RSRD n00b question

[LordCucumber]

I am running both TMO and RSRD.

Now I have a question. I am in my second patrol in januari 1942. I've attacked a convoy and sank a single vessel. Apparently it wasn't enough to achieve my mission goal, which is to disrupt shipping (that's it, there is no 'end' to that mission goal stated, so I'm assuming I need to get a certain amount of tonnage before it does end?). Having suffered some damage, I snuck off to find other ships elsewhere, as three destroyers turned looking for me. I eventually lost track of them and they lost me.

Now the problem is, with RSRD enabled, I am only getting the occasional seaplane to keep me busy. I realise that the Pacific is a large place, and the Japanese are not everywhere at the same time, so I am wondering, specifically, where should I go next. I'm about halfway down the first half of January just west of the Luzon strait. Where can I find more Japs around this time in the campaign. I 've been searching for a (ingame) week or so and still zippo. Would heading to Formosa be a good idea perhaps?

Thanks in advance from a greatful n00b :salute:

[WernherVonTrapp]

Usually you have to sink about 10,000 tons of shipping but sometimes you also have to spend a certain amount of time within a certain distance of the patrol zone. If so, it sould say so somewhere in your orders or at the beginning of your patrol so, make sure you pay careful attention to any written orders. Early in the war, the South China Sea should produce some nice results.
Welcome abroad.:D:salute:

[LordCucumber]

Danke Herr Von Trapp!

I think me orders didn't mention sticking to the area. In fact, they specifically told me to reach the point and then run free to disrupt shipping (I remember because I had the 'stick to this area' order in the patrol before this one, and my orders were distinctly different the second time). Downside was I had no idea where to head next. Now I do.

Again, thank you! :yeah:

[tomoose]

Once in your patrol area (i.e. you are close to the yellow "star") draw yourself a 150nm circle and patrol anywhere you want in that circle. After you have spent enough time the 'star' will turn gray indicating you have completed your current task. You can stray out of the area if a target takes you there but I believe you have to return to the area in order to complete your 'task'.

You should receive fresh orders at that time to proceed to your next assignment. If you don't get orders you can send a situation report back and you will get instructions in the response.

Unfortunately the game isn't smart enough to respond to an "out of ammo, returning to base" situation. You might be out of torps but when you send your next sitrep you will probably still receive "Patrol area xyz etc".
This gives me an idea for a mod!!!

[LordCucumber]

Thank you for the tip. I did just that one my first patrol. As I am making a Let's Play on youtube, I actually have that on tape.

For anyone interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROQCZDnJm4s