New sub offered
 

Hi all.

I'm playing in an American career. Running TMO 1.6.3.

After a couple times out, they've offered me a new sub. In past playing experiences I jumped on the opportunity. But this time around I'm trying to immerse myself more into the game. Before I head back out on a new patrol I wanted know:

Currently I command a Narwal class sub. I like it mainly because it has 2 deck guns. I dont worry too much about fuel economy and stuff because my realism settings are set pretty easy still. Anyways, they are offering me a Gato class sub. If I remember right, it held more torpedo's. But outside of that I dont see whats better about it. As soon as I seen that it only had 1 deck gun, I came here, to ask if the GATo is a better sub. Is it tougher? Things like that.

I really found the double deck guns useful the last time out in my Narwal when I had to finish off a large convoy. I like having 2 deck guns!

Should I accept the new Gato?

Thanks for your time.

A lot depends on your playing style. Those two light cruiser deck guns on the Narwhal class are rather unique even for US subs. Great against not too heavily armed targets. Wonderful for shooting up harbors too. However, they are slooow divers and not too maneuverable underwater. I wouldn't want to go up against a heavy escort while submerged in a Narwhal.

The Gato would be the quicker, deeper diver and more nimble underwater. More tubes, more torpedoes. Nice AA armament topside too although I'd use it more on sampans than planes. Probably the better boat to have later in the war.

Sounds like the kind of decision that could be put off for a while you think about it if it's still early in the war. :cool:

Thanx Torplexed...

Yeah, its still early in the war, although I'm not sure of what date it is currently in my career, I know its relatively early because I started my career in the beginning, rather, as early as I could. To get the most out of this go-round with SH4. And have only gone out a couple times so far.

Based on what you said about the Gato's abilities, I think I'm going to accept it. I like the sounds of greater maneuverability and a better AA gun. I haven't had much luck when trying to stay surfaced to take on aircraft. I found its better to just dive. But I'd love to stay on the surface and bring some down.

Your reply was very helpful, and appreciated...thanx again. :ping:

P.S. How deep will the Gato go? (TMO 1.6.3).

600 ft

well historically prolly more than 600...a Balao made it to 1020'

wow
 

Nice! :o...

I was away from SH4 for a time, playing another PC title. I'm back with this latest TMO and using the terrific HUD mod by Capt. America. With the HUD mod I just click on that new icon he created taking me to the subs safe depth. And I think in my Narwal that is around 225ft...so...600ft sounds incredible.

I assume then that if I've stirred up some destroyers then 600ft is well safe from any depth charges?

Thanx for your time & reply.

P.S. she'll go down to 600ft.... 'in-game' ? Or is this in the really real world?

Yes, I love that HUD mod. Very pleasing to the eye and the pull down map is fabulous.

Yes, in game she will go 600. You do take your crews life in your hands at this point. RL? Yes, 600 feet is obtainable. Safe? Not always. Some went that deep uncontrollably and perhaps even deeper. The depth needle bottoms out so beyond what can be read on the depth gauge is pure guessing. Those that have been to 350' that I have spoken with said it sounds like the steel is being tortured and the hull really begins to sing.

600'
 

How do you get down to 600 feet? I know that you can click on the area underneath the depth gauge, and click on 450 feet, but how to get down the remaining 150 feet?
(apart from sinking!)

A Gato will go only as deep as the bottom of the ocean. The important question is not how deep a submarine can go, but from what depth can a submarine surface again. :yeah: :D

*ominous whump is heard outside SH427's window*
rightly said...rightly said!

I must confess I'm curious about that one myself. I've tried to order a further dive at 450 feet but all I get is a rise on the planes.

I have a Balao right now(1/43). And my depth gauge only shows 450'. Where is this 600' depth gauge to be found?....CH:hmmm:

If memory serves you have to use a menu button to do it. There isn't a keyboard shortcut for it. It's located in the first menu, the one with a symbol of a steering wheel on it to the left of the navigation menu, it orders a deep dive you can stop the dive at any time with the "A" key.

P.S. the "D" key in TMO takes you to test deapth for your boat, so if you are below test deapth you will rise up to it.

use aanker's mod that calibrates all interior guages and his other mod also makes it so balao always has the 600' guage.

find it here: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=146402