Operation Drumbeat in Type VIIB

[Zilch]

Hi, all.

In my current campaign, right now late May 1941, I've been sticking close to the coast in my Type VIIB. I've not needed to range farther out than the range of this boat allows, but I know that's going to change when Allied air cover improves.

I was hoping to take part in Operation Drumbeat after the US enters the war, maybe patrolling off of my current residence in Florida or maybe waiting outside of NYC. I'd be interested to see how Mayport looks through a periscope...The concern I have is, I've gotten attached to my current boat. I like its performance, quick dive times, and decent turn rate. The only complaint is that the torpedo load is a bit small, but I can deal with that.

Is it possible to hit the US coast effectively with a Type VII? I'm away from my (real) computer for some time, or I'd just measure it myself. Have any of you had success with this in a VII, or do I need to consider trading my slim, trim VIIB for a the more porcine Type IX?

Thanks for any advice.

[sharkbit]

Once Milkcows become available, it is possible to make it to the US in a VII. I can't remember when the first one becomes available though. I don't think any are available until well after Operation Drumbeat.

:)

[Zilch]

Thanks. I guess if I wanna play I have to pay the admissions fee, eh? I'll think about it...a Type IX can't be that sluggish, can it?

[sharkbit]

If you're dying to hit the coast of the US in January '42, another option might be to start a second career and run it concurrently with your other one and sail a IX in it.

I got 3 careers running in 3 different theaters-Atlantic, Med., and the Black Sea. I rotate thru them as I get retired/die.

...a Type IX can't be that sluggish, can it?

Uhhhh...yeah.

:DL

[FIREWALL]

SHCommander is your friend. :DL

[Hitman]

It's not just a matter of range, but also of striking punch. The IX loads more torpedoes, and when you are so far away it pays off to be able to shoot more before having to do the long way back home.

[Bosje]

i went into new york harbor in a VIIC once, and back out into the ocean
just enough fuel left to dock with the supply sub and that was that. kinda sexy but it's a long long trip for just a handful of torpedo shots

so yeah, it can be done but also: yeah start a career in a type IX and go for it :)

[Zilch]

Yeah, good idea with the multiple careers. I'll give it a go. It'd be nice not to have to head back after a few shots.

[Snestorm]

Try your hand at a IXB. I think you may be pleasantly surprised at how sluggish it isn't.

[FIREWALL]

There are 2 or 3 Single Missions off the East coast. You can use any Sub you like.

[Wulfmann]

I too am a Florida resident (East Central) and after reading "Operation Drumbeat" I wanted very much to experieince it.
Two problems.
One; as great as GWX3Gold is it does not depict Pauchenschlag anything like the book. There is little traffic and much more US anti sub operation than German accounts depict

Two; I am a VIIC man.

I solved the range problem by getting a TypeIXC and since I do a major revision of the RND and SCR mis files with each new GWX I am familiar with them enough to add the stuff for Drumbeat.

I was actually not sure if I would add too much or not but I swear it was like seeing the book come to life. It was very cool.
I added only the new IAMBECOMELIFE merchant ships to the SCR and random ones to the RND so I would be sure to see and attack the best looking ships available.

It is not that hard to add ships to the SCR.mis file in mission builder.
But, if you choose to do so back up your files to an outside folder so if you screw up you can start again as many times a required

Wulfmann