My first career [Archive] - SUBSIM Radio Room Forums

MLGathome

08-27-12, 04:40 AM

Hi guys,

Ten years ago, I got a copy of "Command Aces of the Deep" from a colleague. I enjoyed it for a while but the graphics were outdated to my other computer games. My interest in
U-boats stayed. Subsim was already around back then. Recently I saw a copy from SH4 on a flee market and the interest started to grow again. I googled a bit and found a lot of information on this site. SH3 would be the best choice for me. So I bought a new copy for a fair price and joined the Subsim community. In the beginning downloaded some tutorials and videos, watched some Let's Play and decided to go for GWX3 Gold as supermod.

I keep it fairly simple, just installed GWX with some small addons like Das Boot clothes. I don't want to stress my computer to much. Finally decided to go for the Magui Final, because I wanted to go for manual targeting, and SH3 Commander to startup and control this wonderful sim.

My first career started with a type IIA from Kiel just before the beginning of the war. I am now running on a 86% realism. The event camera is on for extra eye candy and the WO helps me identifying the target. I cheat a little bit because map update is unticked and I installed a mod called GWX Contact Color. Please forgive me for this, after all its my first career in SH3.

I started my fourth patrol yesterday and already sunk two ships in previous patrols. Almost made a mistake to sink a neutral one. My crew already earned some renown, medals and qualifications. Just noticed my radioman has already 56 out of 50 experience, what should I do with him? Can I give him a higher rank ? He already has two stripes.

In the mean time I will enjoy SH3 and divide my time between this and my other sim interest, namely Grand Prix Legend. A racing game covering Formula one in 1967. Also coming with a lovely community, who made several mods and a lot of tracks. This racing simulation game was released in 1998!!

Kind regards,

Marcel

VONHARRIS

08-27-12, 04:49 AM

Welcome to Subsim.

Just noticed my radioman has already 56 out of 50 experience, what should I do with him? Can I give him a higher rank ? He already has two stripes.

Yes , promote him asap.
The higher rank , the better perfomance.
You can promote him , either through the game or SH3 Commander.

Gute Jagd Herr Kaleun.

TwoGamers

08-27-12, 05:04 AM

You shall do fine with conatact updates I have played for while and still omnly play on 54 realism

sublynx

08-27-12, 07:21 AM

I think it has been a great start for you getting those ships sank as a new captain with a type II and manual targeting :salute: Maybe it's the good old Aces of the Deep playing that has made you a natural here!

Red Heat

08-27-12, 07:27 AM

Welcome Aboard... :up:

MLGathome

08-27-12, 08:03 AM

Thx for the advice, I will promote him when were back in Kiel. Or is it possible during a patrol?

Manual targeting isn't so hard if you know a little math and stick to the 90 degree angled attack. You just have to know the speed of your target, watch the tables Magui Final listed, and hope he is not changing that, which happened on my third patrol. He speeded up from 6 to 8,5 knots, so two torpedos missed.

I hunted him down and gave it another shot, he was still zigzagging but I got him anyway. The hydrophone is a good friend to follow a target without getting noticed.

Pisces

08-27-12, 11:06 AM

Crew experience grows slowly with each patrol. Once it reaches a certain threshold (rank dependent iirc) these crew members are entitled to a promotion once you are back in base. (maybe even when you are at a Milchkuh or Supply ship, not sure) However, there may not be enough promotions available for all.
But you can definitely not do it in the middle of your patrol on sea. That is how it works through the game.

With SH3 Commander you can offer medals, promotions or sack them when back in base as much as you like at no cost.

MLGathome

08-29-12, 01:24 AM

The past days I was on my fourth patrol and run into two ships just above Shetland Island. I sunk them both and now run out of torpedos. It's a shame type II has only five of them. I headed towards my patrol grid when the WO called a ship spotted long range. Let's hope it isn't a warship. I am going to keep my eye on it and eventually run.

My next career will be type VII from Willemshafen. On my first patrols I will sneak through the channel, because now I got a message that it is not allowed anymore because of several mine hits on other subs.

We keep you posted.

Kind Regards, Marcel

sublynx

08-29-12, 02:41 AM

Here's a hint on those people who have type II's and want to add one more ship to their ships sunk list: the merchants have a lot of cargo on their decks. If you hit those cargo crates a couple of times with that pesky 20 mm gun of yours the crate will magically explode, causing major damage to the ship. If you explode all the crates, and also the life boats (for some reason they explode too, when hit), you might well be able to sink a small 1800 GRT small merchant or steamer just with AA. This is also a good thing to remember when finishing a bigger ship previously damaged by a torpedo. First pick the crates and lifeboats with AA, then pound the waterline with the deck gun.

It's not very realistic maybe, but on the other hand U-boat Commanders Handbook orders that you first suppress the crew at the deck of the target and only after that hit the ship where it hurts.

melnibonian

08-29-12, 11:09 AM

Welcome to SubSim :up:

As others said before me just go out there and enjoy the game in the style and realism you find appropriate for you. As long as you enjoy the game that's all that counts in my opinion.

For anything else, problems, ideas, suggestions etc just give us a shout

MLGathome

08-31-12, 01:23 AM

Last night found out it was a Warship. Don't know what kind because I decided to "Run Silent, Run Deep". He pinged but never found me. After some time I could make my way to the grid I was suppost to patrol. Before I reached that, I run into a small tanker and nailed it with my flag gun. THX Sublynx for the advice. I thought the fak gun was just for airplane use, as a last resource.

It took more than 500 rounds but BDU was happy with another sunk ship. We got back to Kiel without problems and earned 5 medals but unfortunately no promotions.

I gave my radioman his extra stripe through SH3 Commander, so now everyone is ready to go for another patrol.

TwoGamers

08-31-12, 04:01 AM

Good job with that, and Im glad my flak gun has a purpose now;)

MLGathome

09-14-12, 01:55 AM

Just started patrol no. 5 and I am on my way to grid AN41, same grid as last time.
Made a test dive to 160m in the Skagerrak and all was fine.
So far there were no targets spotted. I keep you posted.

TheDude107

09-15-12, 02:48 PM

If you explode all the crates, and also the life boats (for some reason they explode too, when hit), you might well be able to sink a small 1800 GRT small merchant or steamer just with AA. This is also a good thing to remember when finishing a bigger ship previously damaged by a torpedo. First pick the crates and lifeboats with AA, then pound the waterline with the deck gun.

It's not very realistic maybe, but on the other hand U-boat Commanders Handbook orders that you first suppress the crew at the deck of the target and only after that hit the ship where it hurts.

Just started messing around with GWX and I noticed they got rid of the ability to do that with the deck gun above the waterline, and kill by hit points in the mod. I have to flood them which has me messing with magnetic torps alot more. Tons of fun watching a torp detonate .5m under the hull of something that is already deep in the water. Sends the smaller boats out of the water if it goes under an end which might do crew damage like collisions and charges do to me.

Still aim right for the wheelhouse when I can. In my mind a HE shell ripping through the cabin containing most of the boat's leadership would be demoralising and stop any damage control from happening effeciently. Seems to be working early 1940, at least at night.

Good luck OP. I keep getting called out to AN13-16 area around what I think is NE Scotland. Not getting points for patroling but I still like to go unless I hear a convoy radio. :up:

MLGathome

09-17-12, 04:36 AM

Reached my grid AN41 last night, patrolled for 24hrs, and was on my way to the Shetland Islands.
Run into a small merchant, intercepted it in rough sea, and sunk it with two torpedos.
Back on my way to the Shetlands for some more action.
I hope I can give some medals after this patrol.

MLGathome

09-28-12, 01:19 AM

My fifth patrol with U24, type IIA, ended safely in Kiel. Sinds last post I was on my way to the Shetland Islands,engaged another merchant and sunk it with two torpedos. Actually, one missed, and I finished it off with my flaggun.
I was now heading for Blackpool to find out if I could do some harm with my last torpedo when all kind off contacts popped up. My first convoy but to far away. Second convoy, also out off reach. Small vessel sunk in front of my eyes before I could identify it. But then Large Merchant, closing, longe range. I positioned myself, in rough sea, and hit him with my last torp.

Not sure it would go down, I pumped it full with 400 shots out of my flaggun. Eventually the flaggun didn't sink it but the rough sea and my only torp on the right spot did it. Just a matter of time.
Also will be more patient with my torpedos. Small merchant, one torp. Sink it with flaggun if necessary.

After my return, I sunk almost 15K, got 7 medals but no promotions. So before my next patrol I make sure to give some extra's using SH3C. I will reword Karl Beck for his heroic action, manning the flaggun in such rough sea.

We spend Christmas on sea but returned on 30 december 1939, so my crew can spend new year with the family.

CU on my next patrol, Marcel

MLGathome

10-10-12, 08:07 AM

On my 6th patrol, 28 january 1940. Just saw an enemy ship sunk by three neutral airplanes before I could attack it. The crew was still shouting but it did offcourse not register in my sunklist.

Got to my grid anddid a zigzag patrol for 24H. Now I am on my way to the british coast to find some convoys.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

10-23-12, 03:18 AM

allievo

10-23-12, 09:13 AM

I am dividing my time between SH3 and GPL, the simracing game.
During this patrol, I was on may way to the Britisch coast to investigate some harbors. Run into a coastal freighter, sunk it with one torp and was on my way again. I got several radio messages and updates on a Task Force heading my way. Should I wait for it, to see if I can sink it. Or should I stick with my original plan and hope to run into a convoy later on.
I have no experience with a Task Force. Please give advice. Remember I am in a type II and this is my first career.

I advise you to give the task force a try since you've already had a sink so won't go home empty. I don't like letting a clear target go away with the pure hope of sighting another vessel later: what if you'll be unlucky? What you've got, you've got so take advantage of the situation and SINK THEM ALL! :arrgh!:

MLGathome

10-26-12, 01:05 AM

I took your advise and headed for the Task Force. On my way sunk a coastal tanker with one torp, only 3 torpedos left.
Then got an update, small convoy heading my direction. Shortly after that large convoy heading my direction. It turned out the Task Force already passed me and joined the small convoy as protection.

I just made my way to an interception point, dived to periscope depth and waited. At first aimed at the V&W class warship but then decided to go for a large merchant and a small cargo ship clos together. In all the excitement forgot to check the convoys speed, radio message sad 7 kt . So two out of three torps missed. I did hit and sink the large mechant with one torpedo, adding another 10K to the list.

The Task Force never spotted me, I could make my way out of there and am now on my way back to Kiel. Maybe I take the canal this time.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

10-31-12, 01:55 AM

Finally made it to Kiel. On my way back home tried to sink a small merchant with only my flakgun. Only the goodies on deck exploded but he got away with it. Later I saw a enemy submarine. With no torpedos and no ammunition for my flakgun, I could only send a contact report.

I arrived in Kiel without further delay. Got several war medals for my crew and one iron cross in the box. In SH commander decided to share the cross with all of my officers. I promoted some crew members for their good job. We did 6 patrols toghether, sunk a number of ships and no one got hurt.

It is early 1940, and we are eager to go for another patrol. This time without the extra camera's.

Keep you posted, Marcel

Gerald

10-31-12, 03:32 AM

Keep up the good work Marcel :arrgh!:

codmander

11-03-12, 08:41 AM

My first career started with a type IIA from Kiel just before the beginning of the war. I am now running on a 86% realism

you can change this to 100% :) and still keep your event cam just how i have mine i love it

Jimbuna

11-03-12, 11:58 AM

BE MORE AGGRESSIVE!! http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

MLGathome

11-05-12, 04:14 AM

Before I started my seventh patrol, I saw my crew is up for promotion. my officers are 401/400 and all my sailors have 21/20.
The promotion for my officers was granted but is in my oppinion not realistic. Maybe it is better to dismiss a few next time and hire some new blood.
My U-boat gets overexperienced. What are your thoughts?

So far my seventh patrol, march 1940, is going fine. Sunk a coastal freighter on my way to grid AN14. Four torpedos left.

Greetings, Marcel

lord admiral

11-05-12, 01:38 PM

We have an Ace in the making!!!

MLGathome

11-08-12, 02:16 AM

I would not call myself an Ace unless I finished my first career at the end of the war.
I am just a guy who keeps it simple:

- mark 2 positions, lets say 10 minutes from each other
- draw an extended line through the markers
- position myself for a 90 degrees attack
- calculate speed between the two mark points
- check the torpedo speed table when to fire on target (MAGUI)
- identify target (WO)
- FIRE at target when it is on the right angle
- watch inpact when target reaches 0 degrees

You can see, it is not rocket science!

MLGathome

11-13-12, 02:01 AM

I aproached AN14 from the north, rounded the Shetland Islands, and saw more airplanes on this patrol then all other toghether.
Then got a hydrophone signal from a warship. As I tried to identify it, it turned into my direction. All engines stop. The idiot was on course just in front of me.
Quickly Identified it, J&K class, set my torps to magnetic, calculated speed and turned the U-boat to gain some time.
Fired 3 torps at it from short range, it was still light, three explosions and atleast one hit was confirmed. She is going down.

I made my way between the Islands, the idea was to sneak into a harber. Suddenly an ore carrier comes up from behind. That is a big ship, only one torp left.
Quickly position myself and manage to hit it in the bow. She is on fire and I finish her off with 80 rounds of my flakgun.

I can return home now, planning to sneak into a harbor on my way back.
Again my crew did an excellent job.

Must think what to do with them next. Maybe some of my officers are titled to have there own U-boat. We will see.

Keep you posted, Marcel

MLGathome

11-16-12, 09:15 AM

Yesterday was my scariest night off all patrols. When I loaded my savegame, the menu off my U-boat was getting in sight, and then I got a CTD.
It took me 45 minutes, several CTD, restarting computer, searching internet but finally found a solution in this forum.
Thx guys, my first carreer does not end with a computer problem but is still going. I reached a harbor to sneak in and now am waiting for the night.

Keep you posted, Marcel

Jimbuna

11-16-12, 09:33 AM

BE MORE AGGRESSIVE!! http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

MLGathome

11-20-12, 04:25 AM

Last night, I sneaked into Lerwick. That is on the Shetland Islands. It was dark but I could identify some small vessels and a tanker. I did not attack him with my flakgun because there were two warships, Tribal class, outside the harbor.

There was also limited depth, no place to crash dive, so I reported my identifications to BDU and sneaked out again, heading for Kiel.

Keep you posted, Marcel

sublynx

11-21-12, 07:02 PM

Before I started my seventh patrol, I saw my crew is up for promotion. my officers are 401/400 and all my sailors have 21/20.
The promotion for my officers was granted but is in my oppinion not realistic. Maybe it is better to dismiss a few next time and hire some new blood.
My U-boat gets overexperienced. What are your thoughts?

I'd say that let SH3Commander decide. If it says it might be time to dismiss an overexperienced officer go for it. SH3Commander can also rotate some of the more experienced crewmen out of your boat.

MLGathome

11-22-12, 01:42 AM

How let I SH3Commmander decide? Is it in one of the option you have to click? Because at the moment I only use "fatique off" and "seasonal weather".
The rest is still stock settings I believe.

Greetings, Marcel

VONHARRIS

11-22-12, 02:56 AM

sublynx

11-22-12, 01:01 PM

As Vonharris said. Tick realistic crew transfers and you get your crewmen rotated. Officers can be managed if you hit "click for available options" in SH3Commander's main page. Then click "manage your crew". You get a screen for each of your crewmen and officers. If the officer is considered experienced enough to be promoted out of your boat, it will say so in "suggestions". Dismiss the officer and get a green officer the next time you visit the barracks.

If you tick "simulate realistic career length" in SH3Commander's options, the program will even retire your captain, if he gets experienced enough. The most successful U-boat commanders became some kind of heroes in the eyes of the German public and after losing Prien, Kretschmer and Schepke in a few days, the Kriegsmarine started rotating the commanders out of harm's way. Losing the popular commanders was considered bad for morale.

MLGathome

11-23-12, 02:27 AM

THX for the answers, I will check them out when U24 arrives in Kiel.

Greetings, Marcel

CaptainD

11-23-12, 06:01 AM

Hi every mates!:salute:
After a lot of campaigns with SH4 I am back with SH3+GWX.
That sound strange after all the travels through the pacific.
I made a lot of blunders before installing the whole correctly:oops: but it's ok now.
For now I just cannot validate any of the exams of the school:o
Ok I am a little old for any school:03:
I think I just don't make the things in the good order and I am looking for any informations about it before going to war.
If anyone can help that will be great :up:

Jimbuna

11-23-12, 12:41 PM

You'll still get 500 or a thousand renown if you go straight into career mode.

CaptainD

11-23-12, 01:04 PM

That's interesting but I also want to learn again SH3 and GWX.
When I'll be bored enough by the academy, I'll go to the career.
By the way I understood, after a lot of test, what I was making wrong and successfully finish navigation and gunery but it is more difficult to remember the basis of topedoeing in SH3.
I bypassed flak training because it is foolish to want fighting aircraft aboard a sub and I certainly never do that in a career.
Thanks for the answer.

Sailor Steve

11-23-12, 01:06 PM

With GWX you only need to pass the Navigation training to recieve the full 1500 renown. The Flak training is now just for fun.

MLGathome

11-27-12, 02:04 AM

U24 reached Kiel yesterday without any problem. I will now look at my crew, maybe replace some sailors and one officer.
After 7 patrols I sunk 66K and starting to get the hang of it. Let's see what the next patrol brings.
At the moment running on 89% realism with manual targeting.

Greetings, Marcel

Gerald

11-27-12, 07:01 AM

Good luck,Marcel :up:

Jimbuna

11-27-12, 09:31 AM

nikimcbee

11-27-12, 10:06 AM

My favo(u)rite place to go convoy hunting in a Type II is The Minch :know: (the straight between Hebrides and Isle of Skye):know::know:

There are some small, lightly escorted, coastal convoys that pass through there:Kaleun_Binocular::Kaleun_Periskop:, but watch out , it is shallow enough there to make it interesting. (~60 meters)

MLGathome

11-30-12, 07:07 AM

It took some days to decide what to do with my crew, and here is what I did.

I gave my Chief Engineer the qualification repair.
My Weapons Officer now has only helmsman.
I promoted one sailor in engine and torpedo room.
All other sailors in these rooms and the watch sailors were dismissed, they were over qualified (26/20).

The sailors in the command room were already promoted and I kept my Flaggunner. He was promoted also.

From now on I will check my crew after every patrol and make changes to match realism.

So now I am on my way to grid AN36.

I will be MORE AGRASSIV AND SINK THEM ALL!!

MLGathome

04-02-13, 08:19 AM

Long time sinds I fired up SH3. Just finished my 8th patrol and my crew is still happy. It is now may 1940 and a few new sailors have transfered to my U-boat. Soon I will be off for another patrol and hope to see some convoys.

Greetings, Marcel

Jimbuna

04-02-13, 03:18 PM

SINK EM ALL!! http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

RustySubmarine

04-03-13, 10:12 AM

Been reading your Patrol reports and find them quite interesting. I think it is about time you were given a TypeVII in exchange for your sardine can. The Type II is pretty useless on a long patrol, where you really need more fire power available, better still with a Type IX with two rear tubes and more spare fish.

At the moment I am on my third Patrol running out of Lorient with a Type VIIB and at the moment I am just off Holyhead in the Irish Sea. My patrol grid is just south of Iceland, so I decided to go this way, rather than across the Atlantic. There is quite a bit of merchant traffic in the Irish Sea, and chances of meeting a convoy heading in or out of Liverpool.

I have sunk a large tanker and a medium cargo, during a moonless night, with my deck gun, using 1 torpedo on the tanker and 18 rounds from my deck gun, to finish her off. I sunk the cargo ship with 36 rounds from the deck gun. I might put up a report myself, depending if I get through this patrol in one piece. Before coming home to base, I might have a look at Rekayavik, to see whats in the harbour, but will sneak in a night submerged on silent running to avoid detection :o

MLGathome

04-05-13, 12:45 AM

sladoledar

04-05-13, 08:39 AM

After 2 years I am going as a newbie captain in battle again. Can not wait!

MLGathome

04-08-13, 12:48 AM

Yesterday I wanted to prepaire my crew for another patrol. But there are some strange things happening. If I watch my crew list in game everything is fine but in SH3Commander, there are two bootsman listed in "diesel room" who are actually in the "torpedo room". How can I fix this, chanching cfg file in notepad?

Furthermore, and this is annoying me, my weapon officer stopped identifying ships on my request. It seems the button is gone in the screen.
I am using MaGui Final. And yes, he is unticked in realism menu. Any thoughts?

I hope you can help me, because my crew is ready for another patrol.

Kind regards, Marcel

I fixed it, changed position crew members in cfg files with Notepad.
My button for identifying targets was there all the time, I forgot I had to push the most left button, give me a solution, first.
I felt like a dummie when I found out.

Now on my way to AN87!!

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

05-01-13, 06:00 AM

Just returned from parol no. 9. I recieved the Iron Cross 1st Class. This was a interresting patrol, mid 1940, where several mistakes were made. U24 got depth charged but all damages were repaired, hull 96%.
We encountered a large convoy and sunk one merchant and one war ship.
Later in the patrol completely missed a tanker with my last torpedo.
No point in chasing him, he was going to fast.

In SH3 Commander rewarded my Watch Officer with the Iron Cross.

Regards, Marcel

flag4

05-01-13, 07:42 AM

After 2 years I am going as a newbie captain in battle again. Can not wait!

neither can the enemy...:woot:

good luck:up:

HW3

05-01-13, 07:54 AM

Before coming home to base, I might have a look at Rekayavik, to see whats in the harbour, but will sneak in a night submerged on silent running to avoid detection

Pretty shallow in there for quite a ways out but, worth the trouble.:up:

:subsim:

RustySubmarine

05-01-13, 08:26 AM

I did manage to penetrate Reykjavik, but like you said, it is pretty shallow. I sunk a small merchant but, it took me ages to get out into the open sea again, because of patrolling asw trawlers on my tail. I got flooded a few times, but eventually made it out with just 69% hull integrity left. My damage control crew worked hard to keep all systems functioning, but I lost my flak gun. With no torpedoes left, I contacted BdU and was advised to return to port. But at least I lived to see another patrol. Don't think I will be going back there again though!

Jimbuna

05-01-13, 09:25 AM

BE MORE AGGRESSIVE!! http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

HW3

05-01-13, 10:32 AM

Don't think I will be going back there again though!

My thoughts exactly after I tried it a long while back. As I recall, I got a couple of ships, and got out ok but, it was a nerve wracking adventure.

:subsim:

MLGathome

06-14-13, 03:24 AM

Finally on my way in patrol no. 10 and it is a bad one. Used 4 torpedo's on one merchant.
With only one torpedo left there is not much else to do then wait for a tanker or something similar that can be sunk with one torp and a flaggun.
Have to be more patient in approuching next time. The intercepting course planned was to short traveling during daylight.

This career takes almost a year now, also because I have interest in other simulation games. But SH3 is fun to startup now and then.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

08-12-13, 02:04 AM

I made it back to Kiel. Was my worst patrol ever, sunk only one merchant and all other torps missed.
Had my first experience with a large convoy. Still living in august 1940, 4th in ranking but did not break the 100K mark.
Maybe patrol 11 will be better.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

08-15-13, 04:48 AM

If I want to transfer to another Flotilla, do I have to wait for an order from BDU or can I do that myself?
Do I get another U-boat or do I stay with my type-II? What is realistic?

Greetings, Marcel

Pisces

08-15-13, 07:39 AM

If I want to transfer to another Flotilla, do I have to wait for an order from BDU or can I do that myself?
Do I get another U-boat or do I stay with my type-II? What is realistic?

Greetings, MarcelJust pick up the phone! ;) You'll keep the boat that you have.

[EDIT]There are some requirements though. A certain number of patrols being one of them. Not sure what else.

Jimbuna

08-15-13, 07:57 AM

It was either 6 patrols or 3 months, or 6 months or 3 patrols iirc.

MLGathome

08-20-13, 01:01 AM

Before changing to another flotilla, I checked SH3Commander what grid U24 was assigned to. AN41 it said.
I left the telephone on the hook and went straight to my grid, no enemy ships on my way over. At the end of my patrol in AN41, I made contact with a coastal freighter.
Not a big ship but an easy target. With one torpedo she was going down.
Now, U24 is on his way to the north, traveling between the islands and patrolling on the northside of the UK hoping to find a nice convoy.

Greetings, Marcel

Steve Gad

08-20-13, 01:49 PM

Welcome to Subsim.

Yes , promote him asap.
The higher rank , the better perfomance.
You can promote him , either through the game or SH3 Commander.

Gute Jagd Herr Kaleun.

Don't you have to be awarded the chance to promote crew? Blimey, I have guys 79/50, so I better have a flick through the manual. Jeez!!! :huh::hmm2::-?

Jimbuna

08-20-13, 02:49 PM

SH3 Commander allows promotions.

MLGathome

08-22-13, 12:54 AM

And that is what I did, promote some sailors and transfer the ones that reach there maximum performance. Qualify the crew to make it more realistic.
My Chief Engineer is qualified for repair, this means the Watch Offcer takes over his duty while he is fixing the U-boat.

SH3 Commander is a must have.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

09-13-13, 01:03 AM

On my way back to Kiel in U24. This was a very succesfull patrol. With my 5 torps, type II U-boat, sunk 4 cargo ships.
One torpedo missed because I made a mistake in my manual targetting. All ships we're sunk around the islands north off the UK.
It is still a long way home but I am convinced we make it. Then I know, how the list of sunken ships looks like, aiming for top 3 and break the 100K mark.
The date is september 1940 and we are still alive.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

12-03-13, 01:53 AM

It has bin a while sinds I fired up SH3. My U24 is still alive and now running my 13th patrol. Saw a lot of airplanes this time, patrolled west of Schotland, AM27.
And now on my way north between the islands. Not sure if that is a good idea but so far haven't seen a merchant yet.
My U24 is fully loaded with torpedos and my crew is experienced. I have to transfer and promote some after this tour.
That is if I make it back to Kiel. It is now januari 1941.

Greetings, Marcel

MLGathome

12-09-13, 02:16 AM

Yesterday sailed through the "Hebriden", a chanel, west off Scotland. First contact was a merchant, which went down on my first torpedo. Run into a few warships but escaped easily. Then saw a convoy coming up. My second convoy in my first career. And I started to panic. My second torpedo went into a "grainville" and sunk here. A large merchant was coming up but I decided to launch my third torpedo into a second "grainville" before I torpedoed the large merchant. I missed the "grainville" and the merchant was not damaged enough to sink, only lost speed. Now I had to wait untill my last torpedo was loaded, forgot i was in silent running mode, and miscalculated the gyro angle. Another missed torpedo.
Well that was it I thought , and went on my way home to Kiel. A ship followed me and I dived. Forgot to call out for 'depth under keel' and hit the bottom, damaged the uboat, but managed to reach the open sea.

Made so many mistakes this last saved game, that I want to replay this last trip through the "Hebriden". It is cheating but it took me a year to come so far and now I missed the fun.

Should I do this?

Greetings, Marcel

Jimbuna

12-09-13, 06:12 AM

You play the game whichever way gives you the most enjoyment.

CaptainD

12-09-13, 06:59 AM

You're right Jim, anyone play the game the more enjoying way he find.:up:

MLGathome

01-20-14, 01:53 AM

I decided to return to Kiel. It is not realistic to replay a convoy attack to get a better result. Better luck next time. Also my crew is 4 weeks on sea, it took me 4 months!!
We got back save and after examining my crew, 13 sailors and petty officers were transfered. The rest of the crew got promoted.
Thirteen unexperienced crew members were selected and BDU gave orders to patrol another grid. On the first of march we sailed out to AM95.
This will be the first time that U24, my type II Uboat, won't reach the grid. Just to far away.
I will try to find myself a convoy and sink as may merchants as possible.

Greetings, Marcel