general path.
Agreed.
When I play a game I will usually 'play the game'. That is, if I see a tail I don't pretend I don't see it. I would take advantage of it because it is there. And just you know, play the game as it is.
The no tail convoys are a lot better, imo.


But as to your point about North East being a bit vague perhaps for a possible wolf pack hook up Schwuppes;
maybe it could be changed so it told the degree heading instead of N,S,E, or W.
That would be similar to a tail I guess, so I wouldn't want that much info. But maybe someone knows if that could be tweaked for ya.

What would be ideal would be if it told a degree heading but that figure had a margin of error of like +/- 15. Ha!

Seriously, I doubt that's doable. :cry:

Schwuppes
03-07-08, 11:23 PM
Sure...

But in GWX2.0 the convoys will change course and speed anyway, regardless of weather the tails are being displayed or not.
So the element of uncertainty is preserved... so if the convoy decides to zig zag I will be forced to search for the convoy and re evaluate the course, speed etc for my firing solution. (which I don't have a problem with btw ;) )

But if I do manage to intercept the convoy in time, before it alters course and speed at its random waypoint, I will be glad (and so would any other Kaleun back then) to use the precise course and speed information provided to me as a basis for a more accurate and easier firing solution. ;)

I'm quite sure thats why the contact holding U-Boat had to regularly report any changes that it was the major reason why one sub would shadow the convoy.

Brag
03-07-08, 11:41 PM
The courses reported for ships and convoys are close enough. NNE, ENE, E, ESE. SE, SSE, S, SSW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW. They are as realistic as in RL. You have to look at the compass card of the vessel to ge closer than that.

I used to like the tails and miss them. Can't complain for not having them :yep: